CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
How can cities/counties adopt voluntary tiers or local amendments to CALGreen?
Cities and counties can adopt CALGreen voluntary tiers or local amendments, but they must pass an ordinance with express findings tied to local climatic/topographical/geological conditions and file those findings (and any amendments) with the state; energy‑related changes also require California Energy Commission approval.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Cities, counties, and city-and-county governments may adopt the optional voluntary tiers and may make other local amendments, additions or deletions to CALGreen, but must follow the local‑amendment procedure in § 101.7 and make and file express findings as required in § 101.7.1. § 101.7 explains that the code sets minimum standards and that optional tiers (in the appendices) may be applied locally; § 101.7.1 requires the local jurisdiction to make findings based on climatic, topographical or geological conditions, file the amendment and findings with the state, and (for energy changes) obtain California Energy Commission approval.
The single most important rule: a local ordinance that makes voluntary CALGreen measures mandatory must include express, local findings and be filed with the state per § 101.7.1 before it is effective.
Requirements in detail
Overview — two tracks
- Adopt voluntary tiers (Tier 1 / Tier 2) from the appendices as a local mandatory standard (common approach). Voluntary tiers are available in the code appendices and are explicitly permitted to be adopted and enforced locally. § 304 and the appendix divisions (A4/A5) describe the tiers and their content.
- Adopt other local amendments, additions or deletions to CALGreen (e.g., tweak a measure, add local requirements). Any such change must meet the process required by § 101.7 / § 101.7.1.
Decision dimensions (quick reference)
| Decision dimension | Options / values local government chooses | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Can the jurisdiction adopt voluntary tiers as mandatory? | Yes — adopt Tier 1 or Tier 2 from Appendix A4 (residential) or A5 (nonresidential) by local ordinance. | § 101.7; § 304 |
| Must the jurisdiction make written findings? | Yes — express findings based on climatic, topographical or geological conditions (these include local environmental conditions). | § 101.7.1 |
| Where and how to file? | File the amendments/additions/deletions and the findings with the California Building Standards Commission (address in text). Fire‑district findings must be ratified and filed with HCD. | § 101.7.1 (items 2–3) |
| Effective date rules | The local amendment’s effective date is the date filed, but never before the effective date of the code itself. | § 101.7 / § 101.7.1 |
| Changes affecting energy standards | Local energy‑related ordinances require CEC approval per Public Resources Code; cannot be enforced until CEC makes required findings. | § 101.7.1 (item 4) |
| Variances / modifications for tiers | Enforcing agency may grant modifications for practical difficulties (individual cases). | § 304.1.1 |
What the findings must show
- Findings must be express and tied to the local conditions listed in § 101.7.1: climatic, topographical or geological conditions (the code expressly allows these to include local environmental conditions). The findings must identify which amendment they support and why. § 101.7.1(1–2).
Filing specifics
- File the marked amendments and findings with the California Building Standards Commission at the address given in § 101.7.1(2). If a fire protection district prepared the findings, they must be ratified by the local city/county and filed with the Department of Housing and Community Development as stated in § 101.7.1(3).
Energy‑standard changes
- If the local change affects energy standards, the jurisdiction must obtain California Energy Commission approval (Public Resources Code §25402.1(h)(2) and Title 24 Part 1 Section 10‑106 are referenced in § 101.7.1(4)). Local energy standards must be shown by the CEC to require no more energy than Part 6 allows in order to be enforceable.
Exceptions & special cases
- Modifications for practical difficulties: Where a project cannot meet a tier threshold, the enforcing agency may grant a modification after finding a special individual reason and conformance with intent (see voluntary tiers guidance). § 304.1.1.
- Effective date floor: Even when filed, a local amendment cannot take effect earlier than the effective date of the adopted CALGreen edition. § 101.7.
- Fire‑district submissions: Findings drafted by fire protection districts require ratification and a different filing path (HCD). § 101.7.1(3).
Common mistakes
- Assuming voluntary tiers are immediately enforceable without a local ordinance: You must adopt them locally (e.g., by ordinance/resolution). § 101.7 / Appendix instructions.
- Failing to prepare express findings or filing them incorrectly — jurisdictions omit the required factual basis tied to local conditions; § 101.7.1 requires express findings and filing.
- Enforcing energy changes before CEC approval — energy amendments require the CEC review in § 101.7.1(4).
- Confusing the appendices’ voluntary measures with mandatory statewide measures — appendix items are not mandatory statewide unless adopted locally per § 101.7 and Appendix notes.
