Title 24 · California Energy Code
Special allowances, exclusions and additional LPD provisions (display, task, historic, exit signs)
If a space needs extra lighting for displays or specialized tasks, California’s code allows limited additional LPD only when the lighting systems and locations meet the qualifiers in **§ 140.6(c)** and the Area Category rules in **§ 140.6(b)**; historic fixtures and exit sign wattage can be excluded when they meet the code’s historic/egress criteria.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
§ 140.6(c), § 140.6(b) and § 141.0(b)2L are the controlling sections for these topic areas; below I summarize the requirements in plain English and show the decision‑relevant details with the specific code references and file citations.
What the code requires — in plain English
- The California Energy Code allows limited additional lighting power beyond the general Lighting Power Density (LPD) allotment for specific purposes—display, decorative, wall/floor display, task and a few other qualified systems—when they meet the qualifiers and documentation requirements in § 140.6(c) and when the Area Category Method rules in § 140.6(b) are used (no trade‑offs between these special allowances and other allotments).
- Some lighting wattage may be excluded entirely from the Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power (for example, historic lighting components and exit signs) per the exclusions list tied to these sections and related tables.
The shortest rule: Additional LPD for displays and tasks is allowed only when the lighting system and location meet the qualifiers in § 140.6(c) and § 140.6(b); historic lighting components and exit sign lighting can be excluded from adjusted wattage when they meet the code criteria.
Requirements in detail
1) When additional LPD is permitted (overview)
- Additional LPD applies only where the area and lighting meet the qualifying conditions listed in § 140.6(c) (Area Category Method additional allowances) and the corresponding table entries (Table 140.6‑C / Table 170.2‑M for Area Category Method). Plans must identify the task/display areas and the lighting equipment used.
- The additional allowance taken is the smaller of: (a) the listed Allowed Additional Lighting LPD (W/ft2) × area, or (b) the adjusted indoor lighting power of the lighting installed (see calculation rules in the same section).
2) Key qualifiers and restrictions
- No trade‑offs: Additional allowances for display, decorative, wall display, floor display or task lighting may not be increased by decreasing other allotments (no internal trading) when using the Area Category Method (per § 140.6(c) / related Area Category rules).
- Plan documentation: Additional lighting power allowances are only valid if plans clearly identify task/display areas and the lighting equipment designed to illuminate them.
- Minimum use rule: Tasks performed less than 2 hours per day are generally not eligible for additional task allowances.
- Separate luminaires: Additional allowances must not use luminaires that are also used for general lighting in the same space.
3) Location / mounting rules for display allowances
- Wall display lighting must be mounted within 10 feet of the display wall to qualify (track lighting parts more than 10 ft from the wall do not count). Mounting height (MH) is measured from finished floor to bottom of luminaire; average mounting height may be used if multiple heights exist.
4) Historic building and exit sign exclusions
- Historic lighting components: Lighting systems in qualified historic buildings (as defined by the California Historical Building Code) are exempt from the lighting power density allowances only if they consist solely of historic lighting components or replicas. If historic components are mixed with modern components, only the historic/replica components are exempt; other lighting must comply.
- Exit signs and egress lighting: Watts for lighting that is required for exit signs subject to the California Building Code (CBC) are listed as excluded from Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power. Exit signs must meet appliance efficiency rules.
Decision‑relevant table (values and where to confirm)
| Decision element | Key practical value / rule | Where to confirm (code reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed additional LPD for a specific primary function (e.g., museum display) | See the “Allowed Additional Lighting LPD” column in Table 140.6‑C / Table 170.2‑M (W/ft2). Example: Museum Exhibition/Display additional allowance shown (e.g., 0.45 W/ft2 in Table entries). | § 140.6(c); Table 140.6‑C / Table 170.2‑M |
| How additional allowance is calculated | Additional allowance = smaller of (LPD listed × area) OR the adjusted indoor lighting power of the applicable lighting. | § 140.6(c) |
| Plan/documentation requirement | Plans must clearly identify task/display areas and lighting equipment to qualify. | § 140.6(c) |
| Tasks eligible for additional task LPD | Tasks must be performed ≥ 2 hours/day and be of sufficient quality/need; otherwise not eligible. | § 140.6(c) (qualifier) |
| Wall display mounting rule | Qualifying wall lighting must be mounted within 10 feet of the wall. | § 140.6(c); Table notes |
| Historic lighting exclusion | Historic lighting components or replicas in qualified historic buildings may be excluded; mixed systems: only historic components excluded. | § 140.6(c) exclusions list |
| Exit sign wattage exclusion | Lighting required for exit signs subject to the CBC is excluded from Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power; exit signs must comply with appliance efficiency regs. | § 140.6(c) exclusions list; see § 141.0(b)2L reference entries |
(If you need the exact table rows for a given primary function, see Table 140.6‑C / Table 170.2‑M in the code; sample entries and footnotes are in the code text.)
