CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Do tenant improvements trigger additional CALGreen requirements?

If you're fitting out a tenant space, CALGreen applies automatically to the first (initial) tenant improvement. Later tenant fit‑outs are judged under the additions/alterations rules (size or valuation thresholds) in § 301.3 — they only trigger mandatory CALGreen measures when those scoping thresholds are met. **§ 303.1.1**; **§ 301.3**

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The short rule: § 303.1.1 says that CALGreen applies to the initial tenant improvements in a building project; subsequent tenant improvements are governed by the scoping rules for additions and alterations in § 301.3. In plain English: when a shell or building is constructed for future tenants, CALGreen mandatory measures apply to the first set of tenant improvement work only — later tenant fit‑outs follow the additions/alterations thresholds and scoping in Chapter 3. § 303.1.1 .

The single most important rule: initial tenant improvements are treated as the project for CALGreen; later tenant work is treated as an addition/alteration and only triggers CALGreen measures if it meets those scoping thresholds. § 303.1.1

Requirements in detail

Key definitions and roles

Initial tenant improvements — the first tenant fit‑out for a building constructed with tenant spaces (the TI performed at project completion). § 303.1.1 .
Subsequent tenant improvements — any later fit‑outs performed after the initial TI; these follow the scoping in § 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations. § 303.1.1; § 301.3 .

Decision table — when TI work triggers CALGreen mandatory measures

Decision dimension	Values / threshold	Result (do mandatory CALGreen measures apply?)	Code Reference
Project phase	Initial tenant improvement	Yes — CALGreen provisions apply as part of the project	§ 303.1.1
Project phase	Subsequent tenant improvement	Follow scoping for additions/alterations; only apply where those scoping thresholds are met	§ 303.1.1; § 301.3
Additions size (nonresidential)	≥ 1,000 sq ft (applies to many Chapter 5 measures)	Many Chapter 5 mandatory measures apply to additions ≥1,000 sq ft per § 301.3 scoping	§ 301.3
Alteration permit valuation	≥ $200,000 (nonresidential)	Alteration thresholds in § 301.3 apply; affected portions must comply	§ 301.3; verification checklist notes
Commissioning exemption	Tenant improvements < 10,000 sq ft	Exempt from building commissioning requirements in Section 5.410.2 exception	§ 5.410.2 (exception 3)

Notes:

The table summarizes decision dimensions tied to CALGreen scoping and specific exceptions (commissioning). The controlling statement that restricts the scope to the initial TI is § 303.1.1 ; thresholds for additions/alterations are in § 301.3 and supporting checklists/examples in appendix/verification guidance .
Where a subsequent TI meets the additions/alterations thresholds (size or valuation), the mandatory measures listed for additions/alterations apply, and code sections are applied only to the work area being permitted (see § 301.3). § 301.3 .

How limits and exemptions interact

CALGreen’s commissioning requirement applies to new buildings 10,000 sq ft and over; there is a stated exception that excludes tenant improvements under 10,000 sq ft within a larger space (and explicitly references § 303.1.1). Use § 5.410.2 for verification of that exception. § 5.410.2 .
The code distinguishes measures that apply to “newly constructed” components versus those that apply to additions/alterations; for phased projects/shell buildings CALGreen measures apply only to the building components that are new construction per § 303.1 and § 303.1.1. § 303.1; § 303.1.1 .

Exceptions & special cases

Commissioning: Tenant improvements less than 10,000 square feet are excepted from the building commissioning requirement in § 5.410.2 (this exception explicitly references § 303.1.1). § 5.410.2 .
Phased shell buildings: For a shell constructed for future tenant improvements, only the measures that relate to components newly constructed as part of the shell (i.e., new construction items) apply at shell stage; the initial TI is the next application of CALGreen for tenant‑fitout measures (see § 303.1 and § 303.1.1). § 303.1; § 303.1.1 .
Local amendments: Local jurisdictions may adopt additional mandatory or voluntary tiers; always check local adoption because § 301.1 and related adoption provisions allow local changes. § 301.1 .
Occupancy-specific rules: Mixed‑use buildings require each portion to comply with the measures applicable to that occupancy (see § 302). If a TI changes occupancy, other code parts may apply. § 302 .

Common mistakes

Treating every tenant improvement the same: many assume any TI always triggers full CALGreen requirements — but only the initial TI is automatically treated as the project; later TIs are evaluated under the additions/alterations scoping (§ 301.3). § 303.1.1; § 301.3 .
Missing the commissioning exception: designers sometimes add commissioning scope for small TIs; tenant improvements under 10,000 sq ft are excepted from the building commissioning requirement — check § 5.410.2. § 5.410.2 .
Applying building‑wide measures to a work area incorrectly: for additions/alterations, CALGreen mandatory measures apply only to the portion of the building being added/altered unless other sections say otherwise — see § 301.3. § 301.3 .
Ignoring valuation/size thresholds: for nonresidential work, many Chapter 5 requirements trigger at ≥ 1,000 sq ft additions or $200,000 permit valuation for alterations (see verification checklist and § 301.3 commentary). Check local enforcing agency application of these thresholds. § 301.3; checklist examples .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A landlord builds a retail shell building (no tenant improvements) and performs an initial tenant improvement for Tenant A of 7,500 sq ft. Two years later Tenant B will fit out a separate 3,200 sq ft space in the same building.

At shell construction: apply CALGreen measures only to those building components that are newly constructed as part of the shell (roofing, envelope, plumbing risers installed as new) per § 303.1. § 303.1 .
Initial TI (Tenant A, 7,500 sq ft): because this is the initial tenant improvement, CALGreen provisions apply to that TI as the project — mandatory measures that apply to the initial TI must be met (lighting, water efficiency, etc., as listed in Chapter 5 where applicable). § 303.1.1 .
- Commissioning: Tenant A’s TI is under 10,000 sq ft, so the building commissioning requirement in § 5.410.2 is excepted for this TI (exception for tenant improvements under 10,000 sq ft). § 5.410.2 .
Subsequent TI (Tenant B, 3,200 sq ft): because this is a subsequent tenant improvement, evaluate under § 301.3 scoping for nonresidential additions/alterations. If the local thresholds (for example, additions ≥ 1,000 sq ft or alteration valuation ≥ $200,000) are met for the scope of Tenant B’s work, the applicable Chapter 5 mandatory measures apply to the permitted work area; otherwise many CALGreen mandatory measures will not be triggered. § 303.1.1; § 301.3 .

Related provisions

§ 303.1 — Phased projects: measures for shell buildings and construction for future TI.
§ 301.3 — Nonresidential additions and alterations (scoping and thresholds).
§ 5.410.2 — Building commissioning requirements and tenant‑improvement exceptions.
§ 301.1.1 — Additions/alterations application in Chapter 4 (residential context).
CALGreen verification guidance / mandatory measures checklist (Appendix A5 and verification notes) — examples of how thresholds (sq ft / valuation) are used to determine applicability.

Code references

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

CALGreen § 301.3 High relevance — show source text

A5.602

CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES MANDATORY MEASURES CHECKLIST

Application: This checklist shall be used for nonresidential projects that meet one of the following: new construction, building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or more pursuant to Section 301.3 AND do not trigger a Tier 1 or Tier 2 requirement:

Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included)

— N/A = Not Applicable (code section does not apply to the project mainly used for additions and alterations) O = Other (provide explanation)