Worked example — City adopts CALGreen Tier 1 for new homes
Scenario: The City of Sunnyvale (example) wants to require Tier 1 residential measures from Appendix A4 for all new single‑family construction.
Step 1 — Resolution/ordinance: The City council adopts an ordinance stating it will apply Tier 1 measures from Appendix A4 as mandatory within city limits, and includes a sample adoption/resolution approach if desired. (Appendix A4 guidance and model ordinance language is provided in the code appendices.)
Step 2 — Findings: The ordinance includes express findings that the Tier 1 adoption is justified based on local climatic heat‑island concerns and topographical water‑runoff patterns — tying the factual basis to § 101.7.1 requirements.
Step 3 — Filing: The City files the ordinance and the findings, clearly marked, with the California Building Standards Commission at the address listed in § 101.7.1(2). If any measure changed local energy requirements, the City would also obtain CEC approval before enforcement.
Step 4 — Effective date: The City’s adopted Tier 1 becomes effective on the filing date (or a later date the city sets), but not earlier than the effective date of that CALGreen edition (per § 101.7).
Numbers/trigger: There is no numeric threshold to adopt a tier — the key numeric/technical thresholds (e.g., percent EV parking, energy performance) are defined inside the appendix Tier tables; adopting jurisdictions must adopt the appendix text by reference or include the measures in the ordinance. See Appendix A4/A5 for the Tier checklists.
Related provisions
- § 304 — Voluntary tiers purpose and that voluntary tiers may be adopted and enforced locally.
- § 305 — CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 description (appendix-level guidance).
- § A4.701.1 — Residential model ordinance guidance on adopting voluntary measures.
- § A5.601.3 — Nonresidential Tier 2 prerequisites and voluntary measures.
- § 101.6 — Order of precedence (if local amendment conflicts, the amendment text governs local enforcement).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 304.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 304—VOLUNTARY TIERS
304.1 Purpose. Voluntary tiers are intended to further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.
304.1.1 Tiers. The provisions of Divisions A4.6 and A5.6 outline means, in the form of voluntary tiers, for achieving enhanced construction levels by incorporating additional measures for residential and nonresidential new construction. Voluntary tiers may be adopted by local governments and, when adopted, enforced by local enforcing agencies. Buildings complying with tiers specified for each occupancy contain additional prerequisite and elective green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each tier. See Section 101.7 of this code for procedures and requirements related to local amendments, additions or deletions, including changes to energy standards.
[BSC & HCD] Where there are practical difficulties involved in complying with the threshold levels of a tier, the enforcing agency may grant modifications for individual cases. The enforcing agency shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of the tier impractical and that modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the measure. The details of any action granting modification shall be recorded and entered in the files of the enforcing agency.
SECTION 305 [OSHPD 1]— CALGreen TIER 1 AND CALGreen TIER 2
305.1 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 buildings contain voluntary green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level.
305.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. To achieve CALGreen Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” found online at http://www.energysoft.com/main/page_ downloads_ sbd_healthcare.html.
305.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.
SECTION 306 [DSA-SS]—VOLUNTARY MEASURES
306.1 Purpose. For public schools and community colleges, voluntary measures further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.
306.1.1 Appendix A5, Divisions A5.1 through A5.5, outline means of achieving enhanced sustainable design and construction by incorporating voluntary measures that exceed the mandatory measures.
306.1.2 Chapter 5 Nonresidential Mandatory Measures that are not adopted as mandatory measures by DSA-SS are voluntary measures recommended and encouraged for the design, construction, verification and maintenance of non-energy systems.
Note: The building commissioning requirements for energy efficiency specified in the California Energy Code are required.
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 4 – RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CALGreen § 301.5 High relevance — show source text
301.5 Health Facilities. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Health facilities under the jurisdiction of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) are required to comply with the mandatory measures prescribed in Section 5.304, Outdoor Water Use. Compliance with Section 5.304, as adopted by the Building Standards Commission, is enforced by the local agency having jurisdiction. Evidence of local approval shall be submitted to OSHPD prior to issuance of plan approval or a building permit.
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GREEN BUILDING
SECTION 302—MIXED OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS
302.1 Mixed occupancy buildings. In mixed occupancy buildings, each portion of a building shall comply with the specific green building measures applicable to each specific occupancy.
Exceptions:
- [HCD] Accessory structures and accessory occupancies serving residential buildings shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.
- [HCD] For the purposes of CALGreen, live/work units, complying with Section 508.5 of the California Building Code, shall not be considered mixed occupancies. Live/work units shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.
