CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

When does the local agency require state/national certification vs. its own determination?

If a local building department requires a CALGreen “special inspector,” that department (the enforcing agency) decides whether a state, national, regional certification is acceptable or whether other proof of competence is needed. CALGreen § 702.2 gives HCD examples of acceptable certifications and BSC‑CG language that explicitly leaves recognition and the required area of certification to the local agency; special inspectors must also be independent and demonstrate competence to the enforcing agency.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The rule: when an enforcing agency requires a special inspector, that inspector must demonstrate competence to the satisfaction of the enforcing agency, and the enforcing agency may accept state/national/regional certification or require other qualifications as it determines appropriate. The controlling provision is § 702.2 (HCD and BSC‑CG language) — HCD lists example certifications the enforcing agency may consider, while BSC‑CG expressly leaves certification scope and recognition to the local agency.

If an enforcing agency requires a special inspector, the agency decides whether a given state, national, regional, or other certification is acceptable — and the inspector must demonstrate competence to the enforcing agency. § 702.2

Requirements in detail

Who decides (local vs. state/national)

The enforcing agency (local agency) is the decision authority for whether a special inspector is required and whether any particular certification or qualification is acceptable — this is explicit in both the HCD and BSC‑CG text of § 702.2.
HCD provides examples of certifications the enforcing agency may consider; BSC‑CG emphasizes the local agency determines the recognized certifying association and whether the certification area is closely related to the inspector’s function. § 702.2

What counts as acceptable evidence of competence

HCD examples (non‑exhaustive): certification by a national or regional green building program or standard publisher, certification by a statewide energy consulting or verification organization, successful completion of a third‑party apprenticeship program, and other programs acceptable to the enforcing agency. § 702.2 (HCD)
BSC‑CG requirement: a special inspector shall have a certification from a recognized state, national or international association, as determined by the local agency, and the area of certification must be closely related to the inspector’s primary job function (again, as determined by the local agency). § 702.2 (BSC‑CG)
The special inspector must also demonstrate competence to the enforcing agency for the specific inspection task. § 702.2

Independence and conflicts of interest

Special inspectors must be independent entities with no financial interest in the materials or the project they inspect. § 702.2

How documentation / alternatives are handled

The enforcing agency may accept alternate documentation or methods of verification when it finds them satisfactory to demonstrate substantial conformance. See § 102.3 and § 703.1 for verification and documentation principles that interact with qualification acceptance.

Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference table)

Decision dimension	Possible values / evidence	Who decides	Code reference
Whether a special inspector is required	Required when the enforcing agency determines it is necessary	Enforcing agency (local)	§ 702.2
Acceptable types of certification	National/regional green building program, statewide energy organization, apprenticeship completion, other programs acceptable to enforcing agency	Enforcing agency (may accept listed examples or others)	§ 702.2 (HCD)
Certification source for BSC‑CG sites	Certification from a recognized state, national, or international association (as determined by the local agency)	Local agency determines recognition	§ 702.2 (BSC‑CG)
Area of certification	Must be closely related to the special inspector’s primary job function (as determined by local agency)	Local agency	§ 702.2 (BSC‑CG)
Independence	Inspector must have no financial interest in materials/project	Enforcing agency enforces; requirement in code	§ 702.2
Alternate documentation	Acceptable when enforcing agency finds it satisfactory to demonstrate substantial conformance	Enforcing agency	§ 102.3, § 703.1

Exceptions & special cases

The code does not mandate a single statewide list of acceptable certifications — instead, HCD offers examples and BSC‑CG delegates recognition to the local agency. For occupancies under BSC‑CG, the local agency explicitly determines the recognized association and the relatedness of the certification area. § 702.2 (BSC‑CG)
If the enforcing agency accepts alternate documentation or a non‑listed training program, that acceptance is an enforcing‑agency determination; the code explicitly allows “other programs acceptable to the enforcing agency.” § 702.2 (HCD)
Verification procedures elsewhere in the code (for example, documentation and alternate methods) permit alternative ways to show competence where the enforcing agency finds them satisfactory. § 102.3, § 703.1

Common mistakes

Assuming any national certification automatically satisfies all local agencies. (Wrong — the enforcing agency has the final say and may require additional proof.) § 702.2
Not verifying whether the project falls under BSC‑CG (where local determination language is explicit) or HCD rules; the difference affects how strictly the local agency may define acceptable certification. § 702.2
Hiring a special inspector who has a financial interest in the project (supplier, subcontractor) — this violates the independence requirement. § 702.2
Presenting certification that is not closely related to the inspector’s function without confirming local acceptance (BSC‑CG). § 702.2 (BSC‑CG)
Assuming a single national credential covers every inspection task — the enforcing agency may require evidence of competence specific to the inspection type. § 702.2

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A 50,000 ft² nonresidential tenant improvement located in a city that enforces CALGreen under BSC‑CG requires a special inspector for commissioning and envelope verification.

