CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Site selection, transit-priority project criteria and planning definitions

CALGreen’s Appendix A4 encourages redevelopment of urban sites (infill/greyfield/Brownfield), requires projects to support community connectivity, and sets clear numeric thresholds for a project to qualify as a transit‑priority project (50% residential by building square footage, ≥20 dwelling units/acre, within 1/2 mile of major transit, consistency with the regional sustainable communities strategy, and necessary entitlements).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

CALGreen requires that planning and site selection be guided by environmentally responsible siting and by the planning definitions in Appendix A4. The scope for these planning provisions is stated at § A4.101.1 (scope) and the key planning definitions are collected under § A4.102. The code also identifies preferred site types (for example, infill, greyfield, or EPA‑recognized Brownfield) and sets numerical thresholds for projects that qualify as transit priority projects (see Appendix A4 preface).

The single most important rule: prioritize redevelopment of existing urban sites (infill/greyfield/Brownfield) and, to qualify as a transit-priority project, meet the numeric residential, density, and proximity criteria set out in Appendix A4.

Requirements in detail

Scope and purpose

  • § A4.101.1 — Scope: Appendix A4’s planning provisions outline methods for environmentally responsible site selection, building siting and development to protect and enhance site environmental quality and adjacent properties.

  • § A4.102 — Definitions: Appendix A4 points to defined terms used in the division (for example, BROWNFIELD SITE, INFILL SITE, GREYFIELD SITE, DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT). Use the Chapter 2 definitions when applying the planning measures.

Site selection (what kinds of sites CALGreen favors)

  • Preferred site types (pick at least one): INFILL SITE, GREYFIELD SITE, or an EPA‑recognized and remediated BROWNFIELD SITE. See the site-selection list in Appendix A4.

  • Community connectivity: encourage pedestrian access to basic services by locating projects close to services (quarter‑mile / half‑mile tests are used; see table below).

Decision‑relevant dimensions and values

Dimension / question Decision-relevant value or threshold Code Reference
Site type preferred Infill, Greyfield, or EPA‑remediated Brownfield (project must meet at least one) § A4.103.1
Community connectivity (option A) Within 1/4‑mile true walking distance of at least 4 basic services § A4.103.2 (1)
Community connectivity (option B) Within 1/2‑mile true walking distance of at least 7 basic services § A4.103.2 (2)
Transit‑priority: minimum residential share At least 50% residential use based on total building sq ft (see FAR exception below) Appendix A4 preface (Transit priority projects)
Transit‑priority: FAR exception If project contains 26–50% nonresidential uses, then FAR ≥ 0.75 required Appendix A4 preface (Transit priority projects)
Transit‑priority: density Minimum net density: 20 dwelling units per acre Appendix A4 preface (Transit priority projects)
Transit‑priority: proximity to transit Within 1/2‑mile of a major transit stop or high‑quality transit corridor (as included in regional transportation plan Section 21155) Appendix A4 preface (Transit priority projects)
Transit‑priority: plan consistency Must be consistent with the prevailing sustainable communities strategy (or alternative planning strategy) meeting the ARB greenhouse‑gas target Appendix A4 preface (Transit priority projects)
Transit‑priority: entitlements Must have all necessary entitlements required by the local government Appendix A4 preface (Transit priority projects)

Notes:

  • “Basic services” examples are enumerated in the Appendix (bank, grocery, pharmacy, school, park, etc.) and other services may be considered case‑by‑case.
  • The transit‑priority criteria are written to align with SB 375 / Public Resources Code Section 21155; the Appendix points to Government Code and Public Resources Code references for further statutory context.

Key defined terms (first mention bolded)

  • INFILL SITE — defined term used as a preferred site type; consult Chapter 2 definitions and Appendix A4 references. § A4.102.
  • GREYFIELD SITE — defined term; a preferred redevelopment candidate. § A4.102.
  • BROWNFIELD SITE — EPA‑recognized and remediated Brownfield sites are explicit choices in site selection. § A4.102 / § A4.103.1.
  • NET DENSITY, FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR) and MAJOR TRANSIT STOP — use the definitions in Chapter 2 and the Appendix guidance when computing thresholds. § A4.102.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Local adoption: Appendix A4 is primarily voluntary—many measures are elective unless adopted by a local jurisdiction under Section 101.7. Check the local enforcing agency for mandatory adoption or modifications.

  • Alternate methods / local conditions: the Appendix repeatedly notes that innovations, local environmental conditions, and alternate compliance approaches may be considered by the enforcing agency (see “Innovative concepts and local environmental conditions”). Compliance flexibility may be available where local realities prevent strict adherence.

  • Transit‑priority references to state law: the Appendix ties the transit‑priority thresholds to regional transportation plans and SB 375 requirements (Section 21155). If a local or regional plan interprets “major transit stop” or corridor differently, coordinate with regional MPO documentation used to designate those stops.

Common mistakes

  • Treating Appendix A4 as automatically mandatory: many A4 provisions are voluntary unless a local jurisdiction adopts them under Section 101.7. Always confirm local adoption status.

  • Miscomputing the residential share: the 50% residential threshold is measured by total building square footage, not by units or lot area — do the square‑footage calculation first, and apply the FAR exception only if nonresidential share falls between 26% and 50%. Appendix language is specific to building square footage.

  • Confusing gross vs. net density: CALGreen specifies minimum net density (20 DU/acre) for transit‑priority projects. Net density calculations should follow the definitions in Chapter 2 (land area used for the development, excluding significant public right‑of‑way or open space as defined). § A4.102.

  • Ignoring entitlement requirement: even if numeric thresholds are met, a project must have all necessary entitlements from the local government to qualify as a transit priority project. Appendix preface requires entitlements.

Worked example — concrete scenario applying the rule with numbers

Scenario: Developer proposes a 3.0‑acre redevelopment with a 60,000 sq ft building that will contain 42 dwelling units and 10,000 sq ft of ground‑floor retail. The site is 0.4 miles from a major transit stop shown in the regional transportation plan.

Step-by‑step application:

  1. Residential share by building square footage:

    • Total building sq ft = 60,000. Retail = 10,000 sq ft (nonresidential). Residential sq ft = 50,000.
    • Residential share = 50,000 / 60,000 = 83.3% → exceeds 50% requirement. (Transit criterion satisfied.)

  2. Net density:

    • Dwelling units = 42 on 3.0 acres → Net density = 42 / 3.0 = 14 DU/acre. This is below the transit‑priority minimum of 20 DU/acre; density criterion NOT satisfied. (The project fails the density threshold.)

  3. Proximity to transit:

    • Site is 0.4 miles from the major transit stop → within 1/2‑mile requirement. Proximity criterion satisfied.

  4. Entitlements:

    • Developer must also verify that all required local entitlements are in place; without them, the project cannot qualify even if other thresholds are met.

Conclusion for this scenario:

  • Although residential share and transit proximity are met, the project fails the net density test (14 < 20 DU/acre) and therefore does not qualify as a transit priority project under the Appendix A4 criteria until density is increased or the project is reconfigured.

Related provisions

  • § A4.103.1 — Site selection (infill/greyfield/Brownfield) and community connectivity criteria.
  • § A4.103.2 — Community connectivity (1/4‑mile and 1/2‑mile service proximity tests).
  • § A4.106.8 — Electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements referenced elsewhere in Appendix A4 (related to site planning).
  • § A4.601 (Tier structure) — Voluntary Tier 1 and Tier 2 thresholds and local adoption considerations (ties into planning measures when jurisdictions adopt tiers).
  • Appendix A4 preface — Transit‑priority project criteria and the link to SB 375 / Section 21155 compliance.

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 0.75 High relevance — show source text

    Transit priority projects. To qualify as a transit priority project, the project shall meet three criteria:

    (1) (a) contain at least 50 percent residential use, based on total building square footage and, if the project contains between 26 and 50 percent nonresidential uses, a floor area ratio of not less than 0.75; (b) provide a minimum net density of at least 20 dwelling units per acre; and (c) be within one-half mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor included in a regional transportation plan as described in Section 21155 of Stats. 2008, Ch. 728;

    (2) be consistent with the prevailing sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy, whichever meets the greenhouse gas target established by the California Air Resources Board, including the general location of uses, residential densities and building intensities; and

    (3) have all necessary entitlements required by the applicable local government.

