CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Which chapters or appendices apply to each portion of a mixed-occupancy building?

If your building has more than one occupancy (for example, retail on the ground floor and apartments above), CALGreen requires you to apply the mandatory measures that correspond to each portion’s occupancy: residential portions follow Chapter 4 (and voluntary Appendix A4 if adopted) while nonresidential portions follow Chapter 5 (and Appendix A5 if adopted). Accessory structures serving residences and qualifying live/work units are specifically treated as residential under § 302.1.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English (controlling §)

In a mixed occupancy building, each portion must follow the green‑building measures that apply to that occupancy. See § 302.1.

The single most important rule: treat each occupancy within a mixed building as its own CALGreen subject — unless a specific exception says otherwise.

Requirements in detail

  • What “each portion” means: CALGreen requires you to apply the mandatory measures that correspond to the occupancy classification (residential vs nonresidential) of that portion of the building (for example, dwelling units vs retail tenant space). See § 302.1.

  • Where to look for the measures:

    • Residential mandatory measures: Chapter 4 (sections such as § 4.1 through § 4.5) — planning, energy, water, materials and environmental quality for residential portions.
    • Residential voluntary measures / tiers: Appendix A4 (A4.1–A4.7 and the Appendix A4 application checklist).
    • Nonresidential mandatory measures: Chapter 5 (nonresidential mandatory measures).
    • Nonresidential voluntary measures / tiers: Appendix A5 (A5.1–A5.6 and checklists).

  • Phased / shell buildings: If the project is a shell or is built for future tenant improvements, only the CALGreen measures relevant to the building components/systems that are actually new apply at this stage. See § 303.1.

Decision table — which chapter/appendix applies

Portion of building (decision dimension) Applicable CALGreen chapter / appendix When it applies (decision rule) Code Reference
Residential portion (dwelling units, assisted‑living, typical apartments) Chapter 4 mandatory; Appendix A4 voluntary Always apply Chapter 4 mandatory measures to residential portions; voluntary A4 measures only if locally adopted or chosen for tiers §4.1–§4.5; A4.1–A4.6
Nonresidential portion (retail, office, restaurant, etc.) Chapter 5 mandatory; Appendix A5 voluntary Apply Chapter 5 mandatory measures to nonresidential portions; voluntary A5 when adopted/selected §5.1–§5.5; A5.1–A5.6
Accessory structures serving residential (sheds, detached garages serving dwellings) Chapter 4 and Appendix A4 (even if accessory) — exception in §302.1 Treated as residential for CALGreen purposes per exception §302.1 Exception 1
Live/work units that meet CBC § 508.5 Chapter 4 and Appendix A4 — not treated as mixed occupancies per CALGreen exception If they qualify as live/work under the CBC, they follow residential CALGreen measures §302.1 Exception 2
Shell building / future tenant spaces Only measures relevant to newly constructed building components/systems (see §303.1) Apply only to the scope of “new construction” at time of permit §303.1

Exceptions & special cases

  • Accessory structures serving residential — regardless of size or use, these are required to comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4 per the exception in § 302.1; do not automatically treat them as nonresidential.
  • Live/work units — if they meet the California Building Code § 508.5 definition and requirements, CALGreen does not treat them as mixed occupancies; they must comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4. The CALGreen exception explicitly references CBC § 508.5.
  • Phased projects / shell buildings — for buildings constructed to accommodate future tenants, only the green‑building measures that are relevant to the newly constructed components apply now (see § 303.1). Plan reviewers and permit applicants should document which systems/components are “new” vs deferred.
  • Local adoption / voluntary tiers — voluntary measures in Appendices A4/A5 and the voluntary tiers in Chapter 3/§304 may be adopted or required by local jurisdictions; check local enforcement.