Exceptions & special cases
- Additional allowances are not available under the Complete Building Method; they are an Area Category Method feature only. Plans that use the Complete Building Method cannot apply these additional LPDs.
- Daylit zones: some additional allowances (examples in table footnotes) are not applicable in daylit zones—consult the table footnotes (e.g., transition lighting/off‑at‑night notes).
- Videoconferencing studios: special additional LPD for videoconferencing is allowed only when all of the extra control/scene switching, separate wall wash switching, and a signed installation certificate requirements are met.
- Historic buildings: if the building is a qualified historic building, only genuine historic fixtures or replicas are exempt—any mixed system requires the non‑historic lighting to comply with normal LPD rules.
Common mistakes
- Treating additional allowances as freely tradeable against other LPD allotments (they are not).
- Failing to document task areas and specific luminaires on plans — omission invalidates the additional allowance.
- Counting luminaires serving general lighting toward the additional allowance (the code forbids using the same luminaires for both).
- Assuming all historic lighting is exempt — only lighting in qualified historic buildings and only historic components/replicas are exempt. Mixed systems must be separated on the submittal.
- Forgetting that exit sign wattage may be excluded but the exit sign itself must meet appliance efficiency requirements.
Worked example — museum exhibition lighting (concrete numbers)
Scenario: a museum exhibition room, 500 ft2 of exhibition/display perimeter that qualifies for the display/additional allowance listed in the table as 0.45 W/ft2 (see the museum entry in Table 140.6‑C / Table 170.2‑M).
Step 1 — Compute the table-based additional allowance:
- Allowed additional LPD (table) × area = 0.45 W/ft2 × 500 ft2 = 225 W.
Step 2 — Compute adjusted indoor lighting power of the display luminaires:
- Sum the adjusted wattage of the actual display luminaires (after any applicable luminaire adjustments/PAFs). This total is compared to the table result. (If the installed display luminaires, after adjustment, consume 180 W, the allowable additional is the smaller value, so you may claim 180 W.)
Step 3 — Confirm qualifiers:
- The plans must show the 500 ft2 display area and the specific luminaires (and that the display luminaires are not also used for general lighting). The display luminaires must be mounted per any mounting height/wall proximity rules in the table notes if wall/display allowances are used. If any of these requirements are missing, the additional allowance is not allowed.
Related provisions (see these sections in the Code)
- § 140.6(b) — allowed indoor lighting power allotment, Area Category Method references and calculation rules.
- § 140.6(c) — specific methodologies for allowed indoor lighting power and the additional lighting power allowances (display, task, etc.), qualifiers and exclusions.
- § 141.0(b)2L — referenced in the code index as related to lighting power allowances / exclusions (see index and cross references).
- Table 140.6‑C / Table 170.2‑M — lists primary function area LPDs and Allowed Additional Lighting LPD values (W/ft2) and footnotes.
- Historic building rules (California Historical Building Code) — used when interpreting the historic lighting exemption.
If you want, I can extract the exact Table 140.6‑C lines for the primary function you care about (retail sales, library, museum, office, etc.) and run the same worked example for that space. The code text above is the source — see the cited table locations for row‑by‑row values.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
§ 170.2 High relevance — show source text
Additional LPD only applies to area within
30 feet of an exit. Not applicable to lighting in daylit zones.
8. Tunable white luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 2000K CCT, or dim-to-warm luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 500K CCT,
connected to controls that allow color changing of the luminaires.|1. Detailed task work—Lighting provides the high level of visual acuity required for activities with close attention to small elements and/or extreme close-up work.
