State and Local Policy Database

Buildings Summary

Buildings are high energy users in cities, and clear targets for substantial energy savings. Policies that relate to land use and buildings are two of the core authorities of local governments, and, as a result, there are a variety of energy-related buildings policies over which local governments have control. Some policies that affect buildings are determined at the state level, but many cities have gone above and beyond state requirements in an effort to meet city-determined objectives for the reduction of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Policies can be based on any aspect of buildings lifecycle, from construction and energy codes to maintenance and operations of new and existing buildings. This section focuses on policies regarding energy use in private buildings.

The City of Allentown must use and enforce the state-mandated energy codes. We could not find information on city mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

Arlington has no legal authority to enact stretch codes or implement mandatory benchmarking programs. Nevertheless, this county engages in several initiatives to improve energy efficiency in its residential and commmercial sectors including providing incentives, upfront code support, and a voluntary benchmarking program. 

Last Updated: May 2017

The City of Augusta uses and enforces the state energy code. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Baton Rouge uses and enforces the state energy code. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Birmingham enforces the state’s energy codes, but the city has the authority to adopt building energy codes at the municipal level. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

Boston has several building sector initiatives to improve efficiency including a “stretch” energy code, energy savings goals, green building requirements, and benchmarking and disclosure. The city's Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) sets benchmarking and auditing requirements for large commercial and multifamily buildings. The city also has several clearn energy workforce development programs. 

Last updated: June 2021

Boulder has some building sector initiatives to improve efficiency including third-party compliance programs, upfront code support, and residential benchmarking requirements. The Department of Planning and Development Services manages the building energy code compliance and enforcement for the City of Boulder.

Last Updated: October 2015

The City of Buffalo adheres to the state’s energy code. The city does not have policies in place to enforce energy code compliance. Buffalo does not offer incentives for energy efficiency or solar energy projects. The city does not require building owners perform any additional above-code energy-saving actions.

Last updated: July 2021

Burlington has some building sector initiatives to improve efficiency including upfront code support. The Department of Public Works manages the building energy code compliance and enforcement for the City of Burlington.

Last Updated: October 2015

The City of Cape Coral must enforce the state’s building energy code. The city allows solar use in all zones but has not adopted mandatory solar-ready requirements. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

Carrboro has some building sector initiatives to improve efficiency.  The Inspections Division within the Planning Department manages the building energy code compliance and enforcement for the Town of Carrboro.

Last Updated: April 2014

Charlottesville has some building sector initiatives to improve efficiency, including upfront code support and incentives for energy-efficiency building improvements. The Neighborhood Development Services Department manages the building energy code compliance and enforcement for Charlottesville.

Last Updated: October 2015

The City of Cincinnati enforces the state’s building and energy codes. The city runs a voluntary benchmarking program in the Cincinnati 2030 District. The city offers several incentives for both energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Last updated: August 2021

The State of Ohio requires local jurisdiction to follow its building energy codes. The city does not have procedures in place to account for mandatory energy code compliance. The city runs a voluntary benchmarking and disclosure program for commercial buildings in the downtown area. Cleveland offers several incentives to both commercial and residential property owners for energy efficiency and solar energy projects.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Colorado Springs adopted the 2017 Regional Building Code. The city has extensive code compliance verification procedures. Colorado Spring Utilities also offers several rebates for energy efficiency and renewable energy. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Columbia enforces the state energy code. The city requires plan reviews to ensure code compliance. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: October 2021

The City of Columbus enforces that state’s energy code. The city has established a comprehensive code compliance verification process. Columbus was the first city in Ohio to adopt a mandatory benchmarking ordinance for commercial and multifamily buildings. The city offers PACE financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Dallas adopted the Dallas Energy Conservation Code, which incorporated the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential buildings and the 2015 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 for commercial buildings. The city does not have a mandatory benchmarking and disclosure policy. Dallas offers incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, solar installations, and low-income programs. The city mandates a low-energy use requirement for buildings.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Dayton enforces the state energy codes. The city allows solar use in all zones and requires plan reviews to ensure code compliance. We could not find information on city mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements. 

