CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Scope & General Requirements

Section 101 of CALGreen defines the code’s title, purpose and which projects and state-regulated buildings the green-building requirements apply to.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This part of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Part 11 of Title 24) sets the foundation — the title, purpose and the basic applicability rules that tell you what projects the green-building requirements cover and how they are enforced. The core administrative provisions are collected in Section 101 (Title, Purpose, Scope) — see §101.1, §101.2 and §101.3 for the basic framing of the code and who/what it applies to .

The section also explains how state-regulated buildings and special applications are scoped (see §101.3.1) and points to the state-agency scoping provisions in Sections 103–106, which determine enforcement and any agency-specific modifications . Operational and compliance elements referenced by these general requirements (for example, commissioning, documentation and forms) are developed elsewhere in CALGreen (notably Section 5.410.2 and the compliance forms in the Part 8 reference material) and are integral to meeting the code’s intent for durable, resource-efficient buildings .

In this section

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 1.5 High relevance — show source text

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.08] Distance Measurements.

    All specified or referenced distances are measured along the ground unless otherwise stated.

    1.12.2 Agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to wildland-urban interface areas identified in Section 1.12 are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections and in the Cross Reference Table located in Appendix H, Section H107.

    1-14 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

    DIVISION II

    SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1–General Provisions (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–113). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other California Codes as applicable.

    This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

    Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner or indicated in the Matrix Adoption Table.

    PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS

    SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    [A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

    [A] 101.2 Scope. This code applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings located within a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area and contains minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.

    [A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

    [A] 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum regulations for the safeguarding of life and for property protection. Regulations in this code are intended to mitigate the risk to life and structures from intrusion of fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to mitigate structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels. The extent of this regulation is intended to be tiered commensurate with the relative level of hazard present.

    The unrestricted use of property in wildland-urban interface areas is a potential threat to life and property from fire and resulting erosion. Safeguards to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire protection facilities to control the spread of fire in wildland-urban interface areas shall be in accordance with this code.

  • CALGreen § 1-4 High relevance — show source text

    1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

    1.12 Board of Forestry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

    DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

    PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

    101 Scope and General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

    102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

    PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

    103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

    104 Duties and Powers of the Code Official . . . . . . . . . 1-17

    105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

    106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

    107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . 1-21

    108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

    109 Inspection and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

    110 Certificate of Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    112 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    113 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

    CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

    201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

    202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

    CHAPTER 3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS . . . . 3-3

  • CALGreen § 1-5 High relevance — show source text

    1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

    DIVISION II— SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-13

    Part 1—General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

    101 Scope and General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13 102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

    Part 2—Administration and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

    103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14 104 Duties and Powers of the Fire Code Official . . . . . . . 1-14

    105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

    106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

    107 Temporary Structures, Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

    108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

    109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27

    110 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27

    111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

    112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

    114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29 115 Unsafe Structures or Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

    CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

  • CALGreen § 102.4 High relevance — show source text

    ADMINISTRATION

    DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Application (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–116). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other ICodes as applicable. Standards and codes are scoped to the extent referenced (see Section 102.4).

    This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner. Chapter 1 is largely concerned with maintaining “due process of law” in enforcing the building performance criteria contained in the body of the code.

    ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the Administrative Code Development Committee during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

    Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.

    Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner.

    PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION

    SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    [A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

    [A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

    Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code .

    [A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

    [A] 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation, and for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

    [A] 101.4 Referenced codes. The other codes specified in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

  • CALGreen § 101.1 High relevance — show source text

    1 ADMINISTRATION

    SECTION 101—GENERAL

    101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Green Building Standards Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” It is intended that it shall also be known as the CALGreen Code. The California Green Building Stan- dards Code is Part 11 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code.

    101.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a reduced negative impact or positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories:

    1. Planning and design.
    2. Energy efficiency.
    3. Water efficiency and conservation.
    4. Material conservation and resource efficiency.
    5. Environmental quality.

    101.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the planning, design, operation, construction, use and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure, unless otherwise indicated in this code, throughout the State of California.

    It is not the intent that this code substitute or be identified as meeting the certification requirements of any green building

    program.

    101.3.1 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Provisions of this code shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 103 through 106, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 101.7. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by statute.

    1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California law, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 103 for additional scoping provisions.

    2. Energy efficiency standards regulated by the California Energy Commission.

    3. All residential buildings constructed throughout the State of California, including but not limited to, hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 104 for additional scoping provisions.

