CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
What indoor air quality controls cover environmental tobacco smoke and moisture?
CALGreen’s Appendix requires that smoking be banned within 25 feet of building entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows (or you must follow a stricter local rule), and that building moisture protection and ventilation meet or exceed the California Building Code provisions in CBC Section 1203 and Chapter 14.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
The appendix-level rule for environmental tobacco smoke in CALGreen requires that smoking be prohibited within 25 feet of building entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows and inside the building (unless a stricter local ordinance applies) — § A6.504.9.
Indoor moisture control in the Appendix directs buildings to meet or exceed the moisture and ventilation provisions of the California Building Code — specifically CBC Section 1203 and Chapter 14 — via § A6.505.2.
The single most important rule: prohibit smoking within 25 feet of entrances, outdoor air intakes and operable windows (or follow the more stringent local rule) to prevent environmental tobacco smoke from entering the building.
Requirements in detail
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control — scope and rule
- What it covers: outdoor smoking areas, building entries, outdoor air intakes, operable windows, and inside the building.
- Mandatory action: prohibit smoking in the listed locations, or comply with any more stringent local ordinances, regulations or institutional policies. Post signage where no local rule already applies. § A6.504.9.
Decision-relevant table — ETS control
| Decision dimension | Requirement / value | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking buffer distance | 25 feet from building entries, outdoor air intakes, operable windows | § A6.504.9 |
| Indoor smoking | Prohibited inside the building (unless already addressed by other law); follow more stringent local policy if present | § A6.504.9 |
| Signage | Required when no local ordinance/policy is in place to inform occupants of the prohibition | § A6.504.9 |
| Applicability note | Appendix A6 (voluntary standards for health facilities) — also mirrored in Division 5.5 as 5.504.7 for nonresidential mandatory measures | § A6.504.9 and § 5.504.7 |
Practical implications:
- Measure distances from all building entries, all outdoor air intake openings and operable windows; maintain smoking locations outside the 25‑ft buffer (or eliminate on-site smoking).
- If a city, county, campus or other enforcing authority has a stricter rule, that rule controls. § A6.504.9.
Indoor moisture control — scope and rule
- The Appendix requires that buildings meet or exceed the moisture-control and ventilation requirements of the California Building Code: CBC Section 1203 (ventilation) and CBC Chapter 14 (exterior walls / moisture protection). § A6.505.2.
Decision-relevant table — Moisture control
| Decision dimension | Requirement / value | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Governing code | Follow California Building Code, CCR, Title 24, Part 2 | § A6.505.2 |
| Specific CBC references | Section 1203 (ventilation provisions) and Chapter 14 (exterior wall and moisture protection) | § A6.505.2 |
| Performance threshold | “Meet or exceed” CBC requirements — i.e., equal or more stringent moisture control details as required by CBC | § A6.505.2 |
| Where to look for measures | CBC details include flashing, drainage plane, water-resistive barriers, flashing at penetrations and openings, ventilation rates for spaces prone to moisture | § A6.505.2 (references CBC) |
Practical implications:
- Design and construction must implement the CBC’s prescribed wall assemblies, flashing, WRBs, drainage, and ventilation where applicable. The Appendix does not restate the CBC language — it binds the project to the CBC sections named. § A6.505.2.
Exceptions & special cases
- Local law precedence: If a city/county/campus has a stricter smoking ordinance or policy, that local requirement prevails over the Appendix language; the Appendix explicitly defers to more stringent local controls under § A6.504.9.
- Signage: When no local ordinance/policy is in place, the Appendix requires posting signage to inform occupants of the smoking prohibitions. § A6.504.9.
- Scope of A6.505.2: The Appendix does not create new numeric moisture thresholds itself — it requires compliance with the CBC text. Where the Appendix is silent about a specific detail, follow CBC Section 1203 and Chapter 14. § A6.505.2.
Common mistakes
- Measuring distance to the wrong reference point: the 25‑ft buffer is measured from building entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows — not from property lines or parking stalls. Confirm the exact point on the building envelope. § A6.504.9.
- Assuming Appendix language is optional: Appendix A6 contains voluntary standards for health facilities, but the language still prescribes the requirement for the contexts it applies to; likewise, Division 5.5 contains parallel mandatory measures (see 5.504.7 / 5.505.1) — check which part of CALGreen applies to your project.
- Treating A6.505.2 as prescriptive: A6.505.2 does not list flashing or assembly details; it points to the CBC. Don’t invent measures — cite and follow CBC Section 1203 and Chapter 14. § A6.505.2.
- Forgetting outdoor air intakes: Failure to map and protect all outdoor air intakes can allow ETS infiltration even if entrances are protected. § A6.504.9.
Worked example — placing an outdoor smoking area
Scenario: Small medical office with a main public entry and one operable window in the waiting room. An outdoor air intake for the building HVAC is located on the west façade, 10 feet from the main entry. The client proposes an outdoor smoking alcove near the west façade.
Step-by-step application:
- Identify sensitive points: main entry, operable window, and outdoor air intake. (All are listed in § A6.504.9.)
- Apply the buffer: maintain 25 feet clearance from each sensitive point. The outdoor air intake is only 10 feet from the main entry, so a compliant smoking area must be more than 25 feet from both the entry and the intake (whichever is closer). § A6.504.9.
- Measure and place: If the only area farther than 25 ft is at the far side of the parking lot, designate that as the smoking area or prohibit on-site smoking. Post signage at entries and designate no‑smoking boundaries. § A6.504.9.
- Document compliance: Provide plans showing the 25‑ft clearances and any signage locations to the enforcing agency when requested. § A6.504.9.
For moisture control in the same building:
- The contractor must install exterior wall systems, flashing, WRB and ventilation consistent with CBC Chapter 14 and ensure required ventilation per CBC Section 1203 (e.g., required bath/kitchen ventilation rates or continuous mechanical ventilation where applicable) — follow those CBC details as invoked by § A6.505.2.
Related provisions
- § 5.504.7 — Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control in Division 5.5 (nonresidential mandatory measures).
- § 5.505.1 — Indoor moisture control (Division 5.5) references CBC Sections 1202 and Chapter 14 for mandatory measures.
- § A6.504.5 — Entryway systems (controls to reduce particulate entry) — relevant when designing entry areas to reduce pollutant ingress.
- § A6.504.8.5.2 — Documentation requirements for certain material compliance (example of how Appendix sections require verification).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 5.5 High relevance — show source text
5**
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Acoustical ceilings and wall panels|5.504.4.8||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Verification of compliance|5.504.4.8.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Filters (with exceptions)|5.504.5||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Filters: labeling|5.504.5.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control|5.504.7||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Indoor moisture control|5.505.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Outside air delivery|5.506.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring|5.506.2||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring in classrooms|5.506.3||||| |(continued)
**DIVISION 5.CALGreen § 403.3 High relevance — show source text
ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances Appendix A6.1(OSHPD), A4.403.3, A5.204.1 General 4.201, 5.201, A5.201 Performance approach A4.203, A5.203 Outdoor lighting A5.203.1.1.1 Prescriptive approach Appendix A6.1(OSHPD), 203.3.1.2 Alterations to existing buildings A4.204.1, A4.204.1.2, A5.204.1,
A5.204.1.1 Energy Efficient Steel Framing A5.213 Environmental Comfort 4.507, 5.507,
A5.507
Acoustical control A4.507, A5.507.5 Daylight A5.507.2 Lighting and thermal comfort controls A5.507.1
Views A5.507.3
Fireplaces 4.503, 5.503 Foundation Systems A4.403 Frost protected foundation systems A4.403.1
Reduction in cement use A4.403.2 Framing, Energy Efficient Steel A5.213 Framing Techniques, Efficient A4.404, A5.404 Building systems A4.404.3 Lumber size A4.404.1
Pre-cut materials and details A4.404.4 Wood framing A5.404.1
Green Building Chapter 3 Mixed occupancy buildings 302 Phased projects 303 Voluntary tiers 304, 305 Voluntary measures 306
HVAC Design, Equipment and Installation Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), A5.207
Indoor Air Quality And Exhaust 4.506, 5.506 Bathroom exhaust fans 4.506.1 Carbon dioxide monitoring 5.506.2 Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) monitoring in classrooms 5.506.3
Filters 5.504.5, A4.506.1 Outside air delivery 5.506.1 Indoor Moisture Control 4.505, 5.505.1 Concrete slab foundations 4.505.2
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE INDEX-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
INDEX
Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), Table A5.504.8.5 Covering of duct openings and protection of mechanical equipment during construction 4.504.1, 5.504.3 Environmental tobacco smoke control 5.504.7, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), A5.504.9 Finish material pollutant control 4.504.2, 5.504.4 Hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants A5.504.5 Indoor air quality (IAQ) during construction 5.504.1, A5.504.1 IAQ Post-construction A5.504.2 Paints and coatings 4.504.2.2, 5.504.4.3 Resilient flooring systems 4.504.4, 5.504.4.6, A4.504.2, A5.504.4.7 Thermal insulation 5.504.4.7, A4.504.3,
A5.504.4.8
CALGreen § 5.5 High relevance — show source text
5**
Environmental
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(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Resilient flooring: verification of compliance|5.504.4.6.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Tier 2
Prerequisite|Resilient flooring systems, Tier 2 (with verification of
compliance)|A5.504.4.7.1,
A5.504.4.7.2||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Thermal insulation|5.504.4.7||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Verification of compliance|5.504.4.7.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Acoustical ceilings and wall panels|5.504.4.8||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Verification of compliance|5.504.4.8.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Filters (with exceptions)|5.504.5||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Filters: labeling|5.504.5.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control|5.504.7||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Indoor moisture control|5.505.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Outside air delivery|5.506.1|||||CALGreen § 5.504.7 High relevance — show source text
5**
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control|5.504.7||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Indoor moisture control|5.505.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Outside air delivery|5.506.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring|5.506.2||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|Mandatory|Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring in classrooms|5.506.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
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Select One Elective|Mandatory|Acoustical control (with exception)|5.507.4||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
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Select One Elective|Mandatory|Exterior noise transmission, prescriptive method
(with exceptions)|5.507.4.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
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Select One Elective|Mandatory|Noise exposure where noise contours are not readily
available|5.507.4.1.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
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Select One Elective|(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
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Select One Elective|Mandatory|Performance method|5.507.4.2||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
Select One Elective|(continued)
**DIVISION 5.CALGreen § 4.506 High relevance — show source text
Indoor Air Quality And Exhaust 4.506, 5.506 Bathroom exhaust fans 4.506.1 Carbon dioxide monitoring 5.506.2 Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) monitoring in classrooms 5.506.3
Filters 5.504.5, A4.506.1 Outside air delivery 5.506.1 Indoor Moisture Control 4.505, 5.505.1 Concrete slab foundations 4.505.2
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE INDEX-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
INDEX
Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), Table A5.504.8.5 Covering of duct openings and protection of mechanical equipment during construction 4.504.1, 5.504.3 Environmental tobacco smoke control 5.504.7, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), A5.504.9 Finish material pollutant control 4.504.2, 5.504.4 Hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants A5.504.5 Indoor air quality (IAQ) during construction 5.504.1, A5.504.1 IAQ Post-construction A5.504.2 Paints and coatings 4.504.2.2, 5.504.4.3 Resilient flooring systems 4.504.4, 5.504.4.6, A4.504.2, A5.504.4.7 Thermal insulation 5.504.4.7, A4.504.3,
A5.504.4.8
Product GWP Limits Table 5.409.3
Referenced Organizations and Standards Chapter 6 Renewable Energy A5.211
Site Development 4.106, 5.106, A4,106, A5.106 Bicycle parking and changing rooms 5.106.4, A5.106.4.3, Table A5.106.4.3 Bird friendly building design A5.107 Building orientation Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), A5.106.9 Designated parking for clean air vehicles A5.106.5.1 Exterior wall shading A5.106.7 Grading and paving 4.106.3, 5.106.10 Heat island effect – cool roof Tables A4.106.5(1) – (4), A5.106.11.2, Table
CALGreen § 504.4.9 High relevance — show source text
**Verification of compliance with this section shall be
provided as requested by the enforcing agency. Documentation shall include at least one
of the following.