The enforcing agency issues the permit checklist and requires a special inspector for energy‑related verifications (they determine a special inspector is required). Result: a special inspector must be employed. § 702.2
The owner proposes an inspector certified by a national green‑building program (example: a national energy auditor credential) and by a state energy verification organization. The local agency checks:
- Is the certifying body a recognized state, national or international association? — the agency says yes.
- Is the area of certification closely related to the job (energy/commercial envelope)? — the agency finds it closely related.
The local agency accepts the proposed inspector’s credentials and documents independence (no financial interest) and competence evidence (resume, certificate copies). Inspector is approved and may perform required inspections. § 702.2

Note: If the local agency had determined the national credential was not closely related, it could instead require additional certification or rely on alternate accepted programs; acceptance is up to the enforcing agency. § 702.2

Related provisions

§ 702.1 — Installer training (examples of acceptable HVAC installer training programs).
§ 703.1 — Documentation and verifications: what documentation may be used to show compliance.
§ 102.3 — Verification; alternate documentation may be acceptable when the enforcing agency so finds.
§ 103.1 — BSC‑CG application scope and identification (relevant for determining which adopting agency’s rules apply).
§ 304.1.1 — Voluntary tiers; enforcing agency modification authority for practical difficulties (shows local agency discretion in enforcement contexts).

Code references

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

CALGreen § 703.1 High relevance — show source text

Certification by a national or regional green building program or standard publisher. 2. Certification by a statewide energy consulting or verification organization, building performance contractors and home energy auditors. 3. Successful completion of a third party apprentice training program in the appropriate trade. 4. Other programs acceptable to the enforcing agency.

Note: Special inspectors shall be independent entities with no financial interest in the materials or the project they are inspecting for compliance with this code.

[BSC-CG] When required by the enforcing agency, the owner or the responsible entity acting as the owner’s agent shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspection or other duties necessary to substantiate compliance with this code. Special inspectors shall demonstrate competence to the satisfaction of the enforcing agency for the particular type of inspection or task to be performed. In addition, the special inspector shall have a certification from a recognized state, national or international association, as determined by the local agency. The area of certification shall be closely related to the primary job function, as determined by the local agency.

Note: Special inspectors shall be independent entities with no financial interest in the materials or the project they are inspecting for compliance with this code.

SECTION 703—VERIFICATIONS

703.1 Documentation. Documentation used to show compliance with this code shall include but is not limited to, construction documents, plans, specifications, builder or installer certification, inspection reports or other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency which demonstrate substantial conformance. When specific documentation or special inspection is necessary to verify compliance, that method of compliance will be specified in the appropriate section or identified in the application checklist.

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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 8 – COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

(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- CG	SFM	HCD	Col6	Col7	DSA	Col9	OSHPD	Col11	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	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

CALGreen § 66333.5 High relevance — show source text
Requires a permitting agency to determine whether an application for an ADU or JADU is complete and provide written notice of the determination not later than 15 business days after the permitting agency received the application (Gov. Code, § 66317, subd. (a)(2)(A)).

Requires the permitting agency to provide the applicant with a list of incomplete items and a description of how the application can be made complete in the written notice if it is determined that an application is incomplete (Gov. Code, § 66317, subd. (a)(2)(B)).

Requires the permitting agency to provide a process for an application to be deemed complete and for applicants to appeal an incompleteness determination or denial, as provided, and requires the permitting agency to provide a final written determination by not later than 60 business days after receipt of the written appeal if a permit application is determined to be incomplete or is denied (Gov. Code, § 66317, subd. (d)(1)).

Specifies that an ADU or JADU that contains less than 500 square feet of interior livable space does not increase assessable space (Gov. Code, § 66311, subds. (d)). This is important to the calculation and imposition of school fees.

Revises size limitations to be based on the square footage of interior living space of the ADU (Gov. Code, § 66321, subds. (b)(2)(A), (b)(2)(B), and (b)(3)).

Specifies the number of allowable ADUs described under Government Code section 66323 per lot (Gov. Code, § 66323, subd. (a)).

