CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
What voluntary measures apply to public schools and community colleges?
For public schools and community colleges, CALGreen makes available voluntary sustainability measures: Appendix A5 lists elective design and construction enhancements and Chapter 5 nonresidential items not adopted by the Division of the State Architect are recommended but not mandatory — however, energy‑efficiency commissioning required by the California Energy Code remains compulsory.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
For public schools and community colleges, the CALGreen provisions in § 306.1 say that voluntary measures exist to encourage more sustainable design beyond mandatory requirements. Appendix A5 (Divisions A5.1–A5.5) lists practical voluntary measures that exceed the mandatory measures § 306.1.1. In addition, Chapter 5 nonresidential mandatory measures that the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety (DSA‑SS) does not adopt as mandatory become recommended voluntary measures for non‑energy systems per § 306.1.2. The building commissioning requirements for energy efficiency in the California Energy Code remain required (not voluntary) .
The single most important point: public school and community college projects may elect to follow Appendix A5 voluntary measures for enhanced sustainability, and Chapter 5 measures not adopted by DSA‑SS are recommended but not mandatory — except energy commissioning, which is required.
Requirements in detail
Who is covered
- Applicability: public elementary & secondary schools and community colleges under DSA‑SS jurisdiction (see definitions elsewhere in Title 24). The voluntary‑measures rules in Chapter 3 apply specifically to these public educational occupancies § 306.1 .
Where the voluntary measures come from
- Appendix A5, Divisions A5.1–A5.5 — outlines means of achieving enhanced sustainable design and construction by incorporating voluntary measures that exceed mandatory measures § 306.1.1 . (See Appendix A5 for specific examples such as daylighting, acoustics, refrigerant requirements, etc.) .
- Chapter 5 nonresidential mandatory measures — any Chapter 5 mandatory measure that DSA‑SS did not adopt as mandatory remains a voluntary recommendation for public schools/community colleges § 306.1.2 .
What is NOT voluntary
- Building commissioning for energy efficiency required by the California Energy Code is mandatory (not optional) even where other measures are voluntary § 306.1.2 .
Decision table — quick reference
| Decision factor | Value / Action | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | Public schools & community colleges | § 306.1 |
| Voluntary source #1 | Appendix A5 (Div. A5.1–A5.5) — elective enhanced measures (daylighting, acoustics, low‑GWP refrigerants, etc.) | § 306.1.1 + Appendix A5 |
| Voluntary source #2 | Chapter 5 nonresidential measures not adopted by DSA‑SS — recommended (non‑energy systems) | § 306.1.2 |
| Not voluntary | Energy commissioning required by the California Energy Code | § 306.1.2 (Note) |
| Example mandatory Chapter 5 adoption | EV infrastructure language in Chapter 5 is specifically identified and enforced by DSA‑SS where adopted (see Section 5.106.5.6 example) | See Section 5.106.5.6 [DSA‑SS] |
Exceptions & special cases
- Measures listed in Appendix A5 are voluntary by design; local adoption of voluntary tiers or local amendments may change enforceability — check the adopting/enforcing agency rules for your project area (DSA‑SS/DSA‑SS‑CC guidance applies to schools/colleges) § 306.1.1 .
- Some Chapter 5 measures are expressly adopted by DSA‑SS (for example, the EVCS provisions are captioned [DSA‑SS] in Chapter 5). Those adopted provisions are enforced and are not voluntary (see Section 5.106.5.6 for EV infrastructure at schools) .
- Even when a Chapter 5 measure is voluntary (not adopted by DSA‑SS), agencies and owners may still choose to require or track them through contract documents, incentive programs, or local policies — but that is outside CALGreen’s baseline voluntary designation § 306.1.2 .
Common mistakes
- Treating Appendix A5 measures as mandatory. Appendix A5 items are voluntary enhancements — not mandatory unless adopted by the enforcing agency § 306.1.1 .
- Assuming all Chapter 5 measures are mandatory for schools. Per § 306.1.2, Chapter 5 measures not adopted by DSA‑SS are only recommended voluntary measures; check DSA‑SS adoption status for each Section .
- Overlooking the energy commissioning exception: energy commissioning required by the California Energy Code remains mandatory even if other measures are voluntary § 306.1.2 .