SECTION 303—PHASED PROJECTS
303.1 Phased projects. For shell buildings and others constructed for future tenant improvements, only those code measures relevant to the building components and systems considered to be new construction (or newly constructed) shall apply.
303.1.1 Initial tenant improvements. The provisions of this code shall apply only to the initial tenant improvements to a project. Subsequent tenant improvements shall comply with the scoping provisions in Section 301.3 nonresidential additions and alterations.
SECTION 304—VOLUNTARY TIERS
304.1 Purpose. Voluntary tiers are intended to further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.
304.1.1 Tiers. The provisions of Divisions A4.6 and A5.6 outline means, in the form of voluntary tiers, for achieving enhanced construction levels by incorporating additional measures for residential and nonresidential new construction. Voluntary tiers may be adopted by local governments and, when adopted, enforced by local enforcing agencies. Buildings complying with tiers specified for each occupancy contain additional prerequisite and elective green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each tier. See Section 101.7 of this code for procedures and requirements related to local amendments, additions or deletions, including changes to energy standards.
[BSC & HCD] Where there are practical difficulties involved in complying with the threshold levels of a tier, the enforcing agency may grant modifications for individual cases. The enforcing agency shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of the tier impractical and that modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the measure. The details of any action granting modification shall be recorded and entered in the files of the enforcing agency.
SECTION 305 [OSHPD 1]— CALGreen TIER 1 AND CALGreen TIER 2
305.1 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 buildings contain voluntary green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level.
CGBSC § 2025 High relevance — show source text
This code does not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county government to make necessary changes to the provisions contained in this code.
SAMPLE RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION OF THE TIER 1 OR TIER 2 PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE WITH OR WITHOUT ADDITIONAL ITEMS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS OR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
ATTACHMENT___.
SAMPLE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDICES AS A MANDATORY REFERENCE STANDARD
CITY OF ________________________
RESOLUTION # __________________
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ENHANCED GREEN BUILDING MEASURES FOR NEW AND EXISTING RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION.
WHEREAS, the City/County of ______’s (City or County) General Plan sets forth goals for preserving and improving the natural and built environment of the City/County, protecting the health of its residents and visitors, and fostering its economy; and
WHEREAS, green building is a holistic approach to design, construction and demolition that minimizes the building’s impact on the environment, the occupants and the community; and
WHEREAS, green buildings benefit building industry professionals, residents and communities by improving construction quality; increasing building durability; reducing utility, maintenance, water and energy costs; creating healthier homes; and enhancing comfort and livability; and
WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code appendices have included voluntary tiers to provide a city, county, or city and county, building professionals, and the general public with a range of voluntary green building measures for builders to choose from when constructing homes in California; and
WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code appendices benefited from extensive input from a city, county, or city and county, building professionals, State agencies, and recognized green building professionals and the practices contained in these guidelines were selected for their viability in today’s market and their ability to promote sustainable buildings and communities; and
WHEREAS, adoption of the California Green Building Standards Code appendices promotes statewide consistency and predictability for building professionals; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City/County hereby finds that green building design, construction and operation furthers the goals set forth in the City/County General Plan, including land use, conservation, open space and (include others, if applicable).
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that newly constructed residential buildings, alterations or additions to residential buildings shall meet the _______ (Tier 1 or Tier 2) measures contained in the California Green Building Standards Code appendices and the green building design, construction and operation innovative concepts or additions or amendment thereto contained in Attachment _____ to address local environmental conditions; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council or County Board of Supervisors of the City/County of ___________ adopts the California Green Building Standards Code appendices, as they may be amended from time to time, as a City/County mandatory reference document and directs City/County staff to enforce these green building measures as mandatory standards within the City/County.
ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
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CALGreen § 101.7. High relevance — show source text
Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
3. These measures are currently required elsewhere in statute or in regulation.|1. Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
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DIVISION A4.7 – RESIDENTIAL MODEL ORDINANCE
A4.701.1 General. The voluntary measures of this code are designed and promulgated to be adopted by reference and made mandatory by local ordinance pursuant to Section 101.7. Jurisdictions wishing to adopt the voluntary provisions of this code as an enforceable regulation governing structures and premises should ensure that certain factual information is included in the adopting ordinance and that the measures are appropriate and achievable and are considered to be suitable as mandatory by the city, county, or city and county. The following sample adoption ordinance addresses several key elements of a code adoption ordinance, including the information required for insertion into the code text.
This code does not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county government to make necessary changes to the provisions contained in this code.
