CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
How can jurisdictions adopt or enforce voluntary tiers?
If your city wants to make CALGreen’s voluntary Tier 1 or Tier 2 requirements mandatory locally, you must adopt an ordinance, make and file the required findings with the state, and—if you are tightening energy rules—get California Energy Commission approval; once those steps are complete the local enforcing agency can require the tier checklists and documentation at plan check.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
Local governments may choose to adopt the CALGreen voluntary tiers (Tier 1 / Tier 2) from the appendices and, once adopted, the local enforcing agency may apply and enforce them. The basic rule is given in § 304.1.1 (voluntary tiers may be adopted by local governments and, when adopted, enforced by local enforcing agencies) and adoption of any local amendments/additions/deletions must follow the procedures and findings set out in § 101.7.
The single most important rule: local jurisdictions may adopt the appendices’ voluntary tiers by ordinance, but must make and file the required findings and follow the filing/approval steps in § 101.7 before those local requirements become effective.
Requirements in detail
Who may adopt and who enforces?
- Who may adopt: City, county, or city and county governments may adopt voluntary tiers from the CALGreen appendices (residential Appendix A4 and nonresidential Appendix A5). § 304.1.1.
- Who enforces: The local enforcing agency (local building department or other local enforcing agency identified in Chapter 1) enforces the tiers once adopted. § 304.1.1.
What paperwork & findings are required before local adoption takes effect?
- Jurisdictions must prepare express findings supporting each amendment, addition or deletion (typically based on climatic, topographical or geological conditions or other local environmental conditions). § 101.7.1 (1).
- The jurisdiction must file the marked amendments/additions/deletions together with the findings with the California Building Standards Commission (and where specified, with other state agencies). § 101.7.1 (2–3).
- If the local change affects energy standards, the locality must obtain the California Energy Commission’s approval (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10‑106 process) before enforcement. § 101.7.1 (4) and A5 energy adoption guidance.
Variance / modification for individual projects
- The local enforcing agency may grant modifications where strict compliance with a tier threshold is impractical for an individual case, provided the agency finds a special individual reason and records the action. § 304.1.1.
Documentation & verification
- Projects must provide documentation showing conformance with the selected tier measures; jurisdictions may require completed checklists and supporting documentation per Section 102.2–102.3 (construction documents, verification). § 102.2 / § 102.3.
Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference table)
| Decision dimension | Typical values / thresholds | What to check before adopting | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who can adopt | City, county, or city and county | Local legislative action (ordinance/resolution) adopting Appendix measures | § 304.1.1 |
| Enforceability | Enforceable after local adoption + required filings | Ensure findings filed with BSC and CEC sign‑off if energy changes | § 101.7 / § 101.7.1 |
| Energy-related changes | Any local energy standard requires CEC approval (Title 24, Part 1, §10‑106) | Prepare application to CEC; file ordinance and findings with BSC | § 101.7.1 (4) and A5.201.1 |
| Variances / modifications | Allowed for individual cases where strict letter is impractical | Enforcing agency must find modification conforms with intent and record action | § 304.1.1 |
| Documentation required | Completed checklists, product specs, verification reports | Use CALGreen checklists (A4/A5) and construction documents per §102 | § 102.2–102.3 |
| Tier-specific measures (examples) | EV parking: ~35% (Tier 1), ~50% (Tier 2); Cool‑roof required for Tier 1/2; Tier 2 energy +15% | Review Appendix A5 (A5.601 and tables) for full lists | § A5.601 / § 305.1.2 |
(Always read the Appendix checklist for the full set of prerequisites and electives before drafting local language.)
Exceptions & special cases
- Practical difficulty / individual modifications: the enforcing agency may grant case‑by‑case modifications if strict compliance is impractical and the modification advances the intent — the agency must record details. § 304.1.1.
- Energy standards: If the jurisdiction’s local adoption would impose a local energy standard (i.e., make voluntary energy measures mandatory locally), the jurisdiction must complete the CEC approval process and file findings before enforcement. See § 101.7.1 (4) and A5.201.1.
