CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Planning and Design

CALGreen’s Planning and Design division sets mandatory and elective site‑and‑layout rules (stormwater, reuse, transport, heat‑island and ecosystem measures) to reduce a project’s environmental impact.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Planning and Design in CALGreen covers the site- and layout-level requirements that shape how a project sits on the land and interacts with water, energy, transportation and ecosystems. For nonresidential projects these provisions are collected in Chapter 5, Division 5.1 (Planning and Design), and for residential projects in Chapter 4, Division 4.1 (Planning and Design) — including site development, stormwater control, grading, and orientation requirements such as §5.101.1 and §4.101.1.

These rules matter because early decisions about site selection, deconstruction and reuse, bike and EV parking, low‑impact development (LID) and heat‑island mitigation reduce long‑term environmental impacts and lifecycle costs. Mandatory items such as deconstruction/reuse (§5.105.1) and stormwater pollution prevention (§5.106.1–§5.106.2) set the baseline for compliance and community protection.

CALGreen also organizes voluntary/tiered electives (Appendix A5 / A4) so projects can go beyond the mandatory baseline — for example LID and stormwater design, cool roofs and shade trees for heat‑island reduction, and bird‑friendly design appear as elective paths (A5.106, A5.106.11, A5.107). These voluntary measures are integrated into the Tier 1/Tier 2 checklists and compliance guidance.

In this section

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 106.9 High relevance — show source text
    FEATURE OR MEASURE COMPLIANCE LEVELS Col3 Col4 NOTES
    FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
    CALGreen    		 VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen    		 VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen    		 VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen
    FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
    CALGreen    		 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 2
    DIVISION A6.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN
    SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development
    **A6.106.9 Building orientation.**Locate and orient the building as follows:
    1. When site and location permit, orient the building with the long sides facing north and
    south.
    2. Protect the building from thermal loss, drafts and degradation of the building envelope
    caused by wind and wind-driven materials such as dust.
    DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
    SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures
    A6.203.1 Energy performance. [OSHPD 1]
    **A6.203.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1]**Buildings must comply with the latest edition of
    “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.”
    A.5.203.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] Buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings
    By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by 15 percent.
    SECTION A6.204 Prescriptive Measures
    **A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances.**All equipment and appliances provided
    by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment
    or appliance.
    A6.204.4 Commissioning. Building commissioning for all building systems covered by T24,
    Part 6, process systems and renewable energy systems shall be included in the design and
    construction processes of the building project. Commissioning requirements shall include as
    a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.
    **A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).**Documented before the design phase of
    the project begins the OPR shall include items listed in Section A6.204.4.
    **A6.204.4.2 Basis of Design (BOD).**A written explanation of how the design of the building
    systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project and
    updated periodically to cover the systems listed in Section A6.204.4.2.
    **A6.204.4.3 Commissioning plan.
  • CALGreen § 602.1 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-39

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

    APPENDIX A5-40 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A5.6 – VOLUNTARY TIERS

    SECTION A5.601—CALGreen TIER 1 AND TIER 2 Col2 Col3 Col4
    TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)
    CATEGORY ENVIRONMENTAL
    PERFORMANCE GOAL    		 TIER 1 TIER 2
    All Minimum Mandatory
    (See Mandatory Checklist)    		 Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 1 Checklist)    		 Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 2 Checklist)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Reuse of existing building See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements    		 See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Designated Parking for
    Fuel Efficient Vehicles
    (Tier 1 and Tier 2 only)    		 Approx. 35% of total spaces Approx. 50% of total spaces
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Electric Vehicle Charging Approx. 30% of total spaces Approx. 45% of total spaces
    **DIVISION 5.
  • CALGreen § 8-40 High relevance — show source text

    . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-40

    APPENDIX A4 RESIDENTIAL

    VOLUNTARY MEASURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-3

    A4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-3 A4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-9 A4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . APPENDIX A4-13 A4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-15 A4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-19 A4.6 Tier 1 and Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-21

    Division A4.6—Residential Occupancies Application Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-23 A4.7 Residential Model Ordinance . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-31

    APPENDIX A5 NONRESIDENTIAL

    VOLUNTARY MEASURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-3

    A5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-3 A5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-13 A5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . APPENDIX A5-19 A5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-25 A5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-35 A5.6 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-41 A5.601 CALGren Tier 1 and Tier 2. . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-41

    A5.602 CALGreen Verification Guidelines Mandatory Measures Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-44

    A5.602.1 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

    Tier 1 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-48

    A5.602.2 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

    Tier 2 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-55

    APPENDIX A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH

  • CALGreen § 3-4 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

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

    CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3

    5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3 5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19 5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 5-23 5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

    CHAPTER 6 REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS

    AND STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3

    CHAPTER 7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL

    INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 701 General (Reserved) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3 702 Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

  • CALGreen § 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 § 5.410.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    Informational Note:

    1. Functional performance testing for heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and lighting controls must be performed in compliance with the California Energy Code.