    4. Public elementary and secondary schools, and community college buildings regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 105 for additional scoping provisions.

    5. Qualified historical buildings and structures and their associated sites regulated by the State Historical Building Safety Board within the Division of the State Architect.

    6. General acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing and/or intermediate care facilities, clinics licensed by the Department of Public Health and correctional treatment centers regulated by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. See Section 106 for additional scoping provisions.

    7. Graywater systems regulated by the Department of Water Resources and the Department of Housing and Community Development.

    8. Green building standards for occupancies where no state agency has authority or expertise, adopted by the California Building Standards Commission. See Section 103 for additional scoping provisions.

  • CALGreen § 1-11 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 1-11

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

    1-12 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—General Provisions (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administrative Provisions (Sections 103–115). Section 102 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable.

    This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document, and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

    ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the Administrative Code Development Committee during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

    Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition. For clarity, the relocation marginal markings have not been included. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.

    PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS

    SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner or indicated in the Matrix Adoption Table.

    [A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

    [A] 101.2 Scope. This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to structures, processes, premises and safeguards regarding all of the following:

    1. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices.
    2. Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises.
    3. Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.
    4. Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire protection systems.
    5. Conditions affecting the safety of firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

    [A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

    [A] 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

    [A] 101.4 Severability. If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code.

  • CALGreen § 1.11.11 High relevance — show source text

    1.11.11 Adopting Agency Identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Section 1.11 will be identi- fied in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.

    SECTION 1.12—STATE LIBRARIAN

    1.12.1 Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

    Application— Public library construction and renovation using funds from the California Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 1988.

    Enforcing agency— State librarian.

    Authority cited— Education Code Sections 19950 through 19981.

    Reference— Education Code Sections 19950 through 19981.

    SECTION 1.13—DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

    RESERVED

    SECTION 1.14—CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION

    1.14.1 Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

    Application— Marine oil terminals.

    Enforcing agency— California State Lands Commission.

    Authority cited— Public Resources Code Section 8755.

    Reference— Public Resources Code Section 8755.

    1-22 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    ADMINISTRATION

    DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Application (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–116). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other ICodes as applicable. Standards and codes are scoped to the extent referenced (see Section 102.4).

    This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner. Chapter 1 is largely concerned with maintaining “due process of law” in enforcing the building performance criteria contained in the body of the code.

    ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the Administrative Code Development Committee during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

    Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.

    Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner.

    PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION

    SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    [A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

  • CALGreen § 1.11.8 High relevance — show source text

    1.11.8 Service utilities. See Section 111.

    1.11.9 Stop work order. See Section 114.

    1.11.10 Unsafe buildings, structures and equipment. See Section 115.

    1.11.11 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Section 1.11 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.

    SECTION 1.12—STATE LIBRARIAN

    RESERVED

    SECTION 1.13—DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

    RESERVED

    SECTION 1.14—CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION

    RESERVED

    1-20 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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    DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner.

    Division II is not adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development except where specifically indicated.

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Administration (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–117). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable.

    This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document, and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the registered design professional, contractor and property owner.

    Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition of the IEBC. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.

    PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION

    SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    [A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Existing Building Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], herein-after referred to as “this code.”

    [A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.

    Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code.

    [A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted or referenced.

    101.2.2 Application of fire code. Where work regulated by this code is also regulated by the construction requirements for existing buildings in Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code, such work shall comply with applicable requirements in both codes.

  • CALGreen § 8-14 High relevance — show source text

    8-14 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

    Selection of “trained,” qualified personnel is required by this code. In order to meet this requirement, the commissioning provider should be evaluated via the methods discussed above. In addition, various organizations have training and certification programs that may be a source for identification of qualified commissioning providers.

    For information about enforcement and compliance of each commissioning element see Sections 5.410.2.1 through 5.410.2.6.

    For compliance forms and templates see Part 2 following this standard.

    Reference: 1 Owner’s Project Requirements

    CALGreen Section 5.410.2.1, Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR).

    1.1 Intent:

    The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) documents the functional requirements of a project and expectations of the building use and operation as it relates to systems being commissioned. The document describes the physical and functional building characteristics desired by the owner and establishes performance and acceptance criteria. The OPR is most effective when developed during predesign and used to develop the Basis of Design (BOD) during the design process. The level of detail and complexity of the OPR will vary according to building use, type and systems.