- State‑agency regulated occupancies: Some occupancies are regulated by state agencies (OSHPD, DSA, HCD, etc.). Check Chapter 1 matrix to determine whether a local adoption interacts with state agency adoption/enforcement. See Chapter 1 (application / adopting agency matrix).
Common mistakes
- Treating the appendices as automatically enforceable: the appendices are voluntary unless the local jurisdiction adopts them and completes required findings/filings per § 101.7.
- Skipping the CEC approval step when the local change affects energy standards — that invalidates local enforcement of energy provisions. § 101.7.1 (4) and A5.201.1 require CEC review for local energy standards.
- Not recording or documenting modifications: any local modification/grant of variance under § 304.1.1 must be recorded in the enforcing agency files.
- Using incomplete documentation at plan check: CALGreen checklists and the construction documents must clearly show how voluntary tier measures are achieved (see § 102.2–102.3).
Worked example — concrete scenario
City of "Greentop" wants to require nonresidential new construction to meet CALGreen Tier 1 measures.
- Draft ordinance/resolution adopting Appendix A5 Tier 1 measures as mandatory locally; include the specific Appendix sections to be adopted. (See model language in the residential model ordinance guidance in Appendix A4 for format and key elements.)
- Prepare express findings that justify the change (based on local environmental conditions — e.g., urban heat island concern, high fleet trips requiring EV readiness) as required by § 101.7.1 (1).
- If the adopted Tier includes local energy requirements (for example, an energy performance target), submit the local ordinance and application to the California Energy Commission for the required finding under Title 24, Part 1, §10‑106 before enforcement. § 101.7.1 (4) and A5.201.1.
- File the marked ordinance and findings with the California Building Standards Commission (BSC) (address per § 101.7.1 (2)). Outcome timing: the local amendment’s effective date cannot be earlier than the Code’s effective date; typically the effective date is when filed per § 101.7.
- At plan check, require applicants to submit the appropriate CALGreen Tier 1 checklist, construction documents showing the measures (e.g., designated EV parking ≈ 35%, cool roof documentation, required electives), and verification per § 102.2–102.3.
Numeric example: A 200‑space office project subject to Tier 1 adopting the A5.601 table would be expected to provide roughly 35% designated parking for high‑efficiency vehicles → about 70 spaces, and provide EV charging per the applicable table and footnotes in Appendix A5.
Related provisions (quick list)
- § 304.1.1 — Voluntary tiers may be adopted/enforced by local governments.
- § 101.7 / § 101.7.1 — City/county findings, filings and CEC approval process for local amendments/additions/deletions (energy rules).
- § A5.201.1 — Scope and CEC filing requirements when local jurisdictions adopt voluntary energy provisions as local energy standards.
- § 305.1.1 / § 305.1.2 — CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 performance references (energy performance thresholds such as Tier 2 = +15% in certain healthcare modeling).
- § A4.701.1 — Model ordinance guidance and sample resolution for jurisdictions adopting Tier 1 or Tier 2 (residential).
- § 102.2 / § 102.3 — Construction documents and verification requirements for green building measures (what to collect at plan check).
- § A5.601 and related checklists (A5.602, A5.602.1, A5.602.2) — Tier checklists and verification guidance (use these for local enforcement checklists).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 304.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 304—VOLUNTARY TIERS
304.1 Purpose. Voluntary tiers are intended to further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.
304.1.1 Tiers. The provisions of Divisions A4.6 and A5.6 outline means, in the form of voluntary tiers, for achieving enhanced construction levels by incorporating additional measures for residential and nonresidential new construction. Voluntary tiers may be adopted by local governments and, when adopted, enforced by local enforcing agencies. Buildings complying with tiers specified for each occupancy contain additional prerequisite and elective green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each tier. See Section 101.7 of this code for procedures and requirements related to local amendments, additions or deletions, including changes to energy standards.
