CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

How are alternate materials, designs and methods approved under Chapter 1?

CALGreen § 101.8 lets you propose alternate materials, designs or methods, but the local enforcing agency must approve each case in writing and find the alternate at least equivalent to the code in energy, water, materials, air quality, performance, safety and protection of life and health; you should submit a written request with tests/reports as required.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires

The California Green Building Standards Code permits the use of an alternate material, appliance, arrangement, design or method of construction so long as the alternative is approved and found to be at least the equivalent of what the code prescribes in planning and design, energy, water, material conservation and resource efficiency, environmental air quality, performance, safety and the protection of life and health. The controlling provision is § 101.8 of CALGreen, which requires case‑by‑case approval by the enforcing agency and explicitly lists those equivalency criteria.

The single most important rule: an alternate is allowed only if the enforcing agency finds it satisfactory and at least equivalent to the code in the listed dimensions.

Requirements in detail

Approval standard (what the reviewer must find)

  • Approval is granted on a case‑by‑case basis by the enforcing agency (local enforcing authority). The enforcing agency must find the proposed alternate satisfactory and that it complies with the intent of the code and is at least equivalent in the enumerated dimensions. § 101.8 is the basis for this standard.

Submission and documentation

  • Where required, requests must be submitted in writing and supported by evidence (reports, test results, evaluation reports) that substantiate equivalency claims. The model CBC/other state codes set out procedures for written application, required tests, and reports that local enforcing agencies commonly follow when reviewing alternates. See the procedural provisions in CBC/related sections (for example, CBC § 104.2.3 series).

Tests and reports

  • The enforcing agency may require tests performed by an approved testing agency and evaluation reports from accepted agencies. Tests must be of a scale adequate to predict end‑use performance (special rules apply for fire tests). Supporting documentation must meet the format and scope requirements the enforcing agency relies on. These procedural and evidence rules appear in the alternate‑approval sections of the CBC and related codes.

Limits and exceptions

  • Performance‑based alternatives complying with the ICC Performance Code may be accepted, but exceptions apply (for example, not applicable to alternative structural materials or designs in some adopting codes). Local or state adopting agencies may also set specific additional rules; CALGreen cross‑references those adopting‑agency rules.

Decision‑relevant checklist (quick reference table)

Decision dimension What the enforcing agency looks for Example evidence / threshold Code Reference
Planning & design intent Matches code intent for use, layout, durability Design narrative showing same functional outcome § 101.8
Energy performance At least equal energy performance (consumption, efficiency) Energy calcs / modeling showing ≤ baseline energy use § 101.8; see procedure guidance in CBC § 104.2.3
Water efficiency Equal or lower water use Fixture counts, flow rates, irrigation modeling § 101.8
Material/resource efficiency Similar or better conservation / recycled content Product data, LCA, material spec sheets § 101.8
Environmental air quality No worse IAQ or emissions Test reports, product VOC data § 101.8
Performance & safety Equivalent structural, fire, or life‑safety performance Tests, engineering analysis, evaluation reports § 101.8; CBC § 104.2.3 tests/reports
Documentation quality Sufficient, verifiable evidence, tests supervised by accepted parties Evaluation report from approved agency; signed engineer’s report CBC §§ 104.2.3.5–104.2.3.6 (procedures)

Who may approve

  • The local enforcing agency (authority having jurisdiction) normally approves alternates for the occupancies it regulates; other adopting state agencies have their own alternate‑approval processes and cross‑references are listed in § 101.8.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Performance‑based alternatives complying with the ICC Performance Code are recognized as exceptions in many adopting codes, but limitations exist (for example, some exceptions do not apply to alternative structural materials/designs). Check the adopting agency’s implementing sections (CBC § 104.2.3 and related chapters) for limits.
  • Accessibility alternates for certain multifamily dwellings must also meet equivalent facilitation thresholds in CBC Chapter 2 when accessibility is affected. See the CBC/CRC procedures cited by CALGreen.
  • Approved alternates are typically approved only for the particular case submitted; approval does not automatically create a precedent for other projects unless the enforcing agency expressly revises code or policy. This limitation appears in the CBC guidance on alternate means of protection.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming informal verbal agreement is sufficient — the code expects a written request and written disposition when required. (CBC § 104.2.3.2 procedures.)
  • Providing incomplete or low‑quality evidence — tests must be of a scale sufficient to predict end‑use performance and may be required at the owner’s expense. (CBC §§ 104.2.3.5 and 104.2.3.6.)
  • Failing to address all equivalency dimensions listed in § 101.8 (energy, water, material/resource efficiency, air quality, safety, life/health). If you show equivalence only for one area (e.g., energy) but ignore safety or air quality, approval can be denied.
  • Treating an approval as precedent — most approvals are limited to the particular case and do not automatically change code requirements. (CBC guidance on alternate means of protection.)

