Skip to content
ChatProjectCodes

Earlier editions: 20222019

Chapter 17 — GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE LOOPS

1701.1 Applicability — 2025 California Mechanical Code

California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

Cite as: 2025 California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) § 1701.1 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission

Part I of this chapter shall apply to geothermal energy systems such as, but not limited to, building systems coupled with a ground-heat exchanger, submerged heat exchanger using water-based fluid as a heat transfer medium, or groundwater (well). The regulations of this chapter shall govern the construction, location and installation of geothermal energy systems.

Part I through Part V of this chapter shall apply to geothermal energy systems and district ambient temperature loop systems that circulate ground-ambient-temperature water to be used in end-use buildings as a thermal source or sink via water source heat pump or reversing chiller. The systems shall operate to permit independent and bi-directional heating and cooling for comfort and water heating such as, but not limited to, building systems coupled with ground district ambient temperature loops, a ground-heat exchanger, submerged heat exchanger using water-based fluid as a heat transfer medium, or groundwater (well), or such local resources to the advantage of the district. Central district auxiliary components shall add or reject heat to benefit district ability to reduce both power consumption and demand combined with energy sharing. The regulations of this chapter shall govern the construction, location and installation of ground temperature thermal distribution districts from 100 percent geothermal energy system to multiple hybrid district systems.

1701.1.1 Prior to Construction. Documents for permits shall be submitted prior to the construction of a building system, ground-heat exchanger, submerged heat exchanger, or water well. Permits shall be issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

1701.1.2 Equipment, Accessories, Components, and Materials. The mechanical equipment, accessories, components, and materials used shall be of the type and rating approved for the specific use.

1701.1.3 Indoor Piping. Indoor piping, fittings, and accessories that are part of the groundwater system shall be in accordance with Section 1703.5 and Chapter 12.

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
Export this section
▸Contents — California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4)
California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4)

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.