Chapter 5 — NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
Section 5.504
California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) · 2019 edition · updated 2026-09-12 · California
POLLUTANT CONTROL
5.504.1 Temporary ventilation. The permanent HVAC system shall only be used during construction if necessary to condition the building or areas of addition or alteration within the required temperature range for material and equipment installation. If the HVAC system is used during construction, use return air filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8, based on ASHRAE 52.2-1999, or an average efficiency of 30 percent based on ASHRAE 52.11992. Replace all filters immediately prior to occupancy, or, if the building is occupied during alteration, at the conclusion of construction.
5.504.3 Covering of duct openings and protection of mechanical equipment during construction. At the time of rough installation and during storage on the construction site until final startup of the heating, cooling and ventilating equipment, all duct and other related air distribution component openings shall be covered with tape, plastic, sheetmetal or other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency to reduce the amount of dust, water and debris which may enter the system.
5.504.4 Finish material pollutant control. Finish materials shall comply with Sections 5.504.4.1 through 5.504.4.6.
5.504.4.1 Adhesives, sealants and caulks. Adhesives, sealants, and caulks used on the project shall meet the requirements of the following standards:
- Adhesives, adhesive bonding primers, adhesive primers, sealants, sealant primers and caulks shall
comply with local or regional air pollution control or air quality management district rules where applicable, or SCAQMD Rule 1168 VOC limits, as shown in Tables 5.504.4.1 and 5.504.4.2. Such products also shall comply with the Rule 1168 prohibition on the use of certain toxic compounds (chloroform, ethylene dichloride, methylene chloride, perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene), except for aerosol products as specified in subsection 2, below.
- Aerosol adhesives, and smaller unit sizes of adhesives, and sealant or caulking compounds (in units of product, less packaging, which do not weigh more than one pound and do not consist of more than 16 fluid ounces) shall comply with statewide VOC standards and other requirements, including prohibitions on use of certain toxic compounds, of California Code of Regulations, Title 17, commencing with Section 94507.
TABLE 5.504.4.1 ADHESIVE VOC LIMIT 1,2
Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds in Grams Per Liter
| ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATIONS | CURRENT VOC LIMIT |
|---|---|
| Indoor carpet adhesives | 50 |
| Carpet pad adhesives | 50 |
| Outdoor carpet adhesives | 150 |
| Wood flooring adhesive | 100 |
| Rubber floor adhesives | 60 |
| Subfloor adhesives | 50 |
| Ceramic tile adhesives | 65 |
| VCT and asphalt tile adhesives | 50 |
| Drywall and panel adhesives | 50 |
| Cove base adhesives | 50 |
| Multipurpose construction adhesives | 70 |
| Structural glazing adhesives | 100 |
| Single-ply roof membrane adhesives | 250 |
| Other adhesive not specifically listed | 50 |
| SPECIALTY APPLICATIONS | |
| PVC welding | 510 |
| CPVC welding | 490 |
| ABS welding | 325 |
| Plastic cement welding | 250 |
| Adhesive primer for plastic | 550 |
| Contact adhesive | 80 |
| Special purpose contact adhesive | 250 |
| Structural wood member adhesive | 140 |
| Top and trim adhesive | 250 |
| SUBSTRATE SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS | |
| Metal to metal | 30 |
| Plastic foams | 50 |
| Porous material (except wood) | 50 |
| Wood | 30 |
| Fiberglass | 80 |
- If an adhesive is used to bond dissimilar substrates together the adhesive with the highest VOC content shall be allowed.
- For additional information regarding methods to measure the VOC content specified in this table, see South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1168, http://www.arb.ca.gov/DRDB/SC/CURHTML/R1168.PDF.
50 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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TABLE 5.504.4.2 SEALANT VOC LIMIT Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds in Grams per Liter
| SEALANTS | CURRENT VOC LIMIT |
|---|---|
| Architectural | 250 |
| Marine deck | 760 |
| Nonmembrane roof | 300 |
| Roadway | 250 |
| Single-ply roof membrane | 450 |
| Other | 420 |
| SEALANT PRIMERS | |
| Architectural Nonporous Porous |
250 775 |
| Modified bituminous | 500 |
| Marine deck | 760 |
| Other | 750 |
Note: For additional information regarding methods to measure the VOC content specified in these tables, see South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1168.
5.504.4.3 Paints and coatings. Architectural paints and coatings shall comply with VOC limits in Table 1 of the ARB Architectural Coatings Suggested Control Measure, as shown in Table 5.504.4.3, unless more stringent local limits apply. The VOC content limit for coatings that do not meet the definitions for the specialty coatings categories listed in Table 5.504.4.3 shall be determined by classifying the coating as a Flat, Nonflat or Nonflat-High Gloss coating, based on its gloss, as defined in Subsections 4.21, 4.36 and 4.37 of the 2007 California Air Resources Board Suggested Control Measure, and the corresponding Flat, Nonflat or Nonflat-High Gloss VOC limit in Table 5.504.4.3 shall apply.
ons for the specialty coatings categories listed in Table 5.504.4.3 shall be determined by classifying the coating as a Flat, Nonflat or Nonflat-High Gloss coating, based on its gloss, as defined in Subsections 4.21, 4.36 and 4.37 of the 2007 California Air Resources Board Suggested Control Measure, and the corresponding Flat, Nonflat or Nonflat-High Gloss VOC limit in Table 5.504.4.3 shall apply.
