CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
What specific findings and filing steps are required for local amendments to become effective?
If a city or county wants to change CALGreen, it must adopt a written finding tied to local climatic/topographical/geological conditions and file the adopted amendment plus those findings with the state (CBSC or HCD for fire district matters); the amendment takes effect on the filing date but never before the code edition’s effective date (see **§ 101.7.1**).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Local jurisdictions that adopt an amendment, addition or deletion to CALGreen must make express findings tied to climatic, topographical or geological conditions and must file the adopted amendment together with those findings to the appropriate state agency. The filing/recipient and any special routing (for fire districts or energy rules) are prescribed in § 101.7.1. The amendment’s effective date is the date it is filed, but it cannot become effective any earlier than the effective date of this edition of the code.
The single most important rule: a local amendment is not effective until the jurisdiction adopts written findings based on local environmental conditions and files the amendment with the proper state office specified in § 101.7.1.
Requirements in detail
Who must make findings
- The local legislative body (a city, county, or city and county) must make express findings for each amendment, addition or deletion. Findings must be based on climatic, topographical or geological conditions (these include local environmental conditions as the jurisdiction establishes them). § 101.7.1.
What must be filed
- The jurisdiction must file the amendments, additions or deletions and they must be expressly marked and identified with the applicable findings. The filing creates the amendment’s effective date (subject to the code‑effective-date constraint). § 101.7.1.
Where to file (routing rules)
- General local amendments: file with the California Building Standards Commission. § 101.7.1(2).
- The code text gives the CBSC mailing address used for filings.
- Findings prepared by fire protection districts: must be ratified by the local city/county and then filed with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). § 101.7.1(3).
- Energy‑related local ordinances: the jurisdiction must obtain California Energy Commission (CEC) approval where required by statute (see the CEC / Public Resources Code references in § 101.7.1(4)).
Timing / effective date
- The effective date of the local amendment is the date the amendment is filed (the filing date), but not earlier than the effective date of this edition of the code. § 101.7.1.
Table — decision‑relevant dimensions
| Decision‑relevant dimension | Required value / action | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Who makes findings | City, county, or city & county (local legislative body) | § 101.7.1 |
| Basis for findings | Climatic, topographical or geological conditions (includes local environmental conditions) | § 101.7.1 |
| What to file | Adopted amendment/addition/deletion expressly marked and identified with the applicable findings | § 101.7.1(2) |
| Primary filing office | California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) — use filing address in the code | § 101.7.1(2) |
| Fire district findings | Fire district findings must be ratified by the local city/county and filed with HCD | § 101.7.1(3) |
| Energy amendments | CEC approval required where Public Resources Code / Part 1, §10‑106 require it | § 101.7.1(4) |
| Effective date | Date filed (but not earlier than code’s effective date) | § 101.7.1 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Exception for some hazardous‑building ordinances/programs is noted in related parts of the Building Code administration (those texts show similar language and exceptions). Check the particular code part for the exact exception wording before assuming an exception applies.
- When a fire protection district prepares findings, those findings do not become effective until the local city/county ratifies them and files them with HCD. § 101.7.1(3).
- Local energy standards that amend Part 6 (the California Energy Code) have an additional approval path: the California Energy Commission must find the local standard is consistent with the statutory requirements before local energy amendments take effect. § 101.7.1(4).
Common mistakes
- Failing to prepare or adopt express findings tied to local climatic/topographic/geologic facts (findings must be explicit and specific). § 101.7.1.
- Filing the ordinance without expressly marking and identifying which findings apply to which amendment language (the code requires the filing be identified as to the findings). § 101.7.1(2).
- Sending fire‑district findings directly to HCD without first obtaining local ratification by the city/county. § 101.7.1(3).
- Overlooking CEC approval for energy‑related local amendments (leads to the amendment being invalid until approved). § 101.7.1(4).
- Assuming the filing date can make an amendment effective before the code edition’s effective date — the code prohibits earlier effectiveness. § 101.7.1.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: City of Greenvale wants a stricter landscaping water‑use limit that differs from CALGreen.
- Council adopts an ordinance on March 15 with a written resolution that: (a) incorporates the amended code text; and (b) contains express findings showing drought‑related climatic conditions and local soil/topography that justify the stricter standard. (Step required by § 101.7.1).
- The ordinance is expressly marked to show: “Findings applicable to Section X — drought conditions; ordinance effective upon filing.” The file packet includes the ordinance text and the findings identified together. (§ 101.7.1(2)).