Worked example — alternative irrigation technology

Scenario: A developer proposes an alternate submetered irrigation system that uses reclaimed graywater and a smart irrigation controller. The proposal claims 40% lower potable water use than the baseline system required by CALGreen.

Steps the developer must follow and what the enforcing agency will require:

  1. Submit a written alternate request describing the proposed system and how it meets CALGreen intent and equivalency across listed dimensions. Reference: § 101.8.
  2. Provide evidence:
    • Water‑use modeling showing ≥ 40% potable water reduction compared to the code baseline (show calculations). Relevant dimension: Water efficiency — § 101.8.
    • Demonstrate materials, energy use (pumping energy), and IAQ (if graywater affects indoor air) are not worse than the code baseline. Relevant dimensions: Energy, environmental air quality, material/resource efficiency — § 101.8.
  3. Provide test reports or evaluation reports for the graywater treatment components and controls from an approved testing/evaluation agency or an engineer’s analysis showing system performance and safety. The enforcing agency may require these tests at the owner’s expense. See CBC § 104.2.3.5–.6 for test/report expectations.
  4. If the system impacts accessibility, fire safety, or other regulated areas, submit additional analyses per the applicable CBC/agency sections (for example, fire test scale rules or equivalent facilitation thresholds).
  5. The enforcing agency issues a written approval (case‑by‑case) if it finds the alternate satisfactory and equivalent in all required dimensions. If denied, the agency must provide written reasons. (CBC § 104.2.3.2 application/disposition requirement.)

Numeric example for the water dimension:

  • Code baseline annual potable irrigation use = 100,000 gallons. Proposed alternate with graywater & smart control predicts potable use = 60,000 gallons → 40% reduction. Provide calculations, sensor/control data, and graywater treatment validation to substantiate the 40% claim. The enforcing agency will verify that the system’s actual potable use is at least equivalent or better than code baseline before approval. § 101.8 requires equivalency in water; CBC §§ 104.2.3.5–.6 describe tests/reports.

Related provisions

  • § 101.7.1 — Local findings and filings for local amendments (relevant when local agencies change requirements).
  • § 101.9 — Effective date of this code (which standards apply to a permit application).
  • § 101.10 — Mandatory vs voluntary requirements in CALGreen.
  • § 101.11 — How to determine which provisions apply to a given occupancy.
  • CBC § 104.2.3 (Alternate materials, designs and methods) — procedural detail on application, tests, reports, and approval authority often used alongside CALGreen § 101.8.
  • CBC / CRC § 1.8.7 — Alternate materials, designs, tests and methods of construction for Department of Housing and Community Development matters.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CALGreen § 104.2.2.3 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 104.2.2.3 Content. The technical opinion and report shall analyze the properties of the design, operation or use of the building or premises and the facilities and appurtenances situated thereon to identify and propose necessary recommendations.

    [A] 104.2.2.4 Tests. Where there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, the code official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance. Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized test standards, the code official shall approve the testing procedures. Such tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the code official.

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    [A] 104.2.3 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction, and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative is not specifically prohibited by this code and has been approved.

    Exception: Performance-based alternative materials, designs or methods of construction and equipment complying with the ICC Performance Code. This exception shall not apply to alternative structural materials or to alternative structural designs.

    [A] 104.2.3.1 Approval authority. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the code official finds that the proposed alternative is satisfactory and complies with Sections 104.2.3.2 through 104.2.3.7, as applicable.

    [A] 104.2.3.2 Application and disposition. Where required, a request to use an alternative material, design or method of construction shall be submitted in writing to the code official for approval. Where the alternative material, design or method of construction is not approved, the code official shall respond in writing, stating the reasons the alternative was not approved.

