Title 24 · California Energy Code
What are the formal rules of construction (mandatory vs permissive language)?
The California Energy Code’s Section 100.1(a) says: treat singular/plural flexibly when context requires; read “and” to mean all listed items are required and “or” to mean alternatives are acceptable; and read “shall” as mandatory while “may” is optional. See **§ 100.1(a)** .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
The California Energy Code’s rules of construction are stated in § 100.1(a): the code treats number agreement, conjunctions, and command language consistently — the singular includes the plural, and requires all listed elements, and “shall” is mandatory while “may” is permissive. These three short, categorical rules control how every requirement in Part 6 is read and enforced. See § 100.1(a) .
Read the rules exactly as written: singular/plural are interchangeable when context requires; “and” means all parts are required; and “shall” = mandatory while “may” = permissive. (See § 100.1(a) .)
Requirements in detail
Core rules (plain-English restatement)
- Singular / Plural — Where the context requires, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular: read a singular noun to allow multiple items if context so demands, and vice versa. See § 100.1(a).1 .
- Conjunctions (“and” / “or”) — Use “and” when all listed elements must be met or present. Use “or” where satisfying any one element is sufficient; the code avoids “and/or” and clarifies when alternatives are acceptable. See § 100.1(a).2 .
- Command words (“shall” / “may”) — “Shall” is mandatory; “may” is permissive (i.e., discretionary). See § 100.1(a).3 .
Decision table — when to treat language as mandatory vs permissive
| Decision dimension | Values to check | What it means for compliance | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number form | Singular vs Plural | Either form can apply to one or many items depending on context; do not assume strict one-for-one if context implies otherwise | § 100.1(a).1 |
| Conjunction type | “And” | All listed elements must be complied with / all must exist to trigger the rule | § 100.1(a).2 |
| Conjunction type | “Or” | Meeting one (or more) alternative suffices; code uses “or” instead of “and/or” where appropriate | § 100.1(a).2 |
| Command verb | “Shall” | Requirement is mandatory — compliance is required | § 100.1(a).3 |
| Command verb | “May” | Permissive — authorizes but does not require an action | § 100.1(a).3 |
How these rules interact with other Part 6 text
- When a Part 6 provision lists several requirements separated by and, you must satisfy every item to comply. If instead the provision uses or, satisfying any one listed item will comply. This interpretive rule is controlling whenever the text is ambiguous. See § 100.1(a).2 .
- The shall/may distinction is absolute for reading obligations in Part 6 — treat “shall” as a mandate enforced by permitting and inspection authorities; treat “may” as an allowance that the enforcing authority or applicant can choose to take or not. See § 100.1(a).3 .
Exceptions & special cases
- No separate exceptions are listed inside § 100.1(a). The subsection contains the three interpretive rules only; other exceptions or alternate compliance paths must be read in the specific substantive sections where they appear. See § 100.1(a) .
- Definitions and further interpretive guidance live in § 100.1(b) (definitions) and other code sections; if a term is defined elsewhere, use that definition unless context requires otherwise. See § 100.1(b) .
- Where context makes a different meaning necessary (for example, a heading or a defined term that imposes a specific numeric scope), apply that contextual meaning rather than a literal interchange of singular/plural. The text of § 100.1(a).1 anticipates this contextual adjustment. See § 100.1(a).1 .
Common mistakes
- Treating “may” as if it creates a requirement. Remember “may” is permissive and never imposes a mandatory obligation by itself. See § 100.1(a).3 .
- Interpreting “and” as “one or more” — when the code uses “and”, assume all items are required unless the text explicitly states otherwise. See § 100.1(a).2 .
- Ignoring plurality/context — reading the singular form to mean only one item even when context (multiple devices, multiple zones, etc.) clearly implies plural application. See § 100.1(a).1 .
- Looking for “and/or” — Part 6 avoids “and/or”; if you see an ambiguous connector, re-check whether the author intended conjunctive or alternative requirements per § 100.1(a).2 .
Worked example — applying the rules (concrete scenario)
Scenario (hypothetical): A Part 6 compliance rule states: “Duct systems shall have (1) maximum leakage ≤ 6%, and (2) insulation minimum R‑8.”
- Because the provision uses “shall”, both requirements are mandatory. See § 100.1(a).3 .
