The Los Angeles Municipal Code: Natural Gas Banned In New Construction

EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2023, THE LABDS OF LOS ANGELES REQUIRES ALL NEW BUILDINGS TO BE ELECTRIC BUILDINGS.

The Department of Building and Safety of the City of Los Angeles has passed a new ordinance that stipulates that any new construction must only use electrical equipment, barring gas as a form of energy. This new ordinance can seem a bit confusing at first, but we’ve outlined the main takeaways that you’ll need to be aware of if you’re interested in a new construction project, particularly those involving the construction of a new pool or outdoor hardscape.

Please note that if your new construction permit has been issued or has been in process before April 1st, you will not need to comply with the electric-only mandate for that particular project.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• WHO THIS AFFECTS:
  
  
• This ordinance was passed by LA County and its respective municipality. Thus, it only applies to residents of LA County who have current or future construction plans. 

• • If your new construction permit for a project that is underway has been issued or has been in process before April 1st, your construction project is grandfathered in and exempt from this regulation.
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• WHAT CONSTITUTES “NEW CONSTRUCTION”:
  
  
• New construction is defined as a property with a completely empty lot and a brand-new build.
  
  
• WHAT CONSTITUTES AN “ALL-ELECTRIC” CONSTRUCTION:
  
  
  • A building that contains no combustion equipment, plumbing for combustion equipment, gas piping, or fuel gas serving any use within the building or building property lines.

• • A building that instead uses electricity as the sole source of energy for all lighting, appliances, and/or equipment.

• • Examples include but are not limited to:
    
    
    • Space heating (including fireplaces)
    • Water heating (including pools and spas) 
    • Cooking appliances (including barbecues)

• PROHIBITED FORMS OF GAS CONSTRUCTION & APPLIANCES:
  
  
  • FUEL GAS: Butane, coal, crude oil, ethane, fossil fuels, hydrogen, kerosene, liquefied petroleum, manufactured petroleum, methane, natural gas, natural petroleum, oil, petrol, propane, and any mixture of these.

• • COMBUSTION EQUIPMENT: Any equipment or appliance used for space heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, lighting, or other equipment and appliance that uses fuel gas.

• • ELECTRIC HEATING APPLIANCE: A device that produces heat energy to create a warm environment by the application of electric power to resistance elements, refrigerant compressors, or dissimilar material junctions, as defined in the California Mechanical Code.

• • COMMERCIAL FOOD HEAT-PROCESSING EQUIPMENT. Any equipment used in a food establishment for heat-processing food or utensils that produce grease vapors, steam, fumes, smoke, or odors is required to be removed through a local exhaust ventilation system, as defined in the California Mechanical Code.
    
    
• WHY THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED:
  
  
  • To reduce carbon emissions and leverage the city’s increasingly clean electric grid, which is projected to be carbon-free by 2035.

• • Sustainable public health benefits and economic savings that come from decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

• • To reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, thwarting the global warming danger of rising sea levels in the coastal climate of Los Angeles.

• • Parts of Los Angeles are very vulnerable to wildfires, and buildings releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere increase in worldwide average temperature, drought conditions, vegetative fuel, and length of fire seasons.

• WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU IF YOU ARE BUILDING A NEW HOUSE WITHOUT AN EXISTING GAS LINE:
  
  
• Your outdoor pool project may need to be reworked so that the pool and add-ons comply with the new “electric-only” regulations.

• • Your pool contractor may need to install electrical supply panels and circuitry to support the all-electric water features and heat pumps.

• • Your construction plans for a fire pit must be fueled by electrical means.

• • Your construction plans for a barbecue must be fueled by electrical means.
    
    

• EXCEPTIONS TO THE ORDINANCE:
  
  
  • Gas-powered emergency life-safety systems, including emergency backup.

• • Cooking equipment contained within kitchens located in a public use area.

• • A property that has been demolished but still has partial walls or structure standing would fall under the category of “remodel,” and since it has an existing gas line, it won’t apply.
    
    

MOVING FORWARD IN CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLIANCE

While this code does complicate matters, at J Designs Pool and Spa, we have plenty of experience ensuring full compliance with regulations.

We understand that we’ll have to shift the power sources behind our design plans, but rest assured that we are up for the challenge. Our team is skilled in adapting our methods and improving our mechanical expertise to ensure a seamless construction process for your new pool and spa.

If you are in the market for a new pool and spa construction project, this change should not deter you from obtaining your dream outdoor space. We are here to be the in-between guide that will stay atop of all the regulations while curating a design and building a plan that both adheres to your vision and stays in line with the code.

This new construction code is a bit difficult to grasp at first, so make sure to look into the background of why Los Angeles County feels compelled to electrify new construction.

If you have any questions about how this new regulation can impact your prospective pool and spa project, please contact us and schedule a consultation and information session.

Still want to learn more about construction regulations before speaking with a team member? No problem! Check out these related articles for more information:

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW SWIMMING POOLS IN CALIFORNIA

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SWIMMING POOL CONSTRUCTION