2. MH denotes the luminaire mounting height of the qualified lighting systems.
3. Daylight adaptation zones shall be no longer than 66 feet from the entrance to the parking garage.
4. Reserved.
5. Portable lighting in office areas includes under-shelf or furniture-mounted supplemental task lighting qualifies when controlled by a time clock or an occupancy sensor.
6. Aging Eye/Low-vision areas can be documented as being designed to comply with the light levels in ANSI/IES RP-28 and are or will be licensed by local or state authorities for
either senior long-term care, adult day care, senior support and/or people with special visual needs.
7. Transition lighting OFF at night. Lighting power controlled by astronomical time clock or other control to shut off lighting at night. Additional LPD only applies to area within
30 feet of an exit. Not applicable to lighting in daylit zones.
8. Tunable white luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 2000K CCT, or dim-to-warm luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 500K CCT,
connected to controls that allow color changing of the luminaires.|Reserved.
Outdoor lighting. A. A multifamily or mixed occupancy outdoor lighting installation complies with this section if it meets the requirements in Subsections 170.2(e)6B and C, and the actual outdoor lighting power installed is no greater than the allowed outdoor lighting power calculated under Subsection 170.2(e)6D. The allowed outdoor lighting shall be calculated according to outdoor lighting zone in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-114. Exceptions to Section 170.2(e)6A: When more than 50 percent of the light from a luminaire falls within one or more of the following applications, the lighting power for that luminaire shall not be required to comply with Section 170.2(e)6:
i. Temporary outdoor lighting. ii. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Coast Guard.
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iii. Lighting for public streets, roadways, highways and traffic signage lighting, including lighting for driveway entrances occurring in the public right-of-way owned or maintained by a local municipality or utility. iv. Lighting for sports and athletic fields, and children’s playgrounds.
v. Reserved.
vi. Lighting of public monuments. vii. Lighting of signs complying with the requirements of Sections 160.5(d) and 170.2(e)7. viii. Lighting of stairs, wheelchair elevator lifts for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and ramps that are other than parking garage ramps. ix. Landscape lighting.
x. Reserved.
xi.
§ 0.20 High relevance — show source text
00|Display/decorative|0.20| |1. Detailed task work—Lighting provides the high level of visual acuity required for activities with close attention to small elements and/or extreme close-up work.
2. MH denotes the luminaire mounting height of the qualified lighting systems.
3. Daylight adaptation zones shall be no longer than 66 feet from the entrance to the parking garage.
4. Reserved.
5. Portable lighting in office areas includes under-shelf or furniture-mounted supplemental task lighting qualifies when controlled by a time clock or an occupancy sensor.
6. Aging Eye/Low-vision areas can be documented as being designed to comply with the light levels in ANSI/IES RP-28 and are or will be licensed by local or state authorities for
either senior long-term care, adult day care, senior support and/or people with special visual needs.
7. Transition lighting OFF at night. Lighting power controlled by astronomical time clock or other control to shut off lighting at night. Additional LPD only applies to area within
30 feet of an exit. Not applicable to lighting in daylit zones.
8. Tunable white luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 2000K CCT, or dim-to-warm luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 500K CCT,
connected to controls that allow color changing of the luminaires.|1. Detailed task work—Lighting provides the high level of visual acuity required for activities with close attention to small elements and/or extreme close-up work.
2. MH denotes the luminaire mounting height of the qualified lighting systems.
3. Daylight adaptation zones shall be no longer than 66 feet from the entrance to the parking garage.
4. Reserved.
5. Portable lighting in office areas includes under-shelf or furniture-mounted supplemental task lighting qualifies when controlled by a time clock or an occupancy sensor.
6. Aging Eye/Low-vision areas can be documented as being designed to comply with the light levels in ANSI/IES RP-28 and are or will be licensed by local or state authorities for
either senior long-term care, adult day care, senior support and/or people with special visual needs.
7. Transition lighting OFF at night. Lighting power controlled by astronomical time clock or other control to shut off lighting at night. Additional LPD only applies to area within
30 feet of an exit. Not applicable to lighting in daylit zones.
8. Tunable white luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 2000K CCT, or dim-to-warm luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 500K CCT,
connected to controls that allow color changing of the luminaires.|1. Detailed task work—Lighting provides the high level of visual acuity required for activities with close attention to small elements and/or extreme close-up work.
