Summary
California’s new building standards are rewriting the rules of property ownership—and the consequences go far beyond zoning. From Title 24 energy mandates to electrification requirements and density bonuses, these policies threaten neighborhood character, increase costs, and erode property rights. Discover how these changes will directly Impact homeowners, developers, and communities—and why the stakes are higher than ever.
Article
California’s newly mandated state-level building standards apply to all property types, regardless of use or zoning classification. Even churches or community centers may face highest-and-best-use analysis, a process that determines the most profitable use of a property, favoring high-density residential development over traditional uses.
A Hypothetical Example
A 24,000-square-foot property valued at $1.2 million as a church could be worth $2.2 million if redeveloped into 29 residential units under new state standards. Add affordable units, and developers gain density bonuses.
But what does this mean for neighborhoods? A quiet, tree-lined community could suddenly, and drastically, become home to 72 new residents, with minimal setbacks and limited parking. Imagine 50+ cars competing for space. The result: congestion, noise, and transient tenancy replacing traditional neighborhood values. Is this what Californians voted for?
The Bureaucratic Nightmare
The state government now controls development oversight, reducing cities to mere administrative rubber stamps. But this doesn’t eliminate local red tape. Instead, property owners face a dual bureaucracy—state regulators and hostile municipalities. This means they have to navigate multiple layers of regulations, each extracting compliance fees and approvals, resulting in various agencies, one property owner, and endless headaches.
Energy Mandates and Electrification
California is also leading the charge to eliminate natural gas, requiring full electrification in new construction. Forty-nine cities already mandate electric-only systems for cooking, heating, and water. Retrofitting existing homes will be costly—upgrading wiring, installing 220-volt systems, and replacing appliances could put a significant financial strain on average homeowners, adding to the stress of compliance.
Title 24 of California’s Building Standards Code enforces these mandates over time, ensuring compliance. The stated goal is to reduce energy waste—the reality: massive costs and government control.
The Control Agenda
Natural gas is abundant, clean-burning, and supports 3 million U.S. jobs annually. Eliminating it removes energy independence and increases reliance on electricity, which is now subject to progressive taxation schemes. This means that higher earners pay disproportionately more for their energy usage, turning energy bills into a tool of income redistribution.
What’s at Stake
The California Building Standards Code encompasses a wide range of topics, including energy conservation, green design, fire safety, and accessibility, and applies to structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Compliance often requires hiring consultants for Title 24 reports, adding more cost and complexity.
Bills like AB 3088, SB 91, SB-4, SB-6, SB-9, AB-15, AB-946, AB 989, SB-10, SB 330, AB 816, and SB-1079 expand government involvement in property ownership and operation. Over time, private owners will realize they cannot compete with a public monopoly that controls approvals, zoning, and energy standards.