Clarifies that fire sprinklers are not required for a JADU if the primary residence does not have fire sprinklers and that the addition of a JADU cannot trigger the requirement for fire sprinklers (Gov. Code, § 66323, subd. (d)).

Adds section 66333.5, which specifies that if a local agency fails to submit an adopted JADU ordinance to HCD within the 60-day timeline or fails to respond to

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HCD’s findings regarding their ordinance within the 30-day timeline, that ordinance is null and void and the local agency must only apply State ADU Law when processing applications for JADUs.

AB 462

AB 462 (Chapter 491, Statutes of 2025) made various changes to State ADU Law (Gov. Code, §§ 66328 and 66329) regarding requirements for the issuance of a certificate of occupancy during a declared state of emergency and creating an exception in coastal jurisdictions. This bill went into effect on October 10, 2025, as an urgency bill. This bill:

Requires a local agency to issue a certificate of occupancy for an ADU constructed in a county that is subject to a proclamation of a state of emergency made by the Governor on or after February 1, 2025, even if the primary dwelling has not yet been issued a certificate of occupancy, if certain requirements are met, including that the primary dwelling was substantially damaged or destroyed by an event referenced in the state of emergency proclamation (Gov. Code, § 66328).

Clarifies application processing when in a coastal zone by requiring a local government or the Coastal Commission, as specified, to either approve or deny a coastal development permit application for an ADU within 60 days of receiving a completed application (Gov. Code, § 66329, subd. (a)).

AB 130
CALGreen § 5.408.1.1 Medium 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 § 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 § 102.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1. The application checklist identifies which measures are required by this code and allows users to check off which voluntary items have been selected to meet voluntary tier levels if desired or mandated by a city, county, or city and county.
SECTION 102—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND INSTALLATION VERIFICATION

102.1 Submittal documents. Construction documents and other data shall be submitted in one or more sets with each application for a permit. Where special conditions exist, the enforcing agency is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a licensed design professional and may be submitted separately.

Exception: The enforcing agency is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a licensed design professional.

102.2 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and scope of the proposed green building feature and show that it will conform to the provisions of this code, the California Building Standards Code and other relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as determined by the enforcing agency.

102.3 Verification. Documentation of conformance for applicable green building measures shall be provided to the enforcing agency. Alternate methods of documentation shall be acceptable when the enforcing agency finds that the proposed alternate documentation is satisfactory to demonstrate substantial conformance with the intent of the proposed green building measure.

[HCD] Documentation of conformance for applicable green building measures shall be provided to the enforcing agency. All projects shall submit a completed Residential Occupancies Application Checklist that includes Chapter 4 residential mandatory measures and Tier 1 or Tier 2, as applicable. References to the measure-specific documentation used to show compliance shall be included. Alternate methods of documentation shall be acceptable when the enforcing agency finds that the proposed alternate documentation is satisfactory to demonstrate substantial conformance with the intent of the proposed green building measure.

Note: HCD’s Residential Occupancies Application Checklist that includes the minimum criteria for documentation is available at: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/calgreen/cal-green-forms.shtml.

SECTION 103—BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION

103.1 BSC-CG. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency, and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
1. Application— All occupancies where no state agency has the authority to adopt green building standards applicable to those occupancies. Enforcing agency— State or local agency specified by the applicable provisions of law. Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Sections 18930.5(a), 18938 and 18940.5. Reference— Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.5, commencing with Section 18901.
2. Graywater systems. The construction, installation and alteration of graywater systems for indoor and outdoor uses in nonresidential occupancies. Application— All occupancies where no state agency has the authority to adopt green building standards applicable to those occupancies. Enforcing agency— State or local agency specified by the applicable provisions of law. Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Section 18941.8. Reference— Health and Safety Code Section 18941.8.
103.1.1 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this section will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym BSC-CG.

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ADMINISTRATION
CALGreen § 6633.5 Medium relevance — show source text
SB 543

SB 543 (Chapter 520, Statutes of 2025) made various changes to State ADU Law (Gov. Code, §§ 66311, 66313, 66317, 66320, 66323; 66324; 66327; 66325; 66332 and added

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sections 6633.5;66335.5; and 66339.5) regarding requirements for local jurisdictions when submitting ordinances to HCD and goes into effect on January 1, 2026. This bill:

Revises the definition of a “junior accessory dwelling unit” to require the size of a JADU to be no more than 500 square feet of interior livable space (Gov. Code, § 66313, subd. (d)).