    [A] 104.2.3.3 Compliance with code intent. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall comply with the intent of the provisions of this code.

    [A] 104.2.3.4 Equivalency criteria. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall, for the purpose intended, be not less than the equivalent of that prescribed in this code with respect to all of the following, as applicable:

    1. Quality.

    2. Strength.

    3. Effectiveness.

    4. Durability.

    5. Safety, other than fire safety.

    6. Fire safety.

    [A] 104.2.3.5 Tests. Tests conducted to demonstrate equivalency in support of an alternative material, design or method of construction application shall be of a scale that is sufficient to predict performance of the end use configuration. Such tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the code official.

    [A] 104.2.3.5.1 Fire tests. Tests conducted to demonstrate equivalent fire safety in support of an alternative material, design or method of construction application shall be of a scale that is sufficient to predict fire safety performance of the end use configuration. Tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the code official.

    [A] 104.2.3.6 Reports. Supporting documentation, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code, shall comply with Sections 104.2.3.6.1 and 104.2.3.6.2.

  • CALGreen § 101.7.1. High relevance — show source text

    This code does not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county governments to make necessary changes to the provisions contained in this code pursuant to Section 101.7.1. The effective date of amendments, additions or deletions to this code for cities, counties, or cities and counties filed pursuant to Section 101.7.1 shall be the date on which it is 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(b) for Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 for State Housing Law or Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts.

    101.7.1 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. For the purpose of this section, climatic, topographical or geological conditions include local environmental conditions as established by the city, county, or city and county.

    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 at 9342 Tech Center Drive, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 95826.

    4. The city, county, or city and county shall obtain California Energy Commission approval for any energy- related ordinances consistent with Public Resources Code Section 25402.1(h)(2) and Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106. Local governmental agencies may adopt and enforce energy standards for newly constructed buildings, additions, alterations and repairs, provided the California Energy Commission finds that the standards will require buildings to be designed to consume no more energy than permitted by Part 6. Such local standards include, but are not limited to, adopting the requirements of Part 6 before their effective date, requiring additional energy conservation measures, or setting more stringent energy budgets.

    101.8 Alternate materials, designs and methods of construction. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, method, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternate shall be approved on a case-by-case basis where the enforcing agency finds that the proposed alternate is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code and is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in planning and design, energy, water, material conservation and resource efficiency, environmental air quality, performance, safety and the protection of life and health. Consideration and compliance provisions for occupancies regulated by adopting state agencies are found in the sections listed below.

    1. Section 1.2.3 in the California Building Code (CBC) for the California Building Standards Commission.
    2. Section 104.2.3 in the California Building Code (CBC) for the Division of the State Architect.
  • CALGreen § 17958.5 High relevance — show source text

    Amendments, additions and deletions to this code adopted by a city, county, or city and county pursu-_ ant 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 build- ing 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 Cali- fornia 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 specifi- cally 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.

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  • CALGreen § 1.8.7 High relevance — show source text

    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 Cali- fornia 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 specifi-

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    cally 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. If the proposed alternate is related to accessibility in covered multifamily dwellings or in facilities serving covered multifam- ily dwellings as defined in CBC Chapter 2, the proposed alternate must also meet the threshold set for equivalent facilitation as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code.

    For additional information regarding approval of alternates by a building department pursuant to the State Housing Law, see Cali- fornia Health and Safety Code Section 17951(e) and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.

    _**1.8.7.3 Department of Housing and Community Development.

  • CALGreen § 25402.1 High relevance — show source text
    1. The city, county, or city and county shall obtain California Energy Commission approval for any energy- related ordinances consistent with Public Resources Code Section 25402.1(h)(2) and Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106. Local governmental agencies may adopt and enforce energy standards for newly constructed buildings, additions, alterations and repairs, provided the California Energy Commission finds that the standards will require buildings to be designed to consume no more energy than permitted by Part 6. Such local standards include, but are not limited to, adopting the requirements of Part 6 before their effective date, requiring additional energy conservation measures, or setting more stringent energy budgets.

    101.8 Alternate materials, designs and methods of construction. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, method, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternate shall be approved on a case-by-case basis where the enforcing agency finds that the proposed alternate is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code and is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in planning and design, energy, water, material conservation and resource efficiency, environmental air quality, performance, safety and the protection of life and health. Consideration and compliance provisions for occupancies regulated by adopting state agencies are found in the sections listed below.