- Because this is not a fire‑district action, Greenvale files the ordinance + findings with the California Building Standards Commission (use the filing address given in the code). Once the CBSC receives the filing, the amendment’s effective date is the filing date — but Greenvale must ensure that filing date is on or after the edition’s code effective date. (§ 101.7.1).
- If instead the amendment had been an energy budget change, Greenvale would need to secure CEC approval before the local standard could be enforced. (§ 101.7.1(4)).
Numeric illustration (hypothetical dates): if the code edition’s effective date is January 1, 2026, and Greenvale files the ordinance with CBSC on March 20, 2026, the local amendment becomes effective March 20, 2026. It could not have been effective on January 15, 2026 (filed before the code’s effective date) — the code forbids effectiveness earlier than the code edition. § 101.7.1.
Related provisions
- § 101.7 — City, county, or city and county amendments, additions or deletions (general rule that local jurisdictions may adopt more restrictive standards).
- § 101.6.1 — Differences / order of precedence between code text and referenced documents.
- § 101.5.6 — Energy (reference to the California Energy Code and where energy rules intersect).
- § 101.8 — Alternate materials, designs and methods of construction (approval path for alternatives).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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.
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.
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.
- Section 1.2.3 in the California Building Code (CBC) for the California Building Standards Commission.
- Section 104.2.3 in the California Building Code (CBC) for the Division of the State Architect.
CALGreen § 101.5.5 High 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 § 100.0 High relevance — show source text
2025 CRSC Reference Standard Code
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PREFACE
This document is Part 12 of thirteen parts of the official triennial compilation and publication of the adoptions, amendments and repeal of administrative regulations to California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part is known as the California Referenced Standards Code.
The California Building Standards Code is published in its entirety every three years by order of the California legislature, with supplements published in intervening years. The California legislature delegated authority to various state agencies, boards, commissions and departments to create building regulations to implement the State’s statutes. These building regulations, or standards, have the same force of law, and take effect 180 days after their publication unless otherwise stipulated. The Califor- nia Building Standards Code applies to occupancies in the State of California as annotated.
A city, county, or city and county may establish more restrictive building standards reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. Findings of the local condition(s) and the adopted local building standard(s) must generally be filed with the California Building Standards Commission (or other filing if indicated) to become effective, and may not be effective sooner than the effective date of this edition of the California Building Standards Code . Local building standards that were adopted and applicable to previous editions of the California Building Standards Code do not apply to this edition without appropriate adoption and the required filing.
The referenced standards contained in Part 12 are developed by the state agencies listed herein. The Part 12 Cross Reference Table herein identifies the state agency to which the standard applies, the subject of the standard and the provisions in other parts of Title 24 where the application of the standard is required.
Should you find publication (e.g., typographical) errors or inconsistencies in this code or wish to offer comments toward improving its format, please address your comments to:
California Building Standards Commission 2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95833-2936
Phone: (916) 263-0916 Email: cbsc@dgs.ca.gov
Web page: www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Code) was developed through the outstanding collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of the State Architect, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Department of Health Care Access and Information, California Energy Commission, California Department of Public Health, California State Lands Commission, Board of State and Community Corrections, Department of Water Resources, State Historical Building Safety Board, Department of Consumer Affairs, State Librarian, Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Building Standards Commission (Commission).
This collaborative effort included the assistance of the Commission’s Code Advisory Committees and many other volunteers who worked tirelessly to assist the Commission in the production of this Code.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Members of the California Building Standards Commission
Secretary Amy Tong – Chair Rajesh Patel – Vice-Chair
CALGreen § 100.0 High relevance — show source text
2025 CHBC Historical Building Code
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PREFACE
This document is Part 8 of thirteen parts of the official triennial compilation and publication of the adoptions, amendments and repeal of administrative regulations to California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code . This part is known as the California Historical Building Code.
The California Building Standards Code is published in its entirety every three years by order of the California legislature, with supplements published in intervening years. The California legislature delegated authority to various state agencies, boards, commissions and departments to create building regulations to implement the State’s statutes. These building regulations, or standards, have the same force of law, and take effect 180 days after their publication unless otherwise stipulated. The Califor- nia Building Standards Code applies to occupancies in the State of California as annotated.
