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Berkeley's revised energy savings ordinance and a proposed fire safety ordinance will significantly impact homeowners and real estate transactions starting January 2026. Third-generation Berkeley resident and REALTOR® Megan Micco shares essential details about the changes, compliance requirements, and strategies for navigating these new regulations.

• BESO (Berkeley Energy Savings Ordinance) will require actual energy efficiency improvements rather than just assessments starting January 1, 2026.
• Properties must achieve six credits from a menu of energy upgrade options or place a $5,000 deposit in escrow at closing.
• Heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, and knob-and-tube replacement each provide full compliance with six credits.
• Buyers receive the full $5,000 deposit back after making improvements within 2-3 years.

• Starting 2027-2029, a nine-county Bay Area ban will prohibit new gas furnaces, water heaters, and eventually stoves, and all new gas appliance installs.

• Proposed new Berkeley EMBER Ordinance will require a five-foot fire-resistant "Zone Zero" buffer around homes in a newly created high fire zone
• City Council votes June 17 on expanding fire safety requirements to a proposed "Zone 4" area from Grizzly Peak to Wildcat

For more information about Berkeley climate initiatives, contact the City of Berkeley.

Megan Micco is a licensed CA REALTOR®, and Broker Associate at Compass, DRE#01930373

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898