CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
What is the scope of Chapter 2 (Definitions)?
Chapter 2 is the dictionary and grammar for CALGreen: read its definitions first (they apply unless a section says otherwise) and apply the interchangeability rules so present-tense, gendered, or singular wording is interpreted broadly per **§ 201.1** and **§ 201.2**.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Chapter 2 tells you how words and terms used in CALGreen are to be read: unless otherwise stated, the words and terms used in the code have the meanings shown in Chapter 2 (§ 201.1) . Chapter 2 also sets basic grammatical rules of interchangeability: present tense includes the future; masculine includes feminine and neuter; singular includes plural and vice versa (§ 201.2) . Read Chapter 2 first when a requirement depends on a defined term or on the meaning of singular/plural/tense/gender.
Unless otherwise stated, the words and terms in CALGreen carry the meanings provided in Chapter 2 — and grammatical forms (tense, gender, number) are interchangeable per § 201.1 and § 201.2.
Requirements in detail
Core scope rule
- The scope rule means that, unless a section explicitly says otherwise, any term used in the body of CALGreen should be interpreted according to the definitions and rules collected in Chapter 2 (§ 201.1) .
- Practically: if a requirement in another chapter uses a term that Chapter 2 defines, you must use Chapter 2’s definition to interpret that requirement (§ 201.1) .
Interchangeability rules (how words are read)
- Tense: words in the present tense include future tense (so “is required” can cover future actions) (§ 201.2) .
- Gender: masculine terms include feminine and neuter (gendered wording does not limit application) (§ 201.2) .
- Number: singular includes plural and plural includes singular (use the form that fits context) (§ 201.2) .
Decision table — quick, actionable summary
| Decision question | Rule / value you apply | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Where do defined meanings come from? | Chapter 2 definitions (apply unless a section states otherwise). | § 201.1 |
| If code text uses present tense, does it cover future obligations? | Yes — present includes future. | § 201.2 |
| If a requirement uses a masculine noun, does it exclude feminine subjects? | No — masculine includes feminine and neuter. | § 201.2 |
| If a provision uses singular nouns, does it apply when multiple items exist? | Yes — the singular includes the plural and the plural the singular. | § 201.2 |
How this affects interpretation and compliance
- Use Chapter 2 when you see terms that might have special legal meanings (e.g., building, dwelling unit, recycling area) — Chapter 2 is the authoritative source for their meanings in CALGreen unless the text says otherwise (§ 201.1) .
- Apply the interchangeability rules to avoid overly narrow readings (for example, do not treat a masculine-form word as excluding women or a singular form as applying to only one item) (§ 201.2) .
Exceptions & special cases
- The Chapter 2 scope is qualified by “unless otherwise stated” — where another section or a referenced document explicitly provides a different definition or a different grammatical rule, that explicit direction controls (§ 201.1) .
- Chapter 2 governs CALGreen terms; when a term is defined in other California codes or referenced documents, those outside definitions may control for their specific contexts (see the adjacent Chapter 2 provisions for cross-references) — consult the applicable referenced-code provisions in those cases. The CALGreen text itself notes that Chapter 2 is the repository for meanings unless another source is specified (see nearby Sections in Chapter 2) .
- If a term is not defined in Chapter 2 or in a controlling referenced document, apply the ordinarily accepted meaning implied by context (see the code’s general approach in adjacent sections of Chapter 2) .
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Treating masculine or singular wording as limiting scope. Correction: apply § 201.2’s interchangeability rules so those forms are not exclusionary .
- Mistake: Ignoring Chapter 2 and assuming plain-English meaning for a term that is actually defined in Chapter 2. Correction: always check Chapter 2 first for defined terms per § 201.1 .
- Mistake: Applying Chapter 2 definitions without checking for a specific contrary definition in the body of a chapter or a referenced standard. Correction: respect an explicit, different definition or instruction where a section says “otherwise stated” (§ 201.1) .
- Mistake: Extending grammatical interchangeability beyond its plain-text scope (e.g., changing substantive obligations). Correction: use interchangeability to clarify scope and subjects, not to rewrite substantive thresholds or numeric limits unless the context supports it (§ 201.2) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A CALGreen requirement (somewhere else in the code) reads: “Provide one recycling bin for each dwelling unit.” Your project has 12 dwelling units.
Step 1 — is “dwelling unit” a Chapter 2 term? Check Chapter 2 definitions; if dwelling unit is defined there, use that definition to confirm the intended object and scope (§ 201.1) .
Step 2 — singular vs. plural: the requirement uses the singular phrase “each dwelling unit.” Because § 201.2 says the singular includes the plural, interpret “each dwelling unit” to apply to every unit in the project (not only one). That means you must provide 12 recycling bins (one per unit) for compliance (§ 201.2) .