5.504.4.3.1 Aerosol paints and coatings. Aerosol paints and coatings shall meet the PWMIR Limits for ROC in Section 94522(a)(3) and other requirements, including prohibitions on use of certain toxic compounds and ozone depleting substances, in Sections 94522(c)(2) and (d)(2) of California Code of Regula- tions, Title 17, commencing with Section 94520; and in areas under the jurisdiction of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District additionally comply with the percent VOC by weight of product limits of Regulation 8 Rule 49.
5.504.4.3.2 Verification. Verification of compliance with this section shall be provided at the request of the enforcing agency. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, the following:
Manufacturer’s product specification
Field verification of on-site product containers
NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
TABLE 5.504.4.3 VOC CONTENT LIMITS FOR ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS 2, 3
Grams of VOC per Liter of Coating, Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds
| COATING CATEGORY | CURENT LIMIT |
|---|---|
| Flat coatings | 50 |
| Nonflat coatings | 100 |
| Nonflat-high gloss coatings | 150 |
| SPECIALTY COATINGS | |
| Aluminum roof coatings | 400 |
| Basement specialty coatings | 400 |
| Bituminous roof coatings | 50 |
| Bituminous roof primers | 350 |
| Bond breakers | 350 |
| Concrete curing compounds | 350 |
| Concrete/masonry sealers | 100 |
| Driveway sealers | 50 |
| Dry fog coatings | 150 |
| Faux finishing coatings | 350 |
| Fire resistive coatings | 350 |
| Floor coatings | 100 |
| Form-release compounds | 250 |
| Graphic arts coatings (sign paints) | 500 |
| High temperature coatings | 420 |
| Industrial maintenance coatings | 250 |
| Low solids coatings1 | 120 |
| Magnesite cement coatings | 450 |
| Mastic texture coatings | 100 |
| Metallic pigmented coatings | 500 |
| Multicolor coatings | 250 |
| Pretreatment wash primers | 420 |
| Primers, sealers, and undercoaters | 100 |
| Reactive penetrating sealers | 350 |
| Recycled coatings | 250 |
| Roof coatings | 50 |
| Rust preventative coatings | 250 |
| Shellacs Clear Opaque |
730 550 |
| Specialty primers, sealers and undercoaters | 100 |
| Stains | 250 |
| Stone consolidants | 450 |
| Swimming pool coatings | 340 |
| Traffic marking coatings | 100 |
| Tub and tile refinish coatings | 420 |
| Waterproofing membranes | 250 |
| Wood coatings | 275 |
| Wood preservatives | 350 |
| Zinc-rich primers | 340 |
Grams of VOC per liter of coating, including water and including exempt compounds.
The specified limits remain in effect unless revised limits are listed in subsequent columns in the table.
Values in this table are derived from those specified by the California Air Resources Board, Architectural Coatings Suggested Control Measure, February 1, 2008. More information is available from the Air Resources Board.
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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NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
5.504.4.4 Carpet systems. All carpet installed in the building interior shall meet at least one of the following testing and product requirements:
Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus Program;
Compliant with the VOC-emission limits and testing requirements specified in the California Department of Public Health Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers, Version 1.1, February 2010 (also known as CDPH Standard Method V1.1 or Specification 01350);
NSF/ANSI 140 at the Gold level or higher;
Scientific Certifications Systems Sustainable Choice; or
Compliant with the Collaborative for High Performance Schools California (2014 CA-CHPS) Criteria and listed in the CHPS High Performance Product Database.
5.504.4.4.1 Carpet cushion. All carpet cushion installed in the building interior shall meet the requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label program.
5.504.4.4.2 Carpet adhesive. All carpet adhesive shall meet the requirements of Table 5.504.4.1.
5.504.4.5 Composite wood products. Hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium density fiberboard composite wood products used on the interior or exterior of the building shall meet the requirements for formaldehyde as specified in ARB’s Air Toxics Control Measure (ATCM) for Composite Wood (17 CCR 93120 et seq.) Those materials not exempted under the ATCM must meet the specified emission limits, as shown in Table 5.504.4.5.
