Section A4.106
California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) · 2019 edition · updated 2026-09-12 · California
SITE DEVELOPMENT
A4.106.1 Reserved.
A4.106.2 Soil analysis and protection. The soils at the building site are analyzed and protected as specified in this section.
A4.106.2.1 Soil analysis. Soil analysis is performed by a licensed design professional and the findings utilized in the structural design of the building.
A4.106.2.2 Soil protection. The effect of development on building sites is evaluated and the soil is protected by one or more of the following:
Natural drainage patterns are evaluated and erosion controls are implemented to minimize erosion during construction and after occupancy.
Site access is accomplished by minimizing the amount of cut and fill needed to install access roads and driveways.
As allowed by other parts of the California Building Standards Code underground construction activities are coordinated to utilize the same trench, minimize the amount of time the disturbed soil is exposed and the soil is replaced using accepted compaction methods.
98 2019 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
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A4.106.2.3 Topsoil protection. Topsoil shall be protected or saved for reuse as specified in this section.
Tier 1. Displaced topsoil shall be stockpiled for reuse in a designated area and covered or protected from erosion.
Note: Protection from erosion includes covering with tarps, straw, mulch, chipped wood, vegetative cover, or other means acceptable to the enforcing agency to protect the topsoil for later use.
Tier 2. The construction area shall be identified and delineated by fencing or flagging to limit construction activity to the construction area. Heavy equipment or vehicle traffic and material storage outside the construction area shall be limited to areas that are planned to be paved.
A4.106.3 Landscape design. Postconstruction landscape designs shall accomplish one or more of the following:
Areas disrupted during construction are restored to be consistent with native vegetation species and patterns.
Utilize at least 75 percent native California or drought tolerant plant and tree species appropriate for the climate zone region.
A4.106.4 Water permeable surfaces. Permeable paving is utilized for the parking, walking or patio surfaces in compliance with the following.
Tier 1. Not less than 20 percent of the total parking, walking or patio surfaces shall be permeable.
Tier 2. Not less than 30 percent of the total parking, walking or patio surfaces shall be permeable.
Exceptions:
The primary driveway, primary entry walkway and entry porch or landing shall not be included when calculating the area required to be a permeable surface.
Required accessible routes for persons with disabilities as required by California Code of Regu- lations, Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 11A and/or Chapter 11B as applicable.
A4.106.5 Cool roof for reduction of heat island effect. Roofing materials for Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings shall comply with this section:
Exceptions:
Roof constructions that have a thermal mass over the roof membrane including areas of vegetated (green) roofs, weighing at least 25 pounds per square foot.
Roof areas covered by building integrated solar photovoltaic panels and building integrated solar thermal panels.
A4.106.5.1 Solar reflectance. Roofing materials shall have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance equal to or greater than the values specified in Tables A4.106.5.1(1)
RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
and A4.106.5.1(3) for Tier 1 and Tables A4.106.5.1(2) and A4.105.5.1(4) for Tier 2.
If CRRC testing for aged solar reflectance is not available for any roofing products, the aged value shall be determined using the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) certified initial value using the equation ρaged = [0.2 + β[ρinitial-0.2], where ρinitial = the initial Solar Reflectance and soiling resistance, β, is listed by product type in Table A4.106.5.1.
Solar reflectance may also be certified by other supervisory entities approved by the Energy Commission pursuant to Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-113.
TABLE A4.106.5.1 VALUES OF SOILING RESISTANCE (ß) BY PRODUCT TYPE
| PRODUCT TYPE | CCRC PRODUCT CATEGORY |
ß |
|---|---|---|
| Field-applied coating |
Field-applied coating |
0.65 |
| Other | Not a field-applied coating |
0.70 |
A4.106.5.2 Thermal emittance. Roofing materials shall have a CRRC initial or aged thermal emittance equal to or greater than those specified in Tables A4.106.5.1(1) and A4.106.5.1(3) for Tier 1 and Tables A4.106.5.1(2) and A4.106.5.1(4) for Tier 2.