This example shows two things: (1) use Chapter 2 definition if present, and (2) apply interchangeability to read singular language as applying to all relevant plural items when context indicates that intent (§ 201.1, § 201.2) .
Related provisions
- § 201.3 — Terms defined in other documents (when to apply outside definitions) .
- § 201.4 — Terms not defined (use ordinarily accepted meanings when not defined) .
- § 202 — The section that actually lists the general definitions used throughout the code (see Chapter 2 definitions) .
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 568-3800 High relevance — show source text
Office of the State Fire Marshal [SFM]
osfm.fire.ca.gov codedevelopment@fire.ca.gov
(916) 568-3800 Fire & Life Safety
State Lands Commission [SLC]
slc.ca.gov MOTEMS.Public@slc.ca.gov (510) 741-4950 Marine Oil Terminals
State Librarian [SL]
library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation
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HOW TO DETERMINE WHERE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE
Symbols in the margins indicate where changes have been made or language has been deleted.
This symbol indicates that a change has been made.
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
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
CALGreen § 508.5 Medium relevance — show source text
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defined in Section 508.5) and small bed and breakfast-style hotels where there are five or fewer guestrooms and the hotel is owneroccupied. The IBC applies to all types of buildings and structures unless exempted. Work exempted from permits is listed in Section 105.2.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CBC
The format of the CBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CBC is divided. The subsequent tables show CBC requirements that are correlated with other Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CBC.
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTERS SUBJECTS 1, 2 Administration and Definitions 3 Use and Occupancy Classifications 4, 31,_ 31A–31F_ Special Requirements for Specific Occupancies or Elements 5–6 Height and Area Limitations Based on Type of Construction 7–9 Fire Resistance and Protection Requirements 10 Requirements for Evacuation 11A, 11B Specific Requirements to Allow Use and Access to a Building for Persons with Disabilities 12, 27,_28,_30 Building Systems, Such as Lighting, HVAC, Elevators 13 This chapter is not adopted in California. Refer to California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6. 14–26 Structural Components—Performance and Stability 32 Encroachment Outside of Property Lines 33 Safeguards during Construction 35 Referenced Standards Appendices A–Q Appendices INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE CORRELATED TOPICS
The IBC requirements for hazardous materials, fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress, emergency and standby power, and temporary structures are directly correlated with the requirements of the International Fire Code ® (IFC®). The following table shows chapters/sections of the IBC that are correlated with the IFC:
IBC/IFC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 IBC CHAPTER/SECTION IFC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Sections 307, 414, 415 Chapters 50–67 Hazardous materials and Group H requirements Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Fire-resistance-rated construction (fire and smoke protection features in the IFC) Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Fire protection systems Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Means of egress Chapter 27 Section 604 Standby and emergency power Section 3103 Chapter 31 Temporary structures Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. 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 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
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 § 101.7 Medium relevance — show source text
The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.
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A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
Some of the measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7 and provide additional measures that designers, builders and property owners may wish to consider during the planning, design and construction process.
DIVISION A4.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN
PREFACE
Given that land use and planning are largely regulated locally, cities, counties, and cities and counties should consider reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with development through local land-use practices in conjunction with enforcing the provisions of this code. Specific land use strategies a city, county, or city and county may wish to consider include but are not limited to the following:
Site selection. Develop sites for buildings, hardscape, roads or parking areas consistent with the local general plan and regional transportation plan pursuant to SB 375 (Stats 2008, Ch. 728).
Regional sustainable communities strategy. Site selection and building design and use shall conform the project with the prevailing regional sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy, whichever meets the greenhouse gas target established by the California Air Resources Board pursuant to SB 375 (Stats. 2008, Ch. 728), including the general location of uses, residential densities and building intensities.
Transit priority projects. To qualify as a transit priority project, the project shall meet three criteria:
(1) (a) contain at least 50 percent residential use, based on total building square footage and, if the project contains between 26 and 50 percent nonresidential uses, a floor area ratio of not less than 0.75; (b) provide a minimum net density of at least 20 dwelling units per acre; and (c) be within one-half mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor included in a regional transportation plan as described in Section 21155 of Stats. 2008, Ch. 728;
(2) be consistent with the prevailing sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy, whichever meets the greenhouse gas target established by the California Air Resources Board, including the general location of uses, residential densities and building intensities; and
(3) have all necessary entitlements required by the applicable local government.
Note: For additional information, see Government Code Sections 65080, 65080.1, 65400 and 65470, and Public Resources Code Sections 21061.3 and 21155.
SECTION A4.101—GENERAL
A4.101.1 Scope. The provisions of this division outline planning, design and development methods that include environmentally responsible site selection, building design, building siting and development to protect, restore and enhance the environmental quality of the site and respect the integrity of adjacent properties.
SECTION A4.102—DEFINITIONS
A4.102.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
BROWNFIELD SITE.
DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT.
GREENFIELDS.