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Denver adopted the Denver Green Code which is composed of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with city amendments. Denver adopted a benchmarking and disclosure ordinance for commercial and multifamily buildings over 25,000. The city offers buildings incentives for both energy efficiency upgrades and solar installation. Buildings are required to comply with the Green Building Ordinance by choosing one energy action from a range of choices.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Des Moines adopted the 2015 IECC with stringent city amendments. Des Moines also requires commercial and multifamily greater than 25,000 square feet to benchmark energy usage. We could not find information on city incentives for clean energy nor requirements for above-code energy saving actions.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Detroit enforces the state’s energy code. The city does not have a comprehensive energy code compliance verification program. Detroit has not adopted a benchmarking and disclosure policy. The city offers several incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. 

Last updated: June 2021

Dubuque has some building sector initiatives to improve efficiency including upfront code support. The Building Services Department manages the building energy code compliance and enforcement for the City of Dubuque.

Last Updated: October 2013

The City of El Paso has authority to adopt building energy codes at the municipal level. The city has not adopted a benchmarking and disclosure policy, El Paso offers incentives for both energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. El Paso does not require building owners to perform any additional above-code energy-saving actions.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Fort Worth has adopted building energy codes independent of the state. The city runs a voluntary benchmarking program for commercial buildings. The city’s home county offers PACE financing to both commercial and multifamily building owners. Fort Worth does not require building owners to perform audits, retrofits, retro-commissioning, or other energy-saving actions.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Fresno enforces the state energy code and solar- and EV-readiness requirements. The city also complies with AB802, California’s mandatory benchmarking requirement for commercial and multifamily buildings. We could not find information on whether the city has adopted mandatory energy-saving actions.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Grand Rapids enforces the state’s building energy codes. The city does not have a comprehensive code compliance policy. Grand Rapids runs a voluntary benchmarking program through its 2030 District. Grand Rapids offers property assessed clean energy financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Greensboro enforces the state energy code. The city has extensive code compliance processes. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Hartford enforces the state’s energy code. The city’s subdivision regulations and zoning code include solar- and EV-ready provisions, respectively. Hartford has not adopted a benchmarking and disclosure policy. The city offers several incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Henderson enforces the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for residential and commercial buildings. We could not find information on city mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Honolulu derives many of its energy policies from the state, but advocates for changes to the state codes. The city requires third-party plan reviews and inspections for energy code compliance and offers training in the form of webinars to educate stakeholders about the building codes compliance. The city offers incentives for solar and energy efficiency projects on low-income properties. 

Last updated: October 2021

The City of Houston adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with city amendments. The city provides support for developers and building owners with upfront support through the Green Building Resource Center. Houston does not have a benchmarking and disclosure ordinance, but runs a voluntary benchmarking program for commercial buildings. Houston also offers incentives for energy efficiency, solar, and low-income projects.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Indianapolis enforces the state’s energy code. The city has not adopted a mandatory benchmarking policy. The city offers several incentives specifically for energy efficiency projects. Indianapolis does not require building owners to conduct above-code energy-saving actions.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Jacksonville enforces the state’s building energy codes. The city offers incentives for energy efficiency projects. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

Kansas City adopted the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with amendments. The city requires benchmarking and disclosure for commercial, public, and multifamily buildings. Kansas City also offers incentives for energy efficiency upgrades.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Knoxville has the authority to adopt building energy codes. The city offers upfront support to building owners and developers. The city does not have a benchmarking and disclosure policy. Knoxville offers residential and commercial property owners incentives for energy efficiency retrofits.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Lakeland enforces the state energy code. Lakeland Electric, the city’s municipal utility, offers several incentives for energy efficiency improvements. We could not find information on city mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Las Vegas has adopted the 2018 International Codes. The city does not have a mandatory benchmarking policy for commercial, multifamily, or single-family buildings. Las Vegas offers financing options for energy efficiency improvements and solar installations.