    1. Section 1.2.3 in the California Building Code (CBC) for the California Building Standards Commission.
    2. Section 104.2.3 in the California Building Code (CBC) for the Division of the State Architect.
    3. Section 1.8.7 in the California Building Code (CBC); and Section 1.8.7 in the California Residential Code (CRC) for the Department of Housing and Community Development.
    4. Section 7-104 in the California Administrative Code for the Office of the Statewide Health Planning and Development.

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    101.9 Effective date of this code. Only those standards approved by the California Building Standards Commission that are effective at the time an application for a 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 appropriate application checklist and the History Note page of this code.

    101.10 Mandatory requirements. This code contains both mandatory and voluntary green building measures. Mandatory and voluntary measures are identified in the appropriate application checklist contained in this code.

    101.11 Effective use of this code. The following steps shall be used to establish which provisions of this code are applicable to a specific occupancy:

    1. Establish the type of occupancy.
    2. Verify which state agency has authority for the established occupancy by reviewing the authorities list in Sections 103 through 106.
    3. Once the appropriate agency has been identified, find the chapter which covers the established occupancy.
    4. The Matrix Adoption Tables at the beginning of Chapters 4 and 5 identify the mandatory green building measures necessary to meet the minimum requirements of this code for the established occupancy.
    5. Voluntary tier measures are contained in Appendix Chapters A4 and A5. A checklist containing each green building measure, both required and voluntary, is provided at the end of each appendix chapter.
  • CALGreen § 1.8.7.2 High relevance — show source text

    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 proce- dures 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 perform- ance, safety, and protection of life and health,

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    DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

    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) If the proposed alternate is related to accessi- bility in covered multifamily dwellings or facili- ties serving covered multifamily dwellings as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code, the proposed alternate must also meet the threshold set for equivalent facilitation as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code.

    For additional information regarding approval of alternates by a local building department pursuant to the State Housing Law, see California Health and Safety Code Section 17951(e) and Cali- fornia Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.

    1.8.7.3 Department of Housing and Community Devel- opment. The Department of Housing and Community Development may approve alternates for use in the erec- tion, construction, reconstruction, movement, enlarge- ment, conversion, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels, lodging houses, dwellings, or accessory structures thereto, and permanent buildings in mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks. The consideration and approval of alter- nates shall comply with the following:

    (1) The department may require tests at the expense of the owner or owner’s agent to substantiate compli- ance with the California Building Standards Code.

    (2) The approved alternate shall, for its intended purpose, be at least equivalent in performance and safety to the materials, designs, tests, or methods of construction prescribed by this code.

    1.8.8 Appeals Board.

  • CALGreen § 104.2.2.4 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 104.2.2.4 Tests. Where there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, the fire code official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance. Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized test standards, the fire code official shall approve the testing procedures. Such tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the fire code official.

    [A] 104.2.3 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved.

    Exception: Performance-based alternative materials, designs or methods of construction and equipment complying with the International Code Council Performance Code .

    [A] 104.2.3.1 Approval authority. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the fire code official finds that the proposed alternative is satisfactory and complies with Sections 104.2.3.2 through 104.2.3.7, as applicable.

    [A] 104.2.3.2 Application and disposition. Where required, a request to use an alternative material, design or method of construction shall be submitted in writing to the fire code official for approval. Where the alternative material, design or method of construction is not approved, the fire code official shall respond in writing, stating the reasons the alternative was not approved.

    [A] 104.2.3.3 Compliance with code intent. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall comply with the intent of the provisions of this code.

    [A] 104.2.3.4 Equivalency criteria. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall, for the purpose intended, be not less than the equivalent of that prescribed in this code with respect to all of the following, as applicable:

    1. Quality.

    2. Strength.

    3. Effectiveness.

    4. Durability.

    5. Safety, other than fire safety.

    6. Fire safety.

    [A] 104.2.3.5 Tests. Tests conducted to demonstrate equivalency in support of an alternative material, design or method of construction application shall be of a scale that is sufficient to predict performance of the end use configuration. Tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the fire code official.

