CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
When does Chapter 2 defer to definitions in other codes or referenced documents?
If CALGreen Chapter 2 doesn't define a word, CALGreen's rule **§ 201.3** says you must look to the California Building Standards Code or the other documents CALGreen references for the meaning; if CALGreen does define the term in Section 202, use that definition.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Chapter 2 says that when a word or phrase is not defined in this code, it takes the meaning given to it in the other California codes or referenced publications. The controlling rule is § 201.3 — Terms defined in other documents — which directs you to use the definitions in the California Building Standards Code or other referenced documents when CALGreen is silent . Always check Chapter 2 first; if CALGreen defines the term there, that definition controls (see § 201.1) .
Plain English: If CALGreen doesn't define a term, look it up in the California Building Standards Code or the documents referenced by CALGreen — per § 201.3.
Requirements in detail
Core rule (what triggers deferral)
- If a term is defined in Chapter 2 (Section 202) of CALGreen, use that definition. See § 201.1 for the chapter scope and the primacy of Chapter 2 definitions .
- If a term is not defined in CALGreen, defer to the California Building Standards Code or other referenced documents — this is § 201.3 .
- If a term is nowhere defined (neither CALGreen nor referenced documents), use an ordinarily accepted meaning as the context implies (see § 201.4) .
What “other referenced documents” includes
- CALGreen’s cross-references and the list of referenced codes (e.g., California Building Code, California Energy Code, California Plumbing Code, etc.) make those documents part of the requirements where they are cited; see § 101.5 for the referenced codes list and § 101.6 for order-of-precedence rules when differences arise .
Decision factors — quick reference table
| Decision question | Outcome / value | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Is the term defined in CALGreen Chapter 2 (Section 202)? | Yes → Use CALGreen definition | § 201.1 |
| Is the term undefined in CALGreen but defined in another California code (CBC, CEC, etc.)? | Defer to that other code’s definition | § 201.3 |
| Is the term undefined in both CALGreen and referenced codes? | Use ordinarily accepted meaning (context) | § 201.4 |
| Which referenced documents are “part of the code”? | Referenced codes and standards listed in § 101.5 are considered part of the requirements to the extent cited | § 101.5 |
| What if definitions conflict between documents? | Apply order-of-precedence rules in § 101.6 (text of this code governs differences; local amendments may govern where applicable) | § 101.6 |
Exceptions & special cases
- If CALGreen itself defines the term in Section 202, that internal definition controls and you do not defer — see § 201.1 .
- Referenced documents listed in § 101.5 are treated as part of CALGreen’s requirements to the extent they are cited; do not assume a referenced standard is merely advisory — it can supply definitions and mandatory requirements .
- When two definitions conflict, apply the order-of-precedence rules in § 101.6: the text of CALGreen governs differences with referenced standards unless a local amendment or a more specific provision applies. The most restrictive requirement generally prevails when codes conflict within Title 24, per § 101.6.3 .
- If a local jurisdiction has amended CALGreen or a referenced code, that amendment can change which definition applies — check local amendments and apply § 101.6.1 (local amendment precedence) .
Common mistakes
- Assuming a widely used phrase (for example, gross floor area or habitable room) is defined by CALGreen without checking Section 202 first — always check § 201.1 and Section 202 first .
- Failing to consult the specific referenced code named by CALGreen: § 201.3 defers to the California Building Standards Code and other referenced documents — it does not defer to informal sources or vendor literature .
- Ignoring § 101.5: some terms are defined in other parts of Title 24 (for example, the California Building Code); those documents are part of the requirements where cited, so definitions there are binding when CALGreen defers .
- Overlooking order-of-precedence: when CALGreen and a referenced code differ on meaning, the code user must apply the order-of-precedence rules in § 101.6 rather than assuming the referenced code always controls .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario A — no deferral needed (numbers used only to frame the example)
- Project: a homeowner plans a 650 ft² detached accessory unit on the same lot as a single‑family house.
- Step 1: Check CALGreen Chapter 2 definitions (Section 202) for Accessory Dwelling Unit. CALGreen includes an Accessory Dwelling Unit definition in Section 202, so CALGreen’s definition controls — no deferral to another code is necessary .