- Failing to document voluntary choices: because these measures are elective, owners should document selection and verification method in design and construction files to show intent and compliance with voluntary program goals (Appendix A5 provides the means) .
Worked example — concrete scenario with numbers
Scenario: A new public middle‑school classroom building will have 12 regularly occupied classrooms. The design team wants to adopt the Appendix A5 daylighting voluntary measure that requires direct line of sight to outdoors for 90% of regularly occupied areas (example requirement in Appendix A5) — assume Appendix A5 requires 90% (see A5.507.3 example) .
Step 1 — Confirm voluntary status:
- This is an Appendix A5 measure (voluntary) per § 306.1.1 — adoption is elective, so the school/owner may choose it .
Step 2 — Apply the threshold numerically:
- 90% of 12 classrooms = 10.8 → round up to 11 classrooms must have the required direct line of sight to the outdoor environment per the Appendix method of calculation (documented with plans/sections) .
Step 3 — Check mandatory exceptions:
- Verify that any related energy commissioning required by the California Energy Code will still be performed — this remains mandatory and is not part of the voluntary Appendix A5 choice § 306.1.2 .
Step 4 — Documentation:
- On construction documents, mark the A5 daylighting elective and show calculations and diagrams (plan & section) demonstrating the 11 classrooms comply. Retain verification records in the project file, noting the voluntary status § 306.1.1 .
Note: if the project instead wanted to deploy EV‑capable parking, consult Chapter 5 Section 5.106.5.6 — that Section is shown as [DSA‑SS] and may be enforced rather than voluntary depending on adoption status for that specific requirement .
Related provisions
- § 304.1 — Voluntary tiers and how local governments may adopt/enforce them (voluntary tiers context) .
- § 305.1, § 305.1.1, § 305.1.2 — CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 voluntary tiers (tier thresholds) .
- § 306.1, § 306.1.1, § 306.1.2 — (Controlling sections discussed above) .
- Appendix A5 (Divisions A5.1–A5.5) — nonresidential voluntary measures and examples such as daylighting, acoustical control, and refrigerant requirements (see specific A5 clauses) .
- Chapter 5 examples (e.g., § 5.106.5.6) — EV charging/infrastructure language that is identified with [DSA‑SS] and may be enforced where adopted .
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 305.1.2 High relevance — show source text
305.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.
SECTION 306 [DSA-SS]—VOLUNTARY MEASURES
306.1 Purpose. For public schools and community colleges, voluntary measures 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.
306.1.1 Appendix A5, Divisions A5.1 through A5.5, outline means of achieving enhanced sustainable design and construction by incorporating voluntary measures that exceed the mandatory measures.
306.1.2 Chapter 5 Nonresidential Mandatory Measures that are not adopted as mandatory measures by DSA-SS are voluntary measures recommended and encouraged for the design, construction, verification and maintenance of non-energy systems.
Note: The building commissioning requirements for energy efficiency specified in the California Energy Code are required.
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 4 – RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowX Chapter/Section Division 4.2 † X The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.
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CALGreen § 304.1 High relevance — show source text
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.
305.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. To achieve CALGreen Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” found online at http://www.energysoft.com/main/page_ downloads_ sbd_healthcare.html.
305.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.
SECTION 306 [DSA-SS]—VOLUNTARY MEASURES
306.1 Purpose. For public schools and community colleges, voluntary measures 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.
306.1.1 Appendix A5, Divisions A5.1 through A5.5, outline means of achieving enhanced sustainable design and construction by incorporating voluntary measures that exceed the mandatory measures.
306.1.2 Chapter 5 Nonresidential Mandatory Measures that are not adopted as mandatory measures by DSA-SS are voluntary measures recommended and encouraged for the design, construction, verification and maintenance of non-energy systems.
Note: The building commissioning requirements for energy efficiency specified in the California Energy Code are required.
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 4 – RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
(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 § 317.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
2. There are changes in risk category. 3. The modification to the structural components increases the seismic forces in or strength requirements of any structural component of the existing structure by more than 10 percent cumulative since the original construction, unless the component has the capacity to resist the increased forces determined in accordance with Section 319. If the building’s seismic base shear capacity has been increased since the original construction, the percent change in base shear may be calculated relative to the increased value.
4. Structural elements need repair where the damage has reduced the lateral-load-resisting capacity of the structural system by more than 10 percent. 5. Changes in live or dead load increase story shear by more than 10 percent.
317.3.2 Public school buildings. [DSA-SS] For public schools, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.
317.3.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] For community colleges, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.
317.4 Evaluation required. If the criteria in Section 317.3 apply to the project under consideration, the design professional of record shall provide an evaluation in accordance with Section 317 to determine the seismic performance of the building in its current configuration and condition. If the structure's seismic performance as required by Section 317.5 is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s), when Method B of Section 321 is used, concur, then no structural retrofit is required.
317.5 Minimum seismic design performance levels for structural and nonstructural components. Following the notations of ASCE 41, the seismic requirements for design and assessment are based upon a prescribed Seismic Hazard Level (BSE-1N, BSE-2N, BSE-1E, BSE-R or BSE-C), a specified structural performance level (S-1 through S-5) and a nonstructural performance level (N-A through N-E). The minimum seismic performance criteria are given in Table 317.5 according to the Building Regulatory Authority and the Risk Category as determined in Chapter 16 of the California Building Code or by the regulatory authority. The building shall be evaluated in accordance with a Tier 3 Systematic Evaluation and Retrofit per ASCE 41 Chapter 6 for both the Level 1 and Level 2 performance levels, and the more restrictive requirements shall apply.
Exception: If the floor area of an addition is greater than the larger of 50 percent of the floor area of the original building or 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ), then the Table 317.5 entries for BSE-R (or BSE-1E) and BSE-C are replaced by BSE-1N and BSE-2N, respectively.
|TABLE 317.5—SEISMIC PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS2,
CALGreen § 1.9.2.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1.9.2.1.1 Applicable administrative standards.
1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: 1.1. Sections 4-301 through 4-355, Group 1, and Sections 4-401 through 4-435, Group 2, Chapter 4, for public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges. 1.2. Sections 4-201 through 4-249, Chapter 4, for state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: [applies to public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services building(s)]: 2.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.1 of Chapter 1, Division I. 2.2. Sections 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.4, 102.5, 106.1, 107.2.5 and 110.3.6 of Chapter 1, Division II. 3 . Title 24, Part 10, California Code of Regulations: [applies to public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services building(s)]: 3.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.1 of Chapter 1, Division I. 3.2. Sections 101.7, 106.2.5 and 109.3.6 of Chapter 1, Division II.
1.9.2.1.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, California Code of Regulations, for school buildings, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential service buildings.
The provisions of Title 24, Part 10, as adopted and amended by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety [DSA-SS], shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1.
The Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety [DSA-SS] adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 10:
Chapters 1, 3 and 5.
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ADMINISTRATION
1.9.2.1.3 Amendments. Division of the State Architect— Structural Safety amendments in this code appear preceded with the acronym [DSA-SS].
Exception: Chapter 3, Sections 317-323-DSA-SS adopts these sections without the use of the DSA-SS acronym.
1.9.2.1.4 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference is made to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 or 22 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
CALGreen § 5.106.5.6 Medium relevance — show source text
FT.)**|NUMBER OF OFF-STREET
LOADING SPACES|ADDITIONAL CAPACITY REQUIRED (KVA) FOR
RACEWAY & BUSWAY AND TRANSFORMER &
PANEL| |Grocery|10,000 to 90,000|1 or 2|200| |Grocery|10,000 to 90,000|3 or Greater|400| |Grocery|Greater than 90,000|1 or Greater|400| |Manufacturing
Facilities|10,000 to 50,000|1 or 2|200| |Manufacturing
Facilities|10,000 to 50,000|3 or Greater|400| |Manufacturing
Facilities|Greater than 50,000|1 or Greater|400| |Office
Buildings|10,000 to 135,000|1 or 2|200| |Office
Buildings|10,000 to 135,000|3 or Greater|400| |Office
Buildings|Greater than 135,000|1 or Greater|400| |Retail|10,000 to 135,000|1 or 2|200| |Retail|10,000 to 135,000|3 or Greater|400| |Retail|Greater than 135,000|1 or Greater|400| |Warehouse|20,000 to 256,000|1 or 2|200| |Warehouse|20,000 to 256,000|3 or Greater|400| |Warehouse|Greater than 256,000|1 or Greater|400|5.106.5.6 Electric vehicle (EV) charging at public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS] Electric vehicle infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with Section 5.106.5.6 and shall be provided in accordance with regulations in the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code.
Exceptions:
- On a case-by-case basis where compliance with this section has been demonstrated to be not feasible based upon one of the following conditions, and with concurrence by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), compliance with Section 5.106.5.6 shall not be required. a. Where there is no local utility power supply. b. Where the local utility is unable to supply adequate power. c. The installation of EVCS is impracticable.
- Parking spaces accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems are not required to comply with Section 5.106.5.6.
5.106.5.6.1 EV capable spaces. EV capable spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 5.106.5.6.1 and the following requirements:
- Raceways complying with the California Electrical Code and no less than 1-inch (25 mm) diameter shall be provided and shall originate at a service panel or a subpanel(s) serving the area and shall terminate in close proximity to the
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NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
CALGreen § 317-323 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception: Chapter 3, Sections 317-323-DSA-SS adopts these sections without the use of the DSA-SS acronym.
1.9.2.1.4 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference is made to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 or 22 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
1.9.2.2 DSA-SS/CC Division of the State Architect- Structural Safety/Community Colleges.
Application— Community Colleges. The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to promulgate alternate building standards for application to community colleges, which a community college may elect to use in lieu of standards promulgated by DSA-SS in accordance with Section 1.9.2.1.
Enforcing agency— Division of the State Architect- Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC].
The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and oversee construction of community colleges electing to use the alternative building standards as provided in this section.
Authority cited — Education Code Section 81053.
Reference — Education Code Sections 81052, 81053 and 81130 through 81147.
1.9.2.2.1 Applicable administrative standards.
1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: 1.1. Sections 4-301 through 4-355, Group 1, and Sections 4-401 through 4-435, Group 2, Chapter 4. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: 2.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.2 of Chapter 1, Division I. 2.2. Sections 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.4, 102.5, 106.1, 107.2.5 and 110.3.6 of Chapter 1, Division II. 3 . Title 24, Part 10, California Code of Regulations: [applies to public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services building(s)]: 3.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.1 of Chapter 1, Division I. 3.2. Sections 101.7, 106.2.5 and 109.3.6 of Chapter 1, Division II.
1.9.2.2.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, California Code of Regulations.
The provisions of Title 24, Part 10, as adopted and amended by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC], shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.9.2.2.
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 § 1.9.1 Medium relevance — show source text
— Building Code), Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect Access Compliance shall comply with Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable under authority cited by CA Government Code Section 4450 and in reference cited by CA Government Code Sections 4450 through 4461, 12955.1(c), and CA Health and Safety Code Sections 18949.1, 19952 through 19959.
1.9.1.1 Adopting agency identification. Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance amendments in this code appear preceded with the acronym [DSA-AC].
1.9.2 Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety.
1.9.2.1 DSA-SS Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety.
Application— Public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings.
Enforcing agency— The Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety [DSA-SS] has been delegated the responsibility and authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and observe the construction of public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings.
Authority cited— Education Code Section 17310 and 81142 and Health and Safety Code Section 16022.
Reference— Education Code Sections 17280 through 17317, and 81130 through 81147 and Health and Safety Code Sections 16000 through 16023.
1.9.2.1.1 Applicable administrative standards.
1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: 1.1. Sections 4-301 through 4-355, Group 1, and Sections 4-401 through 4-435, Group 2, Chapter 4, for public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges. 1.2. Sections 4-201 through 4-249, Chapter 4, for state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: [applies to public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services building(s)]: 2.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.1 of Chapter 1, Division I. 2.2. Sections 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.4, 102.5, 106.1, 107.2.5 and 110.3.6 of Chapter 1, Division II. 3 . Title 24, Part 10, California Code of Regulations: [applies to public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services building(s)]: 3.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.1 of Chapter 1, Division I. 3.2. Sections 101.7, 106.2.5 and 109.3.6 of Chapter 1, Division II.
CALGreen § 1.9.0 Medium relevance — show source text
1.9.0 Division of the State Architect. 1.9.1 Reserved for the Division of the State Architect – Access Compliance. 1.9.2 Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety. 1.9.2.1 DSA-SS (Division of the State Architect – Struc- tural Safety).
– Application Public elementary and secondary schools, community college buildings, and state-owned or state- leased essential services buildings.
– Enforcing Agency Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety (DSA-SS). The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the responsibility and authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and oversee and observe the construction of public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state- owned or state-leased essential services buildings. Authority Cited – Education Code Sections 17310 and 81142, and Health & Safety Code Section 16022.
– References Education Code Sections 17280 through 17317 and 81130 through 81147, and Health & Safety Code Sections 16000 through 16023. 1.9.2.1.1 Adopting Agency Identification. The provi- sions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Subsection 1.9.2.1 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym DSA-SS. 1.9.2.2 DSA-SS/CC (Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety/Community Colleges).
– Application Community Colleges. The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to promulgate alternate building standards for application to community colleges, which a community college may elect to use in lieu of standards promulgated by DSA-SS, in accordance with Section 1.9.2.1. Refer to Title 24, Part 2, Section 1.9.2.2.
– Enforcing Agency Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC). The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and oversee and observe the construction of community colleges electing to use the alternative building standards as provided in this section.
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DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
Authority Cited – Education Code Section 81053.
– References Education Code Sections 81052, 81053, and 81130 through 81147.
1.9.2.2.1 Adopting Agency Identification. The provi- sions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Subsection 1.9.2.2 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym DSA-SS/CC.
1.10.0 Department of Health Care Access and Informa- tion/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Develop-
ment.
CALGreen § 507.3 Medium relevance — show source text
A5.507.3 Views. Achieve direct line of sight to the outdoor environment via vision glazing between 2 feet 6 inches and 7 feet 6 inches above finish floor for building occupants in 90 percent of all regularly occupied areas as demonstrated by plan view and section cut diagrams.
A5.507.3.1 Interior office spaces. Entire areas of interior office spaces may be included in the calculation if at least 75 percent of each area has direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing.
A5.507.3.2 Multi-occupant spaces. Include in the calculation the square footage with direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing.
Exceptions to Sections A5.507.2 and A5.507.3. Copy/ printing rooms, storage areas, mechanical spaces, rest- rooms, auditoria and other intermittently or infrequently occupied spaces or spaces where daylight would interfere with use of the space.
A5.507.5 Acoustical control [DSA-SS]. Public Schools and Community Colleges: Unoccupied, furnished classrooms must have a maximum background noise level of no more than 45 dBA LAeq and a maximum (unoccupied, furnished) reverberation of 0.6-second time for classrooms with less than 10,000 cubic feet and a maximum (unoccupied, furnished) reverberation of 0.7-second time for classroom volumes with between 10,000 cubic feet and 20,000 cubic feet.
SECTION A5.508—OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY
A5.508.1.3 Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Install HVAC and refrigeration equipment that do not contain HCFCs.
A5.508.1.4 Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Install HVAC complying with either of the following:
- Install HVAC, refrigeration and fire suppression equipment that do not contain HFCs or that do not contain HFCs with a global warming potential greater than 150.
- Install HVAC and refrigeration equipment that limit the use of HFC refrigerant through the use of a secondary heat transfer fluid with a global warming potential no greater than 1.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-37
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APPENDIX A5-38 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX A5 – NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.6 – VOLUNTARY TIERS
(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 § 3-4 Medium relevance — show source text
302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3
4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3
5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3 5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19 5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 5-23 5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS
AND STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
CHAPTER 7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL
INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 701 General (Reserved) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3 702 Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
CALGreen § 1224.18.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
_ b) A handwashing station shall be provided in Class 1 imaging rooms, unless specified otherwise for a specific imaging modality. c) A handwashing station or hand scrub facility shall be provided for Class 2 imaging rooms. If a handwashing station is provided, it shall be directly accessible to the imaging room. If a hand scrub facility is provided, it shall be directly outside the entrance to the imaging room. d) Hand scrub facilities shall be provided directly outside the entrance to a Class 3 imaging room. 7. Dressing room facilities.