- Because the two elements are connected with “and”, the system must meet both the leakage and the insulation thresholds to comply. See § 100.1(a).2 .
- If the provision instead read “Duct systems may have (1) leakage ≤ 6% or (2) insulation R‑8,” then meeting either item would suffice and each would be permissive where “may” appears. See § 100.1(a).2 and § 100.1(a).3 .
(Notes: the numeric thresholds in this example are illustrative to show how the interpretation rules are applied; the interpretive rules themselves are those in § 100.1(a) .)
Related provisions
- § 100.1(b) — Definitions and cross‑references for terms used in Part 6. See § 100.1(b) .
- § 100.0 — Scope of Part 6 (context for applying rules of construction). See § 100.0 .
- § 110.0 — Systems and Equipment — General (example of mandatory requirement sections elsewhere in Part 6 where these interpretive rules apply). See § 110.0 .
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
§ 100.0 High relevance — show source text
Exception 1 to Section 100.0(f): If one occupancy constitutes at least 80 percent of the conditioned floor area of the building, the entire building envelope, HVAC and water heating may be designed to comply with the provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy, provided that the applicable lighting requirements in Sections 140.6 through 140.8, 150.0(k), or 160.5 and 170.2(e) are met for each occupancy and space, and mandatory measures in Sections 110.0 through 130.5, 150.0, and 160.0 through 160.9 are met for each occupancy and space.
Exception 2 to Section 100.0(f): If one occupancy constitutes at least 90 percent of the combined conditioned plus unconditioned floor area of the building, the entire building indoor lighting may be designed to comply with only the lighting provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy.
(g) Administrative requirements. Administrative requirements relating to permit requirements, enforcement by the Commission, locally adopted energy standards, interpretations, claims of exemption, approved calculation methods, rights of appeal, and certification and labeling requirements of fenestration products and roofing products are specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1, Sections 10-101 to 10-114.
(h) Certification requirements for manufactured equipment, products and devices. Part 6 limits the installation of manufactured equipment, products and devices to those that have been certified as specified by Sections 110.0 and 110.1. Requirements for manufactured equipment, products, and devices, when not specified in Title 24 Part 6, are specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601–1609.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code .
SECTION 100.1 — DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
(a) Rules of Construction.
- Where the context requires, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.
- The use of “and” in a conjunctive provision means that all elements in the provision must be complied with or must exist to make the provision applicable. Where compliance with one or more elements suffices, or where existence of one or more elements makes the provision applicable, “or” (rather than “and/or”) is used.
- “Shall” is mandatory and “may” is permissive.
(b) Definitions. Terms, phrases, words and their derivatives in Part 6 shall be defined as specified in Section 100.1. Terms, phrases, words and their derivatives not found in Section 100.1 shall be defined as specified in the “Definitions” chapters of Title 24, Parts 1 through 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Where terms, phrases, words and their derivatives are not defined in any of the references above, they shall be defined as specified in Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged (1961 edition, through the 2002 addenda), unless the context requires otherwise.
§ 25218.5 Medium relevance — show source text
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code .
SECTION 100.1 — DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
(a) Rules of Construction.
- Where the context requires, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.
- The use of “and” in a conjunctive provision means that all elements in the provision must be complied with or must exist to make the provision applicable. Where compliance with one or more elements suffices, or where existence of one or more elements makes the provision applicable, “or” (rather than “and/or”) is used.
- “Shall” is mandatory and “may” is permissive.
(b) Definitions. Terms, phrases, words and their derivatives in Part 6 shall be defined as specified in Section 100.1. Terms, phrases, words and their derivatives not found in Section 100.1 shall be defined as specified in the “Definitions” chapters of Title 24, Parts 1 through 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Where terms, phrases, words and their derivatives are not defined in any of the references above, they shall be defined as specified in Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged (1961 edition, through the 2002 addenda), unless the context requires otherwise.
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17 are the American Architectural Manufacturers Association/Window and Door Manufacturers Association/Canadian Standards Association document titled “North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights” (2017).
ACCA is the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
ACCA MANUAL J is the Air Conditioning Contractors of America document titled “Manual J-Residential Load Calculation,” (ANSI/ACCA 2 Manual J – 2016).
ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR CODE COMPLIANCE is a description of test procedures in the Reference Nonresidential Appendices that includes equipment and systems to be tested, functions to be tested, conditions under which the test shall be performed, the scope of the tests, results to be obtained and measurable criteria for acceptable performance.
ACCESSIBLE is having access thereto, but which first may require removal or opening of access panels, doors or similar obstructions.
ADDITION is any change to a building that increases conditioned floor area and conditioned volume. See also, “newly conditioned space.” Addition is also any change that increases the floor area and volume of an unconditioned building of an occupancy group or type regulated by Part 6. Addition is also any change that increases the illuminated area of an outdoor lighting application regulated by Part 6.
ADIABATIC PAD is a material located before the heat transfer surface of an adiabatic condenser, which precools the ambient air by becoming fully wetted during precool mode operation.
AGRICULTURAL BUILDING is a structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. It is not a structure that is a place of human habitation, a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged, or a place used by the public.
AHAM is the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
§ 653-5791 Medium relevance — show source text
Option 5 > Option 4 Factory-Built Housing Option 5 > Option 5 Employee Housing
Department of Water Resources [DWR]
water.ca.gov DWRwebcomment@water.ca.gov
(916) 653-5791 Plumbing for Recycled Water, Floodplain Construction
Division of the State Architect
dgs.ca.gov/DSA (916) 445-8100
Access Compliance [DSA-AC] (916) 445-5827 DSAaccess@dgs.ca.gov Access for Persons with Disabilities
Structural Safety [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Public Schools & Community Colleges, State Essential Services Buildings
State Historical Building Safety Board [SHBSB] (916) 445-7627 shbsb@dgs.ca.gov
Historical Building Rehabilitation, Preservation, Restoration or Relocation
Energy Commission [CEC]
energy.ca.gov Title24@energy.ca.gov (800) 772-3300 Building Energy Efficiency, Compliance Manual & Compliance Forms
Office of the State Fire Marshal [SFM]
osfm.fire.ca.gov codedevelopment@fire.ca.gov
(916) 568-3800 Fire & Life Safety
State Lands Commission [SLC]
slc.ca.gov MOTEMS.Public@slc.ca.gov (510) 741-4950 Marine Oil Terminals
State Librarian [SL]
library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation
2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE v
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HOW TO DETERMINE WHERE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE
Symbols in the margins indicate where changes have been made or language has been deleted.
This symbol indicates that a change has been made.
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vi 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
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CONTENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 6 . . . . . 1
SUBCHAPTER 1 ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS . . .1
100.0 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
100.1 Definitions and Rules of Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
100.2 Calculation of Energy Budgets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SUBCHAPTER 2 ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND
§ 323-9843 Medium relevance — show source text
State Librarian [SL]
library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation
2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE v
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
HOW TO DETERMINE WHERE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE
Symbols in the margins indicate where changes have been made or language has been deleted.
This symbol indicates that a change has been made.
- This symbol indicates deletion of language.
vi 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CONTENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 6 . . . . . 1
SUBCHAPTER 1 ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS . . .1
100.0 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
100.1 Definitions and Rules of Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
100.2 Calculation of Energy Budgets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SUBCHAPTER 2 ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND
BUILDING COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
110.0 Systems and Equipment—General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
110.1 Mandatory Requirements for Appliances . . . . . . . . . 39
110.2 Mandatory Requirements for Space-Conditioning Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
110.3 Mandatory Requirements for Service Water-Heating Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
110.4 Mandatory Requirements for Pool and Spa Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
110.5 Natural Gas Central Furnaces, Cooking Equipment, Pool and Spa Heaters, and Fireplaces: Pilot Lights Prohibited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
110.6 Mandatory Requirements for Fenestration Products and Exterior Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
110.7 Mandatory Requirements to Limit Air Leakage . . . . 57
110.8 Mandatory Requirements for Insulation, Roofing Products and Radiant Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
110.9 Mandatory Requirements for Lighting Controls. . . . 59
§ 406.5.4 Medium relevance — show source text
For purposes of calculating the interior area of the side, the height shall not exceed 7 feet (2134 mm).
