The City of Santa Clarita, under the direction of the California Energy Commission, is pushing back the effective date of the new California Energy Code provisions from August 1 to January 1, 2010. Projects submitted in compliance with the current California Energy Code provisions will continue to be accepted until the new code goes into effect next year.

The postponement is due to a delay in software availability used to verify compliance with the requirements contained in the code. The date change will not impact City projects, current permits or builders’ ability for submitting projects for review.

The state requires that every building constructed in California meet minimum levels of energy efficiency. Engineers use the Energy Commission’s software to ensure a building’s design complies with the California Energy Code.

“The delay in the effective date for the California Energy Code revisions allows building officials more time to prepare for the new Energy Code standard and allows projects to continue being submitted under the current Energy Code provisions,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “Where feasible, the City suggests that builders submit designs that exceed the current Energy Code requirements in an effort to be more consistent with the 2010 Code updates.”

The California Energy Commission updates the California Energy Code every three years. The new provisions are intended to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency in all new buildings constructed in California. Code provisions include plumbing fixtures that reduce water use, as well as energy efficient windows, lighting, heating and air conditioning to allow for better designed and insulated buildings.

For more information on the new California Energy Code provisions, please contact the City’s Building and Safety division 661-255-4935 or visit santa-clarita.com.