1. Product certifications and specifications
2. Chain of custody certifications
3. Other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency||
|
|| |**A6.504.4.9 Acoustical ceilings and wall panels.**Comply with Chapter 8 in Title 24, Part 2
and with the VOC-emission limits defined in the CHPS Low-emitting Materials List.||||| |**A6.504.5 Hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants.**Minimize and control pollutant
entry into buildings and cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas.
**A6.504.5.1 Entryway systems.**Install permanent entryway systems measuring at least six
feet in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates at entryways directly
connected to the outdoors as listed in Items 1 through 3 in Section A6.504.5.1.||
|
|| |**A6.504.9 Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control.**Prohibit smoking within 25 feet of
building entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows and in buildings; or as enforced
by ordinances, regulations or policies of any city, county, city and county, California
Community College, campus of the California State University or campus of the University of
California, whichever are more stringent.||||| |SECTION A6.505 Indoor Moisture Control||||| |**A6.505.2 Indoor moisture control.**Buildings shall meet or exceed the provisions of
California Building Code, CCR, Title 24, Part 2, Section 1203 and Chapter 14.||||| |SECTION A6.507 Environmental Comfort
Reserved|||||APPENDIX A6.1-40 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
Moisture content of building materials 4.505.3
Indoor Water Use – see Water Use, Indoor Innovative Concepts And Local Environmental Conditions A4.107, A4.108, A4.306, A4.411, A4.509 Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications Chapter 7
Life Cycle Assessment 5.409, A5.409 Materials and system assemblies A5.409.3
Product GWP compliance—prescriptive path 5.409.3, (WS-5), (WS-8), A5.409.3, Table 5.409.3, Table
A5.409.3 Whole building life cycle assessment 5.409.2, (WS-4), (WS7), (WS-9), A5.409.2 of additional impacts A5.409.4 Lighting Appendix A6.1(OSHPD) A5.209.1
CALGreen § 120.8 High relevance — show source text
8, 120.8(a), 120.8(d) Supply 140.4(e)1, 140.4(f)2, 170.2(c)4C, D, O Temperature 140.4(b)2, 140.4(b)3, 140.4(j), 150.0(h), 160.3(b)2, 170.2(c)2, 170.2(c)4H Ventilation 120.1(d), 120.6(c)7, 160.2(b)2A, 160.2(c)5 Wattage 120.6(c), 120.6(d)3, 120.6(j)3, 120.9(b), 140.4(k)6, 160.4(e)2, 170.2(c)4I Zone 140.4(d), 170.2(c)4B Designated Efficiency 120.1(c)1B, 150.0(m)12C, 160.2(b)1C, 160.2(c)1B Designated Solar Zone 110.10(b)1A, 110.10(b)1B Diagnostic Evaluation 140.3(a)9, 141.0(b)2Q Diagnostic Testing 10-103(a)5, 110.1(c), 120.4(g)1, 141.0(b)2D, 141.0(b)2E, 150.0(m)1, 150.0(m)11, 150.0(m)13, 150.0(o), 150.1(c)7, 150.1(c)9, 150.1(c)10, 150.2(b)1D, 150.2(b)1E, 150.2(b)1F, 150.2(b)1M, 160.2(a)1, 160.2(b)2B, 160.3(b)5, 160.3(c)2H, 170.2(c)3B, 180.1(b)3, 180.2(b)2, 180.2(b)5 Differential Pressure 140.4(k)6, 170.2(c)4I Dimming Controls 150.0(k)2, 160.5(a)2 Direct Digital Control (DDC) 110.12(b), 120.1(d), 120.2(b), 120.2(e), 120.2(i), 120.2(j), 120.2(k), 140.4(c)2, 140.4(d), 140.4(k)6, 160.3(a)2, 170.2(c)4A, B, I Direct Expansion (DX) 140.4(a), 140.4(e)2, 140.4(m), 170.2(c)4K Direct Expansion (DX) Unit Requirements for Cooling Stages and Compressor Displacement Table 140.4-H, Table 170.2-H Direct Sunlight 130.1(d), 140.3(a)6E, 140.3(d), 140.4(e)2D, 150.1(c)4, 160.5(b)4D, 170.2(a)3B, 170.2(c)4C Directional Inlets 110.4(b) Directory 110.0(b), 110.1(b), 150.