- Result: Use the CALGreen Section 202 definition when applying CALGreen requirements to the 650 ft² unit.
Scenario B — deferral required (numbers illustrate the decision, not a code threshold)
- Project: a designer must decide whether a building’s mezzanine is included in gross floor area for a CALGreen measure that applies above 3,000 ft² (hypothetical threshold used only for this example).
- Step 1: Look in CALGreen Section 202 for gross floor area. If Section 202 has no entry for that term, then per § 201.3 you defer to the California Building Standards Code or the referenced document that defines gross floor area .
- Step 2: Consult the CBC (or other referenced document) Chapter 2 definition of gross floor area to determine whether mezzanines are included.
- Conclusion: If the CBC definition includes mezzanines, your building’s measured gross floor area may exceed the 3,000 ft² threshold; if the CBC excludes mezzanines, it may not. (The exact CBC text is not reproduced here — consult the CBC Chapter 2 definition to resolve the question.)
Note: in Scenario B we reference § 201.3 to determine deferral. The CBC definition text for the specific term was not provided in the CALGreen excerpts included here; you must consult the CBC or other referenced document directly for the precise definition.
Related provisions
- § 201.1 — Scope (Chapter 2 definitions control unless otherwise stated)
- § 201.2 — Interchangeability (gender/number usage rules)
- § 201.4 — Terms not defined (ordinarily accepted meanings)
- § 101.5 — Referenced codes and standards (which documents are treated as part of the code)
- § 101.6 — Order of precedence and use (what to do when requirements differ or conflict)
- Section 202 — CALGreen definitions (look here first for a defined term)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 1.11. High 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.)
CALGreen § 203.7.3 High relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |203.7.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.7.3.6 - 203.7.3.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.7.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.7.4.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.3.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.12|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.13|||X|||||||||||||||||||||- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by 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.
2-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE 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. General definitions are located in Section 202 and occupancy classification definitions are located in Section 203.
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 California Building Code, Cali- fornia Mechanical Code or California Plumbing Code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies. Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition, shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meanings.
SECTION 202—GENERAL DEFINITIONS
CALGreen § 1-5 High 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 § 111.1 High relevance — show source text
8|Abatement of
violation|N||||||||| |110|Certificate of
occupancy|Y||111.1||||||| |110.1|General|Y||701A.4 #2||||||| |110.2|Certificate of
occupancy|Y||||||||| |110.3|Temporary
occupancy|Y||||||||| |110.4|Revocation|Y||||||||| |111|Service utilities|Y||||||||| |111.1|Connection of service
utilities|Y||||||||| |111.2|Temporary
connection|Y||||||||| |111.3|Authority to discon-
nect service utilities|Y||||||||| |112|Means of appeals|N||||||||| |112.1|General|N||||||||| |112.2|Limitations on
authority|N||||||||| |112.3|Qualifications|N||||||||| |112.4|Administration|N||||||||| |113|Stop work order|Y||||||||| |113.1|Authority|Y||||||||| |113.2|Issuance|Y||||||||| |113.3|Emergencies|Y||||||||| |113.4|Failure to comply|Y|||||||||APPENDIX H-24 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
Yes/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Chapter 2 Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions 201 General Y 201.1 Scope Y 201.2 Interchangeability Y 201.3 Terms defined in
other codesY 201.3 201.4 Terms not defined Y 202 Definitions Y Accessory structure Y Agriculture (T14) Y 1270.01(1) Applicable building Y 702A Approved Y Approved agency Y Building Y 1270.01(c) Building (T14) Y Building official Y Certificate of
completionY Code official Y Critical fire weather Y Dead-end road (T14) Y 1270.01(e) Defensible space (T14) Y Driveway (T14) Y Dwelling Y 702A 1270. CALGreen § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
only those sections that
are listed below|||||||X||||||||||X|X||||||| |Chapter / Section||||||||||||||||||||||||| |Testing Agency||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |Text Telephone||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Toddler|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Torque-Controlled
Post-Installed Anchor||||||||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |Transfer Device|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Transient Lodging||||X|X|X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Transit Boarding Platform|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Transition Plate|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Tread||||X|X|X||||||||||||||||||| |Treatment of Water||||||||||||||||||X||||||| |TTY||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Turnover Time||||||||||||||||||X||||||| |Type A Unit||||†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |Type B Unit||||†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |Uniformity Coefficient||||||||||||||||||X||||||| |Unreasonable Hardship||||X|X|X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Use Zone|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Valuation Threshold|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Variable Message Signs (VMS)|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Variable Message Sign (VMS)
Characters|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Vehicular or Pedestrian Arrival
Points||||||X||||||||||||||||||| |Vehicular Way||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Waiting Room|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Walk||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Waterline||||||||||||||||||X||||||| |Wet Bar|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Wheelchair||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Wheelchair Space|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Winery Caves|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Work Area Equipment|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Workstation_ (2nd paragraph_
only)|||||||X||||||||||||||||||The state agency does not adopt sections identified by 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.