Common mistakes

  • Treating an entire building as a single occupancy for CALGreen when it contains clearly distinct occupancies (e.g., retail + apartments). Remember § 302.1 requires applying the measures to each portion.
  • Assuming accessory = nonresidential. The code explicitly makes accessory structures serving residential follow Chapter 4 / Appendix A4.
  • Forgetting to apply only the measures relevant to newly constructed components in a shell project; inspectors may only enforce the CALGreen items that were constructed now (see § 303.1).
  • Confusing mandatory chapters vs voluntary appendices — Chapter 4 (mandatory) is distinct from Appendix A4 (voluntary/tier guidance and checklists). Checklists in A4/A5 help document compliance choices.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A three‑story building, 10,000 sq ft total:

  • Ground floor: 2,500 sq ft retail (nonresidential).
  • Floors 2–3: six apartments totaling 7,500 sq ft (residential).
  • Detached covered bicycle storage serving the apartments (accessory structure).

How to apply CALGreen:

  1. Retail portion (2,500 sq ft) — treat as nonresidential: apply Chapter 5 mandatory measures for the retail portion; voluntary Appendix A5 measures may apply only if adopted or elected. Cite § 5.1–§ 5.5 and Appendix A5.
  2. Apartments (7,500 sq ft) — treat as residential: apply Chapter 4 mandatory measures (water, energy, indoor environmental quality) to the residential portion; voluntary Appendix A4 if adopted/selected. Cite § 4.1–§ 4.5 and Appendix A4.
  3. Detached bicycle storage (accessory serving residences) — per the exception in § 302.1, apply Chapter 4 and Appendix A4 measures (treat as residential accessory). Document this on the Chapter 4 / Appendix A4 checklist.

Practical note: On submittal, provide separate CALGreen checklists (residential A4 checklist for floors 2–3 and accessory; nonresidential A5 checklist for retail) so the plan reviewer can confirm applicable mandatory measures were addressed for each portion. Appendix checklists are in A4/A5.

Related provisions (useful cross‑references)

  • § 302.1 (Mixed occupancy buildings — main rule and exceptions).
  • § 303.1 (Phased projects — shell buildings and tenant improvements).
  • Chapter 4 (Residential mandatory measures — §4.1–§4.5).
  • Appendix A4 (Residential voluntary measures, tiers, and application checklist).
  • Chapter 5 (Nonresidential mandatory measures — §5.1–§5.5).
  • Appendix A5 (Nonresidential voluntary measures and checklists).

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 301.5 High relevance — show source text

    301.5 Health Facilities. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Health facilities under the jurisdiction of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) are required to comply with the mandatory measures prescribed in Section 5.304, Outdoor Water Use. Compliance with Section 5.304, as adopted by the Building Standards Commission, is enforced by the local agency having jurisdiction. Evidence of local approval shall be submitted to OSHPD prior to issuance of plan approval or a building permit.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 3-3

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

    GREEN BUILDING

    SECTION 302—MIXED OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS

    302.1 Mixed occupancy buildings. In mixed occupancy buildings, each portion of a building shall comply with the specific green building measures applicable to each specific occupancy.

    Exceptions:

    1. [HCD] Accessory structures and accessory occupancies serving residential buildings shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.
    2. [HCD] For the purposes of CALGreen, live/work units, complying with Section 508.5 of the California Building Code, shall not be considered mixed occupancies. Live/work units shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.

    SECTION 303—PHASED PROJECTS

    303.1 Phased projects. For shell buildings and others constructed for future tenant improvements, only those code measures relevant to the building components and systems considered to be new construction (or newly constructed) shall apply.

    303.1.1 Initial tenant improvements. The provisions of this code shall apply only to the initial tenant improvements to a project. Subsequent tenant improvements shall comply with the scoping provisions in Section 301.3 nonresidential additions and alterations.

    SECTION 304—VOLUNTARY TIERS

    304.1 Purpose. Voluntary tiers are intended to further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.

    304.1.1 Tiers. The provisions of Divisions A4.6 and A5.6 outline means, in the form of voluntary tiers, for achieving enhanced construction levels by incorporating additional measures for residential and nonresidential new construction. Voluntary tiers may be adopted by local governments and, when adopted, enforced by local enforcing agencies. Buildings complying with tiers specified for each occupancy contain additional prerequisite and elective green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each tier. See Section 101.7 of this code for procedures and requirements related to local amendments, additions or deletions, including changes to energy standards.

    [BSC & HCD] Where there are practical difficulties involved in complying with the threshold levels of a tier, the enforcing agency may grant modifications for individual cases. The enforcing agency shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of the tier impractical and that modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the measure. The details of any action granting modification shall be recorded and entered in the files of the enforcing agency.

    SECTION 305 [OSHPD 1]— CALGreen TIER 1 AND CALGreen TIER 2

    305.1 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 buildings contain voluntary green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level.

  • CALGreen § 301.3.2 High relevance — show source text

    301.3.2 Waste diversion. The requirements of Section 5.408 shall be required for additions and alterations whenever a permit is required for work.

    301.4 Mandatory measures for public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS] New building construction and site work on a new or existing site shall comply with Section 301.4.

    301.4.1 Building and site construction on a new site shall comply with Chapter 5 as adopted by DSA-SS.

    301.4.2 Work on an existing site shall comply with Section 301.4.2.

    301.4.2.1 Newly constructed site work shall comply with Chapter 5 as adopted by DSA-SS.

    301.4.2.2 Newly constructed buildings shall comply with Chapter 5 as adopted by DSA-SS and Section 301.4.3.

    301.4.2.3 Additions to existing buildings shall comply with Section 301.4.3.

    301.4.2.4 Rehabilitated landscape areas shall comply with Sections 5.304.6 and 5.106.12.

    301.4.2.5 Alterations and additions to existing parking facilities shall comply with Section 5.106.5.6.4. Additions to existing parking facilities shall comply with Section 5.106.12.

    301.4.2.6 Alterations and additions to existing buildings shall comply with Sections 5.105.1, 5.106.5.6.5, 5.409, and 5.506.3.

    301.4.3 Minimum rehabilitated landscape area requirement. A minimum rehabilitated landscape area equal to 75 percent of the footprint area of the building shall comply with Section 5.304.6 and Section 5.106.12. New buildings or additions to existing buildings less than 1,600 square feet shall not be required to comply with Section 301.4.3.

    301.5 Health Facilities. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Health facilities under the jurisdiction of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) are required to comply with the mandatory measures prescribed in Section 5.304, Outdoor Water Use. Compliance with Section 5.304, as adopted by the Building Standards Commission, is enforced by the local agency having jurisdiction. Evidence of local approval shall be submitted to OSHPD prior to issuance of plan approval or a building permit.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 3-3

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

    GREEN BUILDING

    SECTION 302—MIXED OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS

    302.1 Mixed occupancy buildings. In mixed occupancy buildings, each portion of a building shall comply with the specific green building measures applicable to each specific occupancy.

    Exceptions:

    1. [HCD] Accessory structures and accessory occupancies serving residential buildings shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.
    2. [HCD] For the purposes of CALGreen, live/work units, complying with Section 508.5 of the California Building Code, shall not be considered mixed occupancies. Live/work units shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.

    SECTION 303—PHASED PROJECTS

  • CALGreen § 1302.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 1302—APPLICABILITY

    1302.1 General. Existing buildings in which there is work involving additions, alterations or changes of occupancy shall be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter or the provisions of Chapters 6 through 12. The provisions of Sections 1302.1.1 through 1302.1.6 shall apply to existing occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to be, in Groups A, B, E, F, I-2, M, R and S. These provisions shall also apply to Group U occupancies where such occupancies are undergoing a change of occupancy or a partial change in occupancy with separations in accordance with Section 1302.1.2. These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H, I-1, I-3 or I-4.

    1302.1.1 Change in occupancy. Where an existing building is changed to a new occupancy classification and this section is applicable, the provisions of this section for the new occupancy shall be used to determine compliance with this code.

    1302.1.2 Partial change in occupancy. Where a portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy classification and that portion is separated from the remainder of the building with fire barrier or horizontal assemblies having a fire-resistance rating as required by Table 508.4 of the International Building Code or Section R302 of the International Residential Code for the separate occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the portion changed shall be made to conform to the provisions of this section. Only the portion separated shall be required to be evaluated for compliance.

    Where a portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy classification and that portion is not separated from the remainder of the building with fire barriers or horizontal assemblies having a fire-resistance rating as required by Table 508.4 of the International Building Code or Section R302 of the International Residential Code for the separate occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the provisions of this section which apply to each occupancy shall apply to the entire building. Where there are conflicting provisions, those requirements which secure the greater public safety shall apply to the entire building or structure.

