CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

How to read and use Chapter 2 (General rules)

Chapter 2 provides the scope and definitions you must consult first to interpret and apply CALGreen requirements correctly.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Chapter 2 of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) sets the foundational rules you need to read first: §201 (General) establishes the chapter scope and how the chapter is organized, and §202 (Definitions) gives the defined terms used throughout the rest of the code . Treat these sections as the dictionary and scope statement for CALGreen — they tell you what words mean and which provisions apply.

Why this matters: definitions and general rules control how mandatory measures (for example in Chapters 4 and 5) and voluntary tiers interact with a project’s requirements; if you don’t use the defined terms in §202 you can misapply water, material, or environmental-quality provisions found elsewhere in the code . Chapter 2 also interacts with procedural provisions (local amendments, adoption and modification processes) referenced elsewhere in the code, for example in Section 101.7 on local changes and in the voluntary-tier language .

How to use Chapter 2 in practice: begin every code review by reading §201 to confirm scope and applicability, then consult §202 to resolve any term used in a mandatory or voluntary requirement; check the code’s adoption/matrix tables to see if specific sections were adopted or amended by a particular agency before assuming statewide applicability . When a term remains ambiguous, follow cross-references in the text and the administrative guidance in Chapter 1 before applying an interpretation.

In this section

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 2.25 Medium relevance — show source text

    00|2.25|0.70|DR|3.70|1.05|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
    mil steel
    furring or
    minimum
    1x wood
    furringc|33 mil cold-
    formed steel
    stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
    ness plus 3
    threads|16|3.85|1.45|DR|DR|3.40|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
    mil steel
    furring or
    minimum
    1x wood
    furringc|33 mil cold-
    formed steel
    stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
    ness plus 3
    threads|24|3.40|DR|DR|DR|2.70|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
    mil steel
    furring or
    minimum
    1x wood
    furringc|43 mil or
    thicker cold-
    formed steel
    stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
    ness plus 3
    threads|12|3.00|1.80|DR|DR|3.00|0.65|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
    mil steel
    furring or
    minimum
    1x wood
    furringc|43 mil or
    thicker cold-
    formed steel
    stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
    ness plus 3
    threads|16|3.00|1.00|DR|DR|2.85|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
    mil steel
    furring or
    minimum
    1x wood
    furringc|43 mil or
    thicker cold-
    formed steel
    stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
    ness plus 3
    threads|24|2.85|DR|DR|DR|2.20|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
    mil steel
    furring or
    minimum
    1x wood
    furringc|43 mil or
    thicker cold-
    formed steel
    stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
    ness plus 3
    threads|12|4.00|3.85|2.80|1.80|4.00|3.05|1.50|DR| |Minimum 33
    mil steel
    furring or
    minimum
    1x wood
    furringc|43 mil or
    thicker cold-
    formed steel
    stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
    ness plus 3
    threads|16|4.00|3.30|1.95|0.60|4.00|2.25|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
    mil steel
    furring or
    minimum
    1x wood
    furringc|43 mil or
    thicker cold-
    formed steel
    stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
    ness plus 3
    threads|24|4.00|2.25|DR|DR|4.00|0.65|DR|DR| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa.
    DR = Design Required, o.c. = on center.
    a. Wood furring shall be spruce-pine-fir or any softwood species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or greater.

  • CALGreen § 6.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    Reference: 6.1 Documentation and training

    CALGreen Section 5.410.2.5, Documentation and training.

    Section 5.410.2.5.1, Systems manual.

    6.1.1 Intent:

    The Systems Manual documents information focusing on the operation of the building systems. This document provides information needed to understand, operate and maintain the equipment and systems and informs those not involved in the design and construction of the building systems. This document is in addition to the record construction drawings, documents and the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals supplied by the contractor. The Systems Manual is assembled during the construction phase and available during the contractors’ training of the facility staff.

    6.1.2 Compliance Method:

    Compliance is demonstrated by providing the Systems Manual. The information in the Systems Manual includes the following:

    1. Site information, including facility description, history and current requirements

    a. Site information

    i. Location of property - address

    ii. Site acreage iii. Local utility information

               Water service provider

           Natural/LPG gas service provider

           Electrical service provider

           Telecommunications service provider

           Other service providers

    b. Facility description i. Use/function

    ii. Square footage

    iii. Occupancy type

    iv. Construction type v. Basis of Design vi. Location of major systems and equipment c. Project history

    i. Project requirements

               Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)

           Basis of Design (BOD)

    ii. Project undocumented events iii. Record drawings and documents iv. Final control drawings and schematics v. Final control sequences vi. Construction documents - location or delivery information