A city, county, or city and county may establish more restrictive building standards reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. Findings of the local condition(s) and the adopted local building standard(s) must generally be filed with the California Building Standards Commission (or other filing if indicated) to become effective, and may not be effective sooner than the effective date of this edition of the California Building Standards Code . Local building standards that were adopted and applicable to previous editions of the California Building Standards Code do not apply to this edition without appropriate adoption and the required filing.
Should you find publication (e.g., typographical) errors or inconsistencies in this code or wish to offer comments toward improving its format, please address your comments to:
California Building Standards Commission 2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95833-2936
Phone: (916) 263-0916 Email: cbsc@dgs.ca.gov
Web page: www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Code) was developed through the outstanding collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of the State Architect, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Department of Health Care Access and Information, California Energy Commission, California Department of Public Health, California State Lands Commission, Board of State and Community Corrections, Department of Water Resources, State Historical Building Safety Board, Department of Consumer Affairs, State Librarian, Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Building Standards Commission (Commission).
This collaborative effort included the assistance of the Commission’s Code Advisory Committees and many other volunteers who worked tirelessly to assist the Commission in the production of this Code.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Members of the California Building Standards Commission
Secretary Amy Tong – Chair Rajesh Patel – Vice-Chair
Erick Mikiten Elley Klausbruckner Aaron Stockwell Juvilyn Alegre Peter Santillan Kent Sasaki
Laura Rambin James Haskin
Frank Ramirez
Stoyan Bumbalov – Executive Director Kevin Day – Deputy Executive Director
CALGreen § 100.0 High relevance — show source text
2025 CEC Engergy Code
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CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24 PART 6
•
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNClr
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PREFACE
This document is Part 6 of thirteen parts of the official triennial compilation and publication of the adoptions, amendments and repeal of administrative regulations to California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part is known as the California Referenced Standards Code.
The California Building Standards Code is published in its entirety every three years by order of the California legislature, with supplements published in intervening years. The California legislature delegated authority to various state agencies, boards, commissions and departments to create building regulations to implement the State’s statutes. These building regulations, or standards, have the same force of law, and take effect 180 days after their publication unless otherwise stipulated. The Califor- nia Building Standards Code applies to occupancies in the State of California as annotated.
A city, county, or city and county may establish more restrictive building standards reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. Findings of the local condition(s) and the adopted local building standard(s) must generally be filed with the California Building Standards Commission (or other filing if indicated) to become effective, and may not be effective sooner than the effective date of this edition of the California Building Standards Code . Local building standards that were adopted and applicable to previous editions of the California Building Standards Code do not apply to this edition without appropriate adoption and the required filing.
Should you find publication (e.g., typographical) errors or inconsistencies in this code or wish to offer comments toward improving its format, please address your comments to:
California Building Standards Commission
2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95833-2936
Phone: (916) 263-0916 Email: cbsc@dgs.ca.gov
Web page: www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Code) was developed through the outstanding collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of the State Architect, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Department of Health Care Access and Information, California Energy Commission, California Department of Public Health, California State Lands Commission, Board of State and Community Corrections, Department of Water Resources, State Historical Building Safety Board, Department of Consumer Affairs, State Librarian, Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Building Standards Commission (Commission).
This collaborative effort included the assistance of the Commission’s Code Advisory Committees and many other volunteers who worked tirelessly to assist the Commission in the production of this Code.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Members of the California Building Standards Commission
Secretary Amy Tong – Chair Rajesh Patel – Vice-Chair
Erick Mikiten Elley Klausbruckner Aaron Stockwell Juvilyn Alegre Peter Santillan Kent Sasaki
Laura Rambin James Haskin
CALGreen § 100.0 High relevance — show source text
2025 CEBC Existing Buildindg Code
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PREFACE
This document is Part 10 of thirteen parts of the official triennial compilation and publication of the adoptions, amendments and repeal of administrative regulations to California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part is known as the California Existing Building Code.
The California Building Standards Code is published in its entirety every three years by order of the California legislature, with supplements published in intervening years. The California legislature delegated authority to various state agencies, boards, commissions and departments to create building regulations to implement the State’s statutes. These building regulations, or standards, have the same force of law, and take effect 180 days after their publication unless otherwise stipulated. The Califor- nia Building Standards Code applies to occupancies in the State of California as annotated.