Allowable tier areas in Table 406.5.4 shall be increased for open parking garages constructed to heights less than the table maximum. The gross tier area of the garage shall not exceed that permitted for the higher structure. Not fewer than three sides of each such larger tier shall have continuous horizontal openings not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in clear height extending for not less than 80 percent of the length of the sides. All parts of such larger tier shall be not more than 200 feet (60 960 mm) horizontally from such an opening. In addition, each such opening shall face a street or yard with access to a street with a width of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) for the full length of the opening, and standpipes shall be provided in each such tier.
Open parking garages of Type II construction, with all sides open, shall be unlimited in allowable area where the building height does not exceed 75 feet (22 860 mm). For a side to be considered open, the total area of openings along the side shall be not less than 50 percent of the interior area of the side at each tier and such openings shall be equally distributed along the length of the tier. For purposes of calculating the interior area of the side, the height shall not exceed 7 feet (2134 mm). All portions of tiers shall be within 200 feet (60 960 mm) horizontally from such openings or other natural ventilation openings as defined in Section 406.5.2. These openings shall be permitted to be provided in courts with a minimum dimension of 20 feet (6096 mm) for the full width of the openings.
406.5.6 Fire separation distance. Exterior walls and openings in exterior walls shall comply with Table 601 and Table 705.5. The distance to an adjacent lot line shall be determined in accordance with Section 705 and Table 705.5.
[BE] 406.5.7 Means of egress. Where persons other than parking attendants are permitted, open parking garages shall meet the means of egress requirements of Chapter 10. Where persons other than parking attendants are not permitted, there shall be not fewer than two exit stairways. Each exit stairway shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width. Lifts shall be permitted to be installed for use of employees only, provided that they are completely enclosed by noncombustible materials.
[F] 406.5.8 Standpipe system. An open parking garage shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 4-17
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
406.5.9 Enclosure of vertical openings. Enclosure shall not be required for vertical openings except as specified in Section 406.5.7.
406.5.10 Ventilation. Ventilation, other than the percentage of openings specified in Section 406.5.2, shall not be required.
406.5.11 Prohibitions. The following uses and alterations are not permitted:
- Vehicle repair work.
- Parking of buses, trucks and similar vehicles.
- Partial or complete closing of required openings in exterior walls by tarpaulins or any other means.
- Dispensing of fuel.
§ 2.5 Medium relevance — show source text
B. SBP = 1,000 pounds/foot for two or more solid dielectric cables (XLPE or EPR insulation).
C. SBP = 300 pounds/foot for PILC (lead) cables.
- Weight Correction Factor
This is an important factor to calculate because when you pull two or more cables in a conduit, the sum of the forces developed between the cables and the conduit is always greater than the sum of the individual cable weights. When you have three single cables of equal diameter and weight, you can expect a higher weight factor for the cradled position than the triangular position. Assume that the cables will sit in the cradled position (unless you are pulling triplexed cables from a single reel), because this will yield a higher and therefore more conservative pulling tension calculation.
For one or two cables
w = 1 single
For three cables in a cradled configuration Where 3 > J > 2.5
w cradled = 1 + (4/3)*(d/D − d)^ [2]
For three cables in a triangular configuration Where J < 2.5
w triangular = 1 � 1 − (d/D − d ) [2]
For four cables (quadruplex) in a diamond configuration Where J < 3.0
w diamond = 1 + 2 [d � (D − d) [2] ]
- Maximum Allowable Pulling Tension
The maximum allowable pulling tension is the lesser of the allowable tension on the pulling device and the maximum pulling tension that can be applied to the conductors.
Definition of symbols: w = Weight Correction Factor f = Coefficient of Friction W = Cable Weight, pounds per foot L = Length of conduit run, in feet
- Equations to calculate pulling tension formulas
A. Tension, Horizontal Straight Section T out = wfWL+T in
B. Tension, Natural or Factory Bend Section (except for “D” below)
T out = T in cosh (wf � ) + sinh (wf � ) x T in [2] + (WR) [2]
Where: sinh (wf � ) = (e [wf] [�] − e [−wf] [�] ) / 2 cosh (wf � ) = (e [wf] [�] + e [−wf] [�] ) / 2
And � = Angle of bend, in radians R = Sweep radius e = 2.718
038193 Page 20 of 27 Rev. #15: 03-25-22
UG-1: General Greenbook Minimum Requirements for the Design and Installation of Electric Conduit, Insulated Cable, and Facilities
Formulas and Parameters (continue)
C. Tension, inclined and Vertical Straight Section
(1) Pulling up a Straight Section
T out = WL (sin ( � ) + wfcos ( � ) ) + T in
Where: � = Angle of incline
(2) Pulling down a Straight Section (utilize equation for horizontal straight section)
T out wfWL + T in
§ 17958.5 Medium relevance — show source text
Amendments, additions and deletions to this code adopted by a city, county, or city and county_ pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5, together with all applicable portions of this code, shall also become effective 180 days after publication of the California Building Standards Code by the California Building Standards Commission.
