Senator Wiener's residential heat pump legislation establishes standardized permitting and inspection processes for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems across California, aiming to remove local regulatory barriers to installation. The bill requires cities and counties to offer asynchronous inspections that do not mandate simultaneous presence of contractors and inspectors, while allowing remote communication via phone or video conferencing during inspections.
Local jurisdictions must implement online automated permitting systems by July 2027 that verify code compliance and issue same-day permits. The State Energy Commission will develop standardized two-page permitting checklists by July 2026 for localities to adopt. The bill caps permit fees at $50 for water heaters and $150 for HVAC systems, though jurisdictions can exceed these limits with documented evidence of higher costs.
The legislation voids any local restrictions that prevent replacing gas appliances with electric alternatives or prohibit heat pump installations. Cities under 5,000 residents and counties under 150,000 residents are exempt from certain permitting and fee requirements. The bill also prohibits requiring permits for plug-in window units meeting specific voltage and installation criteria.
![]() Anna CaballeroD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Benjamin AllenD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
![]() Scott WienerD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
![]() Henry SternD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
![]() Tim GraysonD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |
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Senator Wiener's residential heat pump legislation establishes standardized permitting and inspection processes for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems across California, aiming to remove local regulatory barriers to installation. The bill requires cities and counties to offer asynchronous inspections that do not mandate simultaneous presence of contractors and inspectors, while allowing remote communication via phone or video conferencing during inspections.
Local jurisdictions must implement online automated permitting systems by July 2027 that verify code compliance and issue same-day permits. The State Energy Commission will develop standardized two-page permitting checklists by July 2026 for localities to adopt. The bill caps permit fees at $50 for water heaters and $150 for HVAC systems, though jurisdictions can exceed these limits with documented evidence of higher costs.
The legislation voids any local restrictions that prevent replacing gas appliances with electric alternatives or prohibit heat pump installations. Cities under 5,000 residents and counties under 150,000 residents are exempt from certain permitting and fee requirements. The bill also prohibits requiring permits for plug-in window units meeting specific voltage and installation criteria.
Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | PASS |
![]() Anna CaballeroD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Benjamin AllenD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
![]() Scott WienerD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
![]() Henry SternD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
![]() Tim GraysonD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |