Santa Monica Ordinance Would Require Net-Zero Energy Standards for New Homes

Santa Monica is the first city in California to adopt an ordinance requiring new single-family homes be built to net-zero energy standards.

1 minute read

November 5, 2016, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


PCH Santa Monica

Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock

"The Santa Monica, CA, City Council last week approved an ordinance requiring new single-family homes built in the city to be net-zero energy based on the standards set forth in the 2016 California Green Building Standards Code," reports Hallie Busta for Construction Dive.

"Santa Monica is proud to take a global lead in zero net energy building standards that put the State’s environmental policy to action. Council's adoption of this new ordinance reflects our city's continued commitment to the environment," said Mayor Tony Vazquez in a statement announcing the new ordinance.

According to Busta, the California Energy Commission will still have to approve the ordinance. "Previously, the California Public Utilities Commission put forth a roadmap for all residential buildings in the state to be net-zero energy by 2020 and all commercial buildings to be so by 2030." 

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 in Construction Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up of green ULEZ sign in London, UK.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution

Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

March 10, 2025 - Smart Cities World

Close-up of electric bus being charged with portable charger.

Zero-Emission Bus Fleets Grow, But Federal Funding Is in Jeopardy

Transit agencies around the country have purchased over 7,000 zero-emission buses, but a federal program that funds the shift could be eliminated under the new administration.

March 17 - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17 - The Wall Street Journal

Blue Connect 1 bus at nighttime in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Governor Opens Window for Regional Transit Authority

The proposed state budget includes a provision that allows local governments to establish a dedicated transit tax.

March 17 - Urban Milwaukee

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.