Last updated: July 2021

Lawrence has some building sector initiatives to improve efficiency including upfront code support. The Building Safety Division manages the building energy code compliance and enforcement for the City of Lawrence.

Last Updated: October 2015

The City of Little Rock has the authority to adopt energy codes more stringent than the state but has not done so. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Long Beach complies with the energy codes and efficiency standards set by the State of California and California Energy Commission. The city has passed EV-ready requirements. The city also offers incentives and financing options for energy efficiency upgrades and solar installation.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Los Angeles complies with the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Los Angeles also codified solar- and EV-readiness. The city passed a commercial and multifamily benchmarking ordinance. The city offers several incentives and financing options for energy efficiency improvements and low-income projects. The city requires buildings to perform energy audits and retrofits requirements.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Louisville enforces the state’s energy codes. The city administers a voluntary benchmarking program. Louisville offers two incentives for energy efficiency projects.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Madison enforces the state energy code. Madison runs the Green Up program, a renewable energy workforce training program. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of McAllen enforces the state’s energy code, though the city has the authority to adopt code at the municipal level. Hidalgo County offers PACE financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Memphis is a home rule city and adopts its own building energy code. The city has not adopted a benchmarking and disclosure policy. The city offers incentives for energy efficiency and solar energy projects, particularly for low-income property owners.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Mesa has the authority to adopt energy codes at the municipal level. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Miami enforces the state’s energy code. The city has not established a comprehensive code compliance verification process. Miami has not adopted a benchmarking and disclosure policy. The city offers several incentives for energy efficiency and solar energy projects. 

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Milwaukee enforces the state energy code. The city offers several incentives for energy improvement projects. We could not find information on city mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The city of Minneapolis enforces the state’s energy code. The city administers a commercial and multifamily benchmarking ordinance. Minneapolis offers several incentives to commercial and residential properties energy efficiency, solar energy installation, and low-income energy projects.

Last updated: June 2021

Montgomery County has adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code for both commercial and residential construction. The county has adopted a benchmarking policy and a time-of-sale energy use disclosure policy for single-family homes. The county offers several incentives and requires one energy-saving action.

Last updated: December 2019

The City of Nashville enforces the 2018 International Building Codes. The city offers incentives for energy efficiency and low-income energy projects. Nashville does not require owners and/or developers to perform any above-code energy-saving actions.

Last updated: June 2021

New Haven does not have the authority to adopt building energy codes at the municipal level and thus enforces Connecticut’s code. We could not find information on city mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of New Orleans enforces the state’s energy code, though the city does have the authority to adopt building energy codes at the municipal level. The city established a compressive code compliance verification process. New Orleans has not adopted a benchmarking and disclosure policy. New Orleans offers several incentives for energy-efficient actions. The city does not require building owners to perform additional above-code energy actions.

Last updated: September 2020

New York City has the authority to adopt building energy codes and enforces the 2020 New York City Energy Conservation Code. The city has included both solar- and EV-ready provisions in its city codes. The city has established a comprehensive energy code compliance verification process. Additionally, the city requires both commercial, multifamily, and groups of buildings on a single lot to benchmark and disclosure energy data. New York City also requires building owners to conduct several additional above-code energy-saving actions.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Newark enforces the state’s building energy codes. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Oakland adopted a city stretch code. The city does not have a mandatory benchmarking and disclosure, but the State of California requires benchmarking through AB 802. Oakland offers incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, solar installations, and to low-income property owners. The city mandates low-energy use requirements for cities.

Last updated: June 2021

Oklahoma City has the jurisdiction to adopt building energy codes. The city does not have any processes in place to ensure building energy code compliance. The city has not passed a benchmarking and disclosure policy. Oklahoma City offers a single incentive for home energy efficiency improvement projects.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Omaha has the authority to adopt building energy codes at the municipal level but has not adopted a code more stringent than Nebraska’s energy code. The city offers C-PACE financing for renewable energy projects. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Orlando complies with the State of Florida’s codes. The Building Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy requires buildings over 50,000 square feet to benchmark energy use and will require energy-saving actions beginning in 2020. Orlando offers several incentives to encourage energy efficiency improvements, solar installation, and low-income energy actions.