GREYFIELD SITE.
CALGreen § 1-22 Medium relevance — show source text
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
104 Duties and Powers of Code Official. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . 1-28
108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
115 Unsafe Structures and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
116 Emergency Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
117 Demolition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
202 General Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
CHAPTER 3 PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE
METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
301 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
CALGreen § 2-1 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter X X X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended sections
listed below)X X X Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowChapter/Section 201 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL
CODE† † † LOW-RISE
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING† † † PLANTS † † † RESIDENTIAL BUILDING † † † RESILIENT FLOORING † † † The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.
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2 DEFINITIONS
SECTION 201—GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.
201.3 Terms defined in other documents. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the California Building Stan- dards Code or other referenced documents, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those publications.
201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined as specified in this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
SECTION 202—DEFINITIONS
CALGreen § 1-33 Medium relevance — show source text
112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
113 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . .3-1
301 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
302 Occupancy Classification and Use Designation . . . . 3-3
303 Assembly Group A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
304 Business Group B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
305 Educational Group E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
306 Factory Group F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
307 High-Hazard Group H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
308 Institutional Group I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
309 Mercantile Group M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
310 Residential Group R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
311 Storage Group S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
312 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
313 Laboratories Group L [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
CALGreen § 106.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Application— Skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities, including distinct part skilled nursing and intermediate care services on a general acute care or acute psychiatric hospital license, provided either are in a separate unit or a freestanding building. For structural regulations: Single-story, Type V skilled nursing facility and/or intermediate care facilities utilizing wood or light steel-frame construction.
Enforcing agency— Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall also enforce the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility type.
106.2.1 Applicable administrative standards.
- Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7.
- Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10 of Chapter 1, Division I and Chapter 1, Division II.
106.2.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11 and 12.
106.2.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 106.2, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 2].
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.
Reference— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129680.
106.3 OSHPD 4. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Correctional treatment centers.
Enforcing agency— Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall also enforce the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility types.
106.3.1 Applicable administrative standards.
- Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations : Chapter 7.
- Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10 of Chapter 1, Division I and Chapter 1, Division II.
106.3.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11 and 12.
106.3.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 106.3, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 4], unless the entire chapter is applicable.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127010, 127015 and 129790.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275, and 129675 through 130070.
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
CALGreen § 1-4 Medium 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 § 1-24 Medium relevance — show source text
102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Part 2—Administration and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
104 Duties and Powers of Building Official. . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
106 Floor and Roof Design Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
107 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
108 Temporary Structures, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
109 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
110 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
111 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
113 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . .3-1
301 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
302 Occupancy Classification and Use Designation . . . . 3-3
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
CALGreen § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
REPAIR|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |ROOF REPLACEMENT|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |SPC SEISMIC SEPARATION||||||||||X|X|||||||||||||| |SUBSTANDARD BUILDING||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL
DAMAGE||||||||||X|X|||||||||||||| |UNREINFORCED CONCRETE||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |UNREINFORCED MASONRY||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |UNSAFE|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |VOLUNTARY STRUCTURAL
IMPROVEMENTS||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |WORK AREA|||X||||||||||||||||||||||The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
2-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
2 DEFINITIONS
User notes:
About this chapter: Codes, by their very nature, are technical documents. Every word, term and punctuation mark can add to or change the meaning of a technical requirement. It is necessary to maintain a consensus on the specific meaning of each term contained in the code. Chapter 2 performs this function by stating clearly what specific terms mean for the purpose of the code.
SECTION 201—GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the other California Codes, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in those codes. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] For terms not defined in this chapter, refer to Chapters 6 and 7 of the California Administrative Code, and Chapter 2 of the California Building Code. [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] Definitions of terms given in Section 4-207 or 4-314 of the California Administrative Code govern over those in Section 202.
201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this chapter, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
SECTION 202—GENERAL DEFINITIONS
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] An attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. Accessory dwelling units shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multi- family dwelling is or will be situated. (See Government Code Section 65852.2.)
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when a requirement uses an unfamiliar term?
Check Chapter 2, Section 202 for the definition; if no definition exists there, apply the scope rule in § 201.1 and the ordinarily accepted meaning per § 201.4.
Does the interchangeability rule let me change numeric thresholds or limits?
No. § 201.2 governs grammatical reading (tense/gender/number). It clarifies wording but does not let you alter numeric thresholds or substantive limits unless the code text and context support that reading.
If a referenced standard defines a term differently, which meaning controls?
If a term is defined in a referenced California code or other adopted document and that source explicitly applies, that definition controls for that context; Chapter 2 directs you to those definitions where applicable (see § 201.3).
Does Chapter 2 create new requirements?
No. Chapter 2 provides definitions and grammatical rules to interpret the rest of CALGreen. It does not itself impose building requirements — it tells you how to read the requirements that do.
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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