CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

What CALGreen rules apply to phased projects and shell buildings?

If a building is built as a shell for later tenant work, CALGreen applies only to the green measures that relate to the parts actually constructed now (see § 303.1). The first tenant improvement is treated under § 303.1.1; some items (for example bicycle parking or stockpiling of land‑clearing debris) are specifically addressed for shell/phased projects and require documentation at permit.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

For shell buildings and other projects built to accept future tenant improvements, CALGreen says only the green-building measures that are actually relevant to the building components and systems that are newly constructed must be applied. The controlling text is § 303.1 (phased projects), which limits applicability to measures tied to the new construction elements, and § 303.1.1 (initial tenant improvements), which clarifies that only the initial tenant improvement is treated under the code for that phase.

For phased/shell projects, don’t assume every chapter of CALGreen applies — apply only those mandatory measures that are directly relevant to the new-construction components being built now. (See bold rule in § 303.1.)

Requirements in detail

1) Basic scope and how to read § 303.1

What § 303.1 requires: “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.” This is the primary scope-limiting rule. § 303.1.
Initial tenant improvements: The code treats only the initial tenant improvements as subject to the initial-phase scope; subsequent TIs follow the normal scoping for alterations/additions (§ 303.1.1).

2) Illustrative measures that commonly apply (or are handled specially) in phased/shell projects

Bicycle parking for new shell buildings: CALGreen explicitly requires secure bicycle parking sized at 10 percent of the anticipated tenant-occupants (minimum one facility) for new shell buildings in phased projects — this is a stand-alone requirement that applies at shell stage. § 5.106.4.1.2.3.
Excavated soil / land‑clearing debris: For phased projects, material from land clearing (trees, stumps, soils) may be stockpiled on site until the storage site is developed. The general requirement to reuse/recycle still applies, but CALGreen explicitly allows on‑site stockpiling for phased work. § 5.408.3.
Commissioning / exceptions tied to tenant improvement size: Commissioning requirements in the nonresidential chapter contain an explicit exception for tenant improvements less than 10,000 square feet as described in § 303.1.1 — i.e., small initial TIs may be excepted under the commissioning rules. (See exceptions in § 5.410.)
Documentation & verification: Even when only part of the code applies, construction documents and verification must show how those applicable measures are met. See requirements on construction documents and verification in § 102.2 and § 102.3.

Decision table — what to check when you have a phased/shell project

Decision dimension	When it matters	Typical action to take	Code Reference
Is the work a shell built for future TIs?	At project scoping / permit application	Treat only newly constructed components as "new construction" for CALGreen applicability	§ 303.1
Is this the initial tenant improvement?	If TI is first TI after shell	Apply CALGreen only to the initial TI; later TIs follow alteration/addition scoping	§ 303.1.1
Bicycle parking count for shell buildings	New shell building in phased project	Provide 10% of anticipated tenant-occupants (min 1 facility)	§ 5.106.4.1.2.3
Excavated soil / land‑clearing debris	Site development during phased projects	May stockpile on site until storage site developed; otherwise reuse/recycle per code	§ 5.408.3
Commissioning for tenant improvements	When commissioning thresholds considered	Tenant improvements < 10,000 sq ft are listed as an exception in commissioning requirements tied to § 303.1.1	§ 5.410 (exceptions)
Construction documentation	Always at permit submission	Show which CALGreen measures are applicable and how they are met; provide required verification	§ 102.2 – § 102.3

How to determine "relevant" measures in practice

Focus on the systems/elements actually being built now (e.g., envelope, structural, parking, site work, utility stub‑outs).
For items tied to whole‑building performance (some material, life‑cycle, or commissioning requirements), check the chapter/section text for specific exceptions or applicability tied to phased work.
Where CALGreen is silent, the enforcing agency may require documentation demonstrating that a measure is not applicable; use the documentation rules in § 102.3.

Exceptions & special cases

Phased projects may be allowed to stockpile excavated soil/land‑clearing debris on site until the storage site is developed; the reuse/recycle requirement still applies but CALGreen explicitly recognizes phased staging. § 5.408.3.
Bicycle parking: the code has a specific clause for new shell buildings in phased projects (10% of anticipated tenant-occupants). This is a specific mandatory measure that applies at the shell stage rather than waiting for tenant improvements. § 5.106.4.1.2.3.
Commissioning: the commissioning division lists tenant improvements less than 10,000 sq ft as an exception; that exception explicitly cross‑references the treatment of TIs under § 303.1.1. Check § 5.410 for exact commissioning scoping/exceptions.
Local jurisdictions may adopt stricter rules or require that certain voluntary tiers/measures be enforced — always confirm with the enforcing agency (see local-adoption provisions in the code).