Expands HCD’s authority over Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, including but not limited to review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines to additionally grant that authority with respect to terms, references, and standards for JADUs (Gov. Code, § 66311).

Revises the limitations on impact fees to, instead, prohibit impact fees upon the development of an ADU that has 750 square feet of interior livable space or less or JADU that has 500 square feet of interior livable space or less, and to require that any impact fee on an ADU that has more than 750 square feet of interior livable space be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit (Gov. Code, § 66311.5, subds. (a) – (d)).

Requires a permitting agency to determine whether an application for an ADU or JADU is complete and provide written notice of the determination not later than 15 business days after the permitting agency received the application (Gov. Code, § 66317, subd. (a)(2)(A)).

Requires the permitting agency to provide the applicant with a list of incomplete items and a description of how the application can be made complete in the written notice if it is determined that an application is incomplete (Gov. Code, § 66317, subd. (a)(2)(B)).

Requires the permitting agency to provide a process for an application to be deemed complete and for applicants to appeal an incompleteness determination or denial, as provided, and requires the permitting agency to provide a final written determination by not later than 60 business days after receipt of the written appeal if a permit application is determined to be incomplete or is denied (Gov. Code, § 66317, subd. (d)(1)).

Specifies that an ADU or JADU that contains less than 500 square feet of interior livable space does not increase assessable space (Gov. Code, § 66311, subds. (d)). This is important to the calculation and imposition of school fees.

Revises size limitations to be based on the square footage of interior living space of the ADU (Gov. Code, § 66321, subds. (b)(2)(A), (b)(2)(B), and (b)(3)).

Specifies the number of allowable ADUs described under Government Code section 66323 per lot (Gov. Code, § 66323, subd. (a)).
California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) Medium relevance — show source text
In addition, HCD may review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines to implement uniform standards or criteria that supplement or clarify State ADU Law (Gov. Code, § 66327).

Do local agencies have to adopt an ADU ordinance? No. Local agencies may choose not to adopt an ADU ordinance. Should a local government choose not to adopt an ADU ordinance, any proposed ADU development would be subject only to the standards set forth in State ADU Law. (Gov. Code, §§ 66315, 66316.) A local agency that adopts an ADU ordinance may impose objective development and design standards in compliance with Government Code section 66314.

Is a local agency required to send an ADU ordinance to HCD? Yes. A local government, upon adoption of an ADU ordinance, must submit a copy of the adopted ordinance to HCD within 60 days after adoption. After the adoption of an ordinance, HCD may review and submit written findings to the local agency as to whether the ordinance complies with the State ADU Law. (Gov. Code, § 66326, subd. (a).)

Are charter cities and counties subject to the new ADU laws? Yes. State ADU Law applies to a local agency, which is defined as a city, county, or city and county, whether general law or chartered (Gov. Code, §§ 66312; 66313, subd. (g)).

Do ADU laws apply to areas governed by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)? Possibly. The TRPA was formed through a bistate compact between California and Nevada, which elevates its authority above state laws. Under this authority, TRPA has adopted certain restrictions that effectively limit lot coverage on developed land. State ADU Law may conflict to a degree with the TRPA standards, and to the extent that it does, the TRPA law preempts or overrides State ADU Law. For more information, please see: https://www.trpa.gov/adus/.

Manufactured Homes

Can a manufactured home be used as an ADU? Yes. By definition, an ADU includes manufactured homes (Gov. Code, § 66313, subd. (a)(2); HSC, §§ 18007, 18008).

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Health and Safety Code section 18007, subdivision (a): “Manufactured home,” for the purposes of this part, means a structure that was constructed on or after June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. “Manufactured home” includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification and complies with the standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C., Sec. 5401, and following).

For more information on Manufactured Homes please contact the Division of Codes and Standards at ContactMH-FBH@hcd.ca.gov.

Mobilehome Parks
CALGreen § 13143.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Sections 13143.2 and 17921.

Reference— Health and Safety Code Section 13143.

Residential care facilities. Certified family care homes, out-of-home placement facilities, halfway houses, drug and/or alcohol rehabili- tation facilities and any building or structure used or intended for use as a home or institution for the housing of any person of any age when such person is referred to or placed within such home or institution for protective social care and supervision services by any governmental agency.

Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Section 13143.6.

Reference— Health and Safety Code Section 13143.

2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 1-11

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DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

Tents, awnings or other fabric enclosures used in connection with any occupancy.

Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Section 13116.