[BSC & HCD] Where there are practical difficulties involved in complying with the threshold levels of a tier, the enforcing agency may grant modifications for individual cases. The enforcing agency shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of the tier impractical and that modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the measure. The details of any action granting modification shall be recorded and entered in the files of the enforcing agency.
SECTION 305 [OSHPD 1]— CALGreen TIER 1 AND CALGreen TIER 2
305.1 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 buildings contain voluntary green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level.
305.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. To achieve CALGreen Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” found online at http://www.energysoft.com/main/page_ downloads_ sbd_healthcare.html.
305.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.
SECTION 306 [DSA-SS]—VOLUNTARY MEASURES
306.1 Purpose. For public schools and community colleges, voluntary measures further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.
306.1.1 Appendix A5, Divisions A5.1 through A5.5, outline means of achieving enhanced sustainable design and construction by incorporating voluntary measures that exceed the mandatory measures.
306.1.2 Chapter 5 Nonresidential Mandatory Measures that are not adopted as mandatory measures by DSA-SS are voluntary measures recommended and encouraged for the design, construction, verification and maintenance of non-energy systems.
Note: The building commissioning requirements for energy efficiency specified in the California Energy Code are required.
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 4 – RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CALGreen § 301.5 High relevance — show source text
301.5 Health Facilities. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Health facilities under the jurisdiction of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) are required to comply with the mandatory measures prescribed in Section 5.304, Outdoor Water Use. Compliance with Section 5.304, as adopted by the Building Standards Commission, is enforced by the local agency having jurisdiction. Evidence of local approval shall be submitted to OSHPD prior to issuance of plan approval or a building permit.
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GREEN BUILDING
SECTION 302—MIXED OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS
302.1 Mixed occupancy buildings. In mixed occupancy buildings, each portion of a building shall comply with the specific green building measures applicable to each specific occupancy.
Exceptions:
- [HCD] Accessory structures and accessory occupancies serving residential buildings shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.
- [HCD] For the purposes of CALGreen, live/work units, complying with Section 508.5 of the California Building Code, shall not be considered mixed occupancies. Live/work units shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.
SECTION 303—PHASED PROJECTS
303.1 Phased projects. For shell buildings and others constructed for future tenant improvements, only those code measures relevant to the building components and systems considered to be new construction (or newly constructed) shall apply.
303.1.1 Initial tenant improvements. The provisions of this code shall apply only to the initial tenant improvements to a project. Subsequent tenant improvements shall comply with the scoping provisions in Section 301.3 nonresidential additions and alterations.
SECTION 304—VOLUNTARY TIERS
304.1 Purpose. Voluntary tiers are intended to further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.
304.1.1 Tiers. The provisions of Divisions A4.6 and A5.6 outline means, in the form of voluntary tiers, for achieving enhanced construction levels by incorporating additional measures for residential and nonresidential new construction. Voluntary tiers may be adopted by local governments and, when adopted, enforced by local enforcing agencies. Buildings complying with tiers specified for each occupancy contain additional prerequisite and elective green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each tier. See Section 101.7 of this code for procedures and requirements related to local amendments, additions or deletions, including changes to energy standards.
[BSC & HCD] Where there are practical difficulties involved in complying with the threshold levels of a tier, the enforcing agency may grant modifications for individual cases. The enforcing agency shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of the tier impractical and that modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the measure. The details of any action granting modification shall be recorded and entered in the files of the enforcing agency.
SECTION 305 [OSHPD 1]— CALGreen TIER 1 AND CALGreen TIER 2
305.1 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 buildings contain voluntary green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level.
CALGreen § 101.7. High relevance — show source text
Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
3. These measures are currently required elsewhere in statute or in regulation.|1. Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
3. These measures are currently required elsewhere in statute or in regulation.|2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-29
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DIVISION A4.7 – RESIDENTIAL MODEL ORDINANCE
A4.701.1 General. The voluntary measures of this code are designed and promulgated to be adopted by reference and made mandatory by local ordinance pursuant to Section 101.7. Jurisdictions wishing to adopt the voluntary provisions of this code as an enforceable regulation governing structures and premises should ensure that certain factual information is included in the adopting ordinance and that the measures are appropriate and achievable and are considered to be suitable as mandatory by the city, county, or city and county. The following sample adoption ordinance addresses several key elements of a code adoption ordinance, including the information required for insertion into the code text.