Common mistakes

Treating a shell building as if the entire suite of CALGreen new‑construction measures applies to tenant spaces that will be finished later. (Remember § 303.1 limits applicability to measures relevant to the newly constructed components.)
Forgetting the specific shell-stage requirements that do apply (e.g., bicycle parking for new shell buildings) and assuming nothing is required until tenant improvement. § 5.106.4.1.2.3 is an easy one to miss.
Not documenting why certain measures are not applicable for the shell phase — enforcing agencies rely on the documentation and verification requirements in § 102.2–§ 102.3.
Assuming commissioning and other whole‑building requirements never apply to phased projects — check the exceptions (e.g., TIs < 10,000 sq ft) in § 5.410; the exception is specific, not blanket.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: Owner builds a new shell retail building (100,000 sq ft) as a phased project. They will perform an initial tenant improvement of 8,500 sq ft for a single tenant now and later tenant build‑outs over several years.

Application:

Apply § 303.1: For the shell, only the CALGreen measures that are relevant to the new construction elements (site work, envelope, structural, parking, mechanical stub‑outs, etc.) need to be complied with at shell permit.
Provide bicycle parking for the shell per § 5.106.4.1.2.3: calculate 10 percent of the anticipated tenant‑occupants for the building (the code requires 10% for new shell buildings in phased projects). If anticipated tenant‑occupants for the building are 200, the shell must provide 0.10 × 200 = 20 bicycle parking spaces (rounding rules in the bicycle parking section apply).
For the initial TI of 8,500 sq ft, commissioning rules may be excepted because the TI is < 10,000 sq ft — see the commissioning exceptions that reference § 303.1.1 in § 5.410. Document the TI size and reference § 303.1.1 when claiming the exception.
If site clearing produces trees/stumps/soil, the owner may stockpile that material on site until later phases develop the storage/use location per § 5.408.3, but must still comply with reuse/recycle expectations when practical.
At the permit submittal, include documentation showing which measures are being applied at shell and which are deferred (use § 102.2/§ 102.3 verification guidance).

Related provisions (pick up these sections when you work a phased/shell project)

§ 303.1 — Phased projects (scope rule).
§ 303.1.1 — Initial tenant improvements (scoping for first TI).
§ 5.106.4.1.2.3 — Bicycle parking for new shell buildings in phased projects.
§ 5.408.3 — Excavated soil and land‑clearing debris, phased-project stockpiling allowance.
§ 5.410 — Commissioning requirements and exceptions (includes TI < 10,000 sq ft exception referencing § 303.1.1).
§ 102.2 – § 102.3 — Construction documents and verification/documentation requirements.

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

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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 § 3-4 High 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 § 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 § 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

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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 § 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 § 5.106.3 Medium relevance — show source text
The NPDES permits require postconstruction runoff (post-project hydrology) to match the preconstruction runoff (pre-project hydrology) with the installation of postconstruction stormwater management measures. The NPDES permits emphasize runoff reduction through on-site stormwater use, interception, evapotranspiration and infiltration through nonstructural controls, such as Low Impact Development (LID) practices and conservation design measures. Stormwater volume that cannot be addressed using nonstructural practices is required to be captured in structural practices and be approved by the enforcing agency.

Refer to the current applicable permits on the State Water Resources Control Board website at: www.waterboards.ca.gov/constructionstormwater. Consideration to the stormwater runoff management measures should be given during the initial design process for appropriate integration into site development.

5.106.3 Reserved.

5.106.4 Bicycle parking. For buildings within the authority of California Building Standards Commission as specified in Section 103, comply with Section 5.106.4.1. For buildings within the authority of the Division of the State Architect pursuant to Section 105, comply with Section 5.106.4.2.

5.106.4.1 Bicycle parking. [BSC-CG] Comply with Sections 5.106.4.1.1 and 5.106.4.1.2; or meet the applicable local ordinance, whichever is stricter.

5.106.4.1.1 Short-term bicycle parking. If the new project or an addition or alteration is anticipated to generate visitors, provide permanently anchored bicycle racks within 200 feet of the visitors’ entrance, readily visible to passers-by, for 20 percent of the peak daily visitors, with a minimum of one two-bike capacity rack.

5.106.4.1.2 Long-term bicycle parking. Acceptable bicycle parking facility for Sections 5.106.4.1.2.1, 5.106.4.1.2.2 and 5.106.4.1.2.3 shall be conveniently located near the street and shall meet one of the following:
1. Covered, lockable enclosures with permanently anchored racks for bicycles;
2. Lockable bicycle rooms with permanently anchored racks; or
3. Lockable, permanently anchored bicycle lockers.
Calculations for bicycle parking requirements shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

5.106.4.1.2.1 For new buildings with tenant spaces, provide secure bicycle parking for 10 percent of the tenant-occupants, with a minimum of one bicycle parking facility.

5.106.4.1.2.2 For additions or alterations, provide secure bicycle parking for 10 percent of the tenant-occupants being added, with a minimum of one bicycle parking facility.

5.106.4.1.2.3 For new shell buildings in phased projects, provide secure bicycle parking for 10 percent of the anticipated tenant-occupants, with a minimum of one bicycle parking facility.

5.106.4.2 Bicycle parking. [DSA-SS] For public schools and community colleges, comply with Sections 5.106.4.2.1 and 5.106.4.2.2. 5.106.4.2.1 Student bicycle parking. Provide permanently anchored bicycle racks conveniently accessed with a minimum of four two-bike capacity racks per new building.

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NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

CALGreen § 301.3 Medium 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 § 5.408.2 Medium relevance — show source text
5.408.2 Universal waste. [A] Additions and alterations to a building or tenant space that meet the scoping provisions in Section 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations, shall require verification that Universal Waste items such as fluorescent lamps and ballast and mercury containing thermostats as well as other California prohibited Universal Waste materials are disposed of properly and are diverted from landfills. A list of prohibited Universal Waste materials shall be included in the construction documents.

Note: Refer to the Universal Waste Rule link at: https://dtsc.ca.gov/universalwaste/

5.408.3 Excavated soil and land clearing debris. 100 percent of trees, stumps, rocks and associated vegetation and soils resulting primarily from land clearing shall be reused or recycled. For a phased project, such material may be stockpiled on site until the storage site is developed.

Exception: Reuse, either on-site or off-site, of vegetation or soil contaminated by disease or pest infestation.

Notes:
1. If contamination by disease or pest infestation is suspected, contact the County Agricultural Commissioner and follow its direction for recycling or disposal of the material. (www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/ county/county_contacts.html)
2. For a map of known pest and/or disease quarantine zones, consult with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. (www.cdfa.ca.gov)
SECTION 5.409—LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT

5.409.1 Scope.

[BSC-CG] Effective July 1, 2024, projects consisting of newly constructed building(s) with a combined floor area of 100,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section 5.409.2 or Section 5.409.3. Alteration(s) to existing building(s) where the combined altered floor area is 100,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section 5.105.2, 5.409.2, or 5.409.3. Addition(s) to existing building(s) where the total floor area combined with the existing building(s) is 100,000 square feet or greater shall comply with

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NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

either Section 5.105.2, Section 5.409.2, or Section 5.409.3. Effective January 1, 2026, the combined floor area shall be 50,000 square feet or greater.

[DSA-SS] Projects consisting of newly constructed building(s) with a combined floor area of 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section 5.409.2 or Section 5.409.3. Alteration(s) to existing building(s) where the combined altered floor area is 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section 5.105.2, 5.409.2, or 5.409.3. Addition(s) to existing building(s) where the total floor area combined with the existing building(s) is 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section 5.105.2, Section 5.409.2, or Section 5.409.3.

**5.409.2 Whole building life cycle assessment.
CALGreen § 5.106.4.1.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Calculations for bicycle parking requirements shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

5.106.4.1.2.1 For new buildings with tenant spaces, provide secure bicycle parking for 10 percent of the tenant-occupants, with a minimum of one bicycle parking facility.

5.106.4.1.2.2 For additions or alterations, provide secure bicycle parking for 10 percent of the tenant-occupants being added, with a minimum of one bicycle parking facility.

5.106.4.1.2.3 For new shell buildings in phased projects, provide secure bicycle parking for 10 percent of the anticipated tenant-occupants, with a minimum of one bicycle parking facility.

5.106.4.2 Bicycle parking. [DSA-SS] For public schools and community colleges, comply with Sections 5.106.4.2.1 and 5.106.4.2.2. 5.106.4.2.1 Student bicycle parking. Provide permanently anchored bicycle racks conveniently accessed with a minimum of four two-bike capacity racks per new building.

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5.106.4.2.2 Staff bicycle parking. Provide permanent, secure bicycle parking conveniently accessed with a minimum of two staff bicycle parking spaces per new building. Acceptable bicycle parking facilities shall be convenient from the street or staff parking area and shall meet one of the following:
1. Covered, lockable enclosures with permanently anchored racks for bicycles;
2. Lockable bicycle rooms with permanently anchored racks; or
3. Lockable, permanently anchored bicycle lockers.
5.106.5 Electric vehicle (EV) charging.

5.106.5.1 Reserved.

5.106.5.2 Reserved.

5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging. [N] [BSC-CG] Construction to provide electric vehicle infrastructure and facilitate electric vehicle charging shall comply with Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces, Section 5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1, or Section 5.106.5.3.6 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—Power allocation method and associated Table 5.106.5.3.6, and shall be provided in accordance with regulations in the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code. Exceptions:
1. On a case-by-case basis where the local enforcing agency has determined compliance with this section is not feasible based upon one of the following conditions: a. Where there is no local utility power supply. b. Where the local utility is unable to supply adequate power. c. Where there is evidence suitable to the local enforcement agency substantiating that additional local utility infrastructure design requirements, directly related to the implementation of Section 5.106.5.3, may adversely impact the construction cost of the project.
2. Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to, automated mechanical-access open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging. 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces. [N] EV capable spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 5.106.5.3.1 and the following requirements:
CALGreen § 5-26 Medium relevance — show source text
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dance with this section by trained personnel with experience on projects of comparable size and complexity. For I-occupancies that are not regulated by OSHPD or for I-occupancies and L-occupancies that are not regulated by the California Energy Code Section 100.0 Scope, all requirements in Sections 5.410.2 through 5.410.2.6 shall apply.

Note: For energy-related systems under the scope (Section 100) of the California Energy Code, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems and controls, indoor lighting systems and controls, as well as water heating systems and controls, refer to California Energy Code Section 120.8 for commissioning requirements.

Commissioning requirements shall include:
1. Owner’s or owner representative’s project requirements.
2. Basis of design.
3. Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents.
4. Commissioning plan.
5. Functional performance testing.
6. Documentation and training.
7. Commissioning report.
Exceptions:
1. Unconditioned warehouses of any size.
2. Areas less than 10,000 square feet used for offices or other conditioned accessory spaces within unconditioned warehouses.
3. Tenant improvements less than 10,000 square feet as described in Section 303.1.1.
4. Open parking garages of any size, or open parking garage areas, of any size, within a structure.
Note: For the purposes of this section, unconditioned shall mean a building, area or room which does not provide heating and/or air conditioning.

Informational Note:
1. Functional performance testing for heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and lighting controls must be performed in compliance with the California Energy Code.
5.410.2.1 Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR). [N] The expectations and requirements of the building appropriate to its phase shall be documented before the design phase of the project begins. This documentation shall include the following:
1. Environmental and sustainability goals.
2. Building sustainable goals.
3. Indoor environmental quality requirements.
4. Project program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after hours operation.
5. Equipment and systems expectations.
6. Building occupant and operation and maintenance (O&M) personnel expectations.
5.410.2.2 Basis of Design (BOD). [N] A written explanation of how the design of the building systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project. The Basis of Design document shall cover the following systems:
1. Renewable energy systems.
2. Landscape irrigation systems.
3. Water reuse systems.
5.410.2.3 Commissioning plan. [N] Prior to permit issuance a commissioning plan shall be completed to document how the project will be commissioned. The commissioning plan shall include the following:
1. General project information.
2. Commissioning goals.
3. Systems to be commissioned. Plans to test systems and components shall include: a. An explanation of the original design intent. b. Equipment and systems to be tested, including the extent of tests.
c. Functions to be tested.

d. Conditions under which the test shall be performed. e. Measurable criteria for acceptable performance. 4. Commissioning team information. 5. Commissioning process activities, schedules and responsibilities. Plans for the completion of commissioning shall be included.
CALGreen § 5.410.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Informational Note:
1. Functional performance testing for heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and lighting controls must be performed in compliance with the California Energy Code.
5.410.2.1 Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR). [N] The expectations and requirements of the building appropriate to its phase shall be documented before the design phase of the project begins. This documentation shall include the following:
1. Environmental and sustainability goals.
2. Building sustainable goals.
3. Indoor environmental quality requirements.
4. Project program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after hours operation.
5. Equipment and systems expectations.
6. Building occupant and operation and maintenance (O&M) personnel expectations.
5.410.2.2 Basis of Design (BOD). [N] A written explanation of how the design of the building systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project. The Basis of Design document shall cover the following systems:
1. Renewable energy systems.
2. Landscape irrigation systems.
3. Water reuse systems.
5.410.2.3 Commissioning plan. [N] Prior to permit issuance a commissioning plan shall be completed to document how the project will be commissioned. The commissioning plan shall include the following:
1. General project information.
2. Commissioning goals.
3. Systems to be commissioned. Plans to test systems and components shall include: a. An explanation of the original design intent. b. Equipment and systems to be tested, including the extent of tests.
c. Functions to be tested.

d. Conditions under which the test shall be performed. e. Measurable criteria for acceptable performance. 4. Commissioning team information. 5. Commissioning process activities, schedules and responsibilities. Plans for the completion of commissioning shall be included.

5.410.2.4 Functional performance testing. [N] Functional performance tests shall demonstrate the correct installation and operation of each component, system and system- to-system interface in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.

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Functional performance testing reports shall contain information addressing each of the building components tested, the testing methods utilized, and include any readings and adjustments made.

5.410.2.5 Documentation and training. [N] A systems manual and systems operations training are required, including Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements in California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Section 5142, and other related regulations.

5.410.2.5.1 Systems manual. [N] Documentation of the operational aspects of the building shall be completed within the systems manual and delivered to the building owner or representative. The systems manual shall include the following:
1. Site information, including facility description, history and current requirements.
2. Site contact information.
3. Basic operations and maintenance, including general site operating procedures, basic troubleshooting, recommended maintenance requirements, site events log.
4. Major systems.
5. Site equipment inventory and maintenance notes.
6. A copy of verifications required by the enforcing agency or this code.
7. Other resources and documentation, if applicable.
CALGreen § 1.1.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
1.1.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applica- tions regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.

Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” in the front of the code. 1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California, and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2 for additional scope provisions. 2. Local detention facilities regulated by the Board of State and Community Corrections. See Section 1.3 for additional scope provisions. 3. Barbering, cosmetology or electrolysis establishments, acupuncture offices, pharmacies, veterinary facilities and struc- tural pest control locations regulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs. See Section 1.4 for additional scope provisions. 4. Section 1.5 reserved for the California Energy Commission. 5. Dairies and places of meat inspection regulated by the Department of Food and Agriculture. See Section 1.6 for addi- tional scope provisions. 6. Organized camps, laboratory animal quarters, public swimming pools, radiation protection, commissaries serving mobile food preparation vehicles and wild animal quarantine facilities regulated by the Department of Public Health. See Section 1.7 for additional scope provisions. 7. Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities. See Section 1.8.2.1.1 for additional scope provisions. 8. Accommodations for persons with disabilities in buildings containing newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings, new common use areas serving existing covered multifamily dwellings, additions to existing buildings where the addi- tion alone meets the definition of covered multifamily dwellings, and new common-use areas serving new covered multifamily dwellings, which are regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.2 for additional scope provisions. 9. Permanent buildings and permanent accessory buildings or structures constructed within mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.3 for additional scope provisions.

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ADMINISTRATION

10. Accommodations for persons with disabilities regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 1.9.1 for addi- tional scope provisions. 11. Public elementary and secondary schools, community college buildings and state-owned or state-leased essential _service buildings regulated by the Division of the State Architect.

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether a particular measure is “relevant” to the shell phase?

The enforcing agency determines applicability, supported by the project’s construction documents and verification. Provide documentation showing why a measure is being applied now or deferred; see § 102.3 for verification/documentation guidance.

Does a shell building ever have to comply with whole‑building performance measures now?

Yes — if a specific mandatory measure expressly applies to the shell stage (for example bicycle parking in § 5.106.4.1.2.3) or if the newly constructed systems are the ones covered by a whole‑building requirement. Use § 303.1 to determine scope.

If I defer work to later tenant improvements, do later TIs follow the same rules?

No. Initial tenant improvements are treated under the initial-phase scoping in § 303.1.1; subsequent tenant improvements follow the normal scoping for additions/alterations (see the scoping provisions in Chapter 3 and relevant nonresidential rules).

Can I stockpile land‑clearing debris on site during phased construction?

Yes — CALGreen explicitly permits stockpiling of trees, stumps and soils for phased projects until the storage site is developed; however, reuse/recycle requirements still apply otherwise. § 5.408.3.

What documentation should I submit at the shell permit to show compliance?

Show construction documents that indicate the location, nature and scope of the applicable green measures, and provide verification/demonstration for measures applied or deferred per § 102.2–§ 102.3.

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