Reference— Health and Safety Code Section 13143.

Fire alarm devices, equipment and systems in connection with any occupancy.

Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Section 13114.

Reference— Health and Safety Code Section 13143.

Hazardous materials.

Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Section 13143.9.

Reference— Health and Safety Code Section 13143.

Flammable and combustible liquids.

Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Section 13143.6.

Reference— Health and Safety Code Section 13143.

Public school automatic fire detection, alarm and sprinkler systems.

Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Section 13143 and California Education Code Article 7.5, Sections 17074.50, 17074.52 and 17074.54.

Reference— Government Code Section 11152.5, Health and Safety Code Section 13143 and California Education Code Chapter 12.5, Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998, Article 1.

Wildland-Urban Interface fire area.

Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Sections 13143, 13108.5(a) and 18949.2(b) and (c) and Government Code Section 51189.

Reference— Health and Safety Code Sections 13143, Government Code Sections 51176, 51177, 51178 and 51179 and Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204.

1.11.1.1 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Subsection 1.11.1 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.

1.11.2 Duties and powers of the enforcing agency.

1.11.2.1 Enforcement.

_**1.11.2.1.
CALGreen § 1-2 Medium relevance — show source text
2022 – 2023 1-2

Section 1, General

1.1. (continued)

These regulations and orders include, but are not limited to, the following documents:
- “ ” General Order (G.O.) 95, Rules for Overhead Electric Line Construction
- G.O. 112-F, “Rules Governing Design, Construction, Testing, Operation, and Maintenance of Gas Gathering, Transmission, and Distribution Piping Systems”
- G.O. 128, “Rules for Construction of Underground Electric Supply and Communication Systems”
- Code of Federal Regulations ( CFR ), Title 49, “Transportation,” Part 192, “Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards”
Finally, applicants must comply with all other federal, state, and local regulations. These regulations may include a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) review for structures that impinge on navigable airspace. In such cases, the FAA requires filing notice of proposed construction a minimum of 45 days before starting the proposed construction. The FAA may issue a determination of hazard to air navigation and recommend actions to mitigate or eliminate that hazard. For additional information, please contact your PG&E project coordinator.

1.2. Permits and Inspections

Builders who are constructing new buildings or remodeling existing buildings must conform to the following guidance documents.

A. The current provisions of city and county ordinances.

B. Rules on file with, or issued by, the CPUC.

C. Applicable rules and laws of the state of California, including, but not limited to, the following three codes.
```
- Plumbing codes


- Mechanical codes


- Electric codes
```
Local and state ordinances require applicants to obtain the appropriate permits and final inspections before PG&E establishes services to any building or structure.

In areas where local ordinances governing gas or electrical installations do not exist, or where inspections provided by local jurisdictions for such installations are not available, the applicant must obtain written confirmation from a qualified person that the facilities meet the requirements specified in this manual.

PG&E will not establish gas or electric service until the gas piping or electric service facilities are installed satisfactorily.

N OTE : Gas meter release forms obtained from a permitting agency must include the specific, requested pressure (e.g., 7-inches w.c., 2 psig, 5 psig).

1-3 2022 – 2023

Section 1, General

1.2. (continued)

PG&E’s inspection process includes service requirements that are not governed by local or state codes. Parts of the applicant’s installation may require approval by state, local, and PG&E inspectors .
CALGreen § 304.1 Medium 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 § 7-1 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 7-1

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7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

SECTION 701—GENERAL (RESERVED)

SECTION 702—QUALIFICATIONS

702.1 Installer training. HVAC system installers shall be trained and certified in the proper installation of HVAC systems including ducts and equipment by a nationally or regionally recognized training or certification program. Uncertified persons may perform HVAC installations when under the direct supervision and responsibility of a person trained and certified to install HVAC systems or contractor licensed to install HVAC systems. Examples of acceptable HVAC training and certification programs include but are not limited to the following:
1. State certified apprenticeship programs.
2. Public utility training programs.
3. Training programs sponsored by trade, labor or statewide energy consulting or verification organizations.
4. Programs sponsored by manufacturing organizations.
5. Other programs acceptable to the enforcing agency.
702.2 Special inspection.

[HCD] When required by the enforcing agency, the owner or the responsible entity acting as the owner’s agent shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspection or other duties necessary to substantiate compliance with this code. Special inspectors shall demonstrate competence to the satisfaction of the enforcing agency for the particular type of inspection or task to be performed. In addition to other certifications or qualifications acceptable to the enforcing agency, the following certifications or education may be considered by the enforcing agency when evaluating the qualifications of a special inspector:
1. Certification by a national or regional green building program or standard publisher.
2. Certification by a statewide energy consulting or verification organization, building performance contractors and home energy auditors.
3. Successful completion of a third party apprentice training program in the appropriate trade.
4. Other programs acceptable to the enforcing agency.
Note: Special inspectors shall be independent entities with no financial interest in the materials or the project they are inspecting for compliance with this code.

[BSC-CG] When required by the enforcing agency, the owner or the responsible entity acting as the owner’s agent shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspection or other duties necessary to substantiate compliance with this code. Special inspectors shall demonstrate competence to the satisfaction of the enforcing agency for the particular type of inspection or task to be performed. In addition, the special inspector shall have a certification from a recognized state, national or international association, as determined by the local agency. The area of certification shall be closely related to the primary job function, as determined by the local agency.

Note: Special inspectors shall be independent entities with no financial interest in the materials or the project they are inspecting for compliance with this code.

SECTION 703—VERIFICATIONS

703.1 Documentation. Documentation used to show compliance with this code shall include but is not limited to, construction documents, plans, specifications, builder or installer certification, inspection reports or other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency which demonstrate substantial conformance. When specific documentation or special inspection is necessary to verify compliance, that method of compliance will be specified in the appropriate section or identified in the application checklist.

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 7-3

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CALGreen § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
psf|3 story—with crawl space|30 × 11|22 × 7|18 × 6|15 × 6|13 × 6|12 × 6| |50 psf|3 story—plus basement|33 × 13|25 × 9|20 × 6|16 × 6|14 × 6|12 × 6| |70 psf|1 story—slab-on-grade|17 × 6|13 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6| |70 psf|1 story—with crawl space|19 × 6|14 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6| |70 psf|1 story—plus basement|22 × 7|17 × 6|13 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6| |70 psf|2 story—slab-on-grade|23 × 8|17 × 6|14 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6| |70 psf|2 story—with crawl space|25 × 9|19 × 6|15 × 6|12× 6|12 × 6|12 × 6| |70 psf|2 story—plus basement|28 × 10|21 × 7|17 × 6|14 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6| |70 psf|3 story—slab-on-grade|29 × 11|22 × 7|17 × 6|14 × 6|12 × 6|12 × 6| |70 psf|3 story—with crawl space|31 × 12|23 × 8|19 × 6|16 × 6|13 × 6|12 × 6| |70 psf|3 story—plus basement|34 × 13|26 × 9|21 × 7|17 × 6|15 × 6|13 × 6| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 47.9 N/m2.
a. Linear interpolation of footing width is permitted between the soil bearing pressures in the table. Extrapolation is not permitted.
b. The table is based on the following conditions and loads: building width, 32 feet; wall height, 9 feet; basement wall height, 8 feet; dead loads, 15 psf roof and ceiling assembly,
10 psf floor assembly, 12 psf wall assembly; live loads, roof and ground snow loads as listed, 40 psf first floor, 30 psf second and third floors. Footing sizes are calculated
assuming a clear span roof/ceiling assembly and an interior bearing wall or beam at each floor.
c. Where the building width perpendicular to the wall footing is greater than 32 feet, the footing width shall be increased by 2 inches and footing depth shall be increased by 1
inch for every 4 feet of increase in building width.
d.

Frequently asked questions

When does a local agency *have* to require a special inspector?

When the enforcing agency determines, based on the project or measure, that special inspection is necessary to substantiate compliance — the requirement is at the enforcing agency’s discretion. § 702.2

If an inspector is certified nationally, can a local agency still reject that credential?

Yes. The enforcing agency has the authority to determine whether a certifying organization or credential is acceptable for the project and whether the certification area is closely related to the inspection task. § 702.2 (BSC‑CG)

What documentation should I bring to get an inspector approved?

Provide copies of the certification(s), the inspector’s resume, a description of the inspection scope, and disclosures showing the inspector has no financial interest — the enforcing agency may accept this evidence as demonstrating competence. § 702.2, § 703.1

Are there universal, statewide required certs listed in CALGreen?

No. HCD lists examples of acceptable certifications, but acceptance is made by the enforcing agency; BSC‑CG explicitly leaves recognition and relatedness to the local agency. § 702.2

Can an inspector be an employee of the contractor performing the work?

No — special inspectors must be independent entities with no financial interest in the materials or the project being inspected. § 702.2

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7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

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