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.
SAMPLE RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION OF THE TIER 1 OR TIER 2 PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE WITH OR WITHOUT ADDITIONAL ITEMS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS OR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
ATTACHMENT___.
SAMPLE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDICES AS A MANDATORY REFERENCE STANDARD
CITY OF ________________________
RESOLUTION # __________________
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ENHANCED GREEN BUILDING MEASURES FOR NEW AND EXISTING RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION.
WHEREAS, the City/County of ______’s (City or County) General Plan sets forth goals for preserving and improving the natural and built environment of the City/County, protecting the health of its residents and visitors, and fostering its economy; and
WHEREAS, green building is a holistic approach to design, construction and demolition that minimizes the building’s impact on the environment, the occupants and the community; and
WHEREAS, green buildings benefit building industry professionals, residents and communities by improving construction quality; increasing building durability; reducing utility, maintenance, water and energy costs; creating healthier homes; and enhancing comfort and livability; and
WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code appendices have included voluntary tiers to provide a city, county, or city and county, building professionals, and the general public with a range of voluntary green building measures for builders to choose from when constructing homes in California; and
CALGreen § 405.4 High relevance — show source text
- From Division A5.4,
a. Comply with recycled content of 10 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4. b. Comply with the 65-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
- From Division A5.5,
a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.
1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.
A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.
A5.601.3.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.
A5.601.3.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.
A5.601.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.
A5.601.3.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 2. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.3.1 and A5.601.3.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 2:
- From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for fuel efficient vehicles for a minimum of 50 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.2 with footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.3. [1]
d. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
From Division A5.2 comply with TWO of the following:
Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
From Division A5.3,
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 § 3-4 Medium relevance — show source text
302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3
4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3
5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3 5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19 5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 5-23 5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS
AND STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
CHAPTER 7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL
INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 701 General (Reserved) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3 702 Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
CALGreen § 305.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
305.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.
SECTION 306 [DSA-SS]—VOLUNTARY MEASURES
306.1 Purpose. For public schools and community colleges, voluntary measures further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.
306.1.1 Appendix A5, Divisions A5.1 through A5.5, outline means of achieving enhanced sustainable design and construction by incorporating voluntary measures that exceed the mandatory measures.
306.1.2 Chapter 5 Nonresidential Mandatory Measures that are not adopted as mandatory measures by DSA-SS are voluntary measures recommended and encouraged for the design, construction, verification and maintenance of non-energy systems.
Note: The building commissioning requirements for energy efficiency specified in the California Energy Code are required.
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 4 – RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowX Chapter/Section Division 4.2 † X The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.
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CALGreen § 1-5 Medium relevance — show source text
102 Construction Documents
and Installation Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
103 Building Standards Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5 104 Department of Housing and Community Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6 105 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
106 Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
CHAPTER 3 GREEN BUILDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3
4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3
CALGreen § 601.2.4 Medium relevance — show source text
A5.601.2.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 1. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.2.1 and A5.601.2.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 1:
- From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for high-efficiency vehicles for a minimum of 35 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.1 w/ footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.2. [1]
d. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 2. From Division A5.2 comply with ONE of the following:
Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
From Division A5.3,
a. Comply with the 12-percent reduction for indoor potable water use in Section A5.303.2.3.1. b. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
- From Division A5.4,
a. Comply with recycled content of 10 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4. b. Comply with the 65-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
- From Division A5.5,
a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.
1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.
A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.
A5.601.3.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.
A5.601.3.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.
A5.601.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.