    1302.1.3 Additions. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with the requirements of the International Building Code or the International Residential Code for new construction. The combined height and area of the existing building and the new addition shall not exceed the height and area allowed by Chapter 5 of the International Building Code . Where a fire wall that complies with Section 706 of the International Building Code is provided between the addition and the existing building, the addition shall be considered a separate building. Where a new occupiable roof is added to a building or structure, the occupiable roof shall comply with the provisions of the International Building Code .

    Exception: In-filling of floor openings and nonoccupiable appendages, such as elevator and exit stairway shafts, shall be permitted beyond that permitted by the International Building Code .

    1302.1.4 Alterations. An existing building or portion thereof shall not be altered in such a manner that results in the building being less safe or sanitary than such building is currently.

    Exception: Where the current level of safety or sanitation is proposed to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of the International Building Code .

    1302.1.5 Escalators. Where escalators are provided in below-grade transportation stations, existing and new escalators shall be permitted to have a clear width of less than 32 inches (815 mm).

  • CALGreen § 2202.2 High relevance — show source text

    Seismic provisions 2202.2, 2204.2, 2206.1.1, 2207.1.1, 2209.2, 2210.2 Special inspections 1705.3 Stainless Steel 1705.2.2, 2203, 2205 Stairs, ladders and guarding for steel storage racks and industrial steel work platforms 2213 Storage racks 2209, 2213 Structural steel 2202

    Stone Masonry 2103.1, 2113.11.2.1 Stone Veneer 1404.8 Slab-type 1404.9 Stop Work Orders 115 Storage Occupancy (Group S) 311 Accessibility Chapter 11B Accessory 311.1.1 Area 406.5.4, 406.5.5, 406.6.1, 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Equipment platforms 505.2 Group provisions Hazard storage, low, Group S-2 311.3 Hazard storage, moderate, Group S-1 311.2 Hazardous material display and storage 414.2.5 Height 406.5.4, 406.6.1, 503, 504, 505, 508, 510 Incidental uses 509

    Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live loads Table 1607.1 Means of egress Aisles 1018.5

    Stairway, exit access 1019 Travel distance 1006.3, 1017.2, 1017.2.2, 1006.2.1 Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Accessory 311.1.1, 508.2 Parking above/below 510.3, 510.4, 510.7, 510.8, 510.9 Special mixed 510.2

    Occupancy exception 311.1.1 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Self-service storage 311.2 Special provisions Aircraft related occupancies 412 High-piled combustible 413 Parking garages 406, 510 Sprinkler protection 903.2.10 Unlimited area 507.3, 507.4, 507.5 Storage Racks, Steel 2209 Storm Shelter 423

    Education 423.5 Emergency operation facilities 423.4 Refuge area (see Refuge Area) Risk category 1604.5.1 Strength Design requirements 1604.2 Strength Design 1604.1 Factored load 202

    Limit state 202

    Load combinations 1605

    Load factor 202

    Masonry 2108 Structural Composite Lumber 2303.1.10, Table 2304.11 Structural Design Chapter 16, 107.2.7, Chapter 16A Aluminum Chapter 20 Concrete Chapters 19 and 19A Foundations Chapters 18 and 18A Masonry Chapters 21 and 21A Steel Chapters 22 and 22A Wood Chapter 23 Structural Glued-Laminated

    Timber 2303.1, Table 2306.1 Structural Observation 1704.6

    Stucco 2512

  • 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 § 207.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    **
    A6.207.1.1 Efficiency.
    A6.207.1.2 Controls for heat pumps with supplementary electric resistance heaters.
    A6.207.1.3 Thermostats.
    A6.207.1.4 Gas-and oil-fired furnace standby loss controls.||



    |



    || |A6.207.2 Space conditioning systems.
    A6.207.2.1 Supply air temperature reset controls.
    A6.207.2.2 Electric resistance heating.
    A6.207.2.3 Heat rejection systems.
    A6.207.2.4 Hydronic system measures.
    A6.207.2.5 Air distribution system duct leakage sealing.
    A6.207.2.6 Variable air volume control for single zone systems.||