1.8.6.2 Findings, filings and rejections of local modifications. Prior to making any modifications or establishing more restrictive building standards, the governing body shall make express findings and filings, as required by California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7, showing that such modifications are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. No modification shall become effective or operative unless the following requirements are met: 1. The express findings shall be made available as a public record. 2. A copy of the modification and express finding, each document marked to cross-reference the other, shall be filed with the California Building Standards Commission for a city, county, or city and county and with the Department of Housing and Community Development for fire protection districts. 3. The California Building Standards Commission has not rejected the modification or change.
Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of fire protection districts pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7(a).
SECTION 1.8.7—ALTERNATE MATERIALS, DESIGNS, TESTS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION
1.8.7.1 General. The provisions of this code, as adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code. Consideration and approval of alternates shall comply with Section 1.8.7.2 for local building departments and Section 1.8.7.3 for the Department of Housing and Community Development.
1.8.7.2 Local building departments. The building department of any city, county, or city and county may approve alternates for use in the erection, construction, reconstruction, movement, enlargement, conversion, alteration, repair, removal, demolition or arrangement of apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels, lodging houses, dwellings or accessory structures, except for the following: 1. Structures located in mobilehome parks as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18214. 2. Structures located in special occupancy parks as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18862.43. 3. Factory-built housing as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 19971.
1.8.7.2.1 Approval of alternates. The consideration and approval of alternates by a local building department shall comply with the following procedures and limitations: 1. The approval shall be granted on a case-by-case basis. 2. Evidence shall be submitted to substantiate claims that the proposed alternate, in performance, safety and protection of life and health, conforms to, or is at least equivalent to, the standards contained in this code and other rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. 3. The local building department may require tests performed by an approved testing agency at the expense of the owner or owner’s agent as proof of compliance. _4.
§ 1208.4 Medium relevance — show source text
An ADU also includes the following: (A) An efficiency unit. (B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (a)
Accessory Structure A structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling located on the same lot. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (b)
Applicant The person or party responsible for the submittal of an application seeking a permit.
Application A formal request to perform work, which includes all information as required.
Certificate of Occupancy A document issued by local California Building and Safety departments which certifies that a commercial space or newly constructed residential building has been inspected for compliance with the California Building Standards Code and local ordinances which govern construction and occupancy. Source: 2022 California Residential Code section R110
Common Interest Development Any of the following:
(a) A community apartment project. (b) A condominium project. (c) A planned development. (d) A stock cooperative. Source: Civil Code section 4100
Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) A set of rules governing the use of a certain piece of real estate in each community. “Governing documents” includes declarations, bylaws, operating rules, articles of incorporation, or articles of association, which govern the operation of the common interest
8
development or association. Source: Civil Code section 4150
Efficiency Dwelling Unit A dwelling unit which contains a minimum of 150 square feet in living space, a separate closet, kitchen sink, cooking appliance, refrigerator, and a separate bathroom containing a water closet, lavatory, bathtub, or shower. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (a)(1); California Building Code section 1208.4
Habitable Space A space in a building for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces. Source: 2022 California Building Code section 202
High Quality Transit Corridor A corridor with fixed route bus service with service intervals no longer than 15 minutes during peak commute hours. Source: Public Resources Code section 21155, subdivision (b)
Impact Fee “Impact fee” has the same meaning as the term “fee” as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66000, and includes the fees specified in Section 66477. “Impact fee” does not include any connection fee or capacity charge charged by a local agency, special district, or water corporation. Source: Government Code section 66324, subdivision (c)(2)
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) A unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within a singlefamily residence. A JADU may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (d)
Livable Space A space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (e)
Living Area The interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (f)
Local Agency A city, county, or city and county, whether general law or chartered. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (g)
§ 1.2. Medium relevance — show source text
1.2. Permits and Inspections
Builders who are constructing new buildings or remodeling existing buildings must conform to the following guidance documents.