CALGreen § 504.4.8 Medium relevance — show source text
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
A5.106.11.2 Heat island effect – hardscape alternatives A5.106.11, A5.106.11.1 Landscape design A4.106.3 Light pollution reduction 5.106.8 Low impact development A5.106.3 Reduce parking capacity A5.106.6 Shade trees 5.106.12, A5.106.11.3 Soil analysis and protection A4.106.2 Storm water management A5.106.2 Water permeable surfaces A4.106.4 Site Preservation A4.104, A5.104 Reduce development footprint and optimize open space A5.104.1 Site Selection A4.103, A5.103 Brownfield, greyfield or infill site development A5.103.2 Community connectivity A4.103.2, A5.103.1
Voluntary Measures 301.1, 306 Voluntary Tiers 304, 305, 306, A4.601, A5.601
Water Resistance and Moisture Management 5.407, 5.505, A4.407, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.407 Moisture control 4.505, 5.407.2, 5.505, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.407.9, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.505.2 Weather protection 5.407.1, A5.407.3
Water Reuse Systems A4.305 Graywater A4.305.1, A5.304.8 Recycled water for landscape irrigation A4.305.3 Recycled water piping A4.305.2 Water Use, Indoor 4.303, 5.303, A4.303, A5.203
Appliances A4.303.3, A5.303.3, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.210 Dual plumbing A5.303.5 Fixture flow rates 4.303.1, Table A5.303.2.3.1, 5.303.2.3.1, A4.303 Kitchen faucets and dishwashers
A4.303.1
Meters 4.303.2, 5.303.1 Multiple showerheads serving one shower 4.303.1.3.2, 5.303.3.3.2 Nonwater urinals and waterless toilets
CALGreen § 106.9 Medium relevance — show source text
FEATURE OR MEASURE COMPLIANCE LEVELS Col3 Col4 NOTES FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenFEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
CALGreenTier 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 Medium relevance — show source text
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
FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.1 Site Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-32 A6.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-33
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INDEX-1
HISTORY NOTE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HIST-1
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viii 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION
(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
CGBSC § 2025 High relevance — show source text
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.
SAMPLE RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION OF THE TIER 1 OR TIER 2 PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE WITH OR WITHOUT ADDITIONAL ITEMS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS OR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
ATTACHMENT___.
SAMPLE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDICES AS A MANDATORY REFERENCE STANDARD
CITY OF ________________________
RESOLUTION # __________________
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ENHANCED GREEN BUILDING MEASURES FOR NEW AND EXISTING RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION.
WHEREAS, the City/County of ______’s (City or County) General Plan sets forth goals for preserving and improving the natural and built environment of the City/County, protecting the health of its residents and visitors, and fostering its economy; and
WHEREAS, green building is a holistic approach to design, construction and demolition that minimizes the building’s impact on the environment, the occupants and the community; and
WHEREAS, green buildings benefit building industry professionals, residents and communities by improving construction quality; increasing building durability; reducing utility, maintenance, water and energy costs; creating healthier homes; and enhancing comfort and livability; and
WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code appendices have included voluntary tiers to provide a city, county, or city and county, building professionals, and the general public with a range of voluntary green building measures for builders to choose from when constructing homes in California; and
WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code appendices benefited from extensive input from a city, county, or city and county, building professionals, State agencies, and recognized green building professionals and the practices contained in these guidelines were selected for their viability in today’s market and their ability to promote sustainable buildings and communities; and
WHEREAS, adoption of the California Green Building Standards Code appendices promotes statewide consistency and predictability for building professionals; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City/County hereby finds that green building design, construction and operation furthers the goals set forth in the City/County General Plan, including land use, conservation, open space and (include others, if applicable).
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that newly constructed residential buildings, alterations or additions to residential buildings shall meet the _______ (Tier 1 or Tier 2) measures contained in the California Green Building Standards Code appendices and the green building design, construction and operation innovative concepts or additions or amendment thereto contained in Attachment _____ to address local environmental conditions; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council or County Board of Supervisors of the City/County of ___________ adopts the California Green Building Standards Code appendices, as they may be amended from time to time, as a City/County mandatory reference document and directs City/County staff to enforce these green building measures as mandatory standards within the City/County.
ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-31
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CALGreen § 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections that
are listed belowX Chapter/Section Appendix A5.2 X 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-11
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5-12 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION A5.201—GENERAL
A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards. It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required findings of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106, prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modifications along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A5.202—DEFINITIONS
A5.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
GEOTHERMAL.
CALGreen § 504.8.3 Medium relevance — show source text
NONRESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST [OSHPD 1, 2 and 4] — continued
FEATURE OR MEASURE COMPLIANCE LEVELS Col3 Col4 NOTES FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenFEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
CALGreenTier 1 Tier 2 Tier 2 **A6.504.8.3 Paints and coatings.**Architectural paints and coatings shall comply with Table
A6.504.8.3.
A6.504.8.3.2 Verification.
**A6.504.8.4 Carpet systems.**All carpet installed in the building interior shall meet the
testing and product requirements of one of the standards listed in Section A6.504.8.3.
**A6.504.8.4.1 Carpet cushion.**All carpet cushion installed in the building interior shall
meet the requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label program.
**A6.504.8.4.2 Carpet adhesive.**All carpet adhesive shall meet the requirements of Table
A6.504.8.1.
**A6.504.8.5 Composite wood products.**Hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium
density fiberboard composite wood products used on the interior or exterior of the building
shall meet the requirements for formaldehyde as specified in Table A6.504.8.
**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.
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. CALGreen § 101.5.5 Medium relevance — show source text
101.5.5 Fire prevention. The provisions of CCR, Title 19, Division 1 and CCR, Title 24, Part 2 and Part 9 relating to fire and panic safety as adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall apply to all structures, processes and premises for protection from the hazard of fire, panic and explosion.
101.5.6 Energy. The provisions of the California Energy Code shall apply to the minimum design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.
101.6 Order of precedence and use.
101.6.1 Differences. In the event of any differences between these building standards and the standard reference documents, the text of these building standards shall govern. In the event a local amendment to this code results in differences between these building standards and the amendment, the text of the amendment shall govern.
101.6.2 Specific provision. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.
101.6.3 Conflicts. When the requirements of this code conflict with the requirements of any other part of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24, the most restrictive requirement shall prevail.
101.6.4 Explanatory notes. Explanatory material, such as references to websites or other sources where additional information may be found, is included in this code in the form of notes. Notes are informational only and are not enforceable requirements of this code.
101.7 City, county, or city and county amendments, additions or deletions. This code is intended to set mandatory minimum Green Building Standards and includes optional tiers that may, at the discretion of any city, county, or city and county, be applied.
This code does not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county governments to make necessary changes to the provisions contained in this code pursuant to Section 101.7.1. The effective date of amendments, additions or deletions to this code for cities, counties, or cities and counties filed pursuant to Section 101.7.1 shall be the date on which it is filed. However, in no case shall the amendments, additions or deletions to this code be effective any sooner than the effective date of this code.
Local modifications shall comply with Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5(b) for Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 for State Housing Law or Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts.
101.7.1 Findings and filings.
The city, county, or city and county shall make express findings for each amendment, addition or deletion based upon climatic, topographical or geological conditions. For the purpose of this section, climatic, topographical or geological conditions include local environmental conditions as established by the city, county, or city and county.
The city, county, or city and county shall file the amendments, additions or deletions expressly marked and identified as to the applicable findings. Cities, counties, cities and counties, and fire departments shall file the amendments, additions or deletions and the findings with the California Building Standards Commission at 2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130, Sacramento, CA 95833.
Findings prepared by fire protection districts shall be ratified by the local city, county, or city and county and filed with the California Department of Housing and Community Development at 9342 Tech Center Drive, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 95826.
CALGreen § 203.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
[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.**A commissioning plan describing how the project will be
commissioned shall be started during the design phase of the building project and shall
include as a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.3.