TABLE 5.504.4.5 FORMALDEHYDE LIMITS 1
Maximum Formaldehyde Emissions in Parts per Million
| PRODUCT | CURRENT LIMIT |
|---|---|
| Hardwood plywood veneer core | 0.05 |
| Hardwood plywood composite core | 0.05 |
| Particleboard | 0.09 |
| Medium density fiberboard | 0.11 |
| Thin medium density fiberboard2 | 0.13 |
- Values in this table are derived from those specified by the California Air Resources Board, Air Toxics Control Measure for Composite Wood as tested in accordance with ASTM E1333. For additional information, see California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Sections 93120 through 93120.12.
- Thin medium density fiberboard has a maximum thickness of 5 /16 inch (8 mm).
5.504.4.5.1 Early compliance. Reserved.
5.504.4.5.3 Documentation. Verification of compliance with this section shall be provided as requested by the enforcing agency. Documentation shall include at least one of the following:
Product certifications and specifications.
Chain of custody certifications.
Product labeled and invoiced as meeting the Composite Wood Products regulation (see CCR, Title 17, Section 93120, et seq .).
Exterior grade products marked as meeting the PS-1 or PS-2 standards of the Engineered Wood Association, the Australian AS/NZS 2269 or European 636 3S standards.
Other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency.
5.504.4.6 Resilient flooring systems. For 80 percent of floor area receiving resilient flooring, installed resilient flooring shall meet at least one of the following:
Certified under the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) FloorScore program;
Compliant with the VOC-emission limits and testing requirements specified in the California Department of Public Health’s 2010 Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation Chambers, Version 1.1, February 2010;
Compliant with the Collaborative for High Performance Schools California (2014 CA-CHPS) Criteria and listed in the CHPS High Performance Product Database; or
Products certified under UL GREENGUARD Gold (formerly the Greenguard Children’s & Schools Program).
5.504.4.6.1 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that resilient flooring materials meet the pollutant emission limits.
5.504.5.3 Filters. In mechanically ventilated buildings, provide regularly occupied areas of the building with air filtration media for outside and return air that provides at least a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13. MERV 13 filters shall be installed prior to occupancy, and recommendations for maintenance with filters of the same value shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual.
Exception: Existing mechanical equipment.
5.504.5.3.1 Labeling. Installed filters shall be clearly labeled by the manufacturer indicating the MERV rating.
5.504.7 Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control. Where outdoor areas are provided for smoking, prohibit smoking within 25 feet of building entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows and within the building as already prohibited by other laws or regulations; or as enforced by ordinances, regulations or policies of any city, county, city and county, California Community College, campus of the California State University, or campus of the University of California, whichever are more stringent. When ordinances, regulations or policies are not in place, post signage to inform building occupants of the prohibitions.
52 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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NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Within the 65 CNEL or Ldn noise contour of a freeway or expressway, railroad, industrial source or fixed-guideway source as determined by the Noise Element of the General Plan.
5.507.4.1.1 Noise exposure where noise contours are not readily available. Buildings exposed to a noise level of 65 dB Leq-1-hr during any hour of operation shall have building, addition or alteration exterior wall and roof-ceiling assemblies exposed to the noise source meeting a composite STC rating of at least 45 (or OITC 35), with exterior windows of a minimum STC of 40 (or OITC 30).
5.507.4.2 Performance method. For buildings located as defined in Section 5.507.4.1 or 5.507.4.1.1, wall and roofceiling assemblies exposed to the noise source making up the building or addition envelope or altered envelope shall be constructed to provide an interior noise environment attributable to exterior sources that does not exceed an hourly equivalent noise level (Leq-1Hr) of 50 dBA in occupied areas during any hour of operation.
5.507.4.2.1 Site features. Exterior features such as sound walls or earth berms may be utilized as appropriate to the building, addition or alteration project to mitigate sound migration to the interior.
5.507.4.2.2 Documentation of compliance. An acoustical analysis documenting complying interior sound levels shall be prepared by personnel approved by the architect or engineer of record.
5.507.4.3 Interior sound transmission. Wall and floorceiling assemblies separating tenant spaces and tenant spaces and public places shall have an STC of at least 40.
Note: Examples of assemblies and their various STC ratings may be found at the California Office of Noise Control: http://www.toolbase.org/PDF/CaseStudies/ stc_icc_ratings.pdf.
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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
Overview- Section 5.101
- Section 5.102
- Section 5.103
- Section 5.104
- Section 5.105
- Section 5.106
- Section 5.201
- Section 5.301
- Section 5.302
- Section 5.303
- Section 5.304
- Section 5.305
- Section 5.401
- Section 5.402
- Section 5.403
- Section 5.404
- Section 5.405
- Section 5.406
- Section 5.407
- Section 5.408
- Section 5.409
- Section 5.410
- Section 5.501
- Section 5.502
- Section 5.503
- Section 5.504
- Section 5.508 OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY
- Section 5.505
- Section 5.506
- Section 5.507
- Chapter 6 — REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS
- Chapter 7 — INSTALLER AND SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
- Chapter 8 — COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
- Appendix A4
- Appendix A5