2. MH denotes the luminaire mounting height of the qualified lighting systems.
3. Daylight adaptation zones shall be no longer than 66 feet from the entrance to the parking garage.
4. Reserved.
5. Portable lighting in office areas includes under-shelf or furniture-mounted supplemental task lighting qualifies when controlled by a time clock or an occupancy sensor.
6. Aging Eye/Low-vision areas can be documented as being designed to comply with the light levels in ANSI/IES RP-28 and are or will be licensed by local or state authorities for
either senior long-term care, adult day care, senior support and/or people with special visual needs.
7.§ 100.1 High relevance — show source text
The allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for one area for which the Area Category Method was used may be increased up to the amount that the allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for another area using the Area Category Method, except that such increases and decreases shall not be made between conditioned and unconditioned space. D. Additional lighting power allowances other than general lighting power allowances shall be restricted when using the Area Category Method. Additional lighting power allowances for display, decorative, wall display, floor display, or task, may not be increased as a result of, or otherwise traded off against, decreasing any other allotment. 4. Calculation of allowed indoor lighting power: specific methodologies. The allowed indoor lighting power for each common use primary function area shall be calculated using the following method. A. Area Category Method. Requirements for using the Area Category Method include all of the following: i. The Area Category Method shall be used only for primary function areas, as defined in Section 100.1, that are listed in Table 170.2-M. For primary function areas not listed, selection of a reasonably equivalent type shall be permitted. ii. For purposes of compliance with Section 170.2(e)4A, an “area” shall be defined as all contiguous areas that accommodate or are associated with a single primary function area listed in Table 170.2-M. iii. Where areas are bounded or separated by interior partitions, the floor area occupied by those interior partitions may be included in a primary function area. iv. The allowed indoor lighting power for each primary function area is the Lighting Power Density value in Table 170.2-M times the square feet of the primary function area. The total allowed indoor lighting power for the building is the sum of all allowed indoor lighting power for all areas in the building. v. In addition to the allowed indoor lighting power calculated according to Sections 170.2(e)4Ai through iv, the building may add additional lighting power allowances for qualifying lighting systems as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 170.2-M under the following conditions: a. Only primary function areas having a lighting system as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 170.2-M and in accordance with the corresponding footnote of the table shall qualify for the additional lighting power allowances; and
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b. The additional lighting power allowances shall be used only if the plans clearly identify all applicable task areas and the lighting equipment designed to illuminate these tasks; and c. Tasks that are performed less than 2 hours per day or poor quality tasks that can be improved are not eligible for the additional lighting power allowances; and d. The additional lighting power allowances shall not utilize any type of luminaires that are used for general lighting in the building; and e. Reserved; and
f. The additional lighting power allowed is the smaller of: I. the lighting power density listed in the “Allowed Additional Lighting LPD” column in Table 170.2-M, times the square feet of the primary function, or II. the adjusted indoor lighting power of the applicable lighting; and g. Floor displays shall not qualify for wall display allowances. h. Qualifying wall lighting shall: I. Be mounted within 10 feet of the wall having the wall display.
§ 170.2 High relevance — show source text
The total allowed indoor lighting power for the building is the sum of all allowed indoor lighting power for all areas in the building. v. In addition to the allowed indoor lighting power calculated according to Sections 170.2(e)4Ai through iv, the building may add additional lighting power allowances for qualifying lighting systems as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 170.2-M under the following conditions: a. Only primary function areas having a lighting system as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 170.2-M and in accordance with the corresponding footnote of the table shall qualify for the additional lighting power allowances; and
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b. The additional lighting power allowances shall be used only if the plans clearly identify all applicable task areas and the lighting equipment designed to illuminate these tasks; and c. Tasks that are performed less than 2 hours per day or poor quality tasks that can be improved are not eligible for the additional lighting power allowances; and d. The additional lighting power allowances shall not utilize any type of luminaires that are used for general lighting in the building; and e. Reserved; and
f. The additional lighting power allowed is the smaller of: I. the lighting power density listed in the “Allowed Additional Lighting LPD” column in Table 170.2-M, times the square feet of the primary function, or II. the adjusted indoor lighting power of the applicable lighting; and g. Floor displays shall not qualify for wall display allowances. h. Qualifying wall lighting shall: I. Be mounted within 10 feet of the wall having the wall display. When track lighting is used for wall display, and where portions of that lighting track are more than 10 feet from the wall and other portions are within 10 feet of the wall, portions of track more than 10 feet from the wall shall not be used for the wall display allowance; and II. Be a lighting system type appropriate for wall lighting. Lighting systems appropriate for wall lighting are lighting track adjacent to the wall, wall-washer luminaires, luminaires behind a wall valance or wall cove or accent light. (Accent luminaires are adjustable or fixed luminaires providing directional display light.) i. Mounting height shall be the luminaire mounting height measured from the finished floor to the bottom of the luminaire. If luminaires are mounted at different mounting heights within the same space, the average mounting height of the luminaires qualified for the additional lighting power allowances in Table 170.2-M can be used to establish the mounting height of the qualified luminaires for calculations of the additional lighting power allowances of the qualified luminaires.