CALGreen § 5.504.4.7 High relevance — show source text
5.504.4.7 Thermal insulation . Comply with the requirements of the California Department of Public Health, “Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers,” Version 1.2, January 2017 (Emission testing method for California Specification 01350).
See California Department of Public Health’s website for certification programs and testing labs. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHLB/IAQ/ Pages/VOC.aspx#material
5.504.4.7.1 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that thermal insulation materials meet the pollutant emission limits.
5.504.4.8 Acoustical ceilings and wall panels . Comply with the requirements of the California Department of Public Health, “Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers,” Version 1.2, January 2017 (Emission testing method for California Specification 01350).
See California Department of Public Health’s website for certification programs and testing labs. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHLB/IAQ/Pages/VOC.aspx#material
5.504.4.8.1 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that acoustical finish materials meet the pollutant emission limits.
5.504.5 Filters. In mechanically ventilated buildings, provide regularly occupied areas of the building with air filtration media for outside and return air that provides at least a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13. MERV 13 filters shall be installed prior to occupancy, and recommendations for maintenance with filters of the same value shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual.
Exception: Existing mechanical equipment.
5.504.5.1 Labeling. Installed filters shall be clearly labeled by the manufacturer indicating the MERV rating.
5.504.6 Reserved.
5.504.7 Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control. Where outdoor areas are provided for smoking, prohibit smoking within 25 feet of building entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows and within the building as already prohibited by other laws or
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 5-35
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
regulations; or as enforced by ordinances, regulations or policies of any city, county, city and county, California Community College, campus of the California State University, or campus of the University of California, whichever are more stringent. When ordinances, regulations or policies are not in place, post signage to inform building occupants of the prohibitions.
SECTION 5.505—INDOOR MOISTURE CONTROL
5.505.1 Indoor moisture control. Buildings shall meet or exceed the provisions of California Building Code, CCR, Title 24, Part 2, Sections 1202 (Ventilation) and Chapter 14 (Exterior Walls). For additional measures, see Section 5.407.2 of this code.