[N] = New construction pursuant to Section 301.3

[A ] = Additions and/or Alterations pursuant to Section 301.3

CHAPTER 5 DIVISIONS	Col2	SECTION TITLE	CODE SECTION	Y	N/A	O	PLAN SHEET, SPEC OR ATTACH
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures, Scope with Exception	5.105.1
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with note	5.105.2 and 5.105.2.1
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb less than 1 acre of land	5.106.1 through 5.106.2
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Short-term bicycle parking (with exception)	5.106.4.1.1
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Long-term bicycle parking	5.106.4.1.2 through 5.106.4.1.2.3
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] with Section 5.106.3.1, 5.106.5.3.2 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1 OR Independently Power Allocation Method: Section 5.106.5.3.6 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.6	5.106.5.3.1, 5.106.5.3.2, Table 5.106.5.3.1, 5.106.5.3.2.1, 5.106.5.3.2.2, 5.106.5.3.2.3, 5.106.5.3.2.4, 5.106.5.3.3, 5.106.5.3.4 and 5.106.5.3.5 OR 5.106.5.3.3, 5.106.5.3.4, 5.106.5.3.5, 5.106.5.3.6,

CALGreen § 901.1 Medium relevance — show source text
In contrast, Level 1 alterations do not involve space reconfiguration, and Level 2 alterations involve extensive space reconfiguration that does not exceed 50 percent of the building area. Depending on the nature of alteration work, its location within the building, and whether it encompasses one or more tenants, improvements and upgrades could be required for the open floor penetrations, sprinkler system or the installation of additional means of egress such as stairs or fire escapes. At times and under certain situations, this chapter also is intended to improve the safety of certain building features beyond the work area and in other parts of the building where no alteration work might be taking place.

SECTION 901—GENERAL

901.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations as described in Section 604 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

901.2 Compliance. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, work shall comply with all of the requirements of Chapters 7 and 8. The requirements of Sections 802, 803, 804 and 805 shall apply within all work areas whether or not they include exits and corridors shared by more than one tenant and regardless of the occupant load.

Exception: Buildings in which the reconfiguration of space affecting exits or shared egress access is exclusively the result of compliance with the accessibility requirements of Section 306.7.1 shall not be required to comply with this chapter.

SECTION 902—SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY

902.1 Reserved.

902.2 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall be classified in accordance with Section 308.2 of the California Build- ing Code .

902.2.1 Smoke barriers in Group R-2.1 . In Group R-2.1 occupancies where the work area is on a story used for sleeping rooms for more than 30 care recipients, the story shall be divided into not fewer than two compartments by smoke barrier walls in accordance with Section 420.6 of the California Building Code .

902.3 Ambulatory care facilities. Where a Level 3 work area includes an existing ambulatory care facility, the following shall be provided:
1. A smoke compartment in accordance with Section 422.3 of the California Building Code, where the alteration results in an ambulatory care facility greater than 10,000 square feet on one story.
2. Separation from adjacent spaces in accordance with Section 422.2 of the California Building Code, where any such facility has the potential for four or more care recipients incapable of self-preservation at any time.
SECTION 903—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS

903.1 Existing shafts and vertical openings. Existing stairways that are part of the means of egress shall be enclosed in accordance with Section 802.2.1 from the highest work area floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge and all floors below.

903.2 Fire partitions in Group R-3. Fire separation in Group R-3 occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 903.2.1.
CALGreen § 301.5 Medium 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.

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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 § 902.1 Medium relevance — show source text
2 Exception||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |902.1_Reserved_|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |902.2 – 902.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |902.2 – 902.3||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |903.4||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |904.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |904.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |904.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |908||||†|†||||||||||||||||||||

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.

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9 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3

User notes:

About this chapter : Chapter 9 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 3 alterations. The purpose of this chapter is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, building spaces and building structural system. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 7 and 8 by involving alterations that cover 50 percent or more of the aggregate area of the building. In contrast, Level 1 alterations do not involve space reconfiguration, and Level 2 alterations involve extensive space reconfiguration that does not exceed 50 percent of the building area. Depending on the nature of alteration work, its location within the building, and whether it encompasses one or more tenants, improvements and upgrades could be required for the open floor penetrations, sprinkler system or the installation of additional means of egress such as stairs or fire escapes. At times and under certain situations, this chapter also is intended to improve the safety of certain building features beyond the work area and in other parts of the building where no alteration work might be taking place.