Thermal emittance may also be certified by other supervisory entities approved by the Energy Commission pursuant to Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code.
A4.106.5.3 Solar reflectance index alternative. Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) equal to or greater than the values specified in Tables A4.106.5.1(1) and A4.106.5.1(3) for Tier 1 and Tables A4.106.5.1(2) and A4.106.5.1(4) for Tier 2 may be used as an alternative to compliance with the 3-year aged solar reflectance values and thermal emittance.
SRI values used to comply with this section shall be calculated using the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) Calculation Worksheet (SRI-WS) developed by the California Energy Commission or in compliance with ASTM E198001 as specified in the 2019 California Energy Code. Solar reflectance values used in the SRI-WS shall be based on the aged reflectance value of the roofing product or the equation in Section A4.106.5.1 if the CRRC certified aged solar reflectance are not available. Certified thermal emittance used in the SRI-WS may be either the initial value or the aged value listed by the CRRC.
with ASTM E198001 as specified in the 2019 California Energy Code. Solar reflectance values used in the SRI-WS shall be based on the aged reflectance value of the roofing product or the equation in Section A4.106.5.1 if the CRRC certified aged solar reflectance are not available. Certified thermal emittance used in the SRI-WS may be either the initial value or the aged value listed by the CRRC.
Solar reflectance and thermal emittance may also be certified by other supervisory entities approved by the Commission pursuant to Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code.
Note: The Solar Reflectance Index Calculation Worksheet (SRI-WS) is available by contacting the Energy Standards Hotline at 1-800-772-3300, website at www.energy.ca.gov or by email at Title24@energy.state.ca.us.
Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
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RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
TABLE A4.106.5.1(1) TIER 1 – LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL
| ROOF SLOPE |
CLIMATE ZONE |
MINIMUM 3-YEAR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE |
THERMAL EMITTANCE |
SRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 2:12 | 13 & 15 | 0.63 | 0.75 | 75 |
| > 2:12 | 10 – 15 | 0.20 | 0.75 | 16 |
TABLE A4.106.5.1(2) TIER 2 – LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL
| ROOF SLOPE |
CLIMATE ZONE |
MINIMUM 3-YEAR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE |
THERMAL EMITTANCE |
SRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 2:12 | 2, 4, 6 – 15 | 0.65 | 0.85 | 78 |
| > 2:12 | 2, 4, 6 – 15 | 0.23 | 0.85 | 20 |
TABLE A4.106.5.1(3) TIER 1 – HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, HOTELS AND MOTELS
| ROOF SLOPE |
CLIMATE ZONE |
MINIMUM 3-YEAR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE |
THERMAL EMITTANCE |
SRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 2:12 | 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 |
0.55 | 0.75 | 64 |
| > 2:12 | 2 – 15 | 0.20 | 0.75 | 16 |
| TABLE A4.106.5.1(4) TIER 2 – HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, HOTELS AND MOTELS |
||
|---|---|---|
| ROOF SLOPE |
CLIMATE ZONE MINIMUM 3-YEAR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE THERMAL EMITTANCE |
SRI |
| ≤ 2:12 | 2 – 15 0.65 0.75 |
78 |
| > 2:12 | 2 – 15 0.23 0.75 |
20 |
A4.106.5.4 Verification. Inspection shall be conducted to ensure roofing materials meet cool roof aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance or SRI values.
A4.106.6 Vegetated roof. Install a vegetated roof for at least 50 percent of the roof area. Vegetated roofs shall comply with requirements for roof gardens and landscaped roofs in the California Building Code, Chapter 15 and Chapter 16.
A4.106.7 Reduction of heat island effect for nonroof areas. Reduce nonroof heat islands for 50 percent of sidewalks, patios, driveways or other paved areas by using one or more of the methods listed.