SECTION 5.506—INDOOR AIR QUALITY
CALGreen § 120.1 High relevance — show source text
INDEX
Airflow 120.1(c)4, 120.6(a)3, 140.9(c)1, 141.0(b)2D, 150.0(m)11, 150.1(c)12, 150.1(c)13, 150.2(a), 150.2(b)1D, 150.2(b)1E Balancing 140.4(c)3, 170.2(c)4A Measurement 150.0(o)1, 160.2(b)2A Rate 120.1(c)1, 3, 120.1(d)3, 120.4(g)1, 120.6(j)3, 140.4(d)2, 140.4(o), 140.4(q), 140.9(b), 141.0(b), 150.0(m)12, 150.0(m)13, 150.0(o), 150.1(b)3, 150.1(c)10, 150.1(c)7, 150.2(a)1C, 150.2(a)2C, 150.2(b)1F, M, 160.2(b)1, 160.2(b)2, 160.2(c)3, 5, Table 160.2-D, 160.3(b)5L, 160.3(c)2H, Table 160.3-A, Table 160.3-B, 170.1(d)2F, 170.2(c)3-4, 180.1(a)2A, 180.1(b)3A, 180.2(b)2, 5 Airport 120.6(g) Airstreams or Sources
[ASHRAE 62.1:Table 5.16.1] Table 120.1-C, Table 160.2-D Airtightness 150.0(k)1C, 160.5(a)1C Aisle Way 130.1(c)6 Allotment 140.6(b)3, 140.6(c), 170.2(e)3-4 Alterations 10-103(a), 10-103(d)2, 10-106(a), 100.0(e), 100.0-A, Table 120.2-A, 120.6(c), 120.6(e), 130.0(a), 130.0(b), 140.0(c), 141.0, 141.0(b), 141.0(d), 141.1(b-c), 150.0, 150.1(a), 150.1(b)2, 150.2(b), 160.0, Table 160.3-C, 160.5(b), 170.0(a), 180.0, 180.2, 180.2(b) Altered 141.0(b)2C Altered Components 141.0(a)2, 150.2(a)2B, 150.2(b)2A, 180.1(b)2, 180.2(a), 180.2(c) Altered Duct System 141.0(b)2D, 150.2(b)1D, 160.3(d)1, 180.2(b)2A Altered Fenestration Maximum U-Factor and
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 § 93120.12. High relevance — show source text
For additional information, see_California Code of Regulations_, Title 17, Sections 93120 through 93120.12.
2. Thin medium density fiberboard has a maximum thickness of eight millimeters.|1. Values in this table are derived from those specified by the California Air Resources Board, Air Toxics Control Measure for Composite Wood as tested in accordance with ASTM
E1333-96 (2002). For additional information, see_California Code of Regulations_, Title 17, Sections 93120 through 93120.12.
2. Thin medium density fiberboard has a maximum thickness of eight millimeters.|1. Values in this table are derived from those specified by the California Air Resources Board, Air Toxics Control Measure for Composite Wood as tested in accordance with ASTM
E1333-96 (2002). For additional information, see_California Code of Regulations_, Title 17, Sections 93120 through 93120.12.
2. Thin medium density fiberboard has a maximum thickness of eight millimeters.|1. Values in this table are derived from those specified by the California Air Resources Board, Air Toxics Control Measure for Composite Wood as tested in accordance with ASTM
E1333-96 (2002). For additional information, see_California Code of Regulations_, Title 17, Sections 93120 through 93120.12.
2. Thin medium density fiberboard has a maximum thickness of eight millimeters.|A6.504.8.5.2 Documentation. Verification of compliance with this section shall be provided as requested by the enforcing agency. Documentation shall include at least one of the following:
- Product certifications and specifications.
- Chain of custody certifications.
- Other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency.
A6.504.9 Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Where outdoor areas are provided for smoking, prohibit smoking within 25 feet of building entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows and within the building, if not already prohibited by other laws or regulations, or as enforced by ordinances, regulations or policies of any city, county, city and county, California Community College, campus of the California State University or campus of the University of California, whichever are more stringent. When ordinances, regulations or policies are not in place, post signage to inform building occupants of the prohibitions.
SECTION A6.505 [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]—INDOOR MOISTURE CONTROL
A6.505.2 Indoor moisture control. Buildings shall meet or exceed the provisions of California Building Code, CCR, Title 24, Part 2, Sections 1203 and Chapter 14.
