Clean LA Buildings Ordinance: What Commercial Property Managers Need to Know About Proposed New Retroactive Rules
The Los Angeles City Council adopted the Clean LA Buildings ordinance to help speed up the switch away from fossil fuels in buildings.
The ordinance became effective in 2023, but the Energy and Environment Committee is now reviewing a proposal to apply the ordinance retroactively. This means some buildings permitted before the ordinance’s start date could be required to meet all-electric standards after all.
What You Need to Know
The original Clean LA Buildings rule requires all new buildings to stop using fossil fuels like natural gas. It built on state law (SB 1477) requiring all new residential and commercial buildings in Los Angeles to be all-electric.
The rule has some exceptions, like cooking and industrial use, but buildings must be ready to switch to electric later.
The new plan would apply the rules to buildings approved before January 23, 2023, if they’re not finished yet.
How It Impacts You
New Buildings: The current ordinance as of 2023 requires projects to eliminate fossil fuel infrastructure, which could be increasing early design and equipment costs.
Existing Buildings: While the current ordinance covers only new construction, the proposed rule in committee could require retrofits for buildings permitted before 2023 if their construction isn’t finished yet.
Permits & Rules: Property managers may need more permits, inspections, and paperwork to follow the new and retroactive rules.
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