- Trees or other plantings to provide shade and that mature within 15 years of planting. Trees should be native or adaptive to the region and climate zones and noninvasive; hardy and resistant to drought, insects and disease; easy to maintain (no frequent shedding of twigs, branches, unwanted fruit or seed pods); and suitable in mature size and environmental requirements for the site. Tree selection and placement should consider location and size of areas to be shaded, location of utilities, views from the structure, distance to sidewalks and foundations, overhangs onto adjacent properties and streets; other infrastructure and adjacent to landscaping. In addition, shading shall not cast a shadow, as specified, on any neighboring solar collectors pursuant
to Public Resources Code Section 25981, et seq. (Solar Shade Control Act).
Use high albedo materials with an initial solar reflectance value of at least 0.30 as determined in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards E1918 or C1549.
Use open grid pavement system or pervious or permeable pavement system.
Locate 50 percent of parking underground or use multilevel parking.
Other methods of reducing heat island effects acceptable to the enforcing agency.
Note: Local agencies may have ordinances requiring mitigation of heat island effects through building or parking lot shading, tree plantings, landscaping, use of pervious pavements and other approved methods.
A4.106.8 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construc- tion. New construction shall comply with Sections A4.106.8.1, A4.106.8.2 or A4.106.8.3, to facilitate future installation and use of electric vehicle chargers. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code, Article 625.
A4.106.8.1 New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages.
Tier 1 and Tier 2. For each dwelling unit, a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit shall be installed in the raceway required by Section 4.106.4.1. The branch circuit and associated overcurrent protective device shall be rated at 40 amperes minimum. Other electrical components, including a receptacle or blank cover, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
A4.106.8.1.1 Identification. The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device designated for future EV charging purposes as “EV READY” in accordance with the Cal- ifornia Electrical Code. The receptacle or blank cover shall be identified as “EV READY.”
A4.106.8.2 New multifamily dwellings.
Tier 1. Fifteen (15) percent of the total number of parking spaces on a building site, provided for all types of parking facilities, but in no case less than one, shall be electric vehicle charging spaces (EV spaces) capable of supporting future EVSE. Calculations for the required number of EV spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Tier 2. Twenty (20) percent of the total number of parking spaces on a building site, provided for all types of parking facilities, but in no case less than one, shall be electric vehicle charging spaces (EV spaces) capable of supporting future EVSE. Calculations for the required number of EV spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
A4.106.8.2.1 Technical requirements. The EV spaces required by Section A4.106.8.2 shall be designed and
100 2019 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
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constructed in accordance with Sections 4.106.4.2.1, 4.106.4.2.2, 4.106.4.2.3, 4.106.4.2.4, and 4.106.4.2.5.
A4.106.8.3 New hotels and motels.
Tier 1. Number of required EV spaces. The number of required EV spaces shall be based on the total number of parking spaces provided for all types of parking facilities in accordance with Table A4.106.8.3.1. Calculations for the required number of EV spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
TABLE A4.106.8.3.1
| TOTAL NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES |
TIER 1 NUMBER OF REQUIRED EV SPACES |
|---|---|
| 0-9 | 0 |
| 10-25 | 2 |
| 26-50 | 3 |
| 51-75 | 5 |
| 76-100 | 7 |
| 101-150 | 10 |
| 151-200 | 14 |
| 201 and over | 8 percent of total |
Tier 2. Number of required EV spaces. The number of required EV spaces shall be based on the total number of parking spaces provided for all types of parking facilities in accordance with Table A4.106.8.3.2. Calculations for the required number of EV spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
TABLE A4.106.8.3.2
RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
A4.106.9.1 Short-term bicycle parking. Provide permanently anchored bicycle racks within 100 feet of the visitor’s entrance, readily visible to passers-by, for 5 percent of visitor motorized vehicle parking capacity with a minimum of one two-bike capacity rack.