SECTION 901—GENERAL

901.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations as described in Section 604 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

901.2 Compliance. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, work shall comply with all of the requirements of Chapters 7 and 8. The requirements of Sections 802, 803, 804 and 805 shall apply within all work areas whether or not they include exits and corridors shared by more than one tenant and regardless of the occupant load.

Exception: Buildings in which the reconfiguration of space affecting exits or shared egress access is exclusively the result of compliance with the accessibility requirements of Section 306.7.1 shall not be required to comply with this chapter.

SECTION 902—SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY

902.1 Reserved.

902.2 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall be classified in accordance with Section 308.2 of the California Build- ing Code .
CALGreen § 8-10 Medium relevance — show source text
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COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

Title 23, Waters, California Code of Regulations

MWELO and supporting documents, including a water budget calculator, are available at: https://www.water.ca.gov/.

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COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

Commissioning Referenced Standards for Non-Energy Systems

The following CALGreen Referenced Standards are included herein as a convenience for the users of the California Green Building Standards Code, but they are not considered to be part of the code unless they are officially adopted by a local jurisdiction.

Contents Page Part 1: Standards for Compliance with Building Commissioning 8-14 Part 2: Commissioning Sample Forms and Templates 8-23

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COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

PART 1 STANDARDS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH BUILDING COMMISSIONING

Reference: Section 5.410.2, Commissioning.

Introduction:

The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of concepts that reduce negative and increase positive environmental impacts. Commissioning is a vital element in this effort.

Definitions used in the CALGreen Cx Reference standard:

Acronyms

BOD Basis of Design

Cx Commissioning

FPT Functional Performance Test

HVAC Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning

O&M Operations and Maintenance

OPR Owner’s Project Requirements

Glossary:

Acceptance Criteria— The conditions that must be met for systems or equipment to meet defined and expected outcomes.

Commissioning (Cx)— Building commissioning as required in this code involves a quality assurance process that begins during design and continues to occupancy. Commissioning verifies that the new building operates as the owner intended and that building staff are prepared to operate and maintain its systems and equipment. Exceptions are allowed for dry storage warehouses of any size and conditioned spaces under 10,000 square feet accessory to them; and for tenant improvements under 10,000 square feet within a larger space.

Owner— The individual or entity holding title to the property on which the building is constructed.

Commissioning Coordinator— The person who coordinates the commissioning process. This can be either a third-party commissioning provider or an experienced member of the design team or owner in-house staff member.

Commissioning Team— The key members of each party involved with the project designated to provide insight and carry out tasks necessary for a successful commissioning project. Team members may include the commissioning coordinator, owner or owner’s representative, building staff, design professionals, contractors or manufacturer’s representatives and testing specialists.

CALGreen § 405.4 Medium relevance — show source text

From Division A5.4,

a. Comply with recycled content of 15 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4.1. b. Comply with the 80-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.

From Division A5.5,

a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 100 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7.1. Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list and no added formaldehyde in Section A5.504.4.8.1.

c. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division. 6. Comply with three additional elective measures selected from any division.

1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.

A5.601.4 Compliance verification. Compliance with Section A5.601.2 or A5.601.3 shall be as required in Chapter 7 of this code. Compliance documentation shall be made part of the project record as required in Section 5.410.2 or 5.410.3.