SAMPLE RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION OF THE TIER 1 OR TIER 2 PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE WITH OR WITHOUT ADDITIONAL ITEMS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS OR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
ATTACHMENT___.
SAMPLE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDICES AS A MANDATORY REFERENCE STANDARD
CITY OF ________________________
RESOLUTION # __________________
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ENHANCED GREEN BUILDING MEASURES FOR NEW AND EXISTING RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION.
WHEREAS, the City/County of ______’s (City or County) General Plan sets forth goals for preserving and improving the natural and built environment of the City/County, protecting the health of its residents and visitors, and fostering its economy; and
WHEREAS, green building is a holistic approach to design, construction and demolition that minimizes the building’s impact on the environment, the occupants and the community; and
WHEREAS, green buildings benefit building industry professionals, residents and communities by improving construction quality; increasing building durability; reducing utility, maintenance, water and energy costs; creating healthier homes; and enhancing comfort and livability; and
WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code appendices have included voluntary tiers to provide a city, county, or city and county, building professionals, and the general public with a range of voluntary green building measures for builders to choose from when constructing homes in California; and
CALGreen § 101.5.5 Medium relevance — show source text
101.5.5 Fire prevention. The provisions of CCR, Title 19, Division 1 and CCR, Title 24, Part 2 and Part 9 relating to fire and panic safety as adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall apply to all structures, processes and premises for protection from the hazard of fire, panic and explosion.
101.5.6 Energy. The provisions of the California Energy Code shall apply to the minimum design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.
101.6 Order of precedence and use.
101.6.1 Differences. In the event of any differences between these building standards and the standard reference documents, the text of these building standards shall govern. In the event a local amendment to this code results in differences between these building standards and the amendment, the text of the amendment shall govern.
101.6.2 Specific provision. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.
101.6.3 Conflicts. When the requirements of this code conflict with the requirements of any other part of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24, the most restrictive requirement shall prevail.
101.6.4 Explanatory notes. Explanatory material, such as references to websites or other sources where additional information may be found, is included in this code in the form of notes. Notes are informational only and are not enforceable requirements of this code.
101.7 City, county, or city and county amendments, additions or deletions. This code is intended to set mandatory minimum Green Building Standards and includes optional tiers that may, at the discretion of any city, county, or city and county, be applied.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CALGreen § 1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
For questions on California state agency amendments, please refer to the contact list on page v.
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LEGEND FOR AGENCY ADOPTIONS
Unless otherwise noted, state agency adoptions are indicated by the following banners in the section leaders: Department of Housing and Community Development: [HCD]
California Building Standards Commission, CALGreen: [BSC-CG]
Division of the State Architect, Structural Safety: [DSA-SS]
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development: [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]
See Chapter 1, Sections 103–106 for applications regulated by the respective state agencies.
EFFECTIVE USE OF THIS CODE
The format of this code is common to other parts of the California Building Standards Code and contains building standards applicable to occupancies which fall under the authority of different state agencies. Occupancies and applications under the authority of a specific state agency are identified in Chapter 1, Sections 103 through 106. Sections of this code which are applicable and adopted by each state agency are identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables located at the beginning of each chapter. The following outline is provided as a guide to establish which provisions are applicable to a specific occupancy.
Establish the type of occupancy.
Verify which state agency has authority for the established occupancy by reviewing the authorities list in Sections 103 through
Once the appropriate agency has been identified, find the chapter which covers the established occupancy.
The Matrix Adoption Tables at the beginning of Chapters 4 and 5 identify the required green building measures necessary to meet the minimum requirements of this code for the established occupancy.
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. Each measure listed in the application checklist has a section number which correlates to a section where more information about the specific measure is available.
The Application Checklist identifies which measures are required by this code and allows users to check-off which voluntary items have been selected to meet voluntary tier levels if desired or mandated by a city, county, or city and county.
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CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24
California State Agency Contact List
The following state agencies may propose building standards for buildings, structures and applications under their authority for publication in Title 24. Notice of such proposals may be requested from each agency. See Sections 1.2 through 1.14 of the California Building Code (Part 2, T24) for detailed information on the regulatory authority of most state agencies summarized below. Note [agency acronyms] shown in banners/Matrix Adoption Tables in T24.