A4.106.9.2 Long-term bicycle parking for multifamily buildings. Provide on-site bicycle parking for at least one bicycle per every two dwelling units. Acceptable parking facilities shall be conveniently reached from the street and may include, but not be limited to:
Covered, lockable enclosures with permanently anchored racks for bicycles.
Lockable bicycle rooms with permanently anchored racks.
Lockable, permanently anchored bicycle lockers.
A4.106.9.3 Long-term bicycle parking for hotel and motel buildings. Provide one on-site bicycle parking space for every 25,000 square feet, but not less than two. Acceptable parking facilities shall be conveniently reached from the street and may include, but not be limited to:
Covered, lockable enclosures with permanently anchored racks for bicycles.
Lockable bicycle rooms with permanently anchored racks.
Lockable, permanently anchored bicycle lockers.
A4.106.10 Light pollution reduction. [HR] Outdoor lighting systems shall be designed and installed to comply with the following:
The minimum requirements in the California Energy Code for Lighting Zones 1-4 as defined in Chapter 10 of the California Administrative Code ; and
Backlight, Uplight and Glare (BUG) ratings as defined in IES TM-15-11; and
Allowable BUG ratings not exceeding those shown in Table A4.106.10; or
Comply with a local ordinance lawfully enacted pursuant to Section 101.7 of this code, whichever is more stringent.
Exceptions:
Luminaires that qualify as exceptions in the Califor- nia Energy Code.
Emergency lighting.
One- and two-family dwellings.
Note: The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) have developed a Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO). The MLO was designed to help municipalities develop outdoor lighting standards that reduce glare, light trespass, and skyglow. The model ordinance and user guides for the ordinance may be accessed at the International Dark-Sky Association web site.
| TOTAL NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES |
TIER 2 NUMBER OF REQUIRED EV SPACES |
|---|---|
| 0-9 | 1 |
| 10-25 | 2 |
| 26-50 | 4 |
| 51-75 | 6 |
| 76-100 | 9 |
| 101-150 | 12 |
| 151-200 | 17 |
| 201 and over | 10 percent of total |
A4.106.8.3.1 Technical requirements. The EV spaces required by Section A4.106.8.3 shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 4.106.4.3, 4.106.4.3.2, 4.106.4.3.3, 4.106.4.3.4, 4.106.4.3.5, and 4.106.4.3.6.
A4.106.9 Bicycle parking. Comply with Sections A4.106.9.1 through A4.106.9.3 or meet a local ordinance, whichever is more stringent.
Exception: Number of bicycle parking spaces shall be permitted to be reduced, as approved by the enforcing agency, due to building site characteristics, including but not limited to, isolation from other development.
Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
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RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11)
- Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 3 — GREEN BUILDING
- Chapter 4 — RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 5 — NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 6 — REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS
- Chapter 7 — INSTALLER AND SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
- Chapter 8 — COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
▸Appendix A4
Overview- Section A4.101
- Section A4.102
- Section A4.103
- Section A4.104
- Section A4.105
- Section A4.106
- Section A4.107
- Section A4.108
- Section A4.201
- Section A4.202
- Section A4.203
- Section A4.305
- Section A4.306
- Section A4.301
- Section A4.302
- Section A4.303
- Section A4.304
- Section A4.401
- Section A4.402
- Section A4.403
- Section A4.404
- Section A4.405
- Section A4.406
- Section A4.407
- Section A4.408
- Section A4.409
- Section A4.410
- Section A4.411
- Section A4.501
- Section A4.502
- Section A4.503
- Section A4.504
- Section A4.505
- Section A4.506
- Section A4.507
- Section A4.508
- Section A4.509
- Section A4.601
- Section A4.602
- Section A4.602
- Section A4.602
- Section A4.602
- Section A4.602
- Section A4.602
- Section A4.602
- Section A4.602
- Section A4.602
- Section A4.602
- Appendix A5