SB 222 – The Heat Pump Access Act
Faster, easier, and more affordable heat pump installations for homeowners and contractors.
The Problem
Outdated permitting makes heat pump installation more expensive
Heat pumps help Californians cool and heat their homes efficiently while helping to lower energy bills. But today, getting one installed can mean navigating a confusing patchwork of local permit rules, surprise fees, and delays.
Homeowners and contractors may face:
- Differing permit requirements across cities and counties
- Multiple permits often required for one installation
- Long wait times and excessive paperwork
- Surprise fees that can add hundreds of dollars to the total project cost
These unnecessary barriers slow down projects and make clean energy home upgrades harder to afford.
75–90%
of homeowners go without a permit altogether because the process is too difficult.
The Solution
A simpler, faster process for heat pumps
SB 222 modernizes heat pump permitting so homeowners and contractors can spend less time on red tape and more time getting home upgrade projects done.
Instant Permitting for Standard Installations
Creates automated permitting for common heat pump projects.
One Project, One Permit
Consolidated permits into one easy application.
Consistent Rules Across California
Reduces contradicting city and county requirements that slow projects down.
Reasonable Fees
Requires permit fees to reflect actual workload and be posted publicly.
Limits Excessive Restrictions
Prevents unnecessary aesthetic rules, setbacks, or documentation requirements that delay installations.
Why This Matters
Why Californians Need SB 222
For Homeowners
Simplifying heat pump permitting across the state can lower energy bills, improve home comfort, and deliver life-saving cooling to Californians.
For Contractors
Streamlining heat pump permitting means more time serving customers, scaling businesses, and growing California’s skilled workforce.
For California
California has a goal of installing 6 million heat pumps by 2030. Meeting that target requires making installations faster, simpler, and more affordable statewide.
Why Heat Pumps
What’s a Heat Pump, and Why Does It Matter?
Heat pumps are an all-in-one heating and cooling system that can replace outdated furnaces and inefficient air conditioning units.
Deliver 3–4x more efficiency than conventional equipment
Heat and cool homes with one appliance
Improve indoor air quality
Can lower energy bills
As extreme heat becomes more common in California, heat pumps can also help families stay safe and comfortable year-round.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Do permits matter?
Yes. Permits help ensure that work is completed in accordance with quality control and health and safety standards. SB 222 keeps health and safety protections in place. It simply makes the process faster and easier for standard installations.
Does this remove local oversight?
This bill will actually increase local oversight but encourage more projects to use the legal permitting pathway.
Will this lower costs?
By reducing delays, duplicate permits, and unnecessary paperwork, SB 222 helps lower installation costs and save time.
Does standardized permitting exist for other electric appliances?
Yes. California has already streamlined permitting for both solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) chargers to improve access and support the state’s clean energy goals. Highly efficient heat pumps deserve the same treatment.
Take Action
Tell California Leaders to Support SB 222
Californians deserve affordable, efficient heating and cooling without unnecessary and complex paperwork and fees. Support the Heat Pump Access Act and help make home upgrades faster, easier, and more affordable.
Additional Resources