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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

A5.602

CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES MANDATORY MEASURES CHECKLIST

Application: This checklist shall be used for nonresidential projects that meet one of the following: new construction, building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or more pursuant to Section 301.3 AND do not trigger a Tier 1 or Tier 2 requirement:

Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included)

— N/A = Not Applicable (code section does not apply to the project mainly used for additions and alterations) O = Other (provide explanation)

[N] = New construction pursuant to Section 301.3

[A ] = Additions and/or Alterations pursuant to Section 301.3

CHAPTER 5 DIVISIONS	Col2	SECTION TITLE	CODE SECTION	Y	N/A	O	PLAN SHEET, SPEC OR ATTACH
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures, Scope with Exception	5.105.1
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with note	5.105.2 and 5.105.2.1
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb less than 1 acre of land	5.106.

CALGreen § 5.410.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Reference: Section 5.410.2, Commissioning.

Introduction:

The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of concepts that reduce negative and increase positive environmental impacts. Commissioning is a vital element in this effort.

Definitions used in the CALGreen Cx Reference standard:

Acronyms

BOD Basis of Design

Cx Commissioning

FPT Functional Performance Test

HVAC Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning

O&M Operations and Maintenance

OPR Owner’s Project Requirements

Glossary:

Acceptance Criteria— The conditions that must be met for systems or equipment to meet defined and expected outcomes.

Commissioning (Cx)— Building commissioning as required in this code involves a quality assurance process that begins during design and continues to occupancy. Commissioning verifies that the new building operates as the owner intended and that building staff are prepared to operate and maintain its systems and equipment. Exceptions are allowed for dry storage warehouses of any size and conditioned spaces under 10,000 square feet accessory to them; and for tenant improvements under 10,000 square feet within a larger space.

Owner— The individual or entity holding title to the property on which the building is constructed.

Commissioning Coordinator— The person who coordinates the commissioning process. This can be either a third-party commissioning provider or an experienced member of the design team or owner in-house staff member.

Commissioning Team— The key members of each party involved with the project designated to provide insight and carry out tasks necessary for a successful commissioning project. Team members may include the commissioning coordinator, owner or owner’s representative, building staff, design professionals, contractors or manufacturer’s representatives and testing specialists.

Independent Third-Party Commissioning Professional— A commissioning consultant contracted directly by the owner who is not responsible to, or affiliated with, any other member of the design and construction team.

Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manuals— Documents that provide information necessary for operating and maintaining installed equipment and systems.

Owner Representative— An individual or entity assigned by the owner to act and sign on the owner’s behalf.

Process Equipment— Energy-using equipment and components that are not used for HVAC, electrical, plumbing and irrigation operations. Such devices would include but are not limited to heat transfer, water purifying, air cleaning, air vacuum and air compressing.

Sequence of Operation— A written description of the intended performance and operation of each control element and feature of the equipment and systems.

Selecting Trained Personnel (for Commissioning)

This code requires that “Commissioning shall be performed in accordance with this section by trained personnel with experience on projects of comparable size and complexity.” The trained personnel manage and facilitate the commissioning process. The trained personnel develop and implement the commissioning tasks and documentation identified in Sections 5.410.2.1 through 5.410.2.6. Trained personnel may include appropriate members of owner staff, contractor and design team as well as independent commissioning professionals.

It is essential that there is a single person designated to lead and manage the commissioning activities. In practice, this individual has been referenced by various identifiers such as commissioning authority, agent, provider, coordinator, lead, etc. In this guide the term “commissioning coordinator” is used.
CALGreen § 1-5 Medium relevance — show source text
102 Construction Documents

and Installation Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

103 Building Standards Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5 104 Department of Housing and Community Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6 105 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

106 Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

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

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

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

CHAPTER 3 GREEN BUILDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

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

302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3

4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3
CALGreen § 1.88 Medium relevance — show source text
27|1.88|2.27|1.88|2.27|2.27|2.27|2.27|2.27|2.27|2.27|2.27|2.27|2.85|1.88| |1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|

NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .

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12 MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS

AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS

SECTION 180.0—GENERAL

Additions, alterations and repairs to existing attached dwelling units and common use areas in multifamily buildings, existing outdoor lighting for these occupancies, and internally and externally illuminated signs shall meet the requirements specified in Sections 100.0 through 110.10, 160.1, and 160.3 through 170.2 that are applicable to the building project, and either the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) in Section 180.1(b) (for additions) or 180.2(c) (for alterations), or the prescriptive compliance approach in Section 180.1(a) (for additions) or 180.2(b) (for alterations), for the climate zone in which the building is located. Climate zones are shown in Figure 100.1-A.

Covered process requirements for additions, alterations and repairs to existing multifamily buildings are specified in Section 141.1.

Nonresidential occupancies in mixed occupancy buildings shall comply with nonresidential requirements in Sections 120.0 through 141.1.

NOTE: For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 180.2 apply to the occupancy after the alterations.

NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .

SECTION 180.1—ADDITIONS
CALGreen § 1.88 Medium relevance — show source text
85|1.88| |1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|1. NR = Not Required.|

Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .

2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 147

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

148 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

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

6 NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—

ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS

SECTION 141.0—ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/ MOTEL BUILDINGS, TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS

Additions, alterations, and repairs to existing nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings, existing outdoor lighting for these occupancies, and internally and externally illuminated signs, shall meet the requirements specified in Sections 100.0 through 110.12, and 120.0 through 130.5 that are applicable to the building project, and either the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) in Section 141.0(a)2 (for additions) or 141.0(b) 3 (for alterations), or the prescriptive compliance approach in Section 141.0(a)1 (for additions) or 141.0(b)2 (for alterations), for the Climate Zone in which the building is located. Climate zones are shown in Figure 100.1-A.

Covered process requirements for additions, alterations and repairs to existing nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings are specified in Section 141.1.

Exception to Section 141.0: Alterations to healthcare facilities are not required to comply with this Section.

NOTES:
1. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 141.0(b) apply to the occupancy after the alterations.
2. Relocation or moving of a relocatable public school building is not, by itself, considered an alteration for the purposes of Title 24, Part 6.
(a) Additions. Additions shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below.
1. **Prescriptive approach.
CALGreen § 407.1 Medium relevance — show source text
an additional dedicated meter is not required.| |Onsite Water Collection Systems|Potable or reclaimed water supplies for supplementing onsite alternative water collection systems.| |Ornamental Water Features|Potable or reclaimed water supplies for ornamental water features where the water feature uses an
automatic refill valve.| |Roof Spray Systems|Roof spray systems for irrigating vegetated roofs or thermal conditioning covering an area greater
than 300 square feet (ft2).
Exception: Temporary above-surface spray systems connected to a hose bibb and without an auto-
matic controller are not required to have a dedicated meter| |Tenant Buildings - Common Areas|Water supplies used in common areas of a site. The dedicated meter for common area water use
shall not include water supplied inside tenant space. Water supplies for sanitary fixtures and other
water use in common areas can be grouped together for metering requirements, except where dedi-
cated water meter installations are otherwise required.| |Tenant Spaces - Residential|All water supplies to each residential tenant space for indoor water use.
Exception: Where a water purveyor has individual meters for each tenant space, and the other
meter requirements included in Table L 407.1 do not apply, no additional dedicated meter is
required.| |Tenant Spaces - Non-residential, car
washes|All water supplies to individual non-residential tenant spaces for indoor water use where any of the
following conditions exist:
(1)
The nominal size of a water supply pipe(s) to the individual tenant space is greater than ½
inch, or
(2)
Water consumption within in the tenant space is estimated or expected to average greater than
1000 gallons/day (gal/d).
Where water is supplied to tenant space that is not required to have dedicated meter, the water sup-
ply pipe (s) shall be accessible to install a meter.
Exception: Where a water purveyor has individual meters for each tenant space and the other
meter requirements included in Table L 407.1 do not apply, no additional dedicated meter is
required.|

For SI units: 1 gallon per day = 3.785 L/day, 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m [2], 1000 British thermal units per hour = 0.293 kW, 1 cubic foot per minute (CFM) = 0.4719 L/s, 1 ton = 3.5169 kW

