Title 24 · California Energy Code
How do Part 6 appendices and other Title 24 parts (local/modifications) affect applicability?
Part 6 appendices (like A4 or A5) are voluntary statewide; a city or county can make them mandatory locally only after submitting findings and getting approval from the California Energy Commission under Part 1 § 10‑106 and then filing the ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission per § 101.7; administrative rules and enforcement procedure references are found in Part 1 as called out by § 100.0(g).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Part 6 appendices such as Appendix A4 (residential voluntary measures) and Appendix A5 (nonresidential voluntary measures) are voluntary statewide and do not become mandatory unless a local jurisdiction formally adopts them as a local modification following the Part 1 approval process. The California Energy Commission retains authority to continue adopting mandatory standards in Part 6, and local jurisdictions that want to make voluntary appendices mandatory must submit an application and receive the required approval under § 10-106 (Title 24, Part 1) and then file an ordinance and receive acceptance per § 101.7 before enforcement. See § A4.201.1 and § A5.201.1 for the scope and required process, and § 100.0(g) for where administrative requirements and procedures are located.
The single most important rule: appendices in Part 6 are voluntary unless and until a local jurisdiction follows the Part 1 approval and filing process to make them locally mandatory.
Requirements in detail
Key decision dimensions
| Decision dimension | Values/thresholds | Effect on applicability | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appendix statewide status | Voluntary by default | Not enforceable statewide; advisory unless locally adopted | § A4.201.1, § A5.201.1 |
| Local adoption required? | Yes (if jurisdiction wants mandatory local standard) | Local ordinance + approvals needed before enforcement | § A4.201.1, § A5.201.1 |
| State agency approval process | Application & findings under § 10-106 (Part 1) | Energy Commission must review/approve prior to local enforcement | § A4.201.1, § A5.201.1 |
| Filing with BSC | Yes — ordinance must be filed and accepted (Section § 101.7) | BSC acceptance required prior to enforcement | § A4.201.1, § A5.201.1 |
| Administrative rules & enforcement procedures | Located in Part 1 (Sections 10-101 to 10-114) | See Part 1 for permit/enforcement/appeal details | § 100.0(g) → Part 1 §§ 10-101–10-114 |
| Interaction with Part 6 mandatory standards | Part 6 mandatory standards continue to be adopted by CEC | Local additions cannot conflict with state-adopted Part 6 unless approved under Part 1 | § A4.201.1, § A5.201.1 |
How the process works (step sequence)
- A local jurisdiction decides to make a voluntary Part 6 appendix (for example Appendix A4 or A5) mandatory locally. § A4.201.1 and § A5.201.1 require submission of an application and the required findings to the California Energy Commission and receipt of the required approval under § 10-106 (Title 24, Part 1) before the local rule can be enforced.
- After the Energy Commission verifies the filing and issues findings, the local jurisdiction must file an ordinance that expressly marks the local modification with findings and obtain acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission per § 101.7 prior to enforcement.
Where to look for the administrative details
- Administrative requirements (permitting, enforcement, local standards procedures, interpretations, claims of exemption, appeals) are located in Title 24, Part 1, Sections 10-101 through 10-114 as called out by § 100.0(g).
Exceptions & special cases
- State or other state agencies can adopt appendices or portions of codes for their own jurisdictional applications without the local Part 1 filing process — appendices sometimes apply where a state agency specifically adopts them. See the general appendices treatment in other Title 24 parts (for example, the Wildland‑Urban Interface Code notes appendices do not apply unless specifically adopted by a state agency or a local enforcing agency following statutory procedures).
- Voluntary appendices may reference mandatory Part 6 sections (for example, Appendix A4 references Part 6 requirements such as § 150.1) — compliance language inside an appendix will often require meeting Part 6 mandatory provisions as part of the voluntary measure. That does not make the appendix itself mandatory statewide.
- Effective date interplay: only standards effective at the time a building permit application is submitted apply to that permit; local modifications must be filed and accepted before they can be applied to permit work (see Title 24 administrative timing rules).
Common mistakes
- Assuming a Part 6 appendix is automatically enforceable statewide. (It is voluntary unless locally adopted.)