TABLE 170.2-M—AREA CATEGORY METHOD—LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES (WATTS/FT2) Col2 Col3 Col4 PRIMARY FUNCTION AREA ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER
DENSITY FOR GENERAL
**LIGHTING (W/ft2) **ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER
QUALIFIED LIGHTING SYSTEMSADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER
ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE
(W/ft2, unless noted otherwise)Storage 0.4 NA NA Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area 0.75 Display 0.25 Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area 0. California Energy Code High relevance — show source text
|100 psf|1 hr
23 min|||7|1, 2|11/3| |F/C-4-RC-9|4″|4″ deep (4370 psi);1/4″ reinforcement bars
at 6″ pitch with3/4″ cover;1/4″ main rein-
forcement bars at 4″ pitch perpendicular
with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-10|4″|4″ thick (5140 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|140 psf|1 hr
16 min|||7|1, 5|11/4| |F/C-4-RC-11|4″|4″ thick (4000 psi) concrete deck;
3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.; flush
with top surface; 4″ × 6″ x 13 SWG mesh
reinforcement 1″ from bottom of slab; 6′6″
span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-12|4″|4″ deep (2380 psi) concrete deck;
3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.; flush
with top surface; 4″ × 6″ x 13 SWG mesh
reinforcement 1″ from bottom surface;
6′6″ span restrained.|150 psf|1 hr
3 min|||7|1, 2|1| |F/C-4-RC-13|41/2″|41/2″ thick (5200 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/4″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|140 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-14|41/2″|41/2″ deep (2525 psi) concrete deck;1/4″
reinforcement bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″
cover;3/8″ main reinforcement bars at
33/8″ pitch perpendicular with1/2″ cover;
13′1″ span restrained.|150 psf|42 min|||7|1, 5|2/3| |F/C-4-RC-15|41/2″|41/2″ deep (4830 psi) concrete deck;
11/2″ × No.§ 2-3 High relevance — show source text
6(h)2-3, 130.1(b), 141.0(b)2L, 160.5(b)4B, 180.2(b)4B Lighting permit140.6(c)1C Lighting power 110.12(c), 110.12(d), 110.9(b)3A, 120.6(b)3B, 120.6(f)1, 130.1(c), 130.1(d)3C, 130.1(f)7,
INDEX
130.2(b), 130.2(c)2B, 130.2(c)3, 130.3(a)2B, 130.4(b), 140.6, 140.7, 140.8(a), 141.0(b)2I, 141.0(b)2l, 141.0(b)2L, 150.0(k)2F, 160.5(b)4C, 160.5(b)4D, 160.5(b)4F, 160.5(c)1E, 160.5(c)2, 160.5(d)2B, 160.5(e)2, 170.2(b), 170.2(e), 180.2(b)4B Lighting Power Adjustment Factors (PAF) Table 140.6-A, Table
170.2-L Lighting power allotment 140.6(b), 140.6(c)1D, 140.6(c)3B-F, 170.2(c)3, 170.2(e)4B Lighting power allowances 140.6(c)2G, 140.6(c)3E, 140.7(b)3, 140.7(d)1, 141.0(b)2L, 170.2(e)4A, 170.2(e)4B, Table 170.2-N, 170.2(e)6B, 180.2(b)4 Lighting power density 120.6(f)1, 140.6(a)1, 140.6(a)3Q, 140.6(b)3, 140.6(c)2F, 140.6(c)2G, 140.6(c)3F, 140.6(c)3G, Table140.6-B, Table 140.6-C, 170.2(e)2C, 170.2(e)4A, B, Table 170.2-M, Table 170.2-Q Lighting system 120.6(h)6, 120.8(c)2, 140.3(c), 140.6(a)2C, 140.6(a)2H, 140.6(a)2J, 140.6(c)2G, 140.6(c)3G, 141.0(b)2G, Table 141.0-E, Table 141.0-F, 150.2(b)1K, 160.5(b)4D, 170.2(b), 170.2(e)2B, 170.2(e)2B, 170.2(e)2B, 170.2(e)4A, 170.2(e)4B, 170.2(e)6D, 180.2(b)4, Table 180.2-E Lighting tracks 140.6(a)2D, 170.2(e)2B Lighting wattage 130.4(b)7, 140.6(a)2F, 140.
