Climate Action Blog Series: Start Your Home Electrification Journey & Make the Switch from Gas to Electric
In 2018, the City of Palo Alto adopted an ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% compared with the 1990 baseline by the year 2030. To help achieve our goal, the City is focused on encouraging residents to switch any natural gas appliances to electric appliances. This switch has many advantages, from increased safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to utilizing Palo Alto’s carbon neutral electricity. In a new blog, learn how to electrify your home and utilize available rebates and programs, and find upcoming events and workshops to support electrification and taking climate action. Read the blog here.
Proposed 2022 Green Building and Local Energy Code Changes
Every three years, the State adopts new building standards referred to as the California Building Standards Code. While the State sets the minimum building standards, local jurisdictions can enact more stringent local building standards based on unique local climatic, geologic, and topographic conditions. The City’s proposed 2022 green building regulations aim to increase water conservation and reduce water loss, lower embodied carbon in new construction projects, reduce fossil fuel use in buildings, and facilitate electric vehicle adoption by community members and visitors to Palo Alto. Register to join two upcoming meetings on August 16 and August 18 (both scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m.) to learn more and share input on these new proposals. Community input gained will help inform the City Council as they consider staff recommendations later this fall. Learn more about the proposed green building and local energy code updates here.
Water Conservation and Drought Update
California is enduring a severe drought, and we all must do our part to save water and help us get through the hot, dry summer months. On June 20, 2022 City Council implemented water restrictions in Stage II of Palo Alto’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which restricts the use of drinking water for irrigation to no more than two days a week, with exceptions for tree health, health and safety, and certain non-residential zone irrigation. Stage II is designed to reduce water waste by 20% by enacting the following measures (except to ensure health of trees and other non-turf plantings):

  • Restaurants and other food servicers shall only serve water upon request
  • Hotels/Motels shall provide guests with the option to not have towels and linens washed
  • Restrict residential irrigation of decorative landscapes to two days a week:
  • Mondays and Thursdays for odd numbered and numberless addresses
  • Tuesdays and Fridays for even numbered addresses

Tips for Conserving Water at Home 
Conserving water is a way of life, and it is important that everyone do their part to maintain the water supply. Some easy ways to reduce water use include:
  • Check for leaks regularly
  • Replace old toilets and clothes washers
  • Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators
  • Install automatic shut-off hose nozzles
  • Add mulch to landscaped areas

Go here to learn more about water conservation and drought updates.
Tree Ordinance Update
The City of Palo Alto updated its Tree Ordinance to complement current policies and strengthen procedures for when protected tree removals are proposed. The City Council voted to adopt the Updated Tree Ordinance at their June 6, 2022 meeting, and it went into effect on July 21. Included in the updated ordinance:
  • Expanding the definition of protected trees to incorporate four additional protected native tree species, and all trees (except high water users) with a diameter at breast height of 15 inches or greater
  • The proposed ordinance describes criteria for removing protected trees in specific scenarios outside of a development process and creates more stringent requirements when related to a development project
  • Maintenance requirements for property owners who have a protected tree on their property including noticing ahead of pruning work
  • New posting requirements for proposed protected tree removals and an appeals process when removals are approved
  • A Designated Arborist system that would create a list of City-approved arborists for residents to choose from when submitting development applications
  • Increase staffing resources needed for development plan review, tree removal permit review, violations investigation, and enforcement

The goals of this Tree Ordinance Update are to increase native, drought-tolerant species, ensure community welfare, strive for no net loss/increase in canopy cover, and to minimize negative impacts on forestry from development. 

Learn more about the adopted Tree Ordinance Update here.
Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Rebates
Water heating is the highest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Palo Alto homes and 90% of Palo Alto homes have gas powered water heaters. An available alternative to gas powered water heaters are heat pump water heaters (HPWH) which run on electricity powered by Palo Alto’s 100% carbon neutral electricity. HPWHs also have less health and safety risks, and the cost is usually lower over time compared to gas-powered water heaters. Since the cost of installation of an electric HPWH can be high, the City offers rebates of up to $1,500 in order to make the switch more affordable for residents. To participate in this program, you must be a CPAU residential customer replacing a gas or electric water heater or installing a HPWH in an existing home. Rebates are not available for new homes. Plus, keep an eye out for new and more comprehensive heat pump water heater programs from the City, potentially available this fall!

For more information on residential heat pump water heater rebates go here.
Making Better Choices in Your Home Workshop
Join the City for an upcoming workshop to learn about different climate-friendly choices you can make in your home. The Making Better Choices in Your Home Workshop will take place on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Mitchell Park Community Center. Go here and save the date!