    Note: For additional information, see Government Code Sections 65080, 65080.1, 65400 and 65470, and Public Resources Code Sections 21061.3 and 21155.

    SECTION A4.101—GENERAL

    A4.101.1 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 A4.102—DEFINITIONS

    A4.102.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

    BROWNFIELD SITE.

    DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT.

    GREENFIELDS.

    GREYFIELD SITE.

    INFILL SITE.

    PERMEABLE PAVING.

    SECTION A4.103—SITE SELECTION

    A4.103.1 Selection. A site which complies with at least one of the following characteristics is selected:

    1. An infill site is selected.

    2. A greyfield site is selected.

    3. An EPA-recognized and remediated Brownfield site is selected.

    A4.103.2 Community connectivity. Facilitate community connectivity by one of the following methods:

    1. Locate project within a [1] / 4 -mile true walking distance of at least four basic services, readily accessible by pedestrians.
    2. Locate project within a [1] / 2 -mile true walking distance of at least seven basic services, readily accessible by pedestrians.

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    APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1. Other methods increasing access to additional resources.

    Note: Examples of services include, but are not limited to, bank, place of worship, convenience grocery, day care, cleaners, fire station, barber shop, beauty shop, hardware store, laundry, library, medical clinic, dental clinic, senior care facility, park, pharmacy, post office, restaurant, school, supermarket, theater, community center, fitness center, museum or farmers market. Other services may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    SECTION A4.104—SITE PRESERVATION

  • CALGreen § 101.7 High relevance — show source text

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

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    APPENDIX A4-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    Some of the measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7 and provide additional measures that designers, builders and property owners may wish to consider during the planning, design and construction process.

    DIVISION A4.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN

    PREFACE

    Given that land use and planning are largely regulated locally, cities, counties, and cities and counties should consider reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with development through local land-use practices in conjunction with enforcing the provisions of this code. Specific land use strategies a city, county, or city and county may wish to consider include but are not limited to the following:

    Site selection. Develop sites for buildings, hardscape, roads or parking areas consistent with the local general plan and regional transportation plan pursuant to SB 375 (Stats 2008, Ch. 728).

    Regional sustainable communities strategy. Site selection and building design and use shall conform the project with the prevailing regional sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy, whichever meets the greenhouse gas target established by the California Air Resources Board pursuant to SB 375 (Stats. 2008, Ch. 728), including the general location of uses, residential densities and building intensities.

    Transit priority projects. To qualify as a transit priority project, the project shall meet three criteria:

    (1) (a) contain at least 50 percent residential use, based on total building square footage and, if the project contains between 26 and 50 percent nonresidential uses, a floor area ratio of not less than 0.75; (b) provide a minimum net density of at least 20 dwelling units per acre; and (c) be within one-half mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor included in a regional transportation plan as described in Section 21155 of Stats. 2008, Ch. 728;

    (2) be consistent with the prevailing sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy, whichever meets the greenhouse gas target established by the California Air Resources Board, including the general location of uses, residential densities and building intensities; and

    (3) have all necessary entitlements required by the applicable local government.

    Note: For additional information, see Government Code Sections 65080, 65080.1, 65400 and 65470, and Public Resources Code Sections 21061.3 and 21155.

    SECTION A4.101—GENERAL

    A4.101.1 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 A4.102—DEFINITIONS

    A4.102.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

    BROWNFIELD SITE.

    DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT.

    GREENFIELDS.

    GREYFIELD SITE.

  • CALGreen § 101.7 High relevance — show source text

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    APPENDIX A5-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7 and provide additional measures that designers, builders and property owners may wish to consider during the planning, design and construction process.

    DIVISION A5.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN

    PREFACE

    Given that land use and planning are largely regulated locally, cities, counties and cities and counties should consider reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with development through local land-use practices in conjunction with enforcing the provisions of this code. Specific land use strategies a city, county or city and county may wish to consider include but are not limited to the following:

    Site selection. Develop sites for buildings, hardscape, roads or parking areas consistent with the local general plan and regional transportation plan pursuant to SB 375 (Stats. 2008, Ch. 728).

    Regional sustainable communities strategy. Site selection and building design and use shall conform the project with the prevailing regional sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy, whichever meets the greenhouse gas target established by the California Air Resources Board pursuant to SB375 (Stats. 2008, Ch. 728), including the general location of uses, residential densities and building intensities.