§ 140.6 High relevance — show source text
Reserved.
5. Illuminated mirrors: lighting shall be dedicated to the mirror.
6. Portable lighting in office areas includes under-shelf or furniture-mounted supplemental task lighting when controlled by a time clock or an occupancy sensor.
7. Detailed task work: lighting provides the high level of visual acuity needed for activities that require close attention to small elements and/or extreme close-up work.
8. Specialized task work: lighting provides for small-scale, cognitive or fast-performance visual tasks; lighting required for operating specialized equipment associated with
pharmaceutical/laboratorial activities.
9. Precision specialized work: lighting for work performed within a commercial or industrial environment that entails working with low-contrast, finely detailed or fast-moving
objects.
10. Tunable white luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 2000K CCT, or dim-to-warm luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 500K CCT,
connected to controls that allow color changing of the luminaires.
11. Aging eye/low-vision areas can be documented as being designed to comply with the light levels in ANSI/IES RP-28 and are or will be licensed by local or state authorities for
senior long-term care, adult day care, senior support and/or people with special visual needs.
12. Transition lighting OFF at night. Lighting power controlled by astronomical time clock or other control to shut off lighting at night. Additional LPD only applies to area within
30 feet of an exit. Not applicable to lighting in daylit zones.
13. Class I facility is used for competition play for 5000 or more spectators. Class II facility is used for competition play for up to 5000 spectators. Class III facility is used for compe-
tition play for up to 2000 spectators. Class IV facility is normally used for recreational play and there is limited or no provision for spectators.
14. The additional videoconferencing lighting power shall be allowed provided the videoconferencing studio meets all the requirements of Section 140.6(c)2Gvii.|136 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
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- Allowed indoor lighting power allotments for all lighting power allotments other than general lighting shall be restricted as follows:
When using the area category method, allowed indoor lighting power allotments for specialized task work, precision commercial and industrial work, white board or chalk board, accent, display, decorative, videoconferencing studio, wall display, floor display, task, or very valuable display case, may not be increased as a result of, or otherwise traded off against, decreasing any other allotment.
(c) Calculation of allowed indoor lighting power: specific methodologies. The allowed indoor lighting power for each building type, or each primary function area shall be calculated using only one of the methods in Subsection 1 or 2 below as applicable.
- Complete building method. Requirements for using the complete building method include all of the following: A. The complete building method shall be used only for building types, as defined in Section 100.1, that are specifically listed in Table 140.6-B. (For example, retail and wholesale stores, hotel/motel, and high-rise residential buildings shall not use this method.)
§ 0.056 High relevance — show source text
A student pick-up/drop off zone
is a curbside, controlled traffic area on a school campus where students are picked-up and dropped
off from vehicles. The allowed area shall be the smaller of the actual width or 25 feet, times the
smaller of the actual length or 250 feet. Qualifying luminaires shall be within two mounting heights of
the student pick-up/drop-off zone.|Not
applicable|No
Allowance|0.056
W/ft2|0.200
W/ft2|No
Allowance| |**Outdoor dining.**Allowance for the total illuminated hardscape of outdoor dining. Outdoor
dining areas are hardscape areas used to serve and consume food and beverages. Qualifying
luminaires shall be within two mounting heights of the hardscape area of outdoor dining.|Not
applicable|0.004
W/ft2|0.030
W/ft2|0.050
W/ft2|0.075
W/ft2| |PER SITE: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft2).
May be used as additional allowance for applicable illuminated hardscape area on the site.|PER SITE: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft2).
May be used as additional allowance for applicable illuminated hardscape area on the site.|PER SITE: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft2).