               Mechanical and electrical drawings

           Specifications
           - Submittals

           Project change orders and information

    d. Current requirements i. Building operating schedules

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 8-19

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    COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

    ii. Space temperature, humidity and pressure, CO 2 setpoints

    iii. Summer and winter setback schedules

    iv. Chilled and hot water temperatures v. As-built control setpoints and parameters

    1. Site contact information

    a. Owner information

    b. Emergency contacts c. Design team: architect, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, etc.

    d. Prime contractor contact information

    e. Subcontractor information

    f. Equipment supplier contact information 3. Basic operation and maintenance, including general site operating procedures, basic trouble shooting, recommended maintenance requirements site events log

    a. Basic operation i. Written narratives of basic equipment operation ii. Interfaces, interlocks and interaction with other equipment and systems iii. Initial maintenance provided by contactor b. General site operating procedures i. Instructions for changes in major system operating schedules ii. Instructions for changes in major system holiday and weekend schedules c. Basic troubleshooting i. Cite any recommended troubleshooting procedures specific to the major systems and equipment installed in the building. ii. Manual operation procedures iii. Standby/backup operation procedures iv. Bypass operation procedures v. Major system power fail resets and restarts vi. Trend log listing d. Recommended maintenance events log e. Operation & Maintenance manuals - location or delivery information

    1. Major systems a. Renewable energy systems i. Photovoltaic panels and inverters ii. Wind-powered electrical generators and inverters b. Landscape irrigation systems i. Water distribution diagrams ii. Control system
  • CALGreen § 15-11 Medium relevance — show source text

    are listed below||||||||X||||||||||||||| |Chapter/Section||||||||||||||||||||||| |WS-3||||||||X||||||||||||||| |WS-4||||||||X||||||||||||||| |WS-5||||||||X||||||||||||||| |WS-9||||||||X||||||||||||||| |IES TM-15-11 Table A-1||||||||X||||||||||||||| |Table 130.2-A||||||||X||||||||||||||| |Table 1302.2-B||||||||X|||||||||||||||

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 8-1

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    8-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    8 COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

    [BSC] Sample forms found in “A Guide to the California Green Building Standards Code (Nonresidential)” located at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources/Page-Content/Building-Standards-Commission-Resources-List-Folder/CALGreen may be used to assist in documenting compliance with the waste management plan and other provisions of this code.

    [HCD 1] Sample forms located at www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/calgreen/cal-green-forms.shtml may be used to assist in documenting compliance with CALGreen . WORKSHEET (WS-1) BASELINE WATER USE

    BASELINE WATER USE CALCULATION TABLE Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 Col8 Col9 Col10
    FIXTURE TYPE FLOW RATE DURATION DAILY USES OCCUPANTS1 GALLONS PER DAY
    Showerheads 1.8 gpm @ 80 psi × 5 min. × 1 × Note 1a =
    Lavatory faucets nonresidential 0.5 gpm @ 60 psi × .25 min. × 3 × =
    Kitchen faucets 1.8 gpm @ 60 psi × 4 min. × 1 × Note 1b =
    Replacement aerators 2.2 gpm × × × =
    Wash fountains 1.8 gpm/20 [rim
    space(in.)@ 60 psi]    		 × × × =
    Metering faucets 0.20 gal/cycle × × 3 × =
    Metering faucets for wash
    fountains    		 0.20 gal/cycle/20 [rim
    space(in.
  • CALGreen § 1.8 Medium relevance — show source text

    [HCD 1] Sample forms located at www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/calgreen/cal-green-forms.shtml may be used to assist in documenting compliance with CALGreen . WORKSHEET (WS-1) BASELINE WATER USE

