San Francisco may soon ban natural gas in residential and commercial buildings undergoing major renovations, a move that supporters say will help combat greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health.
The proposed ordinance, which could take effect next year, would require “major renovation” projects to include plans for replacing gas utilities with all-electric ones to get a permit. There are numerous exceptions, however.
The proposal is sponsored by Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman and builds on the city’s existing ban on natural gas in new buildings, first passed in 2020.
“The climate imperatives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions are certainly no less urgent than they were in 2020,” Mandelman said.
The bill defines major renovations as projects that involve altering walls or ceilings on over two-thirds of the building, or renovating load-bearing elements that support over 30% of the building’s floors or ceilings. Projects must also include plans to replace the majority of heating lines and other mechanical systems to meet the definition.
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