- Failing to obtain the California Energy Commission approval under § 10-106 before attempting to enforce a local modification.
- Forgetting to file the ordinance and findings with the California Building Standards Commission under § 101.7 before enforcement.
- Overlooking Part 1 administrative rules (permit timing, appeals, exemptions) that govern how and when local standards can be applied; these are found in Part 1 per § 100.0(g).
Worked example — City makes Appendix A4 mandatory for single-family
Scenario: City of Sunnyvale wants to require the energy efficiency measures in Appendix A4 for all new single‑family permits submitted after July 1.
- City prepares the ordinance adopting Appendix A4 provisions as a local modification, together with written findings explaining reasonableness and necessity. (Required by § A4.201.1.)
- City submits the application + findings to the California Energy Commission under § 10-106 (Part 1). The CEC reviews and issues the required findings. (No enforcement may occur until CEC approval is received.)
- After the CEC verifies the filing and issues findings, City files the ordinance and findings with the California Building Standards Commission seeking acceptance per § 101.7. City may not enforce the local Appendix A4 requirements until the BSC acceptance is complete.
- If the above is completed and accepted by the BSC before July 1, the city can require the Appendix A4 measures on permits with application dates on or after July 1. If acceptance occurs after July 1, those later permits are affected, but earlier permit applications are governed by the standards that were effective at their application date. (See permit effective‑date rules in Part 2/administration.)
Related provisions
- § 100.0(g) — Administrative requirements; points users to Part 1 administrative sections (10-101–10-114).
- § A4.201.1 — Scope and process for residential voluntary measures becoming local mandatory standards; requires CEC application/approval and BSC filing.
- § A5.201.1 — Scope and process for nonresidential voluntary measures (same requirements as A4 for local adoption).
- § 10-106 (Part 1) — The Part 1 section referenced by A4/A5 that governs CEC review/approval of locally adopted energy standards.
- § 101.7 — Filing and acceptance procedure with the California Building Standards Commission required after CEC findings (referenced in A4/A5).
- § 150.1 — Example Part 6 mandatory section referenced within appendices (appendix measures may require compliance with specific Part 6 mandatory provisions).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
§ 203.1.2 High relevance — show source text
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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
A4.203.1.2 Prerequisite options. In addition, a minimum of TWO of the efficiency measures specified in Sections A4.203.1.2.1 through A4.203.1.2.7 must be met.
A4.203.1.2.1 Roof deck insulation, or ducts in conditioned space. Meet one of the three options for the location of ducts and air handlers as well as insulation R -values and installation of a radiant barrier as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 150.1(c)9A or B:
Below roof deck insulation with a minimum R -value of 19; or,
Continuous above deck insulation with a minimum R-8 and with an air space present between the roofing and the roof deck; or,
All ducts and air handlers in conditioned space as specified in the Title 24, Part 6, Reference Appendix RA3.1.
A4.203.1.2.2 High performance walls. Meet the climate zone dependent U -factor or insulation R -value for either 2x6 or 2x4 framing as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 150.1(c)1B: maximum U -factor of 0.048.
A4.203.1.2.3 Compact hot water distribution system. Meet the requirements for installation of Compact Hot Water Distribution Systems specified in the Title 24, Part 6, Reference Appendix RA3.6.5.
A4.203.1.2.4 Drain water heat recovery. Meet the requirements for installation of Drain Water Heat Recovery specified in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Appendix RA4.4.21.
A4.203.1.2.5 High performance vertical fenestration. Meet the climate zone dependent U -factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) as rated in accordance with Title 24, Part 6, Section 110.6, and shall have a maximum U -factor of 0.21 in Climate Zones 1 − 16, maximum SHGC of 0.23 in Climate Zones 2, 4, and 6 − 14, and maximum SHGC of 0.20 in Climate Zone 15.
Exception to A4.203.1.2.5: Fenestration in Climate Zones 1, 3, 5, and 16 is not required to comply with the maximum SHGC requirements.
A4.203.1.2.6 Heat pump water heater demand management. For buildings with heat pump water heating, meet the requirements for installation of controls specified by Title 24, Part 6, Reference Appendix JA13.3.3.
