Title 24 · California Energy Code
What buildings, work and occupancies does Part 6 apply to?
Part 6 applies to most newly permitted or government‑constructed buildings in the listed occupancy groups (A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R, S, U). It covers specific building parts (envelope, HVAC, water heating, lighting, pools/spas, signs, etc.), applies to conditioned and unconditioned spaces (lighting still applies in unconditioned stories), and includes practical mixed‑use exceptions when one occupancy reaches **80%** (conditioned area) or **90%** (combined area) thresholds. See **§ 100.0** for the controlling scope and the exceptions that matter (historic buildings, temporary structures, I‑3/I‑4).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
Part 6 of the California Energy Code applies to most new and newly permitted buildings in the listed occupancy groups and to specific building parts (envelope, HVAC, lighting, water heating, pools/spas, signs, etc.) as set out in § 100.0. Buildings are in scope when (1) they are one of the listed occupancy groups, (2) a building‑permit application is filed (or required) on or after the effective date (or the building is constructed by a governmental agency), and (3) the spaces are unconditioned, directly conditioned, indirectly conditioned, or process spaces — with a few statutory exceptions. § 100.0 is the controlling scope section that determines which buildings and which parts of a building must meet Part 6 requirements.
If a building is in one of the listed occupancy groups and is newly permitted or constructed after the effective date, Part 6 applies to its regulated systems and parts (envelope, HVAC, lighting, water‑heating, pools/spas, signs), even if some spaces are unconditioned — lighting rules still apply to unconditioned stories. § 100.0
Requirements in detail
Which occupancy groups are covered (first filter)
- Covered occupancy groups: Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R, S, and U. § 100.0(a).
When (permit/construct date) — second filter
- Buildings are in scope when a building permit application (or renewal required by law) is filed on or after the effective date of the Part 6 provisions, or when constructed by a governmental agency. § 100.0(a)2.
Which parts of the building are regulated
- Part 6 applies to the building envelope, space‑conditioning systems, water‑heating systems, pool and spa systems, solar‑ready provisions, indoor and outdoor lighting systems, electrical power distribution systems, and signs located indoors or outdoors—for buildings that meet the scope criteria and as shown in Table 100.0‑A. § 100.0(b).
Habitable stories and space conditioning rules
- All conditioned space in a story must comply with Part 6 (regardless of whether the story is a “habitable” story).
- All unconditioned space in a story must comply with Part 6 lighting requirements (even if the story is not habitable). § 100.0(c).
Mixed occupancies — how to treat multiple occupancies in one building
- Each occupancy’s spaces must meet the Part 6 provisions applicable to that occupancy. § 100.0(f).
- Exception (envelope/HVAC/water heating): If one occupancy is at least 80 percent of the conditioned floor area, the entire building envelope, HVAC and water heating may be designed to the provisions for that dominant occupancy — provided the lighting and mandatory measures listed are still met for each occupancy/space. § 100.0(f) Exception 1.
- Exception (indoor lighting): If one occupancy is at least 90 percent of the combined conditioned + unconditioned floor area, the entire building indoor lighting may be designed to the provisions for that dominant occupancy. § 100.0(f) Exception 2.
Special treatment by building type called out in § 100.0
- Single‑family buildings: Sections 150.0–150.1 apply to newly constructed single‑family buildings; compliance approaches and mandatory measures are specified in § 100.0(e).
- Multifamily buildings: Sections 160.0–170.2 apply to newly constructed multifamily buildings; compliance paths are specified in § 100.0(e).
- Nonresidential and hotel/motel (mechanically heated or cooled): mandatory measures are Sections 120.0–130.5 and the project must comply with either the performance approach (§ 140.1) or the prescriptive approach (§ 140.2–140.10). § 100.0(e).
Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick reference table)
| Decision dimension | What triggers Part 6 applicability | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Occupancy group | Building classified in A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R, S, or U | § 100.0(a) |
| Permit/construct date | Building permit application filed (or required) on or after effective date, or built by government | § 100.0(a)2 |
| Space types | Unconditioned, directly conditioned, indirectly conditioned, or process spaces are in scope | § 100.0(a)3 |
| Building parts regulated | Envelope, HVAC, water heating, pools/spas, solar‑ready, indoor/outdoor lighting, electrical distribution, signs | § 100.0(b) |
| Conditioned story rule | All conditioned space in a story must comply | § 100.0(c)1 |
| Unconditioned story lighting | All unconditioned space in a story must meet Part 6 lighting requirements | § 100.0(c)2 |
| Mixed‑occupancy threshold — envelope/HVAC | 80% of conditioned floor area → can use dominant‑occupancy envelope/HVAC/water‑heat rules (with provisos) | § 100.0(f) Exception 1 |
| Mixed‑occupancy threshold — indoor lighting | 90% of combined conditioned + unconditioned area → can use dominant‑occupancy indoor lighting rules | § 100.0(f) Exception 2 |
| Historic building exception | Qualified historic buildings follow California Historical Building Code; lighting subject to Section 140.6(a)3Q | § 100.0(a) Exception 1 |
| Temporary buildings/lighting | Local building department may waive compliance for temporary buildings/lighting or disaster response structures | § 100.0(a) Exception 2 |
| I‑3 and I‑4 occupancies | Buildings in Occupancy Group I‑3 and I‑4 are excluded per Exception 3 | § 100.0(a) Exception 3 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Qualified historic buildings are excepted from most of § 100.0(a); the California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8) governs them, and lighting in qualified historic buildings must follow the applicable Section 140.6(a)3Q provisions. § 100.0(a) Exception 1.
- Temporary buildings or temporary outdoor lighting (including some disaster‑response structures) may be exempt at the local building department’s discretion; those temporary structures must be removed when the permit expires. § 100.0(a) Exception 2.
- Occupancy Groups I‑3 and I‑4 are excluded from § 100.0(a) scope (see Exception 3). § 100.0(a) Exception 3.
- Mixed occupancy exceptions permit treating the whole building per the dominant occupancy when the 80% (conditioned area) or 90% (combined conditioned + unconditioned area for lighting) thresholds are met — but mandatory measures and certain lighting rules must still be satisfied separately for each occupancy/space as required. § 100.0(f) Exceptions 1–2.
Common mistakes
- Assuming an entirely “unconditioned” building is out of scope. Even when space is unconditioned, Part 6 lighting requirements still apply to unconditioned stories. § 100.0(c)2.
- Treating mixed‑use buildings as covered by one occupancy’s rules without checking the 80% (conditioned envelope/HVAC/water heat) and 90% (indoor lighting) thresholds and the accompanying provisos. § 100.0(f).
- Forgetting that permit/renewal date matters: a building becomes subject to Part 6 when a permit application is filed (or required) on or after the effective date—so timing matters for projects in design or phased permitting. § 100.0(a)2.
- Overlooking that certain building parts are explicitly called out in § 100.0(b) (e.g., signage, pools/spas, solar‑ready) — these can be regulated even when other parts would seem marginal. § 100.0(b).
Worked example — concrete scenario with numbers
Scenario: A 20,000 ft² mixed‑use building contains 12,000 ft² conditioned residential (Group R), 3,000 ft² conditioned retail (Group M), and 5,000 ft² unconditioned storage (Group S). The owner files the building permit after the effective date.
- Step 1 — Occupancy groups: Building includes Groups R, M, and S, all listed in § 100.0(a), so the building is in Part 6 scope. § 100.0(a)
- Step 2 — Compute conditioned area percentages: total conditioned area = 12,000 + 3,000 = 15,000 ft². Residential conditioned area = 12,000 / 15,000 = 80%. Because residential conditioned area is 80% of the conditioned area, the owner may design the entire building envelope, HVAC and water heating to the residential (dominant) occupancy provisions under the 80% exception — provided the other listed lighting requirements and mandatory measures are still met for each occupancy/space. § 100.0(f) Exception 1.
- Step 3 — Indoor lighting test for whole‑building lighting: combined conditioned + unconditioned floor area = 20,000 ft². Residential combined area = 12,000 / 20,000 = 60% (below 90%), so the 90% exception for whole‑building indoor lighting does not apply; lighting must meet the provisions applicable to each occupancy/space. § 100.0(f) Exception 2.
Conclusion: Envelope/HVAC/water heating can follow residential rules (because conditioned residential = 80%) but indoor lighting must be treated per occupancy (residential, retail, storage) because residential does not reach 90% of combined area. § 100.0(f).