May be used as additional allowance for applicable illuminated hardscape area on the site.|PER SITE: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft2).
May be used as additional allowance for applicable illuminated hardscape area on the site.|PER SITE: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft2).
May be used as additional allowance for applicable illuminated hardscape area on the site.|PER SITE: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft2).
May be used as additional allowance for applicable illuminated hardscape area on the site.| |**Special security lighting for retail parking and pedestrian hardscape.**This additional allow-
ance is for illuminated retail parking and pedestrian hardscape identified as having special
security needs. This allowance shall be in addition to the building entrance or exit allowance.|Not
applicable|0.004
W/ft2|0.005
W/ft2|0.010
W/ft2|No
Allowance| |**Security cameras.**This additional allowance is for illuminated general hardscape area. This
allowance shall apply when a security camera is installed within 2 mounting heights of the
general hardscape area and mounted more than 10 feet away from a building.|Not
applicable|No
allowance|0.018
W/ft2|0.018
W/ft2|0.018
W/ft2|140 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE
COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION 140.8—PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS
California Energy Code High relevance — show source text
3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 57/8″ pitch
with7/8″ concrete cover;3/8″ main rein-
forcement bars at 41/2″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ concrete cover;
13′1″ span restrained.|195 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-4-RC-7|4″|4″ (5025 psi) concrete deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/2″ pitch with3/4″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|140 psf|1 hr
16 min|||7|1, 2|11/4| |F/C-4-RC-8|4″|4″ thick (4905 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|100 psf|1 hr
23 min|||7|1, 2|11/3| |F/C-4-RC-9|4″|4″ deep (4370 psi);1/4″ reinforcement bars
at 6″ pitch with3/4″ cover;1/4″ main rein-
forcement bars at 4″ pitch perpendicular
with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-10|4″|4″ thick (5140 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|140 psf|1 hr
16 min|||7|1, 5|11/4| |F/C-4-RC-11|4″|4″ thick (4000 psi) concrete deck;
3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.; flush
with top surface; 4″ × 6″ x 13 SWG mesh
reinforcement 1″ from bottom of slab; 6′6″
span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-12|4″|4″ deep (2380 psi) concrete deck;
3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.California Energy Code High relevance — show source text
; 2′ C.R.S. with 1″ cover on
both top and bottom flanges; 13′1″ span
restrained.|60 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-6-RC-34|61/4″|61/4″ thick; 43/4″ (5120 psi) concrete core;
1″ T&G board flooring;1/2″ plaster under-
coat; 4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush
with top surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-6-RC-35|61/4″|43/4″ (3600 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush with top
surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|2 hrs
30 min|||7|1, 5|21/2| |F/C-6-RC-36|61/4″|43/4″ (2800 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush with top
surface concrete; 12″ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|80 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-7-RC-37|7″|(3640 psi) concrete deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 6″ pitch with 11/2″ cover;1/4″
reinforcement bars at 5″ pitch perpendic-
ular with 11/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|169 psf|6 hrs|||7|1, 14|6| |F/C-7-RC-38|7″|(4060 psi) concrete deck; 4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs
R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S. with 11/2″ cover on both
top and bottom flanges; 4″ × 6″ × 13 SWG
mesh reinforcement 11/2″ from bottom of
slab; 13′1″ span restrained.|175 psf|6 hrs|||7|1, 14|6| |F/C-7-RC-39|71/4″|53/4″ (4010 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat;
4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.California Energy Code High relevance — show source text
; 2′6″ C.R.S. with 1″ cover on
both top and bottom flanges; 12′ span
simply supported.|115 psf|29 min|||7|1, 5,
13|1/4| |F/C-6-RC-31|6″|6″ deep (3450 psi) concrete deck; 4″ ×
13/4″ × 5 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S. with 1″ cover
on both top and bottom flanges; 12′ span
simply supported.|25 psf|3 hrs
35 min|||7|1, 2|31/2| |F/C-6-RC-32|6″|6″ deep (4460 psi) concrete deck; 4″ ×
13/4″ × 5 lbs R.S.J.; 2′ C.R.S. with 1″ cover
on both top and bottom flanges; 12′ span
simply supported.|60 psf|4 hrs
30 min|||7|1, 10|41/2| |F/C-6-RC-33|6″|6″ deep (4360 psi) concrete deck; 4″ × 13/4″
× 5 lbs R.S.J.; 2′ C.R.S. with 1″ cover on
both top and bottom flanges; 13′1″ span
restrained.|60 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-6-RC-34|61/4″|61/4″ thick; 43/4″ (5120 psi) concrete core;
1″ T&G board flooring;1/2″ plaster under-
coat; 4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush
with top surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-6-RC-35|61/4″|43/4″ (3600 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush with top
surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|2 hrs
30 min|||7|1, 5|21/2| |F/C-6-RC-36|61/4″|43/4″ (2800 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S.§ 0.4 High relevance — show source text
D. Where areas are bounded or separated by interior partitions, the floor area occupied by those interior partitions may be included in primary function area. E. If at the time of permitting for a newly constructed building, a tenant is not identified for a multitenant area, a maximum of 0.4 watts per square foot shall be allowed for the lighting in each area in which a tenant has not been identified. The area shall be classified as unleased tenant area.