A. The current provisions of city and county ordinances.
B. Rules on file with, or issued by, the CPUC.
C. Applicable rules and laws of the state of California, including, but not limited to, the following three codes.
- Plumbing codes - Mechanical codes - Electric codesLocal and state ordinances require applicants to obtain the appropriate permits and final inspections before PG&E establishes services to any building or structure.
In areas where local ordinances governing gas or electrical installations do not exist, or where inspections provided by local jurisdictions for such installations are not available, the applicant must obtain written confirmation from a qualified person that the facilities meet the requirements specified in this manual.
PG&E will not establish gas or electric service until the gas piping or electric service facilities are installed satisfactorily.
N OTE : Gas meter release forms obtained from a permitting agency must include the specific, requested pressure (e.g., 7-inches w.c., 2 psig, 5 psig).
1-3 2022 – 2023
Section 1, General
1.2. (continued)
PG&E’s inspection process includes service requirements that are not governed by local or state codes. Parts of the applicant’s installation may require approval by state, local, and PG&E inspectors .
1.2.1. Pre-Construction Meetings
All applicant-installed and shared construction jobs require a pre-construction meeting. Pre-construction meetings provide a time to discuss safety requirements and expectations and to complete a pre-construction meeting checklist.
The pre-construction meeting is intended to:
- Introduce key individuals and exchange contact information. - Discuss the project timelines. - Advise personnel about construction obligations and requirements. - Review construction drawings and gas service records (GSRs). - Discuss warranty obligations. - Clarify roles and responsibilities. - Discuss proper PG&E operator qualifications for covered tasks. - Confirm if there is a Facility at Risk letter. - Confirm applicant responsibilities for as-built documentation.The PG&E job owner is responsible for scheduling and facilitating pre-construction meetings and for ensuring that Form TD-4462M-F01, “Pre-Construction Meeting Checklist,” is completed. Participants in formal pre-construction meetings must include :
- Applicant and the applicant’s representative - Applicant’s contractor - PG&E’s senior new business representative (SNBR), new businessrepresentative (NBR), or industrial power engineer (IPE)
- PG&E’s gas and electric inspectors - Representatives from all other joint trench utilities - Corrosion mechanic, as neededResponsible PG&E employees and contract personnel must follow Company qualifications, operator qualifications (OQs), standards, and procedures related to job-specific inspections.
2022 – 2023 1-4
Residential
Nonresidential
Section 1, General
1.3. Applying for Building and Renovation Services
§ 1.8.4.1 Medium relevance — show source text
**_ 1.8.4.1 Permits. A written construction permit shall be obtained from the enforcing agency prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, installation, relocation, or alteration of any mechanical system. Exceptions: (1) Work exempt from permits as specified in Chapter 1, Scope and Administration, Division II, Section 104.2 Items (1) through (5) of this code. (2) Changes, alterations, or repairs of a minor nature not affecting structural features, egress, sanitation, safety, or accessibility as determined by the enforcing agency.
(3) Retroactive permits issued in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.12.
Exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of other provisions of law or this code. 1.8.4.2 Fees. Subject to other provisions of law, the governing body of any city, county, or city and county may prescribe fees to defray the cost of enforcement of rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The amount of the fees shall not exceed the amount reasonably neces- sary to administer or process permits, certificates, forms, or other documents, or to defray the costs of enforcement. For additional information, see State Housing Law, Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1.5, Section 17951 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Divi- sion 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, Article 3, commencing with Section 6.
1.8.4.3 Plan Review and Time Limitations. Subject to other provisions of law, provisions related to plan checking, prohibition of excessive delays, and contracting with or employment of private parties to perform plan checking are set forth in the State Housing Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17960.1, and for employee housing, in Health and Safety Code Section 17021. 1.8.4.3.1 Retention of Plans. The building depart- ment of every city, county, or city and county shall maintain an official copy, microfilm, or electronic or other type of photographic copy of the plans of every building, during the life of the building, for which the department issued a building permit. Exceptions: (1) Single or multiple dwellings not more than two stories and basement in height. (2) Garages and other structures appurtenant to buildings listed in Exception 1. (3) Farm or ranch buildings appurtenant to build- ings listed in Exception 1. (4) Any one-story building where the span between bearing walls does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm), except a steel frame or concrete building. All plans for common interest developments as defined in Section 4100 of the California Civil Code shall be retained. For additional information regarding plan retention and reproduction of plans by an enforcing agency, see Health and Safety Code Sections 19850 through 19852. 1.8.4.4 Inspections. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes _until approved.
§ 1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments
To distinguish between model code language and the incorporated California amendments, including exclusive California standards, California amendments will appear in italics.
[BSC] This is an example of a state agency acronym used to identify an adoption or amendment by the agency. The acronyms will appear at California Amendments and in the Matrix Adoption Tables. Sections 1.2 through 1.14 in Chapter 1, Division 1 of the Cali- fornia Building Code, explain the used acronyms, the application of state agency adoptions to building occupancies or building features, the enforcement agency as designated by state law (may be the state adopting agency or local building or fire official), the authority in state law for the state agency to make the adoption, and the specific state law being implemented by the agency’s adoption. The following acronyms are used in Title 24 to identify the state adopting agency making an adoption.
Legend of Acronyms of Adopting State Agencies
BSC California Building Standards Commission (see Section 1.2)
BSC-CG California Building Standards Commission-CALGreen (see Section 1.2.2)
BSCC Board of State and Community Corrections (see Section 1.3)
SFM Office of the State Fire Marshal (see Section 1.11)
HCD 1 Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.1)
HCD 2 Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.3)
HCD 1/AC Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.2)
DSA-AC Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance (see Section 1.9.1)
DSA-SS Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (see Section 1.9.2)
DSA-SS/CC Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety/Community Colleges (see Section 1.9.2.2)
OSHPD 1 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.1)
OSHPD 1R Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.1)
OSHPD 2 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.2)
OSHPD 3 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.3)
OSHPD 4 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.4)
OSHPD 5 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.5)
OSHPD 6 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.6)
DPH Department of Public Health (see Section 1.7)
AGR Department of Food and Agriculture (see Section 1.6)
CEC California Energy Commission (see Section 100 in Part 6, the California Energy Code)
§ 1.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Building Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Building Code is Part 2 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption the 2024 International Building Code of the International Code Council with necessary Califor- nia amendments.
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equip- ment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.
1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.
1.1.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applica- tions regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” in the front of the code. 1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California, and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2 for additional scope provisions. 2. Local detention facilities regulated by the Board of State and Community Corrections. See Section 1.3 for additional scope provisions. 3. Barbering, cosmetology or electrolysis establishments, acupuncture offices, pharmacies, veterinary facilities and struc- tural pest control locations regulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs. See Section 1.4 for additional scope provisions. 4. Section 1.5 reserved for the California Energy Commission. 5. _Dairies and places of meat inspection regulated by the Department of Food and Agriculture.
Frequently asked questions
When the code uses “shall” and then lists alternatives separated by commas, does “shall” apply to each alternative?
Yes — “shall” is mandatory and applies to the requirement as written. Whether the alternatives are conjunctive or disjunctive is determined by the connector: “and” requires all listed elements; “or” allows alternatives. See § 100.1(a).2–3 .
If a code section reads “appliances shall be A or B,” do I have to meet both?
No — “or” indicates that meeting A or B is sufficient. But because the sentence uses “shall”, you must choose and comply with one of the mandatory alternatives. See § 100.1(a).2–3 .
Does singular/plural interchangeability change numeric limits?
Not directly. § 100.1(a).1 directs that singular and plural forms are interchangeable when context requires; it does not change numeric thresholds. Read the numeric limit in its context and apply to the number of items indicated by that context. See § 100.1(a).1 .
Where do I find definitions for specific terms used to interpret a provision?
Look first in § 100.1(b) for Part 6 definitions; if a term is not there, consult the Definitions chapters of Title 24 Parts 1–5, and then Webster’s Third if still undefined. See § 100.1(b) .
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