A4.203.1.2.7 Battery storage system controls. For buildings with battery storage systems, meet the requirements for installation of controls specified by Title 24, Part 6, Reference Appendix JA12 for either the Time-of-Use Control or Advanced Demand Flexibility Control option.
§ 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION A4.201—GENERAL
A4.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards in the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required approval of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modification along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement. (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/build- ing-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A4.202—DEFINITIONS
A4.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).
RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.
SECTION A4.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH FOR NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS
A4.203.1 Energy efficiency. Newly constructed low-rise residential buildings shall comply with Sections A4.203.1.1 through A4.203.1.4.
A4.203.1.1 Long-term system cost (LSC). LSC rating for the building’s Proposed Design shall be computed by Compliance Software certified by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 100.1 and 150.1(b), and shall reduce the LSC required in the Compliance Software for minimum performance-based compliance with the California Energy Code by the compliance margin specified in Table A4.203.1.1. The rating shall be included in the Certificate of Compliance documentation.
TABLE A4.203.1.1—RECOMMENDED LSC MARGINS BY CLIMATE ZONES Col2 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE CLIMATE ZONE TOTAL LSC COMPLIANCE MARGIN 1 2.70 2 1.62 3 1.10 4 1.11 5 1.01 6 0.24 7 0.24 8 0.21 9 0.20 10 0.18 11 1.11 12 1.05 13 0.96 14 1.21 15 0.59 16 1.68 Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-9
§ 95827-8180 Medium relevance — show source text
3. Findings prepared by fire protection districts shall be ratified by the local city, county or city and county and filed with the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of Codes and Standards, P.O. Box 278180, Sacra- mento, CA 95827-8180 or 9342 Tech Center Drive, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 95826-2582.
— 1.1.8.2 Locally adopted energy standards California Energy Code, Part 6.
In addition to the provisions of Section 1.1.8.1 of this part, the provisions of this section shall apply to a city, county, and cities and counties adopting local energy standards applicable to buildings and structures subject to the California Energy Code, Part 6.
Applicable provisions of Public Resources Code Section 25402.1(h)(2) and applicable provisions of Section 10-106, Chapter 10 of the California Administrative Code, Part 1 apply to locally adopted energy standards amending the California Energy Code, Part 6.
1.1.9 Effective date of this code. Only those standards approved by the California Building Standards Commission that are effective at the time an application for building permit is submitted shall apply to the plans and specifications for, and to the construction performed under, that permit. For the effective dates of the provisions contained in this code, see the History Note page of this code.
Exceptions: (1) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Retroactive permits issued in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.12. (2) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Plans approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development or a Department- approved design approval agency for factory-built housing as defined by Health and Safety Code Section 19971. Approved plans, pursuant to the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1, Article 3, Section 3037 remain valid for a period of 36 months from the date of plan approval.
1.1.10 Availability of codes. At least one complete copy each of Titles 8, 19, 20, 24 and 25 with all revisions shall be maintained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of this code. Each state department concerned and each city, county, or city and county shall have an up-to-date copy of the code available for public inspection. See Health and Safety Code Section 18942(e)(1) and (2).
1.1.11 Format. This part fundamentally adopts the International Building Code by reference on a chapter-by-chapter basis. When a specific chapter of the International Building Code is not printed in the code and is marked “Reserved”, such chapter of the International Building Code is not adopted as a portion of this code. When a specific chapter of the International Building Code is marked “Not adopted by the State of California” but appears in the code, it may be available for adoption by local ordinance.
Note: Matrix Adoption Tables at the front of each chapter may aid the code user in determining which chapter or sections within a chapter are applicable to buildings under the authority of a specific state agency, but they are not to be considered regulatory.
§ 1.1.4 Medium relevance — show source text
1.1.4 Appendices. Provisions contained in the appendices of this code shall not apply unless specifically adopted by a state agency or adopted by a local enforcing agency in compliance with Health and Safety Code, Section 18901 et. seq. for Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code, Section 17950 for State Housing Law and Health and Safety Code, Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts. See Section 1.1.8 of this code.
