Controlled environment horticulture space: thermal curtains.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not specify that local agencies are exempted from paying additional costs, but it states no reimbursement is required by the act for a specified reason.

Thermal Curtains for Controlled Environment Horticulture Spaces

AB-2200 allows controlled environment horticulture spaces to use thermal curtains or similar technologies instead of double-pane windows if they are as energy efficient and approved by the Energy Commission.

What This Bill Does

• Allows controlled environment horticulture spaces with single-pane glass windows to be considered compliant under the California Energy Code if they use thermal curtains, shade cloths, or equivalent technologies that meet certain efficiency standards set by the Energy Commission.
• Requires the California Building Standards Commission to develop and adopt new building standards for these spaces starting from the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code.
• Involves consultation with the Energy Commission and the Department of Food and Agriculture when creating these new standards.

Who It Names or Affects

• Controlled environment horticulture spaces that use single-pane glass windows
• Local officials responsible for enforcing building standards

Terms To Know

Thermal curtains

Curtains designed to reduce heat loss or gain in a space, improving energy efficiency.

Controlled environment horticulture spaces

Greenhouses and similar structures where plants are grown under controlled conditions.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill only applies to single-pane glass windows in controlled environment horticulture spaces.
• Local agencies will have additional duties but won't need to pay extra costs for this change.
• The exact standards and technologies allowed may vary based on future updates by the Energy Commission.

Official Summary Text

AB 2200, as amended, Hart.
Controlled environment horticulture space: thermal curtains.
Existing law, the California Building Standards Law, establishes the California Building Standards Commission within the Department of General Services. Existing law requires the commission to approve and adopt building standards and to codify those standards in the California Building Standards Code. Existing law requires the commission to publish, or cause to be published, editions of the code in its entirety once every 3 years. Existing law requires the responsibility for the enforcement and administration of building standards to remain in the state or local agency, as specified.
This bill, notwithstanding any other law, would require a controlled environment horticulture space, as defined, that uses single-paned
glass
windows and
either thermal curtains, shade cloths, or equivalent technologies, to be considered compliant under the California Energy
Code.
Code, provided that the Energy Commission makes a finding that the arrangement is as, or more, energy efficient than current regulations.
The bill would require that provision to remain in effect until the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code. The bill would also require the commission to, commencing with the next triennial edition of the California Building Standards Code and
in consultation with
after development of a standard by
the Energy
Commission and the Department of Food and Agriculture, develop and
Commission,
adopt building standards to allow controlled environmental horticulture spaces or conditioned greenhouses to use
alternative technologies, such as
thermal curtains, thermal screens, shade cloths, or equivalent technologies, in lieu of the requirements for double-paned
glass
windows or
two
2
or more glazings separated by either air or gas glazing. By increasing the duties of local officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The bill would include findings that changes proposed by
this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF