What is a cool roof?
Cool roofs are products with tested, rated solar reflectance and thermal emittance. California's Energy Code relies on Cool Roof Rating Council listings and on aged (weathered) values, not new ones.
What does the Energy Code require?
For steep-slope roofs, the prescriptive minimum is an aged solar reflectance of 0.20 and a thermal emittance of 0.75, or a Solar Reflectance Index of 16, in climate zones 4 and 8 to 15. Low-slope roofs need 0.63 and 0.75, or SRI 75, in zones 4 and 6 to 15. The rule applies to reroofs replacing more than half the roof, and exceptions exist (CEC cool-roof guide).
Which East Bay cities need a cool roof?
| City | CEC climate zone | Steep-slope reroof: cool roof required? | Low-slope reroof: cool roof required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland | 3 | No | No |
| Berkeley | 3 | No | No |
| Alameda | 3 | No | No |
| Albany | 3 | No | No |
| El Cerrito | 3 | No | No |
| Richmond | 3 | No | No |
| San Leandro | 3 | No | No |
| Castro Valley | 3 | No | No |
| Hayward | 3 | No | No |
| Union City | 3 | No | No |
| Newark | 3 | No | No |
| Fremont | 3 | No | No |
| Pleasanton | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Livermore | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Dublin | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| San Ramon | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Danville | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Walnut Creek | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Lafayette | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Orinda | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Moraga | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Pleasant Hill | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Concord | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Martinez | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Pittsburg | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Antioch | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
| Brentwood | 12 | Yes, unless an exception applies | Yes, unless an exception applies |
Climate zones are from the Energy Commission's ZIP code list (CEC climate zones); a few ZIPs straddle zones, so confirm yours with the city.
What's different about the East Bay?
The East Bay is where the rule splits. Bayside cities from Richmond and Berkeley through Oakland, Hayward and Fremont are in climate zone 3, with no prescriptive cool-roof requirement. Cross the hills into Lamorinda, the Tri-Valley and central and east Contra Costa (Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasanton, Livermore, Antioch) and you're in zone 12, where both the steep-slope and low-slope rules apply to qualifying reroofs.
What should I ask my roofer?
Make sure the bid names a CRRC-listed product, and keep the documentation; inspectors may ask for it. For your actual price, request a free written estimate: a licensed roofer measures the roof and prices your exact scope. See also metal vs. shingles, what drives cost and permits.
Every roofer we work with is licensed, insured and highly reviewed by Bay Area homeowners.
Get a free replacement quoteFrequently asked questions
Where do I find a product's cool-roof rating?
The Cool Roof Rating Council's product directory lists rated products.
What is SRI?
The Solar Reflectance Index combines reflectance and emittance into one number; the Energy Code accepts it as an alternative.
Sources
Sources reviewed November 12, 2026. Figures are published estimates and official fees, not quotes. Confirm prices, permits and requirements with your contractor and building department. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice.