CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

How does CALGreen scope new construction, additions, and alterations (scoping rules)?

In plain terms: for nonresidential projects CALGreen’s Chapter 5 rules apply to all new buildings, to additions of 1,000 square feet or more, and to alterations valued at $200,000 or more — and those requirements normally apply only to the parts of the building you are adding or changing. Also, if your addition or alteration requires a permit, the construction waste-diversion rules in Section 5.408 must be followed.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

CALGreen applies the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 to new construction, and it applies Chapter 5 measures to nonresidential building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater and to nonresidential building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or above. These scoping thresholds and the principle that requirements for additions/alterations apply only to the portion of the building being added or altered are established in § 301.3. In addition, waste diversion requirements in Section 5.408 are required for additions and alterations whenever a permit is required for the work per § 301.3.2.

The single most important rule: For nonresidential projects, Chapter 5 mandatory measures apply to newly constructed buildings, additions ≥ 1,000 sq ft, and alterations with permit valuation ≥ $200,000 — and those addition/alteration requirements apply only to the portion being worked on (see § 301.3).

Requirements in detail

Basic scope rule (nonresidential)

The Chapter 5 provisions apply to:
- New construction (all Chapter 5 mandatory measures for the new building). § 301.3
- Additions of 1,000 square feet or greater (Chapter 5 measures apply to the added portions). § 301.3
- Alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or above (Chapter 5 measures apply to the altered portions). § 301.3
Code sections that are relevant to additions and alterations “shall only apply to the portions of the building being added or altered within the scope of the permitted work.” § 301.3

Waste diversion

Whenever a permit is required for an addition or alteration, the construction waste diversion requirements in Section 5.408 are mandatory. This is set out directly in § 301.3.2. § 301.3.2 / § 5.408

How sections are marked for applicability

Individual code sections in Chapter 5 may carry a banner/marker indicating whether the section applies only to New construction [N], only to Additions and/or Alterations [A], or to both (no banner). That helps determine applicability to an addition/alteration project. § 301.3

Decision table (what to check)

Decision dimension	Values / threshold	What gets applied	Code Reference
Project type	New construction	All mandatory Chapter 5 measures for new building	§ 301.3
Addition size	≥ 1,000 sq ft → applies; < 1,000 sq ft → normally not triggered by this threshold	Chapter 5 measures apply to the added portion only	§ 301.3
Alteration valuation	≥ $200,000 → applies; < $200,000 → normally not triggered by this threshold	Chapter 5 measures apply to the altered portion only	§ 301.3
Waste diversion	Any addition or alteration that requires a permit	Section 5.408 waste diversion requirements are mandatory	§ 301.3.2; § 5.408
Portion of building affected	Work area only	Applicable code sections for additions/alterations apply only to the portion within the permitted scope	§ 301.3

Exceptions & special cases

Sections in Chapter 5 may be labeled [N] (new construction only) or [A] (additions/alterations). A section labeled [N] does not apply to additions/alterations; a section labeled [A] can apply. Check the banner for that specific section. § 301.3
The scoping rule for residential additions/alterations is addressed elsewhere: Chapter 4 mandatory provisions apply to residential additions/alterations that increase conditioned area/volume/size — see § 301.1.1 (note: this is separate from the nonresidential thresholds in § 301.3).
For waste-diversion specifics (covered materials, documentation, and documented exceptions such as excavated soil), see Section 5.408 for the detailed exceptions and documentation requirements. § 5.408

If a local jurisdiction has adopted modifications (local amendments or voluntary tiers), those local rules may change applicability — check local amendments under Section 101.7.

Common mistakes

Applying Chapter 5 requirements to the entire building instead of only to the portion actually added or altered; CALGreen explicitly limits application to the work scope for additions/alterations. § 301.3
Forgetting the valuation threshold or square-foot threshold: designers sometimes treat any alteration as triggering Chapter 5 when only alterations with valuation ≥ $200,000 (nonresidential) are covered by § 301.3.
Overlooking waste diversion: any addition or alteration that requires a permit must meet Section 5.408 diversion rules — it’s not limited to the 1,000 sq ft / $200,000 thresholds. § 301.3.2
Ignoring section banners ([N] vs [A]) — every Chapter 5 requirement must be checked for its banner before assuming applicability. § 301.3

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A business wants to build a 1,200 sq ft nonresidential addition and renovate interior finishes in a connected tenant space with total permit valuation of $50,000.

Step 1 — Determine thresholds:

Addition size = 1,200 sq ft, which is ≥ 1,000 sq ft, so Chapter 5 measures for additions apply to the added portion. § 301.3
Alteration valuation = $50,000, which is < $200,000, so the valuation threshold for alterations does not independently trigger Chapter 5 for the interior renovation. § 301.3

Step 2 — Apply requirements:

Apply Chapter 5 mandatory measures that are applicable to additions (check whether each specific section is bannered [N], [A], or both). Apply those measures only to the 1,200 sq ft added portion. § 301.3
The interior renovation ( $50k ) is under the valuation threshold, so Chapter 5 mandatory measures for alterations triggered by valuation do not automatically apply — but confirm whether any specific Chapter 5 section is labeled [A] and applies to smaller alterations (some sections do apply to all additions/alterations regardless of threshold; check each section). § 301.3

Step 3 — Waste diversion:

Because both the addition and the interior renovation require building permits, Section 5.408 waste-diversion requirements apply to the permitted work (construction & demolition waste management, documentation, etc.). § 301.3.2 / § 5.408

Net: Chapter 5 applies to the added 1,200 sq ft (check each section’s banner for exact application). Waste diversion (5.408) applies to the permitted work across both the addition and renovation.

Related provisions

§ 301.1.1 — Residential additions/alterations scope (Chapter 4 applies where conditioned area/volume/size increases).
§ 301.3 — Nonresidential additions and alterations scoping (thresholds and application only to the portion worked).
§ 301.3.2 — Waste diversion: Section 5.408 required for additions/alterations whenever a permit is required.
§ 5.408 — Construction and demolition waste-diversion details, exceptions, and documentation rules.
§ 303.1 — Phased projects and applicability to initial tenant improvements (how scoping works for shells and later tenant work).

Code references

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

CALGreen § 4.106.4.2 High relevance — show source text
The mandatory provisions of Section 4.106.4.2 may apply to additions or alterations of existing parking facilities or the addition of new parking facilities serving existing multifamily buildings. See Section 4.106.4.3 for application.

Note: Repairs including, but not limited to, resurfacing, restriping, and repairing or maintaining existing lighting fixtures are not considered alterations for the purpose of this section.

301.2 Low-rise and high-rise residential buildings. [HCD] The provisions of individual sections of CALGreen may apply to either low-rise residential buildings, high-rise residential buildings, or both. Individual sections will be designated by banners to indicate where the section applies specifically to low-rise only (LR) or high-rise only (HR). When the section applies to both low-rise and highrise buildings, no banner will be used.

301.3 Nonresidential additions and alterations. [BSC-CG] The provisions of individual sections of Chapter 5 apply to newly constructed buildings, building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, and/or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or above (for occupancies within the authority of California Building Standards Commission). Code sections relevant to additions and alterations shall only apply to the portions of the building being added or altered within the scope of the permitted work.

A code section will be designated by a banner to indicate where the code section only applies to newly constructed buildings [N] or to additions and/or alterations [A] . When the code section applies to both, no banner will be used.

301.3.1 Nonresidential additions and alterations that cause updates to plumbing fixtures only:

Note: On and after January 1, 2014, certain commercial real property, as defined in Civil Code Section 1101.3, shall have its noncompliant plumbing fixtures replaced with appropriate water-conserving plumbing fixtures under specific circumstances. See Civil Code Section 1101.1 et seq. for definitions, types of commercial real property affected, effective dates, circumstances necessitating replacement of noncompliant plumbing fixtures, and duties and responsibilities for ensuring compliance.

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.

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 § 601.1.1 High relevance — show source text
601.1.1 Compliance with other alternatives. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 through 11 or with one of the alternatives provided in Section 301.3.

601.2 Work area. The work area, as defined in Chapter 2, shall be identified on the construction documents.

SECTION 602—ALTERATION—LEVEL 1

602.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.

602.2 Application. Level 1 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7.

SECTION 603—ALTERATION—LEVEL 2

603.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations include the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment, and shall apply where the work area is equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area.

Exception: The movement or addition of nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height shall not be considered a Level 2 alteration.

603.2 Application. Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 8.

SECTION 604—ALTERATION—LEVEL 3

604.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations apply where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area.

604.2 Application. Level 3 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 and 8 for Level 1 and 2 alterations, respectively, as well as the provisions of Chapter 9.

SECTION 605—CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

605.1 Scope. Change of occupancy provisions apply where the activity is classified as a change of occupancy as defined in Chapter 2.

605.2 Application. Changes of occupancy shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10.

SECTION 606—ADDITIONS

606.1 Scope. Provisions for additions shall apply where work is classified as an addition as defined in Chapter 2.

606.2 Application. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 11.

SECTION 607—HISTORIC BUILDINGS

607.1 Scope. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code (Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R) shall apply to qualified historical buildings or properties.

2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 6-3

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

6-4 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 7 – ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CALGreen § 11B-107 High relevance — show source text
VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN (VMS)

VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN (VMS) CHARACTERS

VEHICULAR WAY

WALK

WET BAR

WHEELCHAIR

WHEELCHAIR SPACE

WORKSTATION

WORK AREA EQUIPMENT

11B-107 Special conditions appeals action. See Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.5.

11B-108 Maintenance of accessible features. Features, facilities and equipment required by Chapter 11B to be accessible to and useable by persons with disabilities shall be maintained in operable working condition. Isolated or temporary interruptions in service or accessibility due to maintenance or repairs shall be permitted.

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-7

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

ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

DIVISION 2: SCOPING REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 11B- 201—APPLICATION

11B- 201.1 Scope. All areas of newly designed and newly constructed buildings and facilities and altered portions of existing buildings and facilities shall comply with these requirements.

11B- 201.2 Application based on building or facility use. Where a site, building, facility, room or space contains more than one use, each portion shall comply with the applicable requirements for that use.

11B- 201.3 Temporary and permanent structures. These requirements shall apply to temporary and permanent buildings and facilities.

11B-201.4 Construction support facilities. These requirements shall apply to temporary or permanent construction support facilities for uses and activities not directly associated with the actual processes of construction, including but not limited to offices, meeting rooms, plan rooms, other administrative or support functions. When provided, toilet and bathing facilities serving construction support facilities shall comply with Section 11B-213. When toilet and bathing facilities serving construction support facilities are provided by portable units, at least one of each type shall be accessible and connected to the construction support facilities it serves by an accessible route.

Exception: During construction an accessible route shall not be required between site arrival points or the boundary of the area of construction and the entrance to the construction support facilities if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

SECTION 11B- 202—EXISTING BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

11B- 202.1 General. Additions and alterations to existing buildings or facilities shall comply with Section 11B- 202 .

11B- 202.2 Additions. Each addition to an existing building or facility shall comply with the requirements for new construction and shall comply with Section 11B-202.4.

11B- 202.3 Alterations. Where existing elements or spaces are altered, each altered element or space shall comply with the applicable requirements of Division 2, including Section 11B-202.4.

Exceptions:

1. Reserved.

CALGreen § 5.508.2 High relevance — show source text

000 square feet or more|5.508.2
through
5.508.2.6.3||||| |||END OF MANDATORY PROVISIONS||||||

Documentation Author's / Responsible Designer's Declaration Statement □ Mandatory: I attest that this mandatory provisions checklist is accurate and complete.	Col2
Signature:	Signature:
Company:	Date:
Address:	License:
City/State/Zip:	Phone:

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-47

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

APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

A5.602.1

CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES

TIER 1 CHECKLIST

Application: This checklist shall be used for nonresidential projects that meet the following: new construction, or 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 are adopting Tier 1 voluntary measures.

Note: All applicable mandatory requirements in Chapter 5 shall be met prior to applying Tier 1 voluntary measures.

Instructions:

Comply with all Tier 1 prerequisite measures from the various categories shown on the table below.

Add a “ Y ” to all mandatory and Tier 1 prerequisite measures in the appropriate columns.

Select the required number of additional electives from those categories shown on the table below and add a “ Y ” on the selected elective and add an “ N ” on the rest.

Count the total number of Tier 1 prerequisite measures plus the additional electives and write down the total number at the end of the checklist. Determine if the required number of Tier 1 measures have been selected to achieve Tier 1 compliance.

Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included) N = No (section has not been selected and/or included) 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	O	PLAN SHEET, SPEC OR ATTACH
~~DIVISION 5.1~~ Planning and Design (continued)	Mandatory	Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures, Scope with Exception	5.105.1
~~DIVISION 5.1~~ Planning and Design (continued)	Mandatory	Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with note	5.105.2 and 5.105.2.1
~~DIVISION 5.1~~ Planning and Design (continued)	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 (continued)	Mandatory	Short-term bicycle parking	5.106.4.1.

CALGreen § 405.4 High 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.

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-43

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

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 § 301.1.1 High relevance — show source text
1||||X||||X||||||||||||||| |301.1.1||||X||||||||||||||||||| |301.2||||X||||||||||||||||||| |301.3||X||||||||||||||||||||| |301.3.1||X||||||||||||||||||||| |301.3.2||X||||||||||||||||||||| |301.4||||||||X||||||||||||||| |301.5|||||||||X||X||X|||||||||| |302||X||X||||X|X||X||X|||||||||| |303||X||X|||||X||X||X|||||||||| |303.1||X||||||||||||||||||||| |304||X||X|||||X||X||X|||||||||| |305|||||||||X|||||||||||||| |306||||||||X|||||||||||||||

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 3-1

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

3-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

3 GREEN BUILDING

SECTION 301—GENERAL

301.1 Scope. Buildings shall be designed to include the green building measures specified as mandatory in the application checklists contained in this code. Voluntary green building measures are also included in the application checklists and may be included in the design and construction of structures covered by this code, but are not required unless adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.

301.1.1 Additions and alterations. [HCD] The mandatory provisions of Chapter 4 shall be applied to additions or alterations of existing residential buildings where the addition or alteration increases the building’s conditioned area, volume or size. The requirements shall apply only to and/or within the specific area of the addition or alteration.

The mandatory provisions of Section 4.106.4.2 may apply to additions or alterations of existing parking facilities or the addition of new parking facilities serving existing multifamily buildings. See Section 4.106.4.3 for application.

Note: Repairs including, but not limited to, resurfacing, restriping, and repairing or maintaining existing lighting fixtures are not considered alterations for the purpose of this section.

301.2 Low-rise and high-rise residential buildings. [HCD] The provisions of individual sections of CALGreen may apply to either low-rise residential buildings, high-rise residential buildings, or both. Individual sections will be designated by banners to indicate where the section applies specifically to low-rise only (LR) or high-rise only (HR). When the section applies to both low-rise and highrise buildings, no banner will be used.

301.3 Nonresidential additions and alterations. [BSC-CG] The provisions of individual sections of Chapter 5 apply to newly constructed buildings, building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, and/or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or above (for occupancies within the authority of California Building Standards Commission). Code sections relevant to additions and alterations shall only apply to the portions of the building being added or altered within the scope of the permitted work.

A code section will be designated by a banner to indicate where the code section only applies to newly constructed buildings [N] or to additions and/or alterations [A] . When the code section applies to both, no banner will be used.
CALGreen § 5.408.1.1 High relevance — show source text
Note: The owner or contractor shall make the determination if the construction and demolition waste material will be diverted by a waste management company.

Exceptions to Sections 5.408.1.1 and 5.408.1.2:
1. Excavated soil and land-clearing debris.
2. Alternate waste reduction methods developed by working with local agencies if diversion or recycle facilities capable of compliance with this item do not exist.
3. Demolition waste meeting local ordinance or calculated in consideration of local recycling facilities and markets.
5.408.1.3 Waste stream reduction alternative. The combined weight of new construction disposal that does not exceed two pounds per square foot of building area may be deemed to meet the 65 percent minimum requirement as approved by the enforcing agency.

5.408.1.4 Documentation. Documentation shall be provided to the enforcing agency which demonstrates compliance with Sections 5.408.1.1 through 5.408.1.3. The waste management plan shall be updated as necessary and shall be accessible during construction for examination by the enforcing agency.

Notes:
1. Sample forms found in “A Guide to the California Green Building Standards Code (Nonresidential)” located at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources/Page-Content/Building-Standards-Commission-Resources-ListFolder/CALGreen may be used to assist in documenting compliance with the waste management plan.
2. Mixed construction and demolition debris (C&D) processors can be located at the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
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.

CALGreen § 602.2 High relevance — show source text

Documentation Author's / Responsible Designer's Declaration Statement Check the appropriate box(es) for the list below. □ Mandatory: I attest that the mandatory provisions checklist is accurate and complete. □ Tier 1 compliant: I attest that the total number of voluntary measures selected meet or exceed the total number required to achieve Tier 1 compliance. □ Partial Tier 1 compliant: I attest that the total number of voluntary measures selected do not meet the total number required to achieve Tier 1 compliance: however, partial Tier 1 compliance has been achieved.	Col2
Signature:
Company:	Date:
Address:	License:
City/State/Zip:	Phone:

APPENDIX A5-54 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

A5.602.2

CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES

TIER 2 CHECKLIST

Application: This checklist shall be used for nonresidential projects that meet the following: new construction, or 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 are adopting Tier 2 voluntary measures.

Note: All applicable mandatory requirements in Chapter 5 shall be met prior to applying Tier 2 voluntary measures.

Instructions:

Comply with all Tier 2 prerequisite measures from the various categories shown on the table below.

Add a “ Y ” to all mandatory and Tier 2 prerequisite measures in the appropriate columns.

Select the required number of additional electives from those categories shown on the table below and add a “ Y ” on the selected elective and add an “ N ” on the rest.

Count the total number of Tier 2 prerequisite measures plus the additional electives and write down the total number at the end of the checklist. Determine if the required number of Tier 2 measures have been selected to achieve Tier 2 compliance.

Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included) N = No (section has not been selected and/or included) 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	O	PLAN SHEET, SPEC OR ATTACH
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design (continued)	Mandatory	Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures, Scope with Exception	5.105.1
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design (continued)	Mandatory	Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with note	5.105.2 and 5.105.2.1
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design (continued)	Mandatory	Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb less than 1 acre of land	5.106.1 through 5.106.

CALGreen § 409.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the
solar insolation without shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
3.
Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|

A5.601.1 Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by local government as specified in Section 101.7. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating addi

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-41

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

APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

tional green building measures for newly constructed nonresidential buildings as well as additions and alterations. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level. Refer to the provisions in Section 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations scope and application.

A5.601.2 CALGreen Tier 1

A5.601.2.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.

A5.601.2.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.

A5.601.2.3 Tier 1. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.1.

A5.601.2.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 1. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.2.1 and A5.601.2.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 1:
1. From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for high-efficiency vehicles for a minimum of 35 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.1 w/ footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.2. [1]
d. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 2. From Division A5.2 comply with ONE of the following:
1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
2. Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
6. From Division A5.3,
a. Comply with the 12-percent reduction for indoor potable water use in Section A5.303.2.3.1. b. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
1. From Division A5.4,
CALGreen § 202.3. Medium relevance — show source text
1. Residential dwelling units not required to be accessible in compliance with this code shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 202.3.
11B- 202.3.1 Prohibited reduction in access. An alteration that decreases or has the effect of decreasing the accessibility of a building or facility below the requirements for new construction at the time of the alteration is prohibited.

11B- 202.3.2 Extent of application. An alteration of an existing element, space or area of a building or facility shall not impose a requirement for accessibility greater than required for new construction.

11B-202.3.3 Alteration of single elements. If alterations of single elements, when considered together, amount to an alteration of a room or space in a building or facility, the entire room or space shall be made accessible.

11B- 202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs. When alterations or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, an accessible path of travel to the specific area of alteration or addition shall be provided. The primary accessible path of travel shall include:

1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,

4. Public telephones serving the area, and

5. Signs.

Exceptions:

1. Residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-233.3.4.2. 2. If the following elements of a path of travel have been constructed or altered in compliance with the accessibility require- ments of the immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code, it shall not be required to retrofit such elements to reflect the incremental changes in this code solely because of an alteration to an area served by those elements of the path of travel:

1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,

4. Public telephones serving the area, and

11B-8 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

5. Signs.

Note: The language in this exception, which refers to the “immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code,” shall permit a reference back to one CBC edition only and is not accumulative to prior editions. 3. Additions or alterations to meet accessibility requirements consisting of one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4: 1. Altering one building entrance. 2. Altering one existing toilet facility. 3. Altering existing elevators. 4. Altering existing steps. 5. Altering existing handrails. 4. Alterations solely for the purpose of barrier removal undertaken pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabil- _ities Act (Public Law 101-336, 28 C.F.R. Section 36.
CALGreen § 170.1 Medium relevance — show source text
b. Either:

(i) Performance approach: Section 170.1; or (ii) Prescriptive approach: Section 170.2(a) through (f).

F. Covered processes.

i. Sections applicable. Sections 110.2, 120.3, 120.6, 140.9, and 141.1 apply to covered processes. ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, covered processes must meet the requirements of: a. The applicable mandatory measures in Sections 110.2, 120.3 and 120.6; and

b. Either:

(i) The performance approach requirements of Section 140.1; or (ii) The prescriptive approach requirements of Section 140.9. 3. New construction in existing buildings (additions, alterations and repairs). A. Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings. Section 141.0 applies to new construction in existing nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 141.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specify which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 141.0 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. B. Single-family buildings. Section 150.2 applies to new construction in existing single-family buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 150.2 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specifies which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 150.2 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. C. Multifamily buildings. Section 180.0 applies to new construction in existing multifamily buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 180.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specifies which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 180.0 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. 4. Installation of insulation in existing buildings. Section 110.8(d) applies to buildings in which insulation is being installed in existing attics, or on existing water heaters or existing space conditioning ducts. 5. Outdoor lighting. Sections 110.9, 130.0, 130.2, 130.4, 140.7, and 150.0 apply to newly constructed outdoor lighting systems, and Section 141.0 applies to outdoor lighting that is either added or altered. 6. Signs. Sections 130.0, 130.3 and 140.8 apply to newly constructed signs located either indoors or outdoors, and Section 141.0 applies to sign alterations located either indoors or outdoors.

2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 3

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

ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS

(f) Mixed occupancy. When a building is designed and constructed for more than one type of occupancy (residential and nonresidential), the space for each occupancy shall meet the provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy.

Frequently asked questions

When does an addition become subject to Chapter 5?

An addition becomes subject to Chapter 5 when it is a nonresidential addition of 1,000 square feet or greater; Chapter 5 measures apply to the added portion only. § 301.3

If an alteration is small but the permit valuation is high, do Chapter 5 rules apply?

Yes — for nonresidential work, alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or above bring Chapter 5 measures into play for the altered portion. § 301.3

Does waste diversion apply to small repairs?

If the repair still requires a building permit for an addition or alteration, the Section 5.408 waste-diversion requirements apply whenever a permit is required for the work per § 301.3.2. Routine maintenance that does not require a permit typically is not covered. § 301.3.2; § 5.408

Do the Chapter 5 measures ever force upgrades to the whole building?

No — for additions and alterations, CALGreen says the applicable code sections “shall only apply to the portions of the building being added or altered within the scope of the permitted work.” Check the individual section banners [N] or [A] to confirm applicability. § 301.3

Where do I find the detailed waste-diversion rules?

See Section 5.408 for the diversion percentages, documentation, and exceptions; § 301.3.2 mandates that section for permitted additions/alterations. § 301.3.2; § 5.408

More in California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Ask about the CALGreen

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the CALGreen

How are health facilities (OSHPD) governed under Chapter 3?

What mandatory green-building measures apply to public schools and community colleges?

What is the general scope and organization of CALGreen Chapter 3 (Green Building)?

Scope & applicability of CALGreen Chapter 3

California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)