504 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

APPENDIX L

L 408.1.1 Condensate Drainage Recovery. Condensate from air-conditioning, boiler and steam systems used to supply water for non-potable water systems shall be in accordance with Section 1506.0.
CALGreen § 141.0 Medium relevance — show source text
ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS

SECTION 141.0—ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/ MOTEL BUILDINGS, TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS

Additions, alterations, and repairs to existing nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings, existing outdoor lighting for these occupancies, and internally and externally illuminated signs, shall meet the requirements specified in Sections 100.0 through 110.12, and 120.0 through 130.5 that are applicable to the building project, and either the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) in Section 141.0(a)2 (for additions) or 141.0(b) 3 (for alterations), or the prescriptive compliance approach in Section 141.0(a)1 (for additions) or 141.0(b)2 (for alterations), for the Climate Zone in which the building is located. Climate zones are shown in Figure 100.1-A.

Covered process requirements for additions, alterations and repairs to existing nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings are specified in Section 141.1.

Exception to Section 141.0: Alterations to healthcare facilities are not required to comply with this Section.

NOTES:
1. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 141.0(b) apply to the occupancy after the alterations.
2. Relocation or moving of a relocatable public school building is not, by itself, considered an alteration for the purposes of Title 24, Part 6.
(a) Additions. Additions shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below.
1. Prescriptive approach. The envelope and lighting of the addition, any newly installed space-conditioning system, electrical power distribution system, or water-heating system; any addition to an outdoor lighting system; and any new sign installed in conjunction with an indoor or outdoor addition shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 120.7, 120.9 through 130.5 and 140.2 through 140.9.
2. Performance approach. A. The envelope and indoor lighting in the conditioned space of the addition, and any newly installed space-conditioning system, electrical power distribution system, or water-heating system, shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 120.7, 120.9 through 130.5; and
B. Either:

i. The addition alone shall comply with Section 140.1; or ii. Existing plus addition plus alteration. The standard design for existing plus addition, plus alteration energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered components to remain, existing building altered components that are the more efficient, in LSC, of either the existing conditions, or the requirements of Section 141.0(b)2, plus the proposed addition’s energy use meeting the requirements of Section 140.1. The proposed design energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered components to remain and the altered component’s energy features, plus the proposed energy features of the addition.

Exception 1 to Section 141.0(a): When heating, cooling or service water heating to an addition are provided by expanding existing systems, the existing systems and equipment need not comply with Sections 110.0 through 120.9 or Sections 140.4 through 140.5.

Frequently asked questions

Does every tenant improvement require full CALGreen compliance?

No — only the initial tenant improvement is automatically treated as the project under CALGreen; subsequent tenant improvements are evaluated under the additions/alterations scoping in § 301.3 and apply only if those thresholds and conditions are met. § 303.1.1; § 301.3

Are small tenant improvements exempt from commissioning?

Tenant improvements under 10,000 sq ft are excepted from the building commissioning requirement in § 5.410.2 (the exception explicitly references tenant improvements and § 303.1.1). § 5.410.2

If a TI changes occupancy, does that change what CALGreen requires?

Yes — when a TI changes occupancy classification, other code provisions (including energy and CALGreen requirements applicable to the new occupancy) may apply; mixed‑occupancy provisions in § 302 are relevant. § 302

Where do I find the thresholds (square footage, valuation) used to decide applicability?

Scoping thresholds for nonresidential additions and alterations are in § 301.3 and related verification checklists (appendices). Local agencies may also have specific adoption or clarifications. § 301.3; verification guidance

Who enforces whether a subsequent TI must comply?

The local enforcing agency applies CALGreen and any local amendments; use the adopted code and local checklists to determine whether a specific TI triggers mandatory measures (see adoption and local amendment rules in Chapter 1/§ 101.7). § 301.1

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