Last updated: June 2021

Oxnard enforces the state’s building energy codes and solar- and EV-readiness mandates. The city also adheres to California’s mandatory benchmarking and disclosure policy. We were unable to find information on whether the city requires building owners to conduct additional above-code energy actions. Similarly, we did not find information on city-run incentives and financing programs that encourage energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. 

Last updated: September 2020

Park City has some building sector initiatives to improve efficiency including upfront code support. The Department of Building and Building Regulations manages the building energy code compliance and enforcement for Park City.

Last Updated: October 2015

The State of Pennsylvania typically requires cities to adhere to state energy codes, but in 2018 the state gave Philadelphia the option to adopt its own building codes. The city administers a commercial and multifamily benchmarking and disclosure program. The city offers several incentives for energy efficiency projects.

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of Phoenix adopted the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and provides developments with an alternative compliance path. The city does not have the authority to create a mandatory benchmarking and disclosure ordinance, but supports a voluntary program. The city provides incentives for energy efficiency upgrades and low-income energy projects.  

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of Pittsburgh is required to comply with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s building energy codes. Pittsburgh adopted a mandatory benchmarking and disclosure ordinance. The city also offers incentives and financing options for energy efficiency improvements and solar installations.

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of Portland is required to adhere to the 2021 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code and the 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC). The city has adopted both commercial and single-family home benchmarking policies. The city offers financing options for commercial property owners to pursue energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy installations. Portland mandates a low-energy use requirement for buildings.

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of Providence enforces the state’s energy codes. The city requires plan reviews to verify energy code compliance. Providence has not adopted a benchmarking and disclosure ordinance but it is is currently advocating for a benchmarking and disclosure ordinance. The city offers access to property assessed clean energy financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Last Updated: August 2021

Provo implements the state-mandated energy codes. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Raleigh enforces the state’s energy codes. The city has established a comprehensive energy code compliance process. Raleigh has not adopted a mandatory benchmarking and disclosure policy. The city offers grants for energy efficiency improvement projects.

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of Reno has the authority to adopt building energy codes at the municipal level. The city implements a benchmarking ordinance for large commercial and multifamily buildings. 

Last Update: June 2021

The City of Richmond enforces the state’s energy code. The city does not have the authority to adopt a mandatory benchmarking ordinance, but Richmond has not adopted a voluntary policy. The city offers a single incentive for energy efficient buildings.

Last Updated: July 2021

The City of Riverside adheres to California’s energy policies including energy code, solar- and EV-ready mandates, and benchmarking. The city offers several incentives and financing options for energy efficiency, solar, and low-income energy projects.

Last Updated: July 2021

The City of Rochester enforces the state’s building energy code. The city has a comprehensive energy code compliance verification process. Rochester does not have a benchmarking and disclosure policy. The city offers incentives for residential energy efficiency upgrades.

Last Update: July 2021

The City of Sacramento enforces the state’s building energy codes and solar- and EV-readiness mandates. The city also adheres to California’s mandatory benchmarking and disclosure policy. Sacramento and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) offer several incentives and financing options for both commercial and residential property owners seeking energy efficiency improvements and/or renewable energy installations.

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of St. Paul enforces the state’s building and energy codes. The city has a benchmarking policy for commercial and multifamily buildings. The city offers several incentives, notably for energy efficiency projects.

Last Update: June 2021

Salt Lake City enforces the state’s energy codes. The city does not have a comprehensive code enforcement and compliance process. The city passed a commercial benchmarking and disclosure ordinance that also requires building owners to perform an energy audit depending on the property’s ENERGY STAR score. Salt Lake City offers several incentives for energy efficiency and solar energy projects.

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of San Antonio enforces the state’s building energy code for commercial buildings and the city’s code for residential buildings, though the city has authority to adopt both local commercial and residential codes. The city requires plan reviews, site inspections, and performance testing to verify code compliance. The city does not have a benchmarking and disclosure policy. San Antonio offers several incentives for energy efficient upgrades, solar energy installation, and low-income energy improvement action.