1224.18.1.1 Radiation protection. A certified physicist or other qualified expert shall specify the type, location and amount of radiation protection to be installed in accordance with the final approved department layout and equipment selections. Where protected alcoves with view windows are required, a minimum of 1'-6" (0.45 meter) between the view window and the outside partition edge shall be provided. Radiation protection requirements shall be incorporated into the construction documents and comply with Chapter 31C and the requirements of California Radiation Control Regulations, California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Division 1, Chapter 5 and Subchapter 4. 1. The control alcove or room shall be, at minimum, sized and configured in compliance with the manufacturer’s recom- mendations for installation, service and maintenance.
2. A control alcove or room shall be permitted to serve more than one imaging room, provided the manufacturer’s recom- mendations for installation, service and maintenance are accommodated for all rooms served.
3. The control alcove or room shall include a shielded view window, as specified in the physicist’s report, designed to provide a full view of the examination/procedure table and the patient at all times, including a full view of the patient during imaging activities (e.g., when the table is tilted or the chest x-ray is in use). 4. The control room shall be physically separated from a Class 2 or Class 3 imaging room with walls and a door. 5. Where an imaging room requires positive (or negative) pressure, a door shall be provided between the control room and the imaging room.
1224.18.1.2 Multiple-modality devices. Where two or more individual imaging or therapy modalities are integrated into one imaging device (e.g., PET/CT, SPECT/CT or PET/MRI), the minimum requirements for that room shall include the criteria for each individual contributing modality. Refer to Section 1224.34 for modalities not included under Section 1224.18.
1224.18.2 Angiography. If provided, diagnostic angiography space shall accommodate the following: 1. A control room with a view window to permit full view of the patient. 2. A scrub sink located outside the staff entry to the procedure room.
12-32 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
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INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
3. Patient holding area shall accommodate at least one patient gurney with a minimum of 3-foot (914 mm) clearance on the long side. 4. Storage for portable equipment and catheters shall be provided.
Frequently asked questions
Are voluntary measures ever enforceable for schools?
Voluntary measures are elective by default (§ 306.1.1), but an owner, local agency, or the enforcing agency can require them via contract, local ordinance, or adoption; verify DSA‑SS adoption status for Chapter 5 items § 306.1.2 .
Does choosing a voluntary Appendix A5 measure relieve me of mandatory energy commissioning?
No. Building commissioning requirements for energy efficiency in the California Energy Code remain required and are not replaced by voluntary measures § 306.1.2 .
Where do I find concrete voluntary measure text (daylighting, acoustics, refrigerants)?
Appendix A5 (Divisions A5.1–A5.5) contains the prescriptive voluntary measures and details (for example, A5.507.3 on views and daylighting and acoustical controls) — refer to Appendix A5 for the specific clauses .
If DSA‑SS did not adopt a Chapter 5 measure, do I still have to follow it?
No — per § 306.1.2, Chapter 5 measures not adopted by DSA‑SS are voluntary recommended measures for non‑energy systems; they are not mandatory unless adopted or required by another authority .
Is there a checklist or verification method for voluntary measures?
Appendix A5 generally outlines means of achieving and verifying enhanced sustainable design; use the specific Appendix A5 clause as the verification method and retain documentation in project files § 306.1.1 .
More in California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
- Administration (Chapter 1)
- Nonresidential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A5 — divisions A5.1–A5.6, electives & verification)
- Residential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 4)
- Definitions (Chapter 2)
- Voluntary Standards for Health Facilities (Appendix A6 / OSHPD guidance)
- Green Building – scope, mixed occupancies, phased projects (Chapter 3)
- Residential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A4 — divisions A4.1–A4.6, tiers & model ordinance)
- Nonresidential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 5)
- Compliance verification, construction documents & checklists (Section 102, Chapter 7, Appendix checklists)
- Referenced Organizations and Standards (Chapter 6)
- Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2 (performance tiers, thresholds)
- Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications (Chapter 7)
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Where are the CALGreen verification and Tier checklists found (compliance documentation)?
What defines CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 performance thresholds?
What are Voluntary Tiers and how can jurisdictions adopt them?
Voluntary tiers and voluntary measures (Sections 304–306 and Appendix A5)
California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)