    Transit priority projects. To qualify as a transit priority project, the project shall meet three criteria:

    (1) (a) contain at least 50 percent residential use, based on total building square footage and, if the project contains between 26 and 50 percent nonresidential uses, a floor area ratio of not less than 0.75; (b) provide a minimum net density of at least 20 dwelling units per acre; and (c) be within one-half mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor included in a regional transportation plan as described in Section 21155 of Stats. 2008, Ch. 728;

    (2) be consistent with the prevailing sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy, whichever meets the greenhouse gas target established by the California Air Resources Board, including the general location of uses, residential densities and building intensities; and

    (3) have all necessary entitlements required by the applicable local government.

    Note: For additional information, see Government Code Sections 65080, 65080.1 and 65400 and Public Resources Code Sections 21061.3 and 21155.

    SECTION A5.101—GENERAL

    A5.101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter 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 A5.102—DEFINITIONS

    A5.102.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

    2 X 2 RULE.

    ADHESIVE MARKER.

    BIORETENTION.

    BROWNFIELD SITE.

    CAV.

    DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT.

    FILM.

    FLOOR AREA RATIO.

    GLASS, ACID ETCHED. GLASS, FRITTED.

    GLASS SURFACE.

  • CALGreen § 101.7 High relevance — show source text

    APPENDIX A5 – NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A5.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN

    (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 below
    Chapter/Section

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    APPENDIX A5-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7 and provide additional measures that designers, builders and property owners may wish to consider during the planning, design and construction process.

    DIVISION A5.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN

    PREFACE

    Given that land use and planning are largely regulated locally, cities, counties and cities and counties should consider reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with development through local land-use practices in conjunction with enforcing the provisions of this code. Specific land use strategies a city, county or city and county may wish to consider include but are not limited to the following:

    Site selection. Develop sites for buildings, hardscape, roads or parking areas consistent with the local general plan and regional transportation plan pursuant to SB 375 (Stats. 2008, Ch. 728).

    Regional sustainable communities strategy. Site selection and building design and use shall conform the project with the prevailing regional sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy, whichever meets the greenhouse gas target established by the California Air Resources Board pursuant to SB375 (Stats. 2008, Ch. 728), including the general location of uses, residential densities and building intensities.

    Transit priority projects. To qualify as a transit priority project, the project shall meet three criteria:

  • CALGreen § 3.1. Medium relevance — show source text
    1. From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least three elective measures selected from Division A4.3.
    2. From Division A4.4, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency. 4.1. Comply with the 25 percent cement reduction requirements in Section A4.403.2. 4.2. Comply with the 15 percent recycled content requirements in Section A4.405.3.1. 4.3. Comply with the 75 percent reduction in construction waste in Section A4.408.1. 4.4. Comply with at least four elective measures selected from Division A4.4.
    3. From Division A4.5, Environmental Quality. 5.1. Comply with the 100 percent resilient flooring systems requirements in Section A4.504.2. 5.2. Comply with the thermal insulation requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 in Section A4.504.3. 5.3. Comply with at least one elective measure selected from Division A4.5.

    Note: The Residential Occupancies Application Checklist contained in Section A4.602 may be used to show which elective measures are selected.

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    DIVISION A4.6 – TIER 1 AND TIER 2

    SECTION A4.602 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST

    FEATURE OR MEASURE LEVELS
    APPLICANT TO SELECT ELECTIVE MEASURES    		 Col3 Col4 VERIFICATIONS
    ENFORCING AGENCY TO SPECIFY
    VERIFICATION METHOD    		 Col6 Col7
    FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory Prerequisites and electives1 Prerequisites and electives1 Enforcing
    Agency

    All    		 Installer or
    Designer

    All    		 Third
    party

    All
    FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 2 Tier 2 Tier 2
    PLANNING AND DESIGN
    Site Selection
    A4.103.1 A site which complies with at least one of the following
    characteristics is selected:
    1. An infill site is selected.
    2. A greyfield site is selected.
    3. An EPA-recognized Brownfield site is selected.