2-10 2025 CALIFORNIA 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 purposes of the code.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [A], [BG] or [BS] will be considered by one of the code development committees meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 201—GENERAL
CALGreen § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 Col17 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Adopt Entire Chapter X X Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)X X X X X X X X Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowX X X X Chapter / Section REROOFING X ROOF COATING X ROOF RECOVER X ROOF REPAIR X ROOF REPLACEMENT X SPC SEISMIC SEPARATION X X SUBSTANDARD BUILDING X X SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL
DAMAGEX X UNREINFORCED CONCRETE X X X X X UNREINFORCED MASONRY X X X X X UNSAFE X X X VOLUNTARY STRUCTURAL
IMPROVEMENTSX 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
CALGreen § 304.8 High relevance — show source text
TABLE R330.5—MAXIMUM AGGREGATE RATINGS OF ESS Col2 Col3 LOCATION MAXIMUM
AGGREGATE
RATINGS (kWh)INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Within utility closets, basements, and storage or utility
spaces located within dwellings40 In attached garages 80 On or within 3 feet of exterior walls of dwellings and
attached garages100 On or within 3 feet of exterior walls of dwellings and
attached garages200 Exterior walls and eaves are constructed with noncombustible
surfacesaIn detached garages and detached accessory structures 200 In detached garages and detached accessory structures 600 Detached garage or detached accessory structure is a minimum
10 feet away from property lines and dwellingsOutdoors on the ground 200 ESS is a minimum 3 feet away from property lines and dwellings Outdoors on the ground 600 ESS is a minimum 10 feet away from property lines and dwellings For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Noncombustible wall surface shall extend in accordance with all the following:
1. A minimum of 5 feet horizontally from the edge of the ESS.
2. A minimum of 1 foot vertically below the bottom edge of the ESS.
3. A minimum of 8 feet vertically above the ESS, or to a non-combustible eave, whichever is less.
The code official is authorized to approve reductions of installation requirements based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5 of the California Fire Code.For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Noncombustible wall surface shall extend in accordance with all the following:
1. A minimum of 5 feet horizontally from the edge of the ESS.
2. A minimum of 1 foot vertically below the bottom edge of the ESS.
3. A minimum of 8 feet vertically above the ESS, or to a non-combustible eave, whichever is less.
The code official is authorized to approve reductions of installation requirements based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5 of the California Fire Code.For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Noncombustible wall surface shall extend in accordance with all the following:
1. A minimum of 5 feet horizontally from the edge of the ESS.
2. A minimum of 1 foot vertically below the bottom edge of the ESS.
3. A minimum of 8 feet vertically above the ESS, or to a non-combustible eave, whichever is less.
The code official is authorized to approve reductions of installation requirements based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5 of the California Fire 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 § 1-24 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 § 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: †.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 2-1
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2-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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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 § 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Division 1
Section|Gov Code
Section|PRC
Section|HSC
Section| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Section|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title| |Chapter 2|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions| |201|General|Y||||||||| |201.1|Scope|Y||||||||| |201.2|Interchangeability|Y||||||||| |201.3|Terms defined in
other codes|Y||201.3||||||| |201.4|Terms not defined|Y||||||||| |202|Definitions|Y||||||||| ||Accessory structure|Y||||||||| ||Agriculture (T14)|Y||||1270.01(1)||||| ||Applicable building|Y||702A||||||| ||Approved|Y||||||||| ||Approved agency|Y||||||||| ||Building|Y||||1270.01(c)||||| ||Building (T14)|Y||||||||| ||Building official|Y||||||||| ||Certificate of
completion|Y||||||||| ||Code official|Y||||||||| ||Critical fire weather|Y||||||||| ||Dead-end road (T14)|Y||||1270.01(e)||||| ||Defensible space (T14)|Y||||||||| ||Driveway (T14)|Y||||||||| ||Dwelling|Y||702A||1270.01(i)||||| ||Exterior wall assembly|Y||702A||||||| ||Exterior wall covering|Y||702A||||||| ||Fire chief|Y||||||||| ||Fire code official|Y|||202|||||| ||Fire flow calculation
area|Y||||||||| ||Fire hazard severity
zones|Y||702A|4902.1|||2201||| ||Fire protection plan|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Fire weather|Y||||||||| ||Fire-resistance-rated
construction|Y||||||||| ||Fire-smart vegetation|Y|||4902.1|1271.01||||| ||Flame spread index|Y||||||||| ||Fuel|Y||||||||4291(a)(1)(A)| ||Fuel break_(T14)|Y||||1270.01(n)||||| ||Fuel modification|Y||||||||| ||Fuel mosaic|Y||||||||| ||Fuel-loading|Y||||||||| ||Green belt(T14)|Y||||1270.01(o)||||| ||Greenways (T14)|Y||||1270.01(p)||||| ||Hammerhead/T (T14)|Y||||1270.01(q)||||| ||Hazardous land use
(T14)_|Y||||1270.01(r)||||| ||Hazardous materials|Y||||||||| ||Heavy timber
construction|Y||||||||| ||Ignition-resistant
building material|Y||||||||| ||Local responsibility
area (LRA)|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Log wall construction|Y|||||||||2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-25
CALGreen § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
Way_||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Waiting Room|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Walk||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Waterline||||||||||||||||||X||||||| |Wet Bar|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Wheelchair||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Wheelchair Space|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Winery Caves|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Work Area Equipment|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Workstation_ (2nd paragraph_
only)|||||||X||||||||||||||||||The state agency does not adopt sections identified by 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.
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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 purposes of the code.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [A], [BG] or [BS] will be considered by one of the code development committees meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
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 California Energy Code, Califor- nia Existing Building Code, California Fire Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code or California Plumbing Code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
For applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, where terms are not defined through the meth- ods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged, shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meanings.
SECTION 202—DEFINITIONS
[BG] 24-HOUR BASIS. The actual time that a person is an occupant within a facility for the purpose of receiving care. It shall not include a facility that is open for 24 hours and is capable of providing care to someone visiting the facility during any segment of the 24 hours.
[BS] AAC MASONRY. Masonry made of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) units, manufactured without internal reinforcement and bonded together using thin- or thick-bed mortar.
Frequently asked questions
When exactly do I stop looking in CALGreen and start looking elsewhere?
Stop after you search Chapter 2 (Section 202). If the term is not defined there, then § 201.3 requires you to look to the California Building Standards Code or other documents referenced by CALGreen .
If CALGreen and a referenced code give different definitions, which do I follow?
Follow the order-of-precedence rules in § 101.6. CALGreen’s text governs differences with referenced documents unless a local amendment or other specific provision says otherwise; also apply the “most restrictive” principle where Title 24 conflicts require it .
Are referenced standards (for example, an ASTM or ASHRAE standard) treated the same as another California code?
Referenced standards listed in § 101.5 are part of the requirements to the extent they are cited; if a term is defined in a referenced standard that CALGreen points to, that definition may supply the meaning when CALGreen is silent .
What if I can’t find a definition in any of the referenced documents?
If the term is not defined in CALGreen or in the referenced documents cited by CALGreen, use the ordinarily accepted meaning that the context implies (see § 201.4) .
Where do I look to see which documents CALGreen is deferring to?
See § 101.5 for the list of referenced codes and standards that are considered part of the requirements to the extent cited (includes the California Building Code, California Energy Code, etc.) .
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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