Introduction
The building code landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. New 2024 International Codes took effect January 1, 2026, in California, North Dakota, and Georgia, but the real story is unfolding at the local level. From aggressive EV charging mandates in Atlanta to hyper-specific solar ordinances in Bismarck, navigating this patchwork of regulations has become the new challenge for industry professionals.
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of recent building code changes and their impact on local ordinances across nine cities in three states. The findings are organized into two sections: one for clean tech installers (solar, EV charging, and energy storage) and one for residential homebuilders.
Section 1: Clean Tech Installers
For solar installers, EV charger installers, and energy storage professionals, understanding local amendments is no longer optional—it's essential for project success. While state codes provide the baseline, local ordinances are increasingly becoming the primary driver of requirements, costs, and complexity.
California
California continues to set the national benchmark for energy efficiency with the 2025 Title 24, but the most significant challenges and opportunities lie in local ordinances that surpass state mandates.
Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Green Building Code (LAGBC) and the Sustainability City Plan are the primary drivers of local amendments. These initiatives push for higher energy efficiency standards, increased solar PV adoption, and enhanced EV charging infrastructure beyond what Title 24 requires.
San Diego
San Diego's Climate Action Plan (CAP) is the cornerstone of its building regulations. The 2025 CAP Implementation Measures mandate significant greenhouse gas reductions, leading to ordinances that promote all-electric new construction, increased renewable energy integration, and robust EV charging infrastructure.
San Francisco
San Francisco's Green Building Code (SFGBC) and its EV Charge SF program are among the most stringent in the nation. The city has implemented a three-tiered system for EV readiness—EV Capable, EV Ready, and EV Installed—that requires significant investment in charging infrastructure for new and renovated buildings.
North Dakota
North Dakota's adoption of the 2024 International Codes is being implemented with varying timelines and local amendments across the state. This creates a patchwork of regulations that requires careful attention to local jurisdictions.
Fargo
Fargo has taken a proactive approach, adopting the 2024 International Codes with an effective date of July 2, 2025 - six months ahead of the state mandate. This early adoption requires installers to be prepared for new standards sooner than in other parts of the state.
Bismarck
Bismarck has a specific ordinance for solar energy systems (Section 14-03-06(4)) that includes notable restrictions on height and size. This ordinance, which predates the latest code changes, highlights the importance of understanding existing local regulations in addition to new state codes.
Grand Forks
Grand Forks requires both electrical and building permits for solar installations—a dual-permit requirement that adds an extra layer of administrative complexity for solar installers. The city is expected to follow the state's timeline for adopting the 2024 codes.
Georgia
Georgia's adoption of the 2024 International Codes, effective January 1, 2026, has been met with a diverse range of local responses. Some cities have implemented progressive ordinances that exceed state requirements, while others are taking a more measured approach.
Atlanta
Atlanta has emerged as a regional leader with its groundbreaking 2025 EV Readiness Ordinance (25-O-1011). This ordinance mandates EV infrastructure in new construction and major renovations, with specific requirements for the number of EVSE Capable, EVSE Ready, and EVSE Installed spaces.
Savannah
Savannah is currently operating under 2018 building codes, putting it significantly behind the state's adoption of the 2024 codes. The city has a specific ordinance for solar energy systems (Section 8.7.19), but its outdated building and energy codes create unique challenges.
Augusta-Richmond County
Augusta-Richmond County generally follows the state's lead on building codes. The county has a clear requirement for two sets of plans for residential solar installations—one for mounting and one for electrical. This procedural requirement is a key local nuance.
Key Takeaways for Clean Tech Installers
- EV Readiness is a Major Focus: The push for electrification is leading to a wave of new EV charging infrastructure mandates, creating significant opportunities for EV charger installers. Atlanta's three-tiered system (EV Capable, EV Ready, EV Installed) is setting a precedent that other cities are likely to follow.
- Solar Regulations are Maturing: Local solar ordinances are becoming more common and more specific, with a growing focus on permitting, inspections, and aesthetic considerations. Dual-permit requirements (Grand Forks) and height restrictions (Bismarck) are emerging as common themes.