    1.2 Compliance Method:

    Compliance is demonstrated by the owner or owner’s representative developing and/or approving the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) document and can be defined as follows:

    1. Environmental and Sustainability Goals—Establish environmental project goals and objectives exceeding the code for the project’s sustainability, which may include: a. CALGreen voluntary measures or Tiers sought, or other specific green building rating system or program credits and/or level of certification sought b. Specific environmental or sustainability goals such as water efficiency, water reuse, CO 2 monitoring, xeriscaping, etc.
    2. Building Sustainable Goals—Establish goals and targets affecting energy efficiency, which may include: a. Measures affecting building sustainability desired by owner i. Building orientation and siting ii. Daylighting iii. Facade, envelope and fenestration

    iv. Roof

    v. Natural ventilation

    vi. Onsite renewable power generation and net-zero energy use vii. Landscaping and shading 3. Indoor Environmental Quality Requirements—For each program space describe indoor environmental requirements including intended use and anticipated schedule, and the following: a. Temperature and humidity

    b. Acoustics

    c. Air quality, ventilation and filtration d. Desired adjustability of system controls

    e. Accommodations for after-hours use

    f. Other owner requirements including natural ventilation, operable windows, daylight, views, etc. 4. Project Program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after-hours operation—Describe primary purpose, program and use of proposed project include the following: a. Building size, number of stories, construction type, occupancy type and number b. Building program areas including intended use and anticipated occupancy schedules c. Future expandability and flexibility of spaces d. Quality and/or durability of materials and building lifespan desired e. Budget or operational constraints f. Applicable codes 5. Equipment and Systems Expectations—Describe the following for each system commissioned: a. Level of quality, reliability, equipment type, automation, flexibility, maintenance and complexity desired b. Specific efficiency targets, desired technologies or preferred manufacturers for building systems, acoustics and vibration c. Degree of system integration, automation and functionality for controls 6.

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

    agency|BSC|BSC-
    CG|SFM|1|2|1/AC|AC|SS|1|1R|2|3|4|5|5|5|5|5|5|5|5|5| |Adopt entire CA chapter||||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopt entire chapter as
    amended (amended
    sections listed below)||||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopt only those sections
    that are listed below||X||X||||X|X||X||X|||||||||| |Chapter/Section||||||||||||||||||||||| |101||X||X||||X|X||X||X|||||||||| |102||X||X||||X|X||X||X|||||||||| |103||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104||||X||||||||||||||||||| |105||||||||X||||||||||||||| |106|||||||||X||X||X||||||||||

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 1-1

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

    1-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    1 ADMINISTRATION

    SECTION 101—GENERAL

    101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Green Building Standards Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” It is intended that it shall also be known as the CALGreen Code. The California Green Building Stan- dards Code is Part 11 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code.

    101.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a reduced negative impact or positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories:

    1. Planning and design.
    2. Energy efficiency.
    3. Water efficiency and conservation.
    4. Material conservation and resource efficiency.
    5. Environmental quality.

    101.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the planning, design, operation, construction, use and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure, unless otherwise indicated in this code, throughout the State of California.

    It is not the intent that this code substitute or be identified as meeting the certification requirements of any green building

    program.

    101.3.1 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Provisions of this code shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 103 through 106, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 101.7. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by statute. 1.

  • CALGreen § 8-15 High relevance — show source text
    1. Building Sustainable Goals—Establish goals and targets affecting energy efficiency, which may include: a. Measures affecting building sustainability desired by owner i. Building orientation and siting ii. Daylighting iii. Facade, envelope and fenestration

    iv. Roof

    v. Natural ventilation

    vi. Onsite renewable power generation and net-zero energy use vii. Landscaping and shading 3. Indoor Environmental Quality Requirements—For each program space describe indoor environmental requirements including intended use and anticipated schedule, and the following: a. Temperature and humidity

    b. Acoustics

    c. Air quality, ventilation and filtration d. Desired adjustability of system controls

    e. Accommodations for after-hours use

    f. Other owner requirements including natural ventilation, operable windows, daylight, views, etc. 4. Project Program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after-hours operation—Describe primary purpose, program and use of proposed project include the following: a. Building size, number of stories, construction type, occupancy type and number b. Building program areas including intended use and anticipated occupancy schedules c. Future expandability and flexibility of spaces d. Quality and/or durability of materials and building lifespan desired e. Budget or operational constraints f. Applicable codes 5. Equipment and Systems Expectations—Describe the following for each system commissioned: a. Level of quality, reliability, equipment type, automation, flexibility, maintenance and complexity desired b. Specific efficiency targets, desired technologies or preferred manufacturers for building systems, acoustics and vibration c. Degree of system integration, automation and functionality for controls 6. Building Occupant and O&M Personnel Expectations—Describe the following: a. How building will be operated and by whom b. Level of training and orientation required to understand, operate and use the building systems for building operation and maintenance staff, as well as occupants c. Building operation and maintenance staff location and capabilities