1.1.5 Referenced codes. The codes, standards, and publications adopted and set forth in this code, including other codes, standards, and publications referred to herein are, by title and date of publication, hereby adopted as standard reference documents of this code. When this code does not specifically cover any subject related to building design and construction, recognized architectural or engineer- ing practices shall be employed. The National Fire Codes, standards, and the Fire Protection Handbook of the National Fire Protection Association are permitted to be used as authoritative guides in determining recognized fire prevention engineering practices.
1.1.6 Nonbuilding standards, orders, and regulations. Requirements contained in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, or in any other referenced standard, code, or document, which are not building standards as defined in Health and Safety Code, Section 18909 shall not be construed as a building standard. The nonbuilding standards contained herein are applicable in the wildland inter- face areas and can be cited as a section of this code, or where the section is identified on the tagline by the source document, the provision can be cited under the source document.
1.1.7 Order of precedence and use.
1.1.7.1 Differences. In the event of any differences between these building standards and the standard reference documents, the text of these building standards shall govern.
1.1.7.2 Specific provisions. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.
1.1.7.3 Conflicts. When the requirements of this code conflict with the requirements of any other part of the California Building Stan- dards Code, Title 24, the most restrictive requirements shall prevail.
1.1.7.3.1 CBC and CRC. Detached one- and two-family dwellings, efficiency dwelling units, lodging houses, live/work units, and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures, may be designed and constructed in accordance with the California Building Code or the California Residential Code, but not both, unless the proposed structure(s) or element(s) exceed the design limitations established in the California Residential Code, and the code user is specially directed by the California Residential Code to use the California Building Code.
1.1.8 City, county, or city and county amendments, additions or deletions. The provisions of this code do not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county governments to establish more restrictive and reasonably necessary differences to the provisions
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ADMINISTRATION
§ 100.0 Medium 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.
§ 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
APPENDIX A5-12 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION A5.201—GENERAL
A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards. It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required findings of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106, prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modifications along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A5.202—DEFINITIONS
A5.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
GEOTHERMAL.
LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).
PROCESS.
RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.
SOLAR ACCESS.
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.
SECTION A5.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH
A5.203.1 Energy efficiency. Nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings that include lighting and/or mechanical systems shall comply with Sections A5.203.1.1 and A5.203.1.2. Newly constructed buildings and additions are included in the scope of these sections. Buildings permitted without lighting or mechanical systems shall comply with Section A5.203.1.1 but are not required to comply with Section A5.203.1.2.
A5.203.1.1 Tier 1 and Tier 2 prerequisites. To comply with Tier 1, ONE of the following efficiency measures is required for all applicable components of the building project. To comply with Tier 2, TWO of the following efficiency measures are required.
A5.203.1.1.1 Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting requirements are described below.
A5.203.1.1.1.1 Newly installed outdoor lighting power shall be no greater than 90 percent of the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power, and general hardscape lighting within the scope of Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7(b)1 shall have a color temperature no higher than 3000K. The Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power calculation is specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7, Requirements for Outdoor Lighting.