A city, county, or city and county may establish more restrictive building standards reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. Findings of the local condition(s) and the adopted local building standard(s) must generally be filed with the California Building Standards Commission (or other filing if indicated) to become effective, and may not be effective sooner than the effective date of this edition of the California Building Standards Code . Local building standards that were adopted and applicable to previous editions of the California Building Standards Code do not apply to this edition without appropriate adoption and the required filing.
Should you find publication (e.g., typographical) errors or inconsistencies in this code or wish to offer comments toward improving its format, please address your comments to:
California Building Standards Commission
2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95833-2936
Phone: (916) 263-0916 Email: cbsc@dgs.ca.gov
Web page: www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Code) was developed through the outstanding collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of the State Architect, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Department of Health Care Access and Information, California Energy Commission, California Department of Public Health, California State Lands Commission, Board of State and Community Corrections, Department of Water Resources, State Historical Building Safety Board, Department of Consumer Affairs, State Librarian, Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Building Standards Commission (Commission).
This collaborative effort included the assistance of the Commission’s Code Advisory Committees and many other volunteers who worked tirelessly to assist the Commission in the production of this Code.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Members of the California Building Standards Commission
Secretary Amy Tong – Chair Rajesh Patel – Vice-Chair
Erick Mikiten Elley Klausbruckner Aaron Stockwell Juvilyn Alegre Peter Santillan Kent Sasaki
Laura Rambin James Haskin
Frank Ramirez
CALGreen § 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.
CALGreen § 95833-2936 High relevance — show source text
The California Building Standards Code is published in its entirety every three years by order of the California legislature, with supplements published in intervening years. The California legislature delegated authority to various state agencies, boards, commissions and departments to create building regulations to implement the State’s statutes. These building regulations, or standards, have the same force of law, and take effect 180 days after their publication unless otherwise stipulated. The California Building Standards Code applies to occupancies in the State of California as annotated.
A city, county, or city and county may establish more restrictive building standards reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. Findings of the local condition(s) and the adopted local building standard(s) must generally be filed with the California Building Standards Commission (or other filing if indicated) to become effective, and may not be effective sooner than the effective date of this edition of California Building Standards Code . Local building standards that were adopted and applicable to previous editions of the California Building Standards Code do not apply to this edition without appropriate adoption and the required filing.
Should you find publication (e.g., typographical) errors or inconsistencies in this code or wish to offer comments toward improving its format, please address your comments to:
California Building Standards Commission 2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95833-2936 Phone: (916) 263-0916 Web Page: www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc Email: cbsc@dgs.ca.gov
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Code) was developed through the outstanding collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of the State Architect, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Department of Health Care Access and Information, California Energy Commission, California Department of Public Health, California State Lands Commission, Board of State and Community Corrections, Department of Water Resources, State Historical Building Safety Board, Department of Consumer Affairs, State Librarian, Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Building Standards Commission (Commission).
This collaborative effort included the assistance of the Commission’s Code Advisory Committees and many other volunteers who worked tirelessly to assist the Commission in the production of this Code.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Members of the Building Standards Commission Secretary Amy Tong – Chair Rajesh Patel – Vice-Chair
Erick Mikiten Kent Sasaki Elley Klausbruckner Peter Santillan Aaron Stockwell Laura Rambin Juvilyn Alegre James Haskin Frank Ramirez
Stoyan Bumbalov – Executive Director Kevin Day – Deputy Executive Director
For questions on California state agency amendments, please refer to the contact list on page iv.
iii
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
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.
CALGreen § 100.0 High relevance — show source text
2025 CRC Residential Code
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2025 California Residential Code California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2.5
COPYRIGHT 2025
by INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.
For information on use rights and permissions, please contact:
of the International Code Council, Inc., and/or its licensors (as applicable), and may not be used without permission.
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PREFACE
This document is Part 2.5 of thirteen parts of the official triennial compilation and publication of the adoptions, amendments and repeal of administrative regulations to California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part is known as the California Residential Code.
The California Building Standards Code is published in its entirety every three years by order of the California legislature, with supplements published in intervening years. The California legislature delegated authority to various state agencies, boards, commissions and departments to create building regulations to implement the State’s statutes. These building regulations, or standards, have the same force of law, and take effect 180 days after their publication unless otherwise stipulated. The Califor- nia Building Standards Code applies to occupancies in the State of California as annotated.
A city, county, or city and county may establish more restrictive building standards reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. Findings of the local condition(s) and the adopted local building standard(s) must generally be filed with the California Building Standards Commission (or other filing if indicated) to become effective, and may not be effective sooner than the effective date of this edition of the California Building Standards Code . Local building standards that were adopted and applicable to previous editions of the California Building Standards Code do not apply to this edition without appropriate adoption and the required filing.