APPENDIX A6.1-36 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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APPENDIX A6.1 — VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]
NONRESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST [OSHPD 1, 2 and 4]
CALGreen § 120.6 High relevance — show source text
6(a), 120.6(f), 130.0(c), Table 140.3-A, 140.4(b)7, Table 140.4-C, 140.6(a), 140.6(b), 140.6(c), Table 140.6-B, Table 140.6-C, 140.9(a), Table 140.9-D, 160.2(c), 160.5(b), 170.2(c), Table 170.2-D, 170.2(e), Table 170.2-M, Table 170.2-N, Table 170.2-Q Sensing zone 120.2(e), 120.5(a), 160.3(a)2, 160.3(d) Sensor ventilation control 120.1(d), 120.1(e), 160.2(c)5, 160.3(a) Occupiable Space 120.1(c)1, 120.4(g), 120.6(c), 141.0(b) 150.0(a), 150.0(m), 150.0(o), 160.2(a), 160.2(b), 160.2(c), 160.3(b), 160.3(c), 180.2(b)2B Occupied 120.1(c), 120.1(d), 120.1(h), 120.2(e), 120.2(k), 120.4(b), 120.6(c), 120.6(f), 130.1(c), 130.2(c)2, 140.4(e), 140.4(m), 140.4(p), 140.6(c), 140.9(c), Table 140.9-D, 140.10(a), 150.1(c), 160.2(c), 160.2(d), 160.3(a), 160.3(c), 160.5(b), 160.5(c), 160.6(d), 170.2(a), 170.2(c), 170.2(e), 170.2(f), 170.2(g) Occupied Roof 140.10(a)2, 150.1(c)14, 170.2(f), 170.2(g) Occupied Space 120.4(b)1, 120.4(b)2, 140.3(a)6, 140.4(e), 140.4(m), 140.4(p), 170.2(c)4K Occupied-Standby Mode 120.1(d), 120.1(h), 120.2(e), 130.1(f), 160.2(c) Off-Setting 110.9(b)3 Oil-Fired Furnace 110.2(d) On/Off Control 150.0(o), 150.1(c), 150.2(b)1H, 170.2(d) Online Capacity 120.6(e) On-Off Switch 110.4(a) On-Site Heat Recovery 120.6(h) Opaque 120.6(h), 120.7(a), 120.7(b)6, 7, 120.7(c), 140.3(d)2, 141.0(b)1A, 141.0(b)1B,
2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 315
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
INDEX
140.4(b), 140.
Frequently asked questions
Can a building owner allow smoking 20 feet from an entry if they post no-smoking signs?
No. CALGreen requires 25 feet clearance from entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows per § A6.504.9, unless a local ordinance is stricter; signage alone does not replace the distance requirement.
Where do I find the detailed moisture-proofing and ventilation requirements CALGreen requires?
Appendix § A6.505.2 directs you to the California Building Code, Section 1203 and Chapter 14 for the detailed requirements (flashing, WRB, ventilation rates, etc.). Follow those CBC sections for specifics.
If a campus policy bans smoking within 50 feet, which distance controls?
Follow the stricter rule. CALGreen defers to the more stringent ordinance/regulation/policy — so the 50‑ft campus policy would control over the Appendix 25‑ft requirement. § A6.504.9.
Do I need to submit documentation showing the 25‑ft buffers?
Enforcing agencies may request documentation; Appendix sections include requirements to provide verification and signage where needed. Show plan views with measured buffers and signage locations to demonstrate compliance. § A6.504.9 and related documentation guidance in the Appendix.
Does A6.505.2 change how to build walls?
No — § A6.505.2 requires buildings to meet or exceed CBC Section 1203 and Chapter 14. It does not rewrite those CBC requirements; it binds the project to the CBC provisions for moisture protection and ventilation.
More in California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
- Administration (Chapter 1)
- Nonresidential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A5 — divisions A5.1–A5.6, electives & verification)
- Residential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 4)
- Definitions (Chapter 2)
- Voluntary Standards for Health Facilities (Appendix A6 / OSHPD guidance)
- Green Building – scope, mixed occupancies, phased projects (Chapter 3)
- Residential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A4 — divisions A4.1–A4.6, tiers & model ordinance)
- Nonresidential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 5)
- Compliance verification, construction documents & checklists (Section 102, Chapter 7, Appendix checklists)
- Referenced Organizations and Standards (Chapter 6)
- Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2 (performance tiers, thresholds)
- Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications (Chapter 7)
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Materials, Finishes & Indoor Environmental Quality (A6.504–A6.505)
California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)