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 8-15

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

    COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

    1.3 Enforcement:

    At their discretion, the inspector confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Intake by: a) Receipt of a copy of the OPR document, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner representative attesting that the OPR has been completed and approved by the owner.

    Reference: 2 Basis of Design (BOD)

    CALGreen Section 5.410.2.2, Basis of Design (BOD).

    2.1 Intent:

    The Basis of Design (BOD) describes the building systems to be commissioned and outlines design assumptions not indicated in the design documents. The design team develops the BOD to describe how the building systems’ design meets the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), and why the systems were selected. The BOD is most effective when developed early in the project design and updated as necessary throughout the design process.

    2.2 Compliance Method:

    Compliance requires the completion of the BOD document and should include the following where applicable: 1.

  • CALGreen § 8-15 High relevance — show source text

    Building Occupant and O&M Personnel Expectations—Describe the following: a. How building will be operated and by whom b. Level of training and orientation required to understand, operate and use the building systems for building operation and maintenance staff, as well as occupants c. Building operation and maintenance staff location and capabilities

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 8-15

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

    COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

    1.3 Enforcement:

    At their discretion, the inspector confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Intake by: a) Receipt of a copy of the OPR document, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner representative attesting that the OPR has been completed and approved by the owner.

    Reference: 2 Basis of Design (BOD)

    CALGreen Section 5.410.2.2, Basis of Design (BOD).

    2.1 Intent:

    The Basis of Design (BOD) describes the building systems to be commissioned and outlines design assumptions not indicated in the design documents. The design team develops the BOD to describe how the building systems’ design meets the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), and why the systems were selected. The BOD is most effective when developed early in the project design and updated as necessary throughout the design process.

    2.2 Compliance Method:

    Compliance requires the completion of the BOD document and should include the following where applicable:

    1. Renewable Energy Systems a. Provide narrative description of system—type, performance, control type, energy savings, payback period b. Describe reason for system selection—why chosen system is better than alternatives, issues such as performance, efficiency, reliability, flexibility, simplicity, expandability, cost, payback period, utility company incentives, owner preference c. Sequence of Operation—operating schedules, setpoints, storage capacity d. Describe how system meets the OPR

    2. Landscape Irrigation Systems a. Provide narrative description of system—type, performance, water usage b. Describe reason for system selection—why chosen system is better than alternatives, issues such as performance, efficiency, reliability, flexibility, expandability, cost, owner preference, simplicity c. Sequence of Operation—operating schedules, setpoints d. Describe how system meets the OPR

    3. Water Reuse Systems a. Provide narrative description of system—type, performance, capacity, reuse purpose b. Describe reason for system selection—why chosen system is better than alternatives, issues such as performance, efficiency, reliability, flexibility, expandability, cost, owner preference, simplicity c. Sequence of Operation—operating schedules, setpoints d. Describe how system meets the OPR

    2.3 Enforcement:

    At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Intake by: a) Receipt of a copy of the BOD document, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the architect, engineer or designer of record, attesting that the BOD has been completed and meets the requirements of the OPR.

    Reference: 3 Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents

    CALGreen Section 5.410.2, Commissioning.

    This section provides details for element 3: Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents.

    3.1 Intent:

    Include commissioning measures or requirements in the construction documents (plans and specifications). Commissioning measures or requirements should be clear, detailed and complete to clarify the commissioning process.

Frequently asked questions

Who does the Scope & General Requirements apply to?

The Scope covers the planning, design, operation, construction, use and occupancy of newly constructed buildings throughout California unless a specific exception applies; state-regulated buildings are addressed separately in §101.3.1 and by Sections 103–106 for agency-specific enforcement .

Where are the documentation and commissioning requirements referenced by the Scope located?

Commissioning, Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), Basis of Design (BOD) templates and related documentation are specified elsewhere in CALGreen (see Section 5.410.2 and the compliance forms/reference material in Part 8) and are required to demonstrate compliance with the code’s intent .

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