Should you find publication (e.g., typographical) errors or inconsistencies in this code or wish to offer comments toward improving its format, please address your comments to:
California Building Standards Commission
2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95833-2936
Phone: (916) 263-0916 Email: cbsc@dgs.ca.gov
Web page: www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Code) was developed through the outstanding collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of the State Architect, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Department of Health Care Access and Information, California Energy Commission, California Department of Public Health, California State Lands Commission, Board of State and Community Corrections, Department of Water Resources, State Historical Building Safety Board, Department of Consumer Affairs, State Librarian, Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Building Standards Commission (Commission).
This collaborative effort included the assistance of the Commission’s Code Advisory Committees and many other volunteers who worked tirelessly to assist the Commission in the production of this Code.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Members of the California Building Standards Commission
CALGreen § 95833-2936 High relevance — show source text
A city, county, or city and county may establish more restrictive building standards reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. Findings of the local condition(s) and the adopted local building standard(s) must generally be filed with the California Building Standards Commission (or other filing if indicated) to become effective, and may not be effective sooner than the effective date of this edition of the California Building Standards Code . Local building standards that were adopted and applicable to previous editions of the California Building Standards Code do not apply to this edition without appropriate adoption and the required filing.
Should you find publication (e.g., typographical) errors or inconsistencies in this code or wish to offer comments toward improving its format, please address your comments to:
California Building Standards Commission 2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95833-2936 Phone: (916) 263-0916 Web Page: www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc Email: cbsc@dgs.ca.gov
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Code) was developed through the outstanding collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of the State Architect, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Department of Health Care Access and Information, California Energy Commission, California Department of Public Health, California State Lands Commission, Board of State and Community Corrections, Department of Water Resources, State Historical Building Safety Board, Department of Consumer Affairs, State Librarian, Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Building Standards Commission (Commission).
This collaborative effort included the assistance of the Commission’s Code Advisory Committees and many other volunteers who worked tirelessly to assist the Commission in the production of this Code.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Members of the Building Standards Commission Secretary Amy Tong – Chair Rajesh Patel – Vice-Chair
Erick Mikiten Kent Sasaki Elley Klausbruckner Peter Santillan Aaron Stockwell Laura Rambin Juvilyn Alegre James Haskin Frank Ramirez
Stoyan Bumbalov – Executive Director Kevin Day – Deputy Executive Director
For questions on California state agency amendments, please refer to the contact list on page iv.
iii
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
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 & 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 Standard s
Department of Consumer Affairs Boards/Bureaus:
CALGreen § 1.1.7 High relevance — show source text
1.1.7 Order of precedence and use.
1.1.7.1 Differences. In the event of any differences between these building standards and the standard reference documents, the text of these building standards shall govern.
1.1.7.2 Specific provisions. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.
1.1.7.3 Conflicts. When the requirements of this code conflict with the requirements of any other part of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 the most restrictive requirements shall prevail.
1.1.7.3.1 Detached one- and two-family dwellings. Detached one- and two-family dwellings, lodging houses, live/work units, townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures, may be designed and constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code or the California Building Code, but not both, unless the proposed structure(s) or element(s) exceed the design limitations established in the California Residential Code, and the code user is specifically directed by the California Residential Code to use the California Building Code.
1-4 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ADMINISTRATION
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, Sacramento, CA 95827-8180 or 9342 Tech Center Drive, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 95826-2581.
Frequently asked questions
Who signs the required findings?
The local legislative body (the city council, county board of supervisors, or equivalent for a city and county) adopts the findings as part of the ordinance or resolution required by § 101.7.1.
Can a fire district file its own findings?
A fire protection district may prepare findings, but those findings must be ratified by the local city or county before being filed with HCD. § 101.7.1(3).
Where do I file a local amendment that is not fire‑related?
File the locally adopted amendment and its findings with the California Building Standards Commission as required by § 101.7.1(2).
Does filing automatically make the amendment effective?
Filing sets the local amendment’s effective date, but the amendment cannot be effective before the code edition’s effective date. § 101.7.1.
What if the amendment changes energy requirements?
Energy‑related local ordinances must obtain California Energy Commission approval as described in § 101.7.1(4) (and consistent with the Public Resources Code and Part 1 references).
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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