Related provisions
- § 100.1 — Definitions and Rules of Construction (terms used in Part 6). § 100.1
- § 110.0 – § 110.12 — Systems and equipment mandatory requirements referenced by § 100.0 for manufactured products and installations. § 110.0
- § 120.0 – § 130.5 — Mandatory measures for nonresidential, hotel/motel buildings (referenced in § 100.0(e)). § 120.0–§ 130.5
- § 140.1 – § 140.10 — Performance and prescriptive compliance approaches (referenced in § 100.0(e)). § 140.1–§ 140.10
- § 141.0 — New construction (additions/alterations/repairs) in existing nonresidential/high‑rise residential and hotel/motel buildings; referenced by § 100.0 for alterations. § 141.0
- § 150.0 – § 150.2 — Single‑family buildings and additions/alterations for single‑family (referred from § 100.0). § 150.0–§ 150.2
- § 160.0 – § 170.2 — Multifamily building provisions and compliance approaches (referred from § 100.0). § 160.0–§ 170.2
- § 180.0 — New construction in existing multifamily buildings and related requirements. § 180.0
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
§ 180.4 High relevance — show source text
180.4 Whole Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
APPENDIX 1-A STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN
THE ENERGY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
APPENDIX 1-B ENERGY COMMISSION DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THEIR ENTIRETY . . 297
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
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SECTION 100.0 — SCOPE
(a) Buildings covered. The provisions of Part 6 apply to all buildings:
That are of Occupancy Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R, S or U; and
For which an application for a building permit or renewal of an existing permit is filed (or is required by law to be filed) on or after the effective date of the provisions, or which are constructed by a governmental agency; and
That are:
A. Unconditioned; or
B. Indirectly or directly conditioned, or process spaces.
Exception 1 to Section 100.0(a): Qualified historic buildings as regulated by the California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8). Lighting in qualified historic buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements in Section 140.6(a)3Q.
Exception 2 to Section 100.0(a): Building departments, at their discretion, may not require compliance for temporary buildings, temporary outdoor lighting or temporary lighting in an unconditioned building, or structures erected in response to a natural disaster. Temporary buildings or structures shall be completely removed upon the expiration of the time limit stated in the permit.
Exception 3 to Section 100.0(a): Buildings in Occupancy Group I-3 and I-4.
(b) Parts of buildings regulated. The provisions of Part 6 apply to the building envelope, space-conditioning systems, water-heating systems, pool and spas, solar ready buildings, indoor lighting systems of buildings, outdoor lighting systems, electrical power distribution systems, and signs located either indoors or outdoors, in buildings that are:
Covered by Section 100.0(a); and
Set forth in Table 100.0-A.
(c) Habitable stories.
- All conditioned space in a story shall comply with Part 6, whether or not the story is a habitable space.
- All unconditioned space in a story shall comply with the lighting requirements of Part 6, whether or not the story is a habitable space.
(d) Outdoor lighting and indoor and outdoor signs. The provisions of Part 6 apply to outdoor lighting systems and to signs located either indoors or outdoors as set forth in Table 100.0-A.
§ 120.0 High relevance — show source text
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ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, newly constructed nonresidential buildings and hotels/motels that are mechanically heated or mechanically cooled must meet the requirements of: a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 120.0 through 130.5; and
b. Either:
(i) Performance approach: Section 140.1; or (ii) Prescriptive approach: Sections 140.2 through 140.10. C. Unconditioned nonresidential buildings and process space. Sections 110.9, 110.10, 120.6, 130.0 through 130.5, 140.3(c), 140.6, 140.7 and 140.8 apply to all newly constructed unconditioned buildings and for process spaces within the scope of Section 100.0(a). D. Single-family buildings. i. Sections applicable. Sections 150.0 through 150.1 apply to newly constructed single-family buildings. ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, newly constructed single-family buildings must meet the requirements of: a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 110.0 through 110.10 and 150.0; and
b. Either:
(i) Performance approach: Sections 150.1(a) and (b); or (ii) Prescriptive approach: Sections 150.1(a) and (c). Exception to Section 100.0(e)2Diib: Seasonally occupied agricultural housing limited by state or federal agency contract to occupancy not more than 180 days in any calendar year. E. Multifamily Buildings . i. Sections applicable. Sections 160.0 through 170.2 apply to newly constructed multifamily buildings. ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, newly constructed multifamily buildings must meet the requirements of: a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 110.0 through 110.10, and 160.0; and
b. Either:
(i) Performance approach: Section 170.1; or (ii) Prescriptive approach: Section 170.2(a) through (f).