    [A] 104.2.3.5.1 Fire tests. Tests conducted to demonstrate equivalent fire safety in support of an alternative material, design or method of construction application shall be of a scale that is sufficient to predict fire safety performance of the end use configuration. Tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the fire code official.

    [A] 104.2.3.6 Reports. Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code, shall comply with Sections 104.2.3.6.1 and 104.2.3.6.2.

    [A] 104.2.3.6.1 Evaluation reports. Evaluation reports shall be issued by an approved agency and use of the evaluation report shall require approval by the fire code official for the installation. The alternate material, design or method of construction and product evaluated shall be within the scope of the fire code official’s recognition of the approved agency. Criteria used for the evaluation shall be identified within the report and, where required, provided to the fire code official.

  • CALGreen § 1.8.7.3 High relevance — show source text

    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. If the proposed alternate is related to accessi bil- ity in covered multifamily dwellings or facilities serving covered multifamily dwellings, as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code, the proposed alternate must also meet the threshold set for equivalent facilitation as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code.

    For additional information regarding approval of alternates by a local building department pur- suant to the State Housing Law, see California Health and Safety Code Section 17951(e) and Cali- fornia Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.

    1.8.7.3 Department of Housing and Community Devel- opment. The Department of Housing and Community Development may approve alternates for use in the erec- tion, construction, reconstruction, movement, enlarge- ment, conversion, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels, lodging houses, dwellings, or accessory structures thereto, and permanent buildings in mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks. The consideration and approval of alternates shall comply with the following:

    1. The department may require tests at the expense of the owner or owner’s agent to substantiate compli- ance with the California Building Standards Code.

    2. The approved alternate shall, for its intended pur- pose, be at least equivalent in performance and safety to the materials, designs, tests, or methods of construction prescribed by this code.

    1.8.8 Appeals Board.

    1.8.8.1 General. Every city, county, or city and county shall establish a process to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions, and determinations made by the enforc- ing agency relative to the application and interpretation of this code and other regulations governing construction use, maintenance and change of occupancy. The govern- ing body of any city, county, or city and county may estab- lish a local appeals board and a housing appeals board to serve this purpose. Members of the appeals board(s) shall not be employees of the enforcing agency and shall be knowledgeable in the applicable building codes, reg- ulations and ordinances as determined by the governing body of the city, county, or city and county.

    Where no such appeals boards or agencies have been established, the governing body of the city, county, or city and county shall serve as the local appeals board or housing appeals board as specified in California Health and Safety Code Sections 17920.5 and 17920.6.

    1.8.8.2 Definitions. The following terms shall for the purposes of this section have the meaning shown.

  • CALGreen § 17958.7 High 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 appli- cable 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 topo- graphical 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 Commu- nity 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).

    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 Develop- ment 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 Depart- ment 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 proce- dures 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 perform- ance, safety, and protection of life and health,

    10 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

  • CALGreen § 1-1303.1.3 High relevance — show source text

    1-1303.1.3|1301.3-1301.3.3| |Section 1304 Investigation and Evaluation|New| |1304.1-1304.1.3|1301.4-1301.4.3| |Section 1305 Scoring and Evaluation|New| |1305.1-1305.2.21.3|1301.5-1301.6.21.3.1| |Section 1306 Building Score|New| |1306.1-1306.2|1301.7-1301.8| |Section 1307 Evaluation of Building Safety|New| |1307.1-1307.1.1|1301.9-1301.9.1| |1503.1|1501.7| |1504.1|1501.6| |1504.1.1|1501.6.1| |1504.1.2|1501.6.2| |1504.1.3|1501.6.3| |1504.1.4|1501.6.4| |1504.1.4.1|1501.6.4.1| |1504.1.5|1501.6.5| |1504.1.6|1501.6.6| |1504.1.7|1501.6.| |1505|1502| |1506|1503| |1507|1504| |1508|1505| |1509|1506| |1510|1507| |1511|508| |1512|1509|

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE ix

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ABOUT THE I-CODES

    The 2024 I-Codes, published by the ICC, are 15 fully compatible titles intended to establish provisions that adequately protect public health, safety and welfare; that do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; that do not restrict the use of new materials, products or methods of construction; and that do not give preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.