    |





    || |A6.207.3 Service water-heating systems and equipment.
    A6.207.3.1 Certification by manufacturers.
    A6.207.3.2 Efficiency.
    A6.207.3.3 Installation.||


    |


    || |A6.207.4 Natural gas central furnaces, cooking equipment and pool and spa heaters.
    Pilot lights prohibited.||||| |A6.207.5 Controls for space-conditioning systems.
    A6.207.5.1 Thermostatic controls for each zone.
    A6.207.5.2 Criteria for zonal thermostatic controls.
    A6.207.5.3 Heat pump controls.
    A6.207.5.4 Dampers for air supply and exhaust equipment.
    A6.207.5.5 Automatic demand shed controls.||




    |




    || |A6.207.6 Pipe insulation.||||| |SECTION A6.209 Lighting||||| |A6.209.1 Lighting control devices, ballasts and luminaires.
    A6.209.1.1 All devices: Instructions and calibration.
    A6.209.1.2 Indicator lights.
    **A6.209.1.3 Automatic time switch control devices.

  • CALGreen § 403.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances Appendix A6.1(OSHPD), A4.403.3, A5.204.1 General 4.201, 5.201, A5.201 Performance approach A4.203, A5.203 Outdoor lighting A5.203.1.1.1 Prescriptive approach Appendix A6.1(OSHPD), 203.3.1.2 Alterations to existing buildings A4.204.1, A4.204.1.2, A5.204.1,

    A5.204.1.1 Energy Efficient Steel Framing A5.213 Environmental Comfort 4.507, 5.507,

    A5.507

    Acoustical control A4.507, A5.507.5 Daylight A5.507.2 Lighting and thermal comfort controls A5.507.1

    Views A5.507.3

    Fireplaces 4.503, 5.503 Foundation Systems A4.403 Frost protected foundation systems A4.403.1

    Reduction in cement use A4.403.2 Framing, Energy Efficient Steel A5.213 Framing Techniques, Efficient A4.404, A5.404 Building systems A4.404.3 Lumber size A4.404.1

    Pre-cut materials and details A4.404.4 Wood framing A5.404.1

    Green Building Chapter 3 Mixed occupancy buildings 302 Phased projects 303 Voluntary tiers 304, 305 Voluntary measures 306

    HVAC Design, Equipment and Installation Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), A5.207

    Indoor Air Quality And Exhaust 4.506, 5.506 Bathroom exhaust fans 4.506.1 Carbon dioxide monitoring 5.506.2 Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) monitoring in classrooms 5.506.3

    Filters 5.504.5, A4.506.1 Outside air delivery 5.506.1 Indoor Moisture Control 4.505, 5.505.1 Concrete slab foundations 4.505.2

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE INDEX-1

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

    INDEX

    Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), Table A5.504.8.5 Covering of duct openings and protection of mechanical equipment during construction 4.504.1, 5.504.3 Environmental tobacco smoke control 5.504.7, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), A5.504.9 Finish material pollutant control 4.504.2, 5.504.4 Hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants A5.504.5 Indoor air quality (IAQ) during construction 5.504.1, A5.504.1 IAQ Post-construction A5.504.2 Paints and coatings 4.504.2.2, 5.504.4.3 Resilient flooring systems 4.504.4, 5.504.4.6, A4.504.2, A5.504.4.7 Thermal insulation 5.504.4.7, A4.504.3,

    A5.504.4.8

  • 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 § 803.13 Medium relevance — show source text

    Incidental uses 509 Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1 Means of egress Aisles 1018.3

    Stairway, exit access 1019 Travel distance 1006.3, 1017.2,

    1006.2.1

    Mixed occupancies 508.2, 508.3, 508.4 Accessory 303.1.2, 508.2 Ambulatory care facilities 422 Assembly 303.1.2