Exception to Section A5.203.1.1.1.1:
§ 2404.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Vertical 2404.1 Walkways 2409.1 Grade (Adjacent Ground Elevation) 202 Grading Appendix J Grain Elevators 426.1.5
Historic buildings G106.3 Interior finishes 802.4
Manufactured homes G109
Modifications 104.2.4.1
Recreation vehicles G110
Site improvements G108 Site plan 107.2.6 Subdivisions G107
Tank G111
Temporary G113 Utility G114 Floodway Appendix G, 1612.3 Floor Construction (see Floor Construction, Wood) Draftstopping 718.3 Finishes 804, 805, 1003.4, 1209.1 Fire resistance Table 601, 711 Loads (see Floor Loads) Materials Chapter 6 Penetration of fire-resistant
assemblies 711, 714.5, 717.2, 717.6 Pipes and trenches 1809.15 Floor Construction, Wood Beams and girders 2304.12.1.1, 2308.8.1 Bridging/blocking 2308.8.6, 2308.11.7 Diaphragms 2305.1 Fastening schedule 2304.10.2 Framing 2304.4, 2304.11.1.2, 2304.11.3, Table 2304.11, 2308.8 Joists 2308.8.2 Sheathing 2304.8 Floor Level 1003.5, 1010.1.4 Floor Loads
Construction documents 107.2
Live 1603.1.1, 1607 Posting 106.1 Floor Opening Protection (see Vertical Opening Protection) Floor/Ceiling (see Floor Construction) Foam Plastics
Attics 720.1, 2603.4.1.6 Cladding attachment 1404.5.1, 1404.5.2, 1404.5.3 Cold storage 2603.3, 2603.4.1.2, 2603.5
Concealed 603 Covered mall and open mall buildings 402.6.2, 402.6.4.5 Crawl space 2603.4.1.6 Doors 2603.4.1.7, 2603.4.1.9 Exterior wall covering 806.6.1, Chapter 14 Exterior walls of multistory buildings 1403.12, 2603.5 Interior finish 2603.9, 2604 Label/identification 2603.2 Metal composite material (MCM) 1406.12
Plenums 2603.7, 2604.1.1 Roofing 2603.4.1.5 Siding backer board 2603.4.1.10 Stages and platform scenery 410.2.6 Surface burning characteristics 2603.3 Termites, protection from 2603.8 Thermal barrier requirements 2603.5.2
Trim 806.6.1, 2604.2 Type I and II construction 603.1
Walk-in coolers 2603.4.1.3
§ 1.10.4.3 Medium relevance — show source text
1.10.4.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.4, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 4], unless the entire chapter is applicable.
1.10.4.4 Reference to other chapters. Where reference is made within this code to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22, the respective sections in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A shall apply instead.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015 and 129790.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.5 OSHPD 5. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Acute psychiatric hospital buildings.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall also enforce the California Energy Commission—Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility type.
1.10.5.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter I, Division II.
1.10.5.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provision of Title 24, Part 2, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.5.
OSHPD 5 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 2:
Chapters 2 through 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 35.
1.10.5.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.5, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 5].
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 129680, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.6 OSHPD 6. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application —Chemical dependency recovery hospital not within an acute care hospital building or an acute psychiatric facility.
Enforcing agency —Local building department.
§ 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections that
are listed belowX Chapter/Section Appendix A5.2 X 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-11
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APPENDIX A5-12 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION A5.201—GENERAL
A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards. It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required findings of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106, prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modifications along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A5.202—DEFINITIONS
A5.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
GEOTHERMAL.
§ 203.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
A4.203.1.1 Long-term system cost (LSC). LSC rating for the building’s Proposed Design shall be computed by Compliance Software certified by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 100.1 and 150.1(b), and shall reduce the LSC required in the Compliance Software for minimum performance-based compliance with the California Energy Code by the compliance margin specified in Table A4.203.1.1. The rating shall be included in the Certificate of Compliance documentation.
TABLE A4.203.1.1—RECOMMENDED LSC MARGINS BY CLIMATE ZONES Col2 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE CLIMATE ZONE TOTAL LSC COMPLIANCE MARGIN 1 2.70 2 1.62 3 1.10 4 1.11 5 1.01 6 0.24 7 0.24 8 0.21 9 0.20 10 0.18 11 1.11 12 1.05 13 0.96 14 1.21 15 0.59 16 1.68 Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-9
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
A4.203.1.2 Prerequisite options. In addition, a minimum of TWO of the efficiency measures specified in Sections A4.203.1.2.1 through A4.203.1.2.7 must be met.
A4.203.1.2.1 Roof deck insulation, or ducts in conditioned space. Meet one of the three options for the location of ducts and air handlers as well as insulation R -values and installation of a radiant barrier as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 150.1(c)9A or B:
Below roof deck insulation with a minimum R -value of 19; or,
Continuous above deck insulation with a minimum R-8 and with an air space present between the roofing and the roof deck; or,
All ducts and air handlers in conditioned space as specified in the Title 24, Part 6, Reference Appendix RA3.1.
A4.203.1.2.2 High performance walls. Meet the climate zone dependent U -factor or insulation R -value for either 2x6 or 2x4 framing as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 150.1(c)1B: maximum U -factor of 0.048.
A4.203.1.2.3 Compact hot water distribution system. Meet the requirements for installation of Compact Hot Water Distribution Systems specified in the Title 24, Part 6, Reference Appendix RA3.6.5.