    The I-Codes are updated on a 3-year cycle to allow for new construction methods and technologies to be incorporated into the codes. Alternative materials, designs and methods not specifically addressed in the I-Code can be approved by the building official where the proposed materials, designs or methods comply with the intent of the provisions of the code.

    The I-Codes are used as the basis of laws and regulations in communities across the US and in other countries. They are also used in a variety of nonregulatory settings, including:

    Voluntary compliance programs.

    The insurance industry.

    Certification and credentialing for building design, construction and safety professionals.

    Certification of building and construction-related products.

    Facilities management.

    “Best practices” benchmarks for designers and builders.

    College, university and professional school textbooks and curricula.

    Reference works related to building design and construction.

    Code Development Process

    The code development process regularly provides an international forum for building professionals to discuss requirements for building design, construction methods, safety, performance, technological advances and new products. Proposed changes to the I-Codes, submitted by code enforcement officials, industry representatives, design professionals and other interested parties, are deliberated through an open code development process in which all interested and affected parties may participate.

  • CALGreen § 1.8.7.3 High relevance — show source text

    (4) If the proposed alternate is related to accessi- bility in covered multifamily dwellings or facili- ties serving covered multifamily dwellings as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code, the proposed alternate must also meet the threshold set for equivalent facilitation as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code.

    For additional information regarding approval of alternates by a local building department pursuant to the State Housing Law, see California Health and Safety Code Section 17951(e) and Cali- fornia Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.

    1.8.7.3 Department of Housing and Community Devel- opment. The Department of Housing and Community Development may approve alternates for use in the erec- tion, construction, reconstruction, movement, enlarge- ment, conversion, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels, lodging houses, dwellings, or accessory structures thereto, and permanent buildings in mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks. The consideration and approval of alter- nates shall comply with the following:

    (1) The department may require tests at the expense of the owner or owner’s agent to substantiate compli- ance with the California Building Standards Code.

    (2) The approved alternate shall, for its intended purpose, be at least equivalent in performance and safety to the materials, designs, tests, or methods of construction prescribed by this code.

    1.8.8 Appeals Board.

    1.8.8.1 General. Every city, county, or city and county shall establish a process to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions, and determinations made by the enforcing agency relative to the application and interpretation of this code and other regulations governing construction, use, maintenance and change of occupancy. The governing body of any city, county, or city and county may establish a local appeals board and a housing appeals board to serve this purpose. Members of the appeals board(s) shall not be employees of the enforcing agency and shall be knowl- edgeable in the applicable building codes, regulations and ordinances as determined by the governing body of the city, county, or city and county.

    Where no such appeals boards or agencies have been established, the governing body of the city, county, or city and county shall serve as the local appeals board or housing appeals board as specified in California Health and Safety Code Sections 17920.5 and 17920.6.

    1.8.8.2 Definitions. The following terms shall for the purposes of this section have the meaning shown.

    Housing Appeals Board. The board or agency of a city, county, or city and county which is authorized by the governing body of the city, county, or city and county to hear appeals regarding the requirements of the city, county, or city and county relating to the use, mainte- nance, and change of occupancy of buildings and struc- tures, including requirements governing alteration, additions, repair, demolition, and moving. In any area in which there is no such board or agency, “Housing Appeals Board” means the local appeals board having jurisdiction over the area.

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether an alternate is acceptable?

The enforcing agency (local authority having jurisdiction) decides on a case‑by‑case basis; CALGreen § 101.8 requires the enforcing agency find the alternate satisfactory and equivalent.

Do I always need tests?

Not always, but the enforcing agency may require tests and evaluation reports. Tests must be adequate in scale to predict performance; fire tests have specific scale requirements. See CBC alternate‑approval procedures (evidence, tests, reports).

If an alternate is approved, does that change the code for everyone?

No. Approvals are typically limited to the particular case; they do not automatically become a code change or a precedent unless the adopting authority formally amends the code.

What dimensions must I prove equivalency for?

CALGreen § 101.8 lists planning & design, energy, water, material conservation and resource efficiency, environmental air quality, performance, safety, and protection of life and health. Provide evidence for each that the alternate meets or exceeds the code outcome.

Can performance‑based codes be used as an alternate?

Many adopting codes recognize ICC Performance Code compliance as an exception, but limitations may apply (for example, not for certain structural alternatives). Check the adopting agency guidance.

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