F. Covered processes.
i. Sections applicable. Sections 110.2, 120.3, 120.6, 140.9, and 141.1 apply to covered processes. ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, covered processes must meet the requirements of: a. The applicable mandatory measures in Sections 110.2, 120.3 and 120.6; and
b. Either:
(i) The performance approach requirements of Section 140.1; or (ii) The prescriptive approach requirements of Section 140.9. 3. New construction in existing buildings (additions, alterations and repairs). A. Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings. Section 141.0 applies to new construction in existing nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 141.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specify which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 141.0 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. B. **Single-family buildings.
§ 170.0 High relevance — show source text
SUBCHAPTER 11 MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE
AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES . . . . . . 237
170.0 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
170.1 Performance Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
170.2 Prescriptive Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
SUBCHAPTER 12 MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—ADDITIONS,
ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING MULTIFAMILY
BUILDINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
180.0 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
180.1 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
180.2 Alterations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
180.3 Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
180.4 Whole Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
APPENDIX 1-A STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN
THE ENERGY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
APPENDIX 1-B ENERGY COMMISSION DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THEIR ENTIRETY . . 297
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
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SECTION 100.0 — SCOPE
(a) Buildings covered. The provisions of Part 6 apply to all buildings:
That are of Occupancy Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R, S or U; and
For which an application for a building permit or renewal of an existing permit is filed (or is required by law to be filed) on or after the effective date of the provisions, or which are constructed by a governmental agency; and
That are:
§ 150.2 High relevance — show source text
For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 150.2 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. C. Multifamily buildings. Section 180.0 applies to new construction in existing multifamily buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 180.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specifies which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 180.0 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. 4. Installation of insulation in existing buildings. Section 110.8(d) applies to buildings in which insulation is being installed in existing attics, or on existing water heaters or existing space conditioning ducts. 5. Outdoor lighting. Sections 110.9, 130.0, 130.2, 130.4, 140.7, and 150.0 apply to newly constructed outdoor lighting systems, and Section 141.0 applies to outdoor lighting that is either added or altered. 6. Signs. Sections 130.0, 130.3 and 140.8 apply to newly constructed signs located either indoors or outdoors, and Section 141.0 applies to sign alterations located either indoors or outdoors.
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(f) Mixed occupancy. When a building is designed and constructed for more than one type of occupancy (residential and nonresidential), the space for each occupancy shall meet the provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy.
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.
§ 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.
§ 100.1 High relevance — show source text
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FIGURE 100.1-A CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ZONES
Climate Zones for Residential and Nonresidential Occupancies
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2 ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
SECTION 110.0—SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT—GENERAL
Sections 110.1 through 110.12 specify requirements for manufacturing, construction and installation of certain systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are installed in buildings within the scope of Section 100.0(a).
Note: The requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.12 apply to newly constructed buildings. Sections 141.0 and 150.2 specify which requirements of Sections 110.1 through 110.12 also apply to additions and alterations to existing buildings.
(a) General Requirements. Systems, equipment, appliances and building components shall only be installed in a building within the scope of Section 100.0(a) regulated by Part 6 only if:
- The manufacturer has certified that the system, equipment, appliances or building component complies with the applicable manufacturing provisions of Sections 110.1 through 110.12; and
- The system, equipment, appliance or building component complies with all applicable installation provisions of Sections 110.1 through 110.12.
(b) Certification Requirements for Manufactured Systems, Equipment, Appliances and Building Components.
- Appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations shall only be installed if they have been certified to the Energy Commission by the manufacturer, pursuant to the provisions of Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1606; or
- Systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are required by Part 6 or the Reference Appendices to be certified to the Energy Commission, which are not appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, shall only be installed if they are certified by the manufacturer in a declaration, executed under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that: A. All the information provided pursuant to the certification is true, complete, accurate and in compliance with all applicable requirements of Part 6; and B. The equipment, product, or device was tested using the test procedure specified in Part 6 if applicable
- The certification status of any system, equipment, appliance or building component shall be confirmed only by reference to: A. A directory published or approved by the Commission; or B. A copy of the application for certification from the manufacturer and the letter of acceptance from the Commission staff; or C. Written confirmation from the publisher of a Commission-approved directory that a device has been certified; or D. A Commission-approved label on the device.
Note: Part 6 does not require a builder, designer, owner, operator, or enforcing agency to test any certified device to determine its compliance with minimum specifications or efficiencies adopted by the Commission.
§ 170.1 High relevance — show source text
b. Either:
(i) Performance approach: Section 170.1; or (ii) Prescriptive approach: Section 170.2(a) through (f).
F. Covered processes.
i. Sections applicable. Sections 110.2, 120.3, 120.6, 140.9, and 141.1 apply to covered processes. ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, covered processes must meet the requirements of: a. The applicable mandatory measures in Sections 110.2, 120.3 and 120.6; and
b. Either:
(i) The performance approach requirements of Section 140.1; or (ii) The prescriptive approach requirements of Section 140.9. 3. New construction in existing buildings (additions, alterations and repairs). A. Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings. Section 141.0 applies to new construction in existing nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 141.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specify which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 141.0 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. B. Single-family buildings. Section 150.2 applies to new construction in existing single-family buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 150.2 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specifies which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 150.2 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. C. Multifamily buildings. Section 180.0 applies to new construction in existing multifamily buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 180.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specifies which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 180.0 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. 4. Installation of insulation in existing buildings. Section 110.8(d) applies to buildings in which insulation is being installed in existing attics, or on existing water heaters or existing space conditioning ducts. 5. Outdoor lighting. Sections 110.9, 130.0, 130.2, 130.4, 140.7, and 150.0 apply to newly constructed outdoor lighting systems, and Section 141.0 applies to outdoor lighting that is either added or altered. 6. Signs. Sections 130.0, 130.3 and 140.8 apply to newly constructed signs located either indoors or outdoors, and Section 141.0 applies to sign alterations located either indoors or outdoors.
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(f) Mixed occupancy. When a building is designed and constructed for more than one type of occupancy (residential and nonresidential), the space for each occupancy shall meet the provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy.
§ 601.1.1 High relevance — show source text
1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |601.1.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |607.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||||
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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6 CLASSIFICATION OF WORK
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method available as an option for rehabilitation of a building. The chapter defines the different classifications of alterations and provides general requirements for alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in Chapters 7 through 11.
SECTION 601—GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall be used in conjunction with Chapters 7 through 11 and shall apply to the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing structures, as referenced in Section 301.3.2. The work performed on an existing building shall be classified in accordance with this chapter. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.
Exceptions: 1. [SFM] Use of Chapters 6-11 is not permitted in H, I and L, R-2.1, R-3.1 occupancies and high-rise buildings. 2. [BSC] Use of Chapters 6-11 is not permitted in occupancies, buildings and applications regulated by Building Standards Commission and listed in Section 1.2.
601.1.1 Compliance with other alternatives. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 through 11 or with one of the alternatives provided in Section 301.3.
601.2 Work area. The work area, as defined in Chapter 2, shall be identified on the construction documents.
SECTION 602—ALTERATION—LEVEL 1
602.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.
602.2 Application. Level 1 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7.
SECTION 603—ALTERATION—LEVEL 2
603.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations include the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment, and shall apply where the work area is equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area.
Exception: The movement or addition of nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height shall not be considered a Level 2 alteration.
603.2 Application. Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 8.
SECTION 604—ALTERATION—LEVEL 3
§ 95827-8180 High 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.
§ 1.1.8.2 High relevance — show source text
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 apply to cities, counties and city and county amending adopted energy standards affecting buildings and structures subject to the California Energy Code, Part 6.
Applicable provisions of Public Resources Code Section 25402.1 and applicable provisions of Chapter 10 of the California Adminis- trative Code, Part 1 apply to local amendment of energy standards adopted by the California Energy Commission.
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.
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 California Fire Code by reference on a chapter-by-chapter basis. When a specific chapter of the California Fire Code is not printed in the code and is marked “Reserved,” such chapter of the California Fire Code is not adopted as a portion of this code. When a specific chapter of the California Fire Code is marked “Not adopted by the State of Califor- nia,” 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.
1.1.12 Validity. If any chapter, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, contrary to statute, exceeding the authority of the state as stipulated by statutes or otherwise inoperative, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this code.