A6.204.4.4 Functional performance testingshall demonstrate the correct installation and
operation of each component, system and system-to-system interface in accordance with
the approved plans and specifications.
**A6.204.4.5 Post construction documentation and training.**A systems manual and
systems operations training are required.
**A6.204.4.5.1 Systems manual.**The systems manual shall be delivered to the building
owner and facilities operator and shall include the items listed in Section A6.204.4.5.1.
A6.204.4.5.2 Systems operations training. The training of the appropriate maintenance
staff for each equipment type and/or system shall include as a minimum items listed in
Section A6.204.4.5.2.
**A6.204.4.6 Commissioning report.**A complete report of commissioning process activities
undertaken through the design, construction and postconstruction phases of the building
project shall be completed and provided to the owner.||
|
|| |**A6.204.6 Building orientation and shading.CALGreen § 101.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1 ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 101—GENERAL
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Green Building Standards Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” It is intended that it shall also be known as the CALGreen Code. The California Green Building Stan- dards Code is Part 11 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code.
101.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a reduced negative impact or positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories:
- Planning and design.
- Energy efficiency.
- Water efficiency and conservation.
- Material conservation and resource efficiency.
- Environmental quality.
101.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the planning, design, operation, construction, use and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure, unless otherwise indicated in this code, throughout the State of California.
It is not the intent that this code substitute or be identified as meeting the certification requirements of any green building
program.
101.3.1 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Provisions of this code shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 103 through 106, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 101.7. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by statute.
State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California law, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 103 for additional scoping provisions.
Energy efficiency standards regulated by the California Energy Commission.
All residential buildings constructed throughout the State of California, including but not limited to, hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 104 for additional scoping provisions.
Public elementary and secondary schools, and community college buildings regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 105 for additional scoping provisions.
Qualified historical buildings and structures and their associated sites regulated by the State Historical Building Safety Board within the Division of the State Architect.
General acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing and/or intermediate care facilities, clinics licensed by the Department of Public Health and correctional treatment centers regulated by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. See Section 106 for additional scoping provisions.
Graywater systems regulated by the Department of Water Resources and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Green building standards for occupancies where no state agency has authority or expertise, adopted by the California Building Standards Commission. See Section 103 for additional scoping provisions.
CALGreen § 653-5791 Medium relevance — show source text
water.ca.gov DWRwebcomment@water.ca.gov (916) 653-5791 Plumbing for Recycled Water, Floodplain Construction
Division of the State Architect
dgs.ca.gov/DSA (916) 445-8100
Access Compliance DSAAC 445-5827 DSAaccess@dgs.ca.gov Access for Persons with Disabilities
Structural Safety [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Public Schools & Community Colleges, State Essential Services Buildings
State Historical Building Safety Board [SHBSB] (916) 445-7627 shbsb@dgs.ca.gov Historical Building Rehabilitation, Preservation, Restoration or Relocation
Energy Commission [CEC] energy.ca.gov Title24@energy.ca.gov (800) 772-3300 Building Energy Efficiency, Compliance Manual & Compliance Forms
Office of the State Fire Marshal [SFM]
osfm.fire.ca.gov codedevelopment@fire.ca.gov
(916) 568-3800 Fire & Life Safety
State Lands Commission [SLC]
slc.ca.gov MOTEMS.Public@slc.ca.gov (510) 741-4950 Marine Oil Terminals
State Librarian [SL]
library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation
iv 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments
To distinguish between model code language and the incorporated California amendments, including exclusive California standards, California amendments will appear in italics.
[BSC] This is an example of a state agency acronym used to identify an adoption or amendment by the agency. The acronyms will appear at California Amendments and in the Matrix Adoption Tables. Sections 1.2 through 1.14 in Chapter 1, Division 1 of the Cali- fornia Building Code, explain the used acronyms, the application of state agency adoptions to building occupancies or building features, the enforcement agency as designated by state law (may be the state adopting agency or local building or fire official), the authority in state law for the state agency to make the adoption, and the specific state law being implemented by the agency’s adoption. The following acronyms are used in Title 24 to identify the state adopting agency making an adoption.
