San Francisco Poised to Ban Natural Gas in Major Home and Business Renovations

Gas fueled boiler

USA: San Francisco is considering a new ordinance that would ban the use of natural gas in residential and commercial buildings undergoing major renovations, a step supporters believe will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance public health. 

If approved, the policy could take effect next year and would require major renovation projects to submit plans for transitioning from gas to all-electric utilities as a condition for obtaining permits. The measure, introduced by Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, builds on the city's 2020 ban on natural gas in new construction. 

Under the proposed ordinance, "major renovations" include projects that alter walls or ceilings covering more than two-thirds of a building or involve structural changes to load-bearing elements supporting over 30% of floors or ceilings. Projects must also involve replacing most mechanical systems, including heating infrastructure. 

The all-electric mandate would also apply to significant building additions that involve new utility installations. According to estimates from the city’s environment department, the policy would affect approximately 785,000 square feet of residential and 250,000 square feet of commercial renovations annually. The department does not track the total square footage of all renovation projects. 

Source: San Franscisco Chronicle