    Assembly spaces 1030 Exit signs 1013.1 Guards 1015.2, 1030.17 Main exit 1030.3

    Open air 1005.3.1, 1005.3.2, 1006.3, 1009.6.4, 1019.3, 1027, 1030.6.2 Panic hardware 1010.2.8, 1010.4.1 Smoke-protected 1005.3.1, 1005.3.2, 1006.3, 1009.6.4, 1019.3, 1027, 1030.6.2 Travel distance 1006.2.1, 1006.3, 1017.2, 1030.7 Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Accessory 508.2 Education 303.1.3

    Live/work units 508.5 Mall buildings 402 Other occupancies 303.1.1, 303.1.2, 303.1.3 Parking below/above 510.7, 510.9 Religious facilities 303.1.4 Special mixed 510.2 Motion picture theaters 409, 507.12 Occupancy exceptions 303.1.1, 303.1.2, 303.1.3, 303.1.4, 305.1.1, 305.2.1 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Risk category Table 1604.5 Seating, fixed (see Seating, Fixed) Seating, open-air assembly seating 1030.6.3 Seating, smoke-protected 1030.6.2 Sprinkler protection 410, 504.3, 506.2, 507.12, 507.4, 507.6, 507.7, 903.2.1 Stages and platforms 410 Standpipes 905.3.2, 905.5.1 Unlimited area 507.12, 507.4, 507.4.1, 507.6, 507.7 Assisted Living (see Group I-1 and Group R-4) 308.2, 310.5, 420 Atmospheric Ice Loads 1614 Atrium 404

    Alarms and detection 404.4, 907.2.15 Enclosure 404.6, 707.3.6 Interior finish 404.8 Means of egress 404.9, 404.10, 404.11, 1006.3.2, 1017.3, 1019.3, 1023.2,

    1028.2

    Smoke control 404.5, 909 Sprinkler protection 404.3 Standby power 404.7 Travel distance 404.9, 1006.2.1, 1006.3, 1017.2

    Use 404.2

    Attic 202

  • CALGreen § 1305.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    1305.1.1 Fire safety. Included within the fire safety category are the structural fire resistance, automatic fire detection, fire alarm, automatic sprinkler system and fire suppression system features of the facility.

    1305.1.2 Means of egress. Included within the means of egress category are the configuration, characteristics and support features for means of egress in the facility.

    1305.1.3 General safety. Included within the general safety category are the fire safety parameters and the means of egress parameters.

    1305.2 Evaluation process. The evaluation process specified herein shall be followed in its entirety to evaluate existing buildings in Groups A, B, E, F, M, R, S and U. For existing buildings in Group I-2, the evaluation process specified herein shall be followed and applied to each and every individual smoke compartment. Table 1306.1 shall be utilized for tabulating the results of the evaluation. References to other sections of this code or other codes indicate that compliance with those sections is required in order to gain credit in the evaluation herein outlined. In applying this section to a building with mixed occupancies, where the separation between the mixed occupancies does not qualify for any category indicated in Section 1305.2.16, the score for each occupancy shall be determined, and the lower score determined for each section of the evaluation process shall apply to the entire building or to each smoke compartment for Group I-2 occupancies.

    Where the separation between the mixed occupancies qualifies for any category indicated in Section 1305.2.16, the score for each occupancy shall apply to each portion or smoke compartment of the building based on the occupancy of the space.

    1305.2.1 Building height and number of stories. The value for building height and number of stories shall be the lesser value determined by the formula in Section 1305.2.1.1. Section 504 of the International Building Code shall be used to determine the allowable height and number of stories of the building. Subtract the actual building height from the allowable height and divide by 12.5 feet (3810 mm). Enter the height value and its sign (positive or negative) in Table 1306.1 under Safety Parameter 1305.2.1, Building Height, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety. The maximum score for a building shall be 10.

    1305.2.1.1 Height formula. The following formulas shall be used in computing the building height value.

    Equation 13-1 Height value, feet = (---------------------------------- [AH] ) – ( EBH - ) × CF 12.5

    13-4 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

    PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS

    Equation 13-2 Height value, stories = ( AS – EBS ) × CF

    where:

    AH = Allowable height in feet (mm) from Section 504 of the International Building Code .

    EBH = Existing building height in feet (mm).

    AS = Allowable height in stories from Section 504 of the International Building Code .

    EBS = Existing building height in stories.