    BASELINE WATER USE CALCULATION TABLE Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 Col8 Col9 Col10
    FIXTURE TYPE FLOW RATE DURATION DAILY USES OCCUPANTS1 GALLONS PER DAY
    Showerheads 1.8 gpm @ 80 psi × 5 min. × 1 × Note 1a =
    Lavatory faucets nonresidential 0.5 gpm @ 60 psi × .25 min. × 3 × =
    Kitchen faucets 1.8 gpm @ 60 psi × 4 min. × 1 × Note 1b =
    Replacement aerators 2.2 gpm × × × =
    Wash fountains 1.8 gpm/20 [rim
    space(in.)@ 60 psi]    		 × × × =
    Metering faucets 0.20 gal/cycle × × 3 × =
    Metering faucets for wash
    fountains    		 0.20 gal/cycle/20 [rim
    space(in.)@ 60 psi]    		 × .25 min. × × =
    Gravity tank-type water closets 1.28 gal/flush × 1 flush × 1 male2
    3 female    		 × =
    Flushometer tank water closets 1.28 gal/flush × 1 flush × 1 male2
    3 female    		 × =
    Flushometer valve water closets 1.28 gal/flush × 1 flush × 1 male2
    3 female    		 × =
    Electromechanical hydraulic
    water closets    		 1.28 gal/flush × 1 flush × 1 male2
    3 female    		 × =
    Urinals 0.5 or 0.1253 gal/flush × 1 flush × 2 male × =
    Total daily baseline water use (BWU) Total daily baseline water use (BWU) Total daily baseline water use (BWU) Total daily baseline water use (BWU) Total daily baseline water use (BWU) Total daily baseline water use (BWU) Total daily baseline water use (BWU) Total daily baseline water use (BWU) =
    1. For nonresidential occupancies, refer to Table 4-1, Chapter 4, 2025_ California Plumbing Code,_ for occupant load factors.
    a. Shower use by occupants depends on the type of use of a building or portion of a building, e.g., total occupant load for a health club, but only a fraction of the occupants
    in an office building as determined by the anticipated number of users.
    b. Kitchen faucet use is determined by the occupant load of the area served by the fixture.
    2. The daily use number shall be increased to three if urinals are not installed in the room.
    3. Floor-mounted urinals @ 0.5 GPF or wall-mounted urinals @ 0.125 GPF.    		 1.
  • CALGreen § 4-1 Medium relevance — show source text

    80 = __________ Allowable water use
    25% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .75 = __________ Allowable water use|12% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .88 = __________ Allowable water use
    20% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .80 = __________ Allowable water use
    25% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .75 = __________ Allowable water use|12% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .88 = __________ Allowable water use
    20% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .80 = __________ Allowable water use
    25% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .75 = __________ Allowable water use|12% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .88 = __________ Allowable water use
    20% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .80 = __________ Allowable water use
    25% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .75 = __________ Allowable water use|12% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .88 = __________ Allowable water use
    20% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .80 = __________ Allowable water use
    25% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .75 = __________ Allowable water use|12% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .88 = __________ Allowable water use
    20% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .80 = __________ Allowable water use
    25% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .75 = __________ Allowable water use|12% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .88 = __________ Allowable water use
    20% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .80 = __________ Allowable water use
    25% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .75 = __________ Allowable water use|12% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .88 = __________ Allowable water use
    20% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .80 = __________ Allowable water use
    25% Reduction___________ (BWU from WS-1)× .75 = __________ Allowable water use| |1. For occupancies, refer to Table 4-1, Chapter 4, 2025_California Plumbing Code,_ for occupant load factors.
    a. Shower use by occupants depends on the type of use of a building or portion of a building, e.g., total occupant load for a health club, but only a fraction of the occupants
    in an office building as determined by the anticipated number of users.
    b. Kitchen faucet use is determined by the occupant load of the area served by the fixture.
    2. Includes single and dual flush water closets with an effective flush of 1.28 gallons or less.
    Single flush toilets - The effective flush volume shall not exceed 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters). The effective flush volume is the average flush volume when tested in accordance
    with ASME A112.19.2.
    Dual flush toilets - The effective flush volume shall not exceed 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters). The effective flush volume is defined as the composite, average flush volume of two
    reduced flushes and one full flush.

  • CALGreen § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    7 or No.
    67)|30|2|2|2|13|15|17|21|25|30|14|17|19|22|24|27|32|37|42| |ASTM D1863
    (No. 7 or No.
    67)|50|12|12|14|16|18|21|25|30|35|17|19|22|25|28|30|36|41|47| |ASTM D1863
    (No. 7 or No.
    67)|100|14|16|19|21|24|27|32|37|42|21|24|26|29|32|35|41|47|53| |ASTM D1863
    (No. 7 or No.
    67)|150|17|19|22|25|27|30|36|41|46|23|26|29|32|35|38|44|50|56| |ASTM D1863
    (No. 6)|15|2|2|2|2|12|12|12|15|18|2|2|2|13|15|17|22|26|30| |ASTM D1863
    (No. 6)|20|2|2|2|2|12|12|13|17|21|2|2|12|15|17|19|23|28|32| |ASTM D1863
    (No. 6)|30|2|2|2|2|12|12|16|20|24|2|12|14|17|19|21|26|31|35| |ASTM D1863
    (No. 6)|50|12|12|12|12|14|16|20|24|28|12|15|17|19|22|24|29|34|39| |ASTM D1863
    (No. 6)|100|12|12|14|16|19|21|26|30|35|16|18|21|24|26|29|34|39|45| |ASTM D1863
    (No. 6)|150|12|14|17|19|22|24|29|34|39|18|21|23|26|29|32|37|43|48| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
    a. Parapet height is measured vertically from the top surface of the coping down to the surface of the roof covering in the field of the roof adjacent to the parapet and outbound
    of any cant strip.
    b. Interpolation shall be permitted for wind speed, mean roof height and parapet height. Extrapolation is not permitted.
    c. Basic wind speed,V, and wind exposure shall be determined in accordance with Section 1609.
    d. Where the minimum required parapet height is indicated to be 2 inches (51 mm), a gravel stop shall be permitted and shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) from the roof
    surface and not less than the height of the aggregate.
    e. The tabulated values apply only to conditions where the topographic factor (Kzt) determined in accordance with Chapter 26 of ASCE 7 is 1.0 or where_Kzt_ is incorporated in the
    basic wind speed in Section 1609.
    f.