    5.410.2.1 Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR). [N] The expectations and requirements of the building appropriate to its phase shall be documented before the design phase of the project begins. This documentation shall include the following:

    1. Environmental and sustainability goals.
    2. Building sustainable goals.
    3. Indoor environmental quality requirements.
    4. Project program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after hours operation.
    5. Equipment and systems expectations.
    6. Building occupant and operation and maintenance (O&M) personnel expectations.

    5.410.2.2 Basis of Design (BOD). [N] A written explanation of how the design of the building systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project. The Basis of Design document shall cover the following systems:

    1. Renewable energy systems.

    2. Landscape irrigation systems.

    3. Water reuse systems.

    5.410.2.3 Commissioning plan. [N] Prior to permit issuance a commissioning plan shall be completed to document how the project will be commissioned. The commissioning plan shall include the following:

    1. General project information.
    2. Commissioning goals.
    3. Systems to be commissioned. Plans to test systems and components shall include: a. An explanation of the original design intent. b. Equipment and systems to be tested, including the extent of tests.

    c. Functions to be tested.

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

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

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 5-27

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

    NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

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

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

    5.410.2.5.1 Systems manual. [N] Documentation of the operational aspects of the building shall be completed within the systems manual and delivered to the building owner or representative. The systems manual shall include the following:

    1. Site information, including facility description, history and current requirements.

    2. Site contact information.

    3. Basic operations and maintenance, including general site operating procedures, basic troubleshooting, recommended maintenance requirements, site events log.

    4. Major systems.

    5. Site equipment inventory and maintenance notes.

    6. A copy of verifications required by the enforcing agency or this code.

    7. Other resources and documentation, if applicable.

  • CALGreen § 602.1 High relevance — show source text

    )_|TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)| |CATEGORY|ENVIRONMENTAL
    PERFORMANCE GOAL|TIER 1|TIER 2| |All|Minimum Mandatory
    (See Mandatory Checklist)|Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 1 Checklist)|Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 2 Checklist)| |DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design|Reuse of existing building|See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements|See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements| |DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design|Designated Parking for
    Fuel Efficient Vehicles
    (Tier 1 and Tier 2 only)|Approx. 35% of total spaces|Approx. 50% of total spaces| |DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design|Electric Vehicle Charging|Approx. 30% of total spaces|Approx. 45% of total spaces| |DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design|Cool Roof to Reduce
    Heat Island Effect|Roof Slope < 2:12 SRI 75
    Roof Slope > 2:12 SRI 16|Roof Slope < 2:12 SRI 82
    Roof Slope > 2:12 SRI 27| |DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design||1 additional Elective from Division A5.1|3 additional Electives from Division A5.1| |DIVISION 5.2
    Energy Efficiency|Energy Performance2a, 2b|Outdoor lighting power 90%
    of Part 6 allowance|Outdoor lighting power 90%
    of Part 6 allowance| |||If applicable, solar water-heating system
    with minimum solar savings fraction of 0.15|If applicable, solar water-heating system
    with minimum solar savings fraction of 0.15| |||Warehouse door seals|Warehouse door seals| |||Comply with day lighting requirements|Comply with day lighting requirements| |||Exhaust heat recovery|Exhaust heat recovery| |||Energy Budget 95% or 90%
    of Part 6 calculated value of allowance|Energy Budget 90% or 85%
    of Part 6 calculated value of allowance| |DIVISION 5.3
    Water Efficiency
    and Conservation|Indoor Water Use|12% Savings|20% Savings| |DIVISION 5.3
    Water Efficiency
    and Conservation||1 additional Elective from Division A5.3|3 additional Electives from Division A5.3| |DIVISION 5.4
    Material Conservation
    and Resource Efficiency3|Construction Waste Reduction|At least 65% reduction|At least 80% reduction| |**DIVISION 5.

  • CALGreen § 103.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    2_
    A5.103.2.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Reduce development footprint and optimize open space|A5.104.1, A5.104.1.1,
    A5.104.1.2, A5.104.1.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures, Scope with
    Exceptions, Reuse of existing building, Tier 1 and Verification
    of compliance with Note|A5.105.1, A5.105.2
    and A5.105.2.1 and
    A5.105.2.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Storm water design|A5.106.2, A5.106.2.1,
    A5.106.2.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Low Impact Development (LID)|A5.106.3, A5.106.3.1,
    A5.106.3.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Changing rooms w/ note|A5.106.4.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Parking capacity w/ reduced parking capacity option|A5.106.6, A5.106.6.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Exterior wall shading w/ fenestration and/or opaque wall
    area option|A5.106.7, A5.106.7.1,
    A5.106.7.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Reduction of heat island effect, Hardscape alternatives|A5.106.11,
    A5.106.11.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Reduction of heat island effect, Cool roof with Exceptions,
    _Solar reflectance, Thermal emittance,

  • CALGreen § 103.1 High relevance — show source text

    103.1_||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Brownfield or greyfield site redevelopment or infill area
    development|A5.103.2,
    A5.103.2.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Reduce development footprint and optimize open space|A5.104.1,
    A5.104.1.1,
    A5.104.1.2,
    A5.104.1.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures, Scope with
    Exceptions, Reuse of existing building, Tier 2 and Verification
    of compliance with Note|A5.105.1, A5.105.2,
    A5.105.2.2 and
    A5.105.2.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Storm water design|A5.106.2,
    A5.106.2.1,
    A5.106.2.2,||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Low Impact Development (LID)|A5.106.3,
    A5.106.3.1,
    A5.106.3.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Changing rooms w/ note|A5.106.4.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Parking capacity w/ reduced parking capacity option|A5.106.6,
    A5.106.6.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Exterior wall shading w/ fenestration and/or opaque wall
    area option|A5.106.7,
    A5.106.7.1,
    A5.106.7.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Reduction of heat island effect, Hardscape alternatives|A5.106.11,
    A5.106.11.1||||| |(continued)
    **DIVISION 5.

  • CALGreen § 3.2 High relevance — show source text

    3.2_||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Changing rooms w/ note|A5.106.4.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Parking capacity w/ reduced parking capacity option|A5.106.6, A5.106.6.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Exterior wall shading w/ fenestration and/or opaque wall
    area option|A5.106.7, A5.106.7.1,
    A5.106.7.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Reduction of heat island effect, Hardscape alternatives|A5.106.11,
    A5.106.11.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Reduction of heat island effect, Cool roof with Exceptions,
    Solar reflectance, Thermal emittance, Solar reflectance
    index alternative, Verification of compliance|A5.106.11,
    A5.106.11.2,
    A5.106.11.2.1,
    A5.106.11.2.2,
    A5.106.11.2.3,
    A5.106.11.2.4||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Reduction of heat island effect, Shade trees|A5.106.11,
    A5.106.11.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Bird-friendly building design, Required elevation treatment,
    Special conditions, Nighttime conditions with Exception,
    Systems or operation and maintenance manual|A5.107, A5.107.1,
    A5.107.2, A5.107.3,
    A5.107.3.1||||| |DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency|DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency|Mandatory|Meet the minimum energy efficiency standard|5.201.1||||| |DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency|**DIVISION 5.

  • 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 § 4-1 High relevance — show source text

    The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 4-1

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

    4-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

    DIVISION 4.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN

    SECTION 4.101—GENERAL

    4.101.1 Scope. The provisions of this division outline planning, design and development methods that include environmentally responsible site selection, building design, building siting and development to protect, restore and enhance the environmental quality of the site and respect the integrity of adjacent properties.

    SECTION 4.102—DEFINITIONS

    4.102.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

    FRENCH DRAIN.

    WATTLES.

    SECTION 4.103—SITE SELECTION (RESERVED)

    SECTION 4.104—SITE PRESERVATION (RESERVED)

    SECTION 4.105—DECONSTRUCTION AND REUSE OF EXISTING STRUCTURES (RESERVED)

    SECTION 4.106—SITE DEVELOPMENT

    4.106.1 General. Preservation and use of available natural resources shall be accomplished through evaluation and careful planning to minimize negative effects on the site and adjacent areas. Preservation of slopes, management of storm water drainage and erosion controls shall comply with this section.

    4.106.2 Storm water drainage and retention during construction. Projects which disturb less than one acre of soil and are not part of a larger common plan of development which in total disturbs one acre or more, shall manage storm water drainage during construction. In order to manage storm water drainage during construction, one or more of the following measures shall be implemented to prevent flooding of adjacent property, prevent erosion and retain soil runoff on the site.

    1. Retention basins of sufficient size shall be utilized to retain storm water on the site.

    2. Where storm water is conveyed to a public drainage system, collection point, gutter or similar disposal method, water shall be filtered by use of a barrier system, wattle or other method approved by the enforcing agency.

    3. Compliance with a lawfully enacted storm water management ordinance.

    Note: Refer to the State Water Resources Control Board for projects which disturb one acre or more of soil, or are part of a larger common plan of development which in total disturbs one acre or more of soil.

    (Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/construction.html)

    4.106.3 Grading and paving. Construction plans shall indicate how the site grading or drainage system will manage all surface water flows to keep water from entering buildings. Examples of methods to manage surface water include, but are not limited to, the following:

    1. Swales

    2. Water collection and disposal systems

    3. French drains

    4. Water retention gardens

    5. Other water measures which keep surface water away from buildings and aid in groundwater recharge.

    Exception: Additions and alterations not altering the drainage path.

Frequently asked questions

Which sections contain the mandatory Planning & Design requirements?

Mandatory Planning and Design requirements for nonresidential projects are in Chapter 5, Division 5.1 (see §5.101.1 and related sections such as §5.105 and §5.106); residential mandatory measures are in Chapter 4, Division 4.1.

Where are voluntary electives (cool roofs, LID, bird‑friendly design) found?

Voluntary/tiered measures and electives are in the appendices (A5 for nonresidential, A4 for residential). Electives such as LID, cool roofs (A5.106.11) and bird‑friendly design (A5.107) are described there and tied into the Tier 1/Tier 2 checklists.

Are EV and bicycle parking requirements part of Planning & Design?

Yes — short‑ and long‑term bicycle parking, EV charging provisions and the EV allocation/table requirements are located in the Planning & Design division (see the §5.106 series and associated tables and compliance notes).

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