    CF = 1 if ( AH ) – ( EBH ) is positive.

    CF = Construction-type factor shown in Table 1305.2.6(2) if ( AH ) – ( EBH ) is negative.

  • CALGreen § 8-40 Medium relevance — show source text

    . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-40

    APPENDIX A4 RESIDENTIAL

    VOLUNTARY MEASURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-3

    A4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-3 A4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-9 A4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . APPENDIX A4-13 A4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-15 A4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-19 A4.6 Tier 1 and Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-21

    Division A4.6—Residential Occupancies Application Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-23 A4.7 Residential Model Ordinance . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-31

    APPENDIX A5 NONRESIDENTIAL

    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

  • CALGreen § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text

    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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 13-1

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

    13-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

    13 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS

    Not adopted by the State of California (May be available for adoption by local ordinance. See Section 1.1.11.) (See Section 104.11 for consideration of alternative means of compliance.)

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 13 allows for existing buildings to be evaluated so as to show that alterations, while not meeting new construction requirements, will improve the current existing situation. Provisions are based on a numerical scoring system involving 21 various safety parameters and the degree of code compliance for each issue.

    SECTION 1301—GENERAL

    1301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing structures, including historic structures, as referenced in Section 301.3.3. The provisions of this chapter are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety, health and general welfare in existing buildings while permitting, alteration, addition and change of occupancy without requiring full compliance with Chapters 6 through 12, except where compliance with the prescriptive method of Chapter 5 or the work area method of other provisions of this code is specifically required in this chapter.

    1301.1.1 Compliance with other methods. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions of this chapter or with one of the methods provided in Section 301.3.

    SECTION 1302—APPLICABILITY

    1302.1 General. Existing buildings in which there is work involving additions, alterations or changes of occupancy shall be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter or the provisions of Chapters 6 through 12. The provisions of Sections 1302.1.1 through 1302.1.6 shall apply to existing occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to be, in Groups A, B, E, F, I-2, M, R and S. These provisions shall also apply to Group U occupancies where such occupancies are undergoing a change of occupancy or a partial change in occupancy with separations in accordance with Section 1302.1.2. These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H, I-1, I-3 or I-4.

    1302.1.1 Change in occupancy. Where an existing building is changed to a new occupancy classification and this section is applicable, the provisions of this section for the new occupancy shall be used to determine compliance with this code.

    1302.1.2 Partial change in occupancy. Where a portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy classification and that portion is separated from the remainder of the building with fire barrier or horizontal assemblies having a fire-resistance rating as required by Table 508.4 of the International Building Code or Section R302 of the International Residential Code for the separate occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the portion changed shall be made to conform to the provisions of this section. Only the portion separated shall be required to be evaluated for compliance.

Frequently asked questions

If a tenant makes changes later, do I re-evaluate the whole building?

Apply CALGreen to the tenant work that is new at the time of that tenant improvement. For phased projects and shell buildings, only measures relevant to newly constructed components or systems apply; subsequent tenant improvements must comply with the scoping provisions for additions/alterations. See § 303.1.

Are voluntary Appendix measures mandatory anywhere?

Appendix A4/A5 measures are voluntary unless a local jurisdiction adopts them (or adopts voluntary tiers). The appendices include checklists and tier guidance; check local adoption. See Appendix A4 and A5 and § 304.1 about voluntary tiers.

My project has live/work units — how do I treat them?

If the live/work units meet the California Building Code § 508.5 criteria, CALGreen does not treat them as mixed occupancies; they must comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4 per the exception in § 302.1.

How do accessory structures get classified under CALGreen?

Accessory structures serving residential buildings are required to comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, per the explicit exception in § 302.1. Do not automatically apply nonresidential measures to these.

Where are the application checklists I should use for plan submittal?

Appendix A4 contains the residential application checklist (and Division A4.6 for tiers); Appendix A5 contains the nonresidential checklist. Use the checklist(s) that correspond to each portion’s occupancy.

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What are the exceptions for accessory structures and live/work units in mixed occupancies?

How are mixed occupancy buildings treated under CALGreen?

Mixed occupancy buildings (Section 302)

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