  • 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 § 3.6.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    3.6.3(7)—AUTOMATIC AFFF WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITYa, b**|IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMANDc|Minimum
    nozzle
    pressure
    (psi)|Minimum
    nozzle
    pressure
    (psi)|30|30| |TABLE 5704.3.6.3(7)—AUTOMATIC AFFF WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITYa, b|IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMANDc|On-end storage of drumson
    pallets, up to 25 feet|On-end storage of drumson
    pallets, up to 25 feet|1.
    Ordinary temperature
    sprinkler up to 10 feet apart
    horizontally
    2.
    One line sprinklers above
    each level of storage
    3.
    Locate in longitudinal flue
    space, staggered vertically
    4.
    Shields required for multiple-
    level|1.
    Ordinary temperature
    sprinkler up to 10 feet apart
    horizontally
    2.
    One line sprinklers above
    each level of storage
    3.
    Locate in longitudinal flue
    space, staggered vertically
    4.
    Shields required for multiple-
    level| |TABLE 5704.3.6.3(7)—AUTOMATIC AFFF WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITYa, b|CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND|Area
    (square feet)|Ordinary
    temperature
    sprinklers|2,500|2,500| |TABLE 5704.3.6.3(7)—AUTOMATIC AFFF WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITYa, b|CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND|Area
    (square feet)|High-
    temperature
    sprinklers|1,500|1,500| |TABLE 5704.3.6.3(7)—AUTOMATIC AFFF WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITYa, b|CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND|Density
    (gpm/ft2)|Density
    (gpm/ft2)|0.30|0.30| |TABLE 5704.3.6.3(7)—AUTOMATIC AFFF WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITYa, b|CLASS LIQUID|CLASS LIQUID|CLASS LIQUID|IA, IB, IC and II|IA, IB, IC and II|

    57-26 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

  • CALGreen § 7-4 Medium relevance — show source text

    7-4 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 8 – COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

    (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-
    CG    		 SFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting 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 X
    Adopt entire chapter as
    amended (amended
    sections listed below)
    Adopt only those sections
    that are listed below    		 X
    Chapter/Section
    WS-3 X
    WS-4 X
    WS-5 X
    WS-9 X
    IES TM-15-11 Table A-1 X
    Table 130.2-A X
    Table 1302.2-B X

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 8-1

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    8-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    8 COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

    [BSC] Sample forms found in “A Guide to the California Green Building Standards Code (Nonresidential)” located at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources/Page-Content/Building-Standards-Commission-Resources-List-Folder/CALGreen may be used to assist in documenting compliance with the waste management plan and other provisions of this code.

    [HCD 1] Sample forms located at www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/calgreen/cal-green-forms.shtml may be used to assist in documenting compliance with CALGreen . WORKSHEET (WS-1) BASELINE WATER USE

  • 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

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE vii

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

    viii 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    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

  • CALGreen § 1-21 Medium relevance — show source text

    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

    301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

    302 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designations . . . . . .3-3

    CHAPTER 4 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA

    REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

    401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

    402 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

    403 Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

    404 Water Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7

    CHAPTER 5 SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

    REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

    501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is in §202 (Definitions) and why should I rely on it?

§202 collects the defined terms CALGreen uses; those definitions control how requirements in later chapters are interpreted. Always look up key terms (for example “nonresidential,” “baseline water use,” etc.) in §202 before applying a requirement from Chapters 4 or 5 .

If a term in CALGreen conflicts with a term in another California code, which controls?

Start with Chapter 2 definitions for CALGreen applications; if there’s still a conflict, use the administrative provisions and adoption notes (including local amendment procedures in Section 101.7) and the applicable adopting agency’s rules to determine control .

Do I need to check other chapters when using Chapter 2?

Yes — Chapter 2 defines terms used across the code, so when you apply a requirement in Chapters 4 (residential) or 5 (nonresidential) always cross‑check the Chapter 2 definitions and the matrix/adoption notes to confirm how the section applies to your project .

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