BESO Time of Sale
Please submit your BESO application and filing fee through the online BESO Application Portal. If you have any questions, please email the BESO Helpdesk at BESO@cityofberkeley.info.
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BESO Energy Assessments Reveal Individualized Energy Improvement Opportunities. For general information about BESO see: www.cityofberkeley.info/BESO
BESO Compliance Steps
1. Check building status by looking up the building address on the online BESO Portal. Type in your building address to check its current BESO Status. The building must have a current “Compliant” status before it’s sold. See the list of statuses and next steps to bring your building into compliance:
- No Status Listed or Due Upon Sale: The building is subject to the BESO requirements and must complete an application for BESO compliance prior to sale. These properties are still eligible for a 12-month deferral.
- Compliant - Energy Report on File: The BESO assessment for this property is current and the building is approved for sale at this time. The BESO Compliance Form A can be retrieved through the portal. Please email BESO@CityofBerkeley.info for a copy of the energy assessment or visit the Green Building Registry to download BESO assessments for Single-family homes.
- Compliant - Deferred to Buyer (Form C): A 12-month deferral was filed for this building. The BESO assessment and application/filing fee needs to be submitted before the deferral expires on the date listed under “Energy Report Due”.
- Compliant - Deferred (Form D): The building has an active BESO deferral. The BESO assessment and application/filing fee needs to be submitted before the deferral expires on the date listed under “Energy Report Due”.
- Exempt - No Further Action Required: The building is exempt from BESO and an Assessment is not required at this time. Please note exemptions at time of sale.
- Non-Compliant – Energy Report Past Due: The BESO assessment is past due and must be completed as soon as possible. Buildings listed as non-compliant are not eligible for a 12-month deferral to buyer.
2. Choose one of the compliance options below.
- Submit Energy Assessment - Hire a Registered BESO Energy Assessor qualified for your building type from the Registered Energy Assessor List (Commercial, Multifamily & Mixed Use or Houses [1-4 unit residential buildings]).The assessor will provide a copy of the Energy Report to the customer and the City. The City will email a Compliance Form A upon receipt of the BESO application and filing fee. Filing fees range from $79 to $250 based on building size, see the Table of Fees below for details.
- Apply for Deferral:
- Time of Sale Deferral - Apply for a Time of Sale Deferral (Deferral Form C), transferring responsibility for BESO compliance from seller to buyer. The Time of Sale Deferral requires the buyer to complete an energy assessment within 12 months of the sale date. A Deferral Form C will be generated upon submission of the application and a $48 deferral fee. Submit the Deferral Form C to the title company at closing.
- Deferral for New or Planned Construction - Time of Sale reporting requirements may be deferred for up to ten years for new construction, and up to 24 months for a planned "extensive renovation" or demolition. A project qualifies as an "extensive renovation" if it includes replacement of all energy-related equipment and at least half of the building envelope. Submit a copy of all applicable permits along with application. A Deferral Form D will be generated; no filing fee is required. Submit the Deferral Form D to title company at closing.
- For additional deferrals, such as hardship, please contact the BESO team directly at BESO@cityofberkeley.info or 510-981-7465.
- Exempt size thresholds - Buildings under 850 ft2 or greater than 25,000 ft2 are exempt from the BESO Time of Sale requirement . No filing fee is required.
- Unit within a larger building - Units within a larger building (such as an individually owned attached condo), are exempt from time-of-sale BESO requirements. No filing fee is required.
3. Complete the online BESO Application and submit filing fee (if applicable)
- Online BESO Application Portal
4. Disclose building status to prospective buyers. BESO information and status is available on the City's website. Energy information must be provided to prospective buyers. Deferral Form C or Compliance Form A and the Energy Report are required to be included with closing documents at close of escrow.
Mailing Option:
BESO applications and filling fees can be submitted in the mail. Please complete a BESO application and make the check payable to City of Berkeley, mail the filing fee along with application to:
- City of Berkeley Planning Dept.
Office of Energy & Sustainable Development
ATTN: BESO
1947 Center St., 1st Floor
Berkeley, CA 94704
Submit Energy Assessment
Based on Building Size |
Filing Fee |
| Houses (1-4 dwelling units) |
$79 |
| Buildings 850-4,999 ft2 |
$79 |
| Buildings 5,000-24,999 ft2 |
$152 |
| Deferrals & Exemptions |
|
| Deferral to Buyer (Form C) |
$48 |
| Other Deferrals (Form D) |
No Fee |
| Exemptions |
No Fee |
| Other Fees |
|
| Administrative Late Fee |
$48 |
Home Energy Score Information:
Other Time of Sale Requirements and Resources:
More Information:
For questions, email BESO@cityofberkeley.info. For more information, see the main BESO webpage at www.cityofberkeley.info/BESO.