    A4.103.2 Facilitate community connectivity by one of the following
    methods:
    1. Locate project within a1/4-mile true walking distance of at least 4
    basic services;
    2.
  • CALGreen § 8-40 Medium 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 § 106.9 Medium 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 § 103.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    BROWNFIELD SITE.

    DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT.

    GREENFIELDS.

    GREYFIELD SITE.

    INFILL SITE.

    PERMEABLE PAVING.

    SECTION A4.103—SITE SELECTION

    A4.103.1 Selection. A site which complies with at least one of the following characteristics is selected:

    1. An infill site is selected.

    2. A greyfield site is selected.

    3. An EPA-recognized and remediated Brownfield site is selected.

    A4.103.2 Community connectivity. Facilitate community connectivity by one of the following methods:

    1. Locate project within a [1] / 4 -mile true walking distance of at least four basic services, readily accessible by pedestrians.
    2. Locate project within a [1] / 2 -mile true walking distance of at least seven basic services, readily accessible by pedestrians.

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    APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1. Other methods increasing access to additional resources.

    Note: Examples of services include, but are not limited to, bank, place of worship, convenience grocery, day care, cleaners, fire station, barber shop, beauty shop, hardware store, laundry, library, medical clinic, dental clinic, senior care facility, park, pharmacy, post office, restaurant, school, supermarket, theater, community center, fitness center, museum or farmers market. Other services may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    SECTION A4.104—SITE PRESERVATION

    A4.104.1 Supervision and education. Individuals with oversight authority on the project who have been trained in areas related to environmentally friendly development can teach green concepts to other members of the development staff and ensure that training is provided to all parties associated with the development of the project.

    Prior to beginning the construction activities, all parties involved with the development process shall receive a written guideline and instruction specifying the green goals of the project.

    Note: Lack of adequate supervision and dissemination of the project goals can result in negative effects on green building projects. If the theme of green building is not carried throughout the project, the overall benefit can be substantially reduced by the lack of knowledge and information provided to the various entities involved with the construction of the project.

    SECTION A4.105—DECONSTRUCTION AND REUSE OF EXISTING MATERIALS

    A4.105.1 General. Existing buildings on the site are deconstructed and the salvaged materials are reused. Reused materials or products must comply with current building standards requirements or be an accepted alternate method or material.

    A4.105.2 Reuse of materials. Materials which can be easily reused include but are not limited to the following:

    1. Light fixtures.

    2. Plumbing fixtures.

    3. Doors and trim.

    4. Masonry.

    5. Electrical devices.

    6. Appliances.

    7. Foundations or portions of foundations.

    Note: Reused material must be in compliance with the appropriate Title 24 requirements.

    SECTION A4.106 —SITE DEVELOPMENT

    A4.106.1 Reserved.

    A4.106.2 Soil analysis and protection. The soils at the building site are analyzed and protected as specified in this section.

    A4.106.2.1 Soil analysis. Soil analysis is performed by a licensed design professional and the findings utilized in the structural design of the building.

  • CALGreen § 8-6 Medium relevance — show source text

    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6 Worksheet (WS-9) 5.409.2 and A5.409.2 Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Construction Waste Management (CWM) Plan . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 Construction Waste Management (CWM) Worksheet. . . . . . 8-9 Construction Waste Management (CWM) Acknowledgment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 Title 23, Waters, California Code of Regulations . . . . . . . . . 8-11 Commissioning Referenced Standards for Non-energy Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13 IES TM-15-11 Table A-1, Table 130.2-A and Table 130.2-B Uplight and Glare Ratings Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

  • CALGreen § 0.660 Medium relevance — show source text

    3**|SDR 11|SDR 11|SDR 10|SDR 11|SDR 11|SDR 11|SDR 11| |ACTUAL ID:|0.660|0.860|1.077|1.328|1.554|1.943|2.864|3.682| |LENGTH (feet)
    |CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR







    |CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR







    |CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR







    |CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR







    |CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR







    |CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR







    |CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR







    |CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR







    | |10
    |1860
    |3720
    |6710
    |11 600
    |17 600
    |31 600
    |87 300
    |169 000
    | |20
    |1280
    |2560
    |4610
    |7990
    |12 100
    |21 700
    |60 000
    |116 000
    | |30
    |1030
    |2050
    |3710
    |6420
    |9690
    |17 400
    |48 200
    |93 200
    | |40
    |878
    |1760
    |3170
    |5490
    |8300
    |14 900
    |41 200
    |79 700
    | |50
    |778
    |1560
    |2810
    |4870
    |7350
    |13 200
    |36 600
    |70 700
    | |60
    |705
    |1410
    |2550
    |4410
    |6660
    |12 000
    |33 100
    |64 000
    | |70
    |649
    |1300
    |2340
    |4060
    |6130
    |11 000
    |30 500
    |58 900
    | |80
    |603
    |1210
    |2180
    |3780
    |5700
    |10 200
    |28 300
    |54 800
    | |90
    |566
    |1130
    |2050
    |3540
    |5350
    |9610
    |26 600
    |51 400
    | |100
    |535
    |1070
    |1930
    |3350
    |5050
    |9080
    |25 100
    |48 600
    | |125
    |474
    |949
    |1710
    |2970
    |4480
    |8050
    |22 300
    |43

  • CALGreen § 509.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION A4.509 —INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

    A4.509.1 Innovative concepts and local environmental conditions. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, method, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code. This code does not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county government to make necessary changes to the provisions contained in this code pursuant to Section 101.7.1.

    APPENDIX A4-20 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A4.6 – TIER I AND TIER 2

    SECTION A4.601—GENERAL

    A4.601.1 Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating additional green building measures. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level.

    A4.601.2 Prerequisite measures. Tier 1 and Tier 2 thresholds require compliance with the mandatory provisions of this code and incorporation of the required prerequisite measures listed in Section A4.601.4.2 for Tier 1 and A4.601.5.2 for Tier 2. Prerequisite measures are also identified in the Residential Occupancies Application Checklist in Section A4.602.

    As specified in Section 101.7, additional prerequisite measures may be included by the enforcing agency to address specific local environmental conditions and may be listed in the Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions portions of the checklist.

    A4.601.3 Elective measures. In addition to the required measures, Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings must incorporate at least the number of elective measures specified in Sections A4.601.4.2 and A4.601.5.2.

    A4.601.4 Tier 1. To achieve Tier 1 status a project must comply with the following:

    A4.601.4.1 Mandatory measures for Tier 1. The project shall meet or exceed all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 4, Divisions 4.1 through 4.5 and Chapter 7 as applicable.

    A4.601.4.2 Prerequisite and elective measures for Tier 1. In addition to the mandatory measures, compliance with the following prerequisite and elective measures from Appendix A4 is also required to achieve Tier 1 status:

    1. From Division A4.1, Planning and Design. 1.1. Comply with the topsoil protection requirements in Section A4.106.2.3. 1.2. Comply with the 20 percent permeable paving requirements in Section A4.106.4. 1.3. Comply with the cool roof requirements in Section A4.106.5. 1.4. Comply with the Tier 1 electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements in Section A4.106.8. 1.5. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.1.
    2. From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency. 2.1.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly counts as a “basic service” for the quarter‑mile / half‑mile tests?

The Appendix lists examples (bank, grocery, pharmacy, school, park, library, clinic, etc.) and allows additional services on a case‑by‑case basis; use the Appendix examples as your starting list.

Is Appendix A4 mandatory statewide?

No. Many A4 provisions are voluntary unless a local jurisdiction specifically adopts them under Section 101.7 — always check local adoption and enforcement.

How is the 50% residential share measured?

By total building square footage — calculate residential square footage divided by total building square footage. If nonresidential is between 26% and 50%, the FAR exception (≥ 0.75) may apply.

If my project has 18 DU/acre but meets other criteria, can it still be a transit‑priority project?

No — the Appendix sets a minimum net density of 20 DU/acre as a numeric criterion; falling below that means the project does not meet the transit‑priority thresholds.

Who decides whether a site qualifies as “infill” or “greyfield”?

The Appendix references Chapter 2 definitions; the enforcing agency (local jurisdiction) applies the definitions and may consider additional local guidance when classifying a site. § A4.102.

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Related in the CALGreen

Rainwater capture, graywater/recycled water piping and waterwise landscape measures

Topsoil protection, permeable paving, cool roofs and EV charging requirements

Division A4.1 — Planning & Design

California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)