SECTION 1.11—OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
1.11.1 SFM—Office of the State Fire Marshal. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application:
Institutional, educational or any similar occupancy. Any building or structure used or intended for use as an asylum, jail, prison, mental hospital, hospital, sanitarium, home for the elderly, children’s nursery, children’s home or institution, school or any similar occu- pancy of any capacity.
Authority cited— Health and Safety Code, Section 13143. Reference— Health and Safety Code, Section 13143.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 1-5
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
§ 1.1.8 High relevance — show source text
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 contained in this code pursuant to complying with Section 1.1.8.1. The effective date of amendments, additions or deletions to this code by a city, county, or city and county filed pursuant to Section 1.1.8.1 shall be the date filed. However, in no case shall the amendments, additions or deletions to this code be effective any sooner than the effective date of this code.
Local modifications shall comply with Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5 for Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17958 for State Housing Law or Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts.
1.1.8.1 Findings and filings. 1. The city, county, or city and county shall make express findings for each amendment, addition or deletion based upon climatic, topographical or geological conditions. Exception: Hazardous building ordinances and programs mitigating unreinforced masonry buildings. 2. The city, county, or city and county shall file the amendments, additions or deletions expressly marked and identified as to the applicable findings. Cities, counties, cities and counties, and fire departments shall file the amendments, additions or deletions, and the findings with the California Building Standards Commission at 2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130, Sacramento, CA 95833.
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.
§ 414.2.5.1. High relevance — show source text
Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent where stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the_California_
Fire Code. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
f. For corrosive, highly toxic and toxic materials stored or displayed in Group M occupancies or stored in Group S occupancies, see Section 414.2.5.1.
g. Allowed only where stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the_California Fire Code_.
h. Quantities in parentheses indicate quantity units in parentheses at the head of each column.
i. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with Section 5003.1.2 of the_California Fire Code_.|For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m3, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
a. For use of control areas, see Section 414.2.
b. The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantity for storage, including applicable increases.
c._ Reserved.
d.** [SFM]** In other than Group L occupancies,maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprin-
kler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent where stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the_California
Fire Code. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
f. For corrosive, highly toxic and toxic materials stored or displayed in Group M occupancies or stored in Group S occupancies, see Section 414.2.5.1.
g. Allowed only where stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the_California Fire Code_.
h. Quantities in parentheses indicate quantity units in parentheses at the head of each column.
i. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with Section 5003.1.2 of the_California Fire Code_.|For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m3, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
a. For use of control areas, see Section 414.2.
b. The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantity for storage, including applicable increases.
c._ Reserved.
d.** [SFM]** In other than Group L occupancies,maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprin-
kler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent where stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the_California
Fire Code. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
f.
Frequently asked questions
Who is excluded from Part 6 by § 100.0?
Some classes are excluded by specific exceptions: qualified historic buildings under the California Historical Building Code have special treatment, temporary buildings/temporary lighting may be exempted by the local building department, and occupancy groups I‑3 and I‑4 are excluded by Exception 3 to § 100.0(a).
If I change occupancy during an alteration, which rules apply?
For alterations that change the occupancy classification, the requirements in the Part 6 sections that apply to the new occupancy apply after the alteration; Sections 141.0, 150.2 or 180.0 specify how additions/alterations are handled depending on building type. § 100.0 and related sections (e.g., § 141.0, § 150.2, § 180.0).
Does Part 6 apply to a building that only has outdoor lighting added?
Yes. Outdoor lighting systems and signs are explicitly covered when the building is within the scope of § 100.0(a); newly constructed outdoor lighting systems are covered by the referenced lighting sections and Table 100.0‑A. § 100.0(b) and the cross‑references in the lighting sections.
If one occupancy is dominant, can I treat the whole building the same?
Possibly — if one occupancy is ≥ 80% of the conditioned floor area you may use that occupancy’s rules for envelope/HVAC/water heating (subject to provisos); if one occupancy is ≥ 90% of the combined conditioned + unconditioned area you may use that occupancy’s indoor lighting provisions. See § 100.0(f) Exceptions 1 and 2.
Are manufactured products required to be certified for Part 6 installations?
Yes. Part 6 limits installation of manufactured systems, equipment and devices to those certified as required under §§ 110.0 and 110.1; certification and labeling requirements are specified there. § 110.0 as cross‑referenced in § 100.0.
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