§ 1.10.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1.10.3.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Divi- sion II.
1.10.3.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provisions of Title 24, Part 2, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.3.
OSHPD 3 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 2:
Chapter 12.
1.10.3.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.3, amendments appear in this code without the acro- nym [OSHPD 3]. Adoptions are shown in the adoption matrix.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015 and 1226.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 129885 and 1226, Government Code Section 54350 and State Constitution Article 11, Section 7.
1.10.4 OSHPD 4. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Correctional treatment centers.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall also enforce the California Energy Commission—Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility types.
1-16 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ADMINISTRATION
1.10.4.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
1.10.4.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provisions of Title 24, Part 2, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.4.
OSHPD 4 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 2:
Chapters 2 through 10, 12, 14, 15, 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 20, 21A, 22A, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35 and Appendix L.
§ 106.9 Medium relevance — show source text
FEATURE OR MEASURE COMPLIANCE LEVELS Col3 Col4 NOTES FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenFEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
CALGreenTier 1 Tier 2 Tier 2 DIVISION A6.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development **A6.106.9 Building orientation.**Locate and orient the building as follows:
1. When site and location permit, orient the building with the long sides facing north and
south.
2. Protect the building from thermal loss, drafts and degradation of the building envelope
caused by wind and wind-driven materials such as dust. DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures A6.203.1 Energy performance. [OSHPD 1]
**A6.203.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1]**Buildings must comply with the latest edition of
“Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.”
A.5.203.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] Buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings
By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by 15 percent. SECTION A6.204 Prescriptive Measures **A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances.**All equipment and appliances provided
by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment
or appliance. A6.204.4 Commissioning. Building commissioning for all building systems covered by T24,
Part 6, process systems and renewable energy systems shall be included in the design and
construction processes of the building project. Commissioning requirements shall include as
a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.
**A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).**Documented before the design phase of
the project begins the OPR shall include items listed in Section A6.204.4.
**A6.204.4.2 Basis of Design (BOD).**A written explanation of how the design of the building
systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project and
updated periodically to cover the systems listed in Section A6.204.4.2.
**A6.204.4.3 Commissioning plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can a city enforce Appendix A4 immediately by local ordinance?
No. Appendix A4 is voluntary statewide; a city must submit required findings and receive CEC approval under § 10-106 and then file the ordinance with the BSC (§ 101.7) before enforcement.
Where are the administrative rules for locally adopted energy standards located?
Administrative procedures (permits, enforcement, appeals) are in Title 24, Part 1, Sections 10-101 through 10-114, as referenced by § 100.0(g).
If an appendix references a Part 6 mandatory section, does that make the appendix mandatory statewide?
No. Referencing a mandatory Part 6 section inside an appendix means compliance with that Part 6 requirement is part of the voluntary measure, but the appendix itself remains voluntary unless locally adopted following Part 1 procedures.
Do state agencies ever make appendices mandatory without local action?
Yes — some appendices may be adopted by a state agency for state‑jurisdiction applications; other Title 24 parts note that appendices do not apply unless specifically adopted by the state agency or adopted locally following statutory procedures.
What is the top compliance risk when a jurisdiction tries to adopt a voluntary appendix?
Enforcing the local requirement before completing the CEC approval and BSC filing/acceptance — doing so exposes the jurisdiction to noncompliance with Part 1 procedures.
More in California Energy Code
- Compliance paths, energy budgets, performance modeling and forms/software requirements
- Controls, commissioning, demand-response, sensors, and field verification/diagnostic testing
- Domestic hot water systems, efficiency, controls and installation requirements
- Electrical infrastructure, EV charging readiness, load management and demand controls
- Envelope construction, insulation, fenestration and thermal performance
- HVAC systems, ventilation rates, ducting, controls and testing
- Interior and exterior lighting power, controls and daylighting requirements
- Mandatory measures, appliance efficiency and certification requirements
- Photovoltaic requirements, BESS (battery energy storage) sizing and SARA procedures
- Reference appendices, test procedures, product certification and labeling requirements
- Scope, applicability, definitions and administrative requirements
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