In June of 2024, the City of Boulder, Colorado passed a code that bans the use of gas-powered appliances in newly built properties as well as the discontinuation of gas services for existing properties. The code officially went into effect on December 1, 2024.
These new regulations have drawn a lot of confusion, especially in contractors and landscapers who work with gas-powered equipment on the regular. Below, we cover the main reasons behind the city’s gas line ban, the key points everyone must be aware of, and what this means for your existing gas lines and gas appliances.
Why Boulder City Has Banned Gas Services and Appliances
The popularity of gas appliances is backed by a number of advantages. Apart from temperature control, even heat distribution, functionality in the case of power outages, versatility, and durability, gas appliances are also generally affordable to maintain.
Despite the added value gas-powered equipment offers, the main reason behind the ban is to reduce the city’s overall carbon footprint by transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards the use of renewable energy. As the city aims to achieve a net-zero emission percentage by 2035, the community is encouraged to completely switch to all-electric mechanical systems within the next decade.
Since buildings are one of the biggest sources of emissions, all newly constructed commercial properties are required to utilize electrical appliances. Brand-new residential structures are also required to make the switch. Homes with existing gas lines and appliances, however, will only be affected in specific situations, which we cover more in the section below.
What Does Boulder City’s Gas Service Ban Mean For Homes With Existing Gas Lines and Appliances?
The CoBECC (City of Boulder Energy Conservation Code) includes the following regulations for homes with existing gas lines:
- If the home has an existing gas-powered appliance, there is no need to replace it with electric counterparts.
- If the home has an existing gas appliance that breaks, the residents are allowed to have it replaced with another gas appliance so long as it is in the same area it was situated previously.
- If the home has an existing gas service, it cannot be extended for new gas appliances or the relocation of an existing gas appliance.
- If the home did not previously have gas services, residents are not allowed to hire new gas services.
How Does The Gas Service Ban Affect Home Remodeling?
Homes that have existing gas lines and are utilizing gas-powered devices will need to look into the specific regulations the code stipulates for their type of remodel. Below is the gist of what the CoBECC covers:
- If you are remodeling more than 50% of your home’s square footage and are redoing mechanical systems and insulation, you are required to install all-electric equipment as the primary source of heating. Gas appliances are allowed only as a backup heating source.
- If you are only doing minor renovations, you are only required to make the space ready for future electrification.
- If you are adding to your space, all appliances installed within the additional partition must be electric. Existing ductwork from a gas furnace, however, can be extended into the added space.
Are There Properties Exempted From The CoBECC?
While commercial buildings are generally still required to follow the all-electric mandate, hospitals, laboratories, commercial cooking facilities, and emergency generators are exempted. All natural gas usage from hospitals, however, must be 100% offset through on-site renewables. Despite these exceptions, space and water heating must still be all-electric or fueled by non-fossil fuel-derived energy sources.
How The Gas Connection Continues To Service Boulder City
Our team at The Gas Connection is ready and able to continue providing safe and reliable gas line service in Boulder. Give us a call and we can help you navigate your gas line projects in the City of Boulder.