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of San Diego adheres to California’s energy policies including energy code, solar- and EV-readiness, and benchmarking. The city offers several incentives and financing programs for energy efficiency and solar projects.

Last Updated: June 2021

San Francisco has adopted building energy codes at the municipal level. The city’s code also includes solar- and EV-ready provisions more stringent than those required by the state code. The city has established a comprehensive energy code compliance verification process. The city has implemented a commercial benchmarking and multifamily properties to benchmark energy use. San Francisco requires both residential and commercial building owners to perform additional above-code energy-saving actions.

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of San Jose adheres to California’s energy code. The city adopted a benchmarking ordinance covering buildings larger than 20,000 square feet. The city offers several incentives and financing programs for energy efficiency and solar projects. San Jose requires building owners perform to perform energy-saving actions.

Last Updated: June 2021

San Juan enforces the state-mandated energy codes. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Seattle complies with the statewide residential code, but the state allows Seattle to adopt more stringent commercial code. The city has adopted its own benchmarking ordinance, and data is available to the public. Seattle offers a range of incentives and financing options for energy efficiency and low-income energy projects. The city adopted a tune-up policy and adheres to state building performance standards. 

Last Updated: June 2021

Springfield enforces the state energy code. The city offers one incentive program to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. We could not find information on city mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of St. Louis has jurisdiction to adopt its own building energy codes. The city adopted a benchmarking and disclosure policy. The city also offers several incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. St. Louis adopted building performance standards for commercial and multifamily buildings. 

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of St. Petersburg enforces the state’s building energy codes. The city offers several incentives for energy efficiency projects. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last Update: June 2021

The City of Stockton enforces the state’s building energy codes and solar-readiness mandates. The city also adheres to California’s mandatory benchmarking and disclosure policy. Stockton offers a single financing program for property owners seeking energy efficiency improvements and/or renewable energy installations.

Last Updated: June 2021

Syracuse enforces New York's building energy code. The city offers property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Syracuse does not require above-code energy-saving actions in buildings. 

Last Update: July 2021

The City of Tampa enforces the state’s energy codes. The city has not adopted a mandatory benchmarking and disclosure policy. Tampa offers several incentives for energy efficiency projects. The city does not require building owners to conduct additional above-code energy-saving actions.

Last Update: July 2021

The City of Toledo must use and enforce the state-mandated energy codes. The city offers a financing program to encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: July 2021

The City of Tucson has adopted building energy codes at the municipal level and has adopted a solar-ready ordinance. Tucson has not adopted mandatory benchmarking ordinances, and the city is prohibited by state law from adopting energy action requirements. 

Last Update: July 2021

The City of Tulsa has authority to adopt energy codes at the municipal level but has not done so. We could not find information on city mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last Update: July 2021

The City of Virginia Beach enforces the state’s building and energy codes. The city has not adopted a mandatory nor voluntary benchmarking and disclosure policy. Virginia Beach offers tax breaks for energy-efficient buildings.

Last Updated: October 2021

Washington, D.C. formally adopted the 2017 D.C. Construction Code. The District also adopted a commercial and multifamily building benchmarking policy. The city offers several incentives for energy efficiency, solar, and low-income energy projects. The Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act of 2018 includes provisions to create a more robust energy policy landscape.

Last Updated: June 2021

The City of Wichita has not implemented an energy code. The city offers one incentive program to encourage energy efficiency investments. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated: June 2021

The City of Winston-Salem must use and enforce the state-mandated energy codes. We could not find information on city mandated benchmarking policies, incentives, or above-code energy action requirements.

Last updated:June 2021

The City of Worcester enforces the state’s energy codes, but has adopted a state-determined stretch code. The city has not established a comprehensive energy code compliance verification process nor adopted a mandatory benchmarking policy. Worcester does not offer incentives for energy projects. The city does not require above-code energy-saving actions

Last Updated: June 2021