- Energy Storage is the Next Frontier: As renewable energy integration increases, energy storage systems are becoming a more critical component of the building code landscape. Fire safety requirements under the 2024 IFC are the primary regulatory focus.
- Local Amendments Trump State Codes: Progressive cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Atlanta are implementing requirements that significantly exceed state minimums. Understanding local amendments is essential for accurate project scoping, cost estimation, and timeline planning.
Section 2: Residential Homebuilders
For residential homebuilders, the adoption of 2024 International Codes brings updated structural, mechanical, plumbing, and energy requirements. However, the real complexity lies in navigating local amendments, particularly around energy efficiency, EV readiness, and green building standards. Early engagement with local building departments is crucial for successful project planning.
California
California's 2025 Title 24 represents the latest evolution of the state's energy efficiency standards, but local jurisdictions have implemented additional requirements that can significantly impact project costs and complexity.
Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Green Building Code (LAGBC) and Sustainability City Plan create a regulatory environment that exceeds Title 24 requirements. Builders must navigate both state and local requirements to achieve compliance.
San Diego
San Diego's Climate Action Plan (CAP) drives local building requirements that emphasize all-electric construction, renewable energy, and aggressive greenhouse gas reductions.
San Francisco
San Francisco's Green Building Code (SFGBC) is among the most stringent in the nation, with comprehensive requirements that impact every aspect of residential construction.
North Dakota
North Dakota's adoption of the 2024 International Codes provides a more straightforward regulatory environment than California, but local variations and early adoption timelines create nuances that builders must understand.
Fargo
Fargo's early adoption of the 2024 codes (effective July 2, 2025) means builders must be prepared for new standards six months ahead of the rest of the state.
Bismarck
Bismarck's solar ordinance (Section 14-03-06(4)) creates unique considerations for builders incorporating solar into new construction.
Grand Forks
Grand Forks' dual-permit requirement for solar installations creates additional administrative complexity for builders incorporating solar into new construction.
Georgia
Georgia's adoption of the 2024 International Codes creates a baseline, but local jurisdictions show significant variation in adoption timelines and local amendments.
Atlanta
Atlanta's 2025 EV Readiness Ordinance significantly impacts residential construction, particularly multifamily projects.
Savannah
Savannah's reliance on 2018 codes creates a unique regulatory environment that is significantly behind current standards.
Augusta-Richmond County
Augusta-Richmond County follows the state code adoption closely, with few local amendments beyond procedural requirements.
Key Takeaways for Homebuilders
- Cost and Complexity are Increasing: New energy efficiency requirements, EV readiness mandates, and green building standards are increasing construction costs and complexity. Builders should update their cost estimating models to reflect these new requirements.
- Early Engagement is Crucial: With varying local amendments and adoption timelines, early engagement with local building departments is essential. Pre-submittal meetings can help identify potential issues and clarify requirements before formal plan submittal.
- Code Adoption Timelines Vary: Fargo adopted the 2024 codes six months early (July 2, 2025), while Savannah is still on 2018 codes. Builders working in multiple jurisdictions must track adoption timelines carefully.
- EV Infrastructure is the New Normal: While requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction, EV-ready infrastructure is becoming standard in new residential construction. Builders should consider offering EV-ready infrastructure as standard or optional.
- Local Amendments Trump State Codes: Progressive cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Atlanta have implemented requirements that significantly exceed state minimums. Understanding local amendments is essential for accurate project scoping.
Conclusion
The building code landscape is evolving rapidly, with significant variations between states and even more dramatic differences at the local level. For both clean tech installers and residential homebuilders, success requires staying informed, being proactive, and engaging with local building departments early and often.
State codes provide the baseline, but local amendments are increasingly driving requirements, costs, and complexity. Progressive cities are implementing aggressive mandates for EV charging, solar, energy efficiency, and green building that significantly exceed state minimums. Meanwhile, other jurisdictions are taking a more measured approach, creating a patchwork of regulations that requires careful navigation.
The key to success in this evolving market is understanding the specific requirements of each jurisdiction, updating standard practices to reflect new codes, and communicating clearly with clients about compliance requirements and cost implications. By staying ahead of the curve, industry professionals can turn regulatory complexity into competitive advantage.
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