Board of State and Community Corrections [BSCC] bscc.ca.gov BSCC-Mail@bscc.ca.gov
(916) 445-5073 Local Detention Facilities
Building Standards Commission [BSC, BSC-CG]
dgs.ca.gov/BSC cbsc@dgs.ca.gov
(916) 263-0916 State Buildings including UC & CSU Nonresidential Green Buildings Standards
Department of Consumer Affairs Boards/Bureaus:
Acupuncture Board [CA]
CALGreen § 405.4 Medium relevance — show source text
- From Division A5.4,
a. Comply with recycled content of 10 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4. b. Comply with the 65-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
- From Division A5.5,
a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.
1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.
A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.
A5.601.3.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.
A5.601.3.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.
A5.601.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.
A5.601.3.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 2. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.3.1 and A5.601.3.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 2:
- From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for fuel efficient vehicles for a minimum of 50 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.2 with footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.3. [1]
d. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
From Division A5.2 comply with TWO of the following:
Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
From Division A5.3,
CALGreen § 3-4 Medium relevance — show source text
302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3
4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3
5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3 5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19 5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 5-23 5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS
AND STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
CHAPTER 7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL
INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 701 General (Reserved) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3 702 Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
CALGreen § 101.7 Medium relevance — show source text
APPENDIX A5 – NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections that
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7 and provide additional measures that designers, builders and property owners may wish to consider during the planning, design and construction process.
DIVISION A5.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN
PREFACE
Given that land use and planning are largely regulated locally, cities, counties and cities and counties should consider reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with development through local land-use practices in conjunction with enforcing the provisions of this code. Specific land use strategies a city, county or city and county may wish to consider include but are not limited to the following:
Site selection. Develop sites for buildings, hardscape, roads or parking areas consistent with the local general plan and regional transportation plan pursuant to SB 375 (Stats. 2008, Ch. 728).
Regional sustainable communities strategy. Site selection and building design and use shall conform the project with the prevailing regional sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy, whichever meets the greenhouse gas target established by the California Air Resources Board pursuant to SB375 (Stats. 2008, Ch. 728), including the general location of uses, residential densities and building intensities.
Transit priority projects. To qualify as a transit priority project, the project shall meet three criteria:
CALGreen § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text
VOLUNTARY MEASURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-3
A5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-3 A5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-13 A5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . APPENDIX A5-19 A5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-25 A5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-35 A5.6 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-41 A5.601 CALGren Tier 1 and Tier 2. . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-41
A5.602 CALGreen Verification Guidelines Mandatory Measures Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-44
A5.602.1 CALGreen Verification Guidelines
Tier 1 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-48
A5.602.2 CALGreen Verification Guidelines
Tier 2 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-55
APPENDIX A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH
FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.1 Site Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-32 A6.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-33
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INDEX-1
HISTORY NOTE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HIST-1
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
|Adopting
CALGreen § 1-5 Medium relevance — show source text
102 Construction Documents
and Installation Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
103 Building Standards Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5 104 Department of Housing and Community Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6 105 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
106 Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
CHAPTER 3 GREEN BUILDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3
4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3
Frequently asked questions
Can a city make Tier 1 or Tier 2 mandatory everywhere inside its borders?
Yes. The city must adopt the tier measures by ordinance or resolution and comply with the findings and filing procedures in § 101.7.1; appendices show the Tier content to adopt.
What must the findings say?
They must be express findings tied to climatic, topographical or geological conditions (including local environmental conditions) that justify the amendment, and the findings must be filed with the state as required in § 101.7.1.
Do I need CEC approval for every local amendment that mentions energy?
Only for amendments that change or add local energy standards; § 101.7.1(4) requires CEC approval before enforcement of such energy‑related local standards.
If a fire district prepares findings, is the filing different?
Yes. Findings prepared by fire protection districts must be ratified by the local city/county and filed with HCD as specified in § 101.7.1(3).
Where are the voluntary tier measures written so I can copy them into an ordinance?
Tier measures and checklists are located in the appendices — Appendix A4 (residential) and Appendix A5 (nonresidential) and their Tier divisions (A4.6, A5.6). These appendices include model language and checklists for adoption.
More in California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
- Administration (Chapter 1)
- Nonresidential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A5 — divisions A5.1–A5.6, electives & verification)
- Residential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 4)
- Definitions (Chapter 2)
- Voluntary Standards for Health Facilities (Appendix A6 / OSHPD guidance)
- Green Building – scope, mixed occupancies, phased projects (Chapter 3)
- Residential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A4 — divisions A4.1–A4.6, tiers & model ordinance)
- Nonresidential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 5)
- Compliance verification, construction documents & checklists (Section 102, Chapter 7, Appendix checklists)
- Referenced Organizations and Standards (Chapter 6)
- Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2 (performance tiers, thresholds)
- Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications (Chapter 7)
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