F. Under the area category method, the allowed indoor lighting power for each primary function area is the lighting power density value in Table 140.6-C times the square feet of the primary function area. The total allowed indoor lighting power density for the building is the sum of all allowed indoor lighting powers densities for all areas in the building. G. In addition to the allowed indoor lighting power calculated according to Sections 140.6(c)2A through F, the building may add additional lighting power allowances for qualifying lighting systems as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 140.6-C under the following conditions: i. Only primary function areas having a lighting system as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 140.6-C and in accordance with the corresponding footnote of the table shall qualify for the additional lighting power allowances; and ii. The additional lighting power allowances shall be used only if the plans clearly identify all applicable task areas and the lighting equipment designed to illuminate these tasks; and iii. Tasks that are performed less than two hours per day or poor quality tasks that can be improved are not eligible for the additional lighting power allowances; and iv. The additional lighting power allowances shall not utilize any type of luminaires that are used for general lighting in the building; and v. The additional lighting power allowances shall not be used when using the complete building method; and vi. The additional lighting power allowed is the smaller of: a. the lighting power density listed in the “Allowed Additional Lighting LPD” column in Table 140.6-C, times the square feet of the primary function, or b. the adjusted indoor lighting power of the applicable lighting; and
2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 137
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE
COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
vii. In addition to meeting Sections 140.6(c)2Gi through vi, additional lighting power for videoconferencing as specified in Table 140.6-C shall be allowed in a videoconferencing studio, as defined in Section 100.1, provided the following conditions are met: a. A completed and signed installation certificate is prepared and submitted in accordance with Section 130.4(b), specifically detailing compliance with the applicable requirements of Section 140.6(c)2Gvii; and b. The videoconferencing studio is a room with permanently installed videoconferencing cameras, audio equipment, and playback equipment for both audio-based and video-based two-way communication between local and remote sites; and c. General lighting is switched in accordance with the requirements of Section 130.1(b); and d. Wall wash lighting is separately switched from the general lighting system; and e. All of the lighting in the studio, including general lighting and additional lighting power allowed by Section 140.6(c)2Gvii is controlled by a multiscene programmable control system (also known as a scene preset control system). viii.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the additional LPD allowance for a display if the same fixtures also provide general lighting?
No. The additional lighting power allowances must not utilize any type of luminaires that are used for general lighting in the building — the fixtures used for the additional allowance must be dedicated/identified for that purpose on the plans.
Are historic building fixtures always exempt from LPD limits?
No. Only lighting systems in qualified historic buildings that consist solely of historic lighting components or replicas are exempt. Mixed systems: only the historic or replica components are exempt; the rest must comply.
Do exit sign watts count toward the building’s adjusted lighting power?
Lighting required for exit signs subject to the CBC is specifically listed as an exclusion from Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power, but exit signs must meet appliance efficiency regulations.
What documentation do I need to claim an additional LPD allowance on plan review?
Plans must clearly identify the applicable task/display areas, show the lighting equipment used exclusively for those allowances, and demonstrate the area and mounting details required by the table footnotes. For some specialized spaces (e.g., videoconferencing), signed installation certificates and scene control documentation are also required.
Can I transfer an extra allowance from one area to another to cover display lighting?
No. Under the Area Category Method, additional lighting power allowances for display/task/etc. may not be increased by decreasing any other allotment — they are not tradable.
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