Legend of Acronyms of Adopting State Agencies
BSC California Building Standards Commission (see Section 1.2)
BSC-CG California Building Standards Commission-CALGreen (see Section 1.2.2)
BSCC Board of State and Community Corrections (see Section 1.3)
SFM Office of the State Fire Marshal (see Section 1.11)
HCD 1 Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.1)
HCD 2 Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.3)
CALGreen § 323-9843 Medium relevance — show source text
State Librarian [SL]
library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation
Structural Pest Control Board [CA] pestboard.ca.gov pestboard@dca.ca.gov (800) 737-8188 Structural Pest Control Locations
Veterinary Medical Board [CA] vmb.ca.gov vmb@dca.ca.gov (916) 515-5220 Veterinary Facilities
Department of Food and Agriculture [AGR] cdfa.ca.gov (916) 900-5004 Rendering & Collection Centers (916) 900-5064 Meat & Poultry Packing Plants (916) 900-5008 Milk & Dairy Food Safety
Department of Health Care Access and Information
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
[OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] hcai.ca.gov regsunit@hcai.ca.gov (916) 440-8300 Hospital Standards, Skilled Nursing Facility Standards & Clinic Standards
Department of Public Health [DPH]
cdph.ca.gov (Recreational Health) (916) 449-5661 Food Establishments, Organized Camps, Public Swimming Pools
2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE v
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments
To distinguish between model code language and the incorporated California amendments, including exclusive California stan- dards, California amendments will appear in italics.
[BSC] This is an example of a state agency acronym used to identify an adoption or amendment by the agency. The acronyms will appear at California Amendments and in the Matrix Adoption Tables. Sections 1.2 through 1.14 in Chapter 1, Division 1 of the Cali- fornia Building Code, explain the used acronyms, the application of state agency adoptions to building occupancies or building features, the enforcement agency as designated by state law (may be the state adopting agency or local building or fire official), the authority in state law for the state agency to make the adoption, and the specific state law being implemented by the agency’s adoption. The following acronyms are used in Title 24 to identify the state adopting agency making an adoption.
Legend of Acronyms of Adopting State Agencies
BSC California Building Standards Commission (see Section 1.2)
BSC-CG California Building Standards Commission-CALGreen (see Section 1.2.2)
BSCC Board of State and Community Corrections (see Section 1.3)
SFM Office of the State Fire Marshal (see Section 1.11)
HCD 1 Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.1)
HCD 2 Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.3)
HCD 1/AC Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.2)
DSA-AC Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance (see Section 1.9.1)
DSA-SS Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (see Section 1.9.2)
Frequently asked questions
Can a city simply paste the Appendix text into a local ordinance and enforce it immediately?
No — the city must make the express findings and file the marked amendments/additions/deletions and findings with the California Building Standards Commission as required by § 101.7.1; energy‑related changes also require CEC approval before enforcement.
What if a project cannot meet a tier threshold for practical reasons?
The local enforcing agency may grant a modification for individual cases if the agency finds a special individual reason making strict compliance impractical; the action and rationale must be recorded. § 304.1.1.
Do voluntary tiers change the statewide mandatory minimums?
Not by themselves. The appendices (voluntary measures/tiers) are optional; they only become mandatory within a jurisdiction when the jurisdiction adopts them via ordinance and completes the required findings/filings per § 101.7.
If a jurisdiction adopts a voluntary tier with stricter energy requirements, who must approve it?
The California Energy Commission must find the local standard acceptable under Title 24, Part 1 (Section 10‑106) before local enforcement of energy standards — see § 101.7.1 (4) and A5.201.1.
Where should enforcement staff look for the exact list of tier prerequisites and electives?
Use the Appendix A4 (residential) and Appendix A5 (nonresidential) tier checklists (A5.601 and the A5.602 verification checklists) to determine the specific prerequisites, electives and documentation requirements.
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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