City of Santa Cruz
Home Menu
Decarbonization Policy
Citywide Decarbonization Policy
In 2018, the City of Santa Cruz declared a climate action emergency and City leaders specified that urgent action must be taken to combat catastrophic climate change. Part of that action included adopting codes, policies, and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address public health and safety concerns by decarbonizing buildings, small off-road equipment, and municipal vehicles. For more details about the City’s decarbonization and electrification strategies and goals please read the City’s Climate Action Plan 2030 (CAP 2030). You can also get more information about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization and electrification at the City's Climate Education Resource page.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance
Gas-powered leaf blowers are a significant source of carbon emissions that contribute to global warming, and negatively impact public health. City Council adopted an ordinance that would prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers citywide with limited exceptions, effective July 1, 2025. This regulation is specified as a CAP 2030 decarbonization action that will help the City meet local and state goals of reducing carbon emissions to 40% of 1990 levels by 2030.
How do I report a violation?
Suspected violations will be reported to the City’s Planning and Community Development Department by calling 831-420-5111or online through the department’s Community Request Services Portal: https://crsp.santacruzca.gov
Rebate Programs and Incentives
Incentives for electric landscaping equipment are constantly changing. Residents and businesses in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties are potentially eligible for rebates and incentives programs to help them switch from gas-powered landscaping tools to new, zero-emissions equipment. For information on current rebate programs, please visit: Monterey Bay Air Resources District Rebate Program.
Community Engagement
- City Council Second Reading of Ordinance (June 25, 2024)
- City Council First Reading of Ordinance (June 11, 2024)
- Health in All Policies City Council Committee Meetings (February, April 2024)
Building Decarbonization Incentives
Incentives for existing and new building electrification are constantly changing. It is hard to keep up! Please consult the following websites for the best, most up-to-date information about incentives.
- Best interface and is user friendly
- Has a few options that won’t appear on EnergyStar or DSIRE such as rebates through Comfortably CA and California Energy Smart Homes
- Doesn’t include rebates for commercial buildings, electric vehicles, charging stations, top performing gas appliances
- Doesn’t include loan programs such as the EACS or mortgages
- Lays out all available rebates for residential and commercial without having to filter by type of home improvement, but allows you to easily navigate filters with section off to left
- Plenty of commercial rebates (dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, ovens, etc.)
- Displays rebates offered through Golden State Rebates, but not MESP, Comfortably CA, California Energy-Smart Homes and TECH Clean California
- Offers the most diverse options for energy related programs.
In the market for a new stove?
Consider trying out an Induction Cooktop for free by checking out a kit from the Santa Cruz Public Library!
Existing Building Decarbonization
The City of Santa Cruz adopted an Energy Efficient Renovations Ordinance for Single Family Homes on December 10, 2024 and corrected an error in that ordinance via a supplemental ordinance on March 11, 2025. Both ordinances and associated supplemental materials are included below. The ordinances are pending approval from California Energy Commission before going into effect.
- Energy Efficient Renovations Ordinance for single family homes (December 10, 2024)
- Supplemental Energy Efficient Renovations Ordinance for single family homes (March 11, 2025)
- 2022 Cost Effectiveness Study - Existing Single Family Building Upgrades
- Cost Effectiveness Explorer - Cost Effectiveness Evidence
- Frequently Asked Questions (updated Sept 19, 2024)
- Planning Commission Slide Deck (October, 17, 2024)
Suspension of the City of Santa Cruz’s Natural Gas Ban Ordinance
The Prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings, Chapter 6.100, went into effect July 1, 2020 with limited exemptions. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has overturned the City of Berkeley’s natural gas ban, ruling that it is preempted by federal law. Consequently, in June, 2023, the City of Santa Cruz temporarily suspended enforcement of its natural gas ban on new buildings (SCMC 6.100).
New Buildings Energy Reach Code Ordinance
In November, 2023 City Council adopted a new ordinance consistent with state and federal law in the form of a source energy reach code for new buildings to provide developers with a range of options with regard to the type of equipment and energy that will be supplied to new buildings and that will help to meet the CAP 2030 GHG emissions target. The ordinance increases the compliance margin for the source energy design rating required for compliance with the California Energy Code. The ordinance was approved by the California Energy Commission and put into effect in May, 2024.
- Adopted Ordinance
- 2022 Cost Effectiveness Study for Single Family New Construction
- 2022 Cost Effectiveness Study for Multi Family New Construction
- 2022 Cost Effectiveness Study for Non-Residential New Construction
Community Engagement
In 2020 the City Climate Action and Green Building program reached out to Individuals and entities interested or impacted by such reach codes including: developers, realtors, and homeowners. Additional engagement was conducted in 2021 and 2022 to support the Climate Action Plan 2030 development and adoption in September, 2022.
Informational Handouts