Austin Klar breaks down San Francisco's proposed gas ban for existing homes undergoing major renovations. The city defines major renovation as work altering walls or ceilings on two-thirds of the interior, or modifying load-bearing elements supporting 30 percent of floors or ceilings. The measure would cut carbon emissions by roughly one percent.
This is potentially horrible news for anybody looking to renovate their home in San Francisco. Natural gas is already banned in new construction in San Francisco to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the city is apparently exploring banning natural gas in existing homes undergoing major renovation. So if you're a big cook like me and prefer using natural gas over electric or induction ranges, then you better get your renovation plan submitted ASAP. The proposed bill defines major renovations as projects that alter walls or ceilings on at least 2/3 of a building or renovating load-bearing elements that support at least 30% of floors or ceilings. Ceilings, so long as you're also replacing heating lines or other mechanical systems. There are a number of exceptions carved out of the current proposal, including for certain affordable housing requirements and residential conversion projects. And the hope is that if this bill passes, it'll reduce the city's overall carbon footprint by about 1%. Let me know what you think of the proposal in the comments and follow me for more Bay Area real estate.
