CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

What are the cool roof and EV parking/charging requirements for Tier 1?

For Tier 1 nonresidential projects in CALGreen you must install a **cool roof** that meets the aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance (or SRI) values shown in **§ A5.106.11.2** and **Table § A5.106.11.2.2**, and provide **EV-capable parking infrastructure** (raceways, reserved panel space for 208/240 V 40 A branch circuits, or meet the Tier 1 power-allocation kVA tables) under **§ A5.106.5.3.1**; both the cool-roof table values and the EV tables give the decision-ready numeric thresholds you must meet.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — in plain English

  • For Tier 1 nonresidential projects, you must use a cool roof that meets the aged solar reflectance, thermal emittance, or SRI values specified in § A5.106.11.2 and Table § A5.106.11.2.2.
  • You must also provide EV infrastructure—at minimum the EV-capable raceways and panel capacity (and the other equipment/installation options in the section) required for Tier 1 in § A5.106.5.3.1 (or use the power-allocation alternative tables).

The single most important rule: use roofing materials meeting the aged reflectance/emittance (or SRI) values in § A5.106.11.2 and provide EV-capable parking infrastructure per § A5.106.5.3.1 (raceways, panel space and load capacity) — then apply the Tier 1 tables for exact numeric thresholds.

Requirements in detail

Cool roof — what to provide

  • Use roofing materials complying with § A5.106.11.2 (cool roof) by meeting either:
    • the minimum aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance values in Table § A5.106.11.2.2, or
    • the minimum aged SRI values shown in that same table.
  • If CRRC (Cool Roof Rating Council) aged values are not available, use the CRRC initial value and the formula specified in § A5.106.11.2.1 to compute the aged value.

Decision-relevant cool-roof values (Tier 1)

Decision dimension Value (Tier 1) Code Reference
Roof slope ≤ 2:12 (low slope) — minimum aged solar reflectance 0.63 § A5.106.11.2.2
Roof slope ≤ 2:12 — thermal emittance 0.75 § A5.106.11.2.2
Roof slope ≤ 2:12 — SRI (aged) 75 § A5.106.11.2.2
Roof slope > 2:12 (steep slope) — minimum aged solar reflectance 0.20 § A5.106.11.2.2
Roof slope > 2:12 — thermal emittance 0.75 § A5.106.11.2.2
Roof slope > 2:12 — SRI (aged) 16 § A5.106.11.2.2

Notes:

  • The cool-roof provisions include two exceptions: roof constructions with thermal mass over the membrane of ≥ 25 lb/ft² (including vegetated/green roofs), and roof areas covered by building-integrated PV/solar thermal. See § A5.106.11.2 exceptions.
  • If manufacturer CRRC aged ratings are not available, use the CRRC initial rating and the beta (ß) soiling-resistance factors in § A5.106.11.2.1 / Table A5.106.11.2.1 to compute aged reflectance.

EV parking and charging — what to provide

Key Tier 1 EV infrastructure requirements are in § A5.106.5.3.1 (EV capable spaces) and the associated Tier 1 power-allocation table (Table A5.106.5.3.2). The code offers two main approaches: (A) provide EV-capable spaces per the EV-capable-space requirements, or (B) use the power allocation method to size total kVA required for the parking field.

Decision-relevant EV dimensions / values (Tier 1)

Decision dimension Requirement or typical value (Tier 1) Code Reference
Designated parking for clean-air vehicles (Tier 1) 35% of total parking spaces (rounded up) — any mix of zero-emission, high-efficiency or carpool spaces § A5.106.5.1.1 and A5.601.2.4
EV-capable raceway size ≥ 1 in. (25 mm) raceway to terminate near each EV-capable space § A5.106.5.3.1
Panel/subpanel provision Panel/subpanel space and electrical load capacity reserved for a dedicated 208/240 V, 40 A branch circuit for each EV-capable space (deliver 30 A minimum to installed EVSE) § A5.106.5.3.1
Marking Panel circuit directory and raceway termination must be labeled “EV CAPABLE” and visibly marked § A5.106.5.3.1
Power-allocation minimum kVA (examples) For 1–9 parking spaces: 13.2 kVA; 10–25: 33 kVA; 101–150: 250.8 kVA (Tier 1 Table A5.106.5.3.2). Table A5.106.5.3.2 (Tier 1) / § A5.106.5.3 (see table)
At least one Level 2 EVSE At least one Level 2 EVSE must be provided when EVCS are installed or power-allocated. § A5.106.5.3 (notes) / Table guidance

Notes on EV options and alternatives:

  • The code permits an alternative power allocation method where designers size total kVA for the parking area by table lookup instead of individually provided EV-capable spaces; Tier 1 has Table A5.106.5.3.2 for this purpose.
  • Automatic load management systems (ALMS) are allowed and can reduce the required per-EVCS load capacity; when used, each ALMS-controlled EVSE must still deliver 30 A to a single EV and ≥ 3.3 kW when charging multiple EVs simultaneously.
  • Accessible EVCS must comply with accessibility requirements in the CBC Chapter 11B (see § 11B-228.3 reference in the code).

Exceptions & special cases

  • Cool roof exceptions: areas with roof thermal mass ≥ 25 lb/ft² over the membrane (including green roofs) and areas covered by building-integrated solar PV/thermal are exempt from the cool-roof numeric requirements. See § A5.106.11.2.
  • EV feasibility exceptions: local enforcement may waive EV infrastructure requirements on a case-by-case basis where there is no local utility service, the utility cannot supply adequate power, or where required local utility upgrades would unreasonably raise project cost; also areas using parking lifts or otherwise incapable of supporting EV charging may be excepted. See the exceptions to § 5.106.5.3 and related sections.
  • Existing building renovations: when adding/altering parking, the code requires adding EV infrastructure for the altered number of spaces (with rules depending on whether EV-capable infrastructure already exists). See § 5.106.5.4.

Common mistakes

  • Treating designated clean-air parking (35%) as identical to EV-capable or EV-ready requirements. Designated parking (clean-air) is a parking allocation requirement (35% for Tier 1, § A5.106.5.1.1), while EV-capable/EVCS infrastructure (raceways, panel capacity or kVA allocation) is a separate technical requirement in § A5.106.5.3.1.
  • Not rounding up counts. The code requires counts (e.g., designated parking spaces) to be rounded up to the nearest whole number. See § A5.106.5.1.1.
  • Using initial reflectance instead of aged reflectance without applying the required CRRC aging equation/ß factor when aged ratings are unavailable. The code prescribes the formula and ß values in § A5.106.11.2.1/Table A5.106.11.2.1.
  • Failing to reserve panel space/load capacity and label it “EV CAPABLE” per § A5.106.5.3.1. This is often an inspection point.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Project: new nonresidential building with 120 parking spaces, located in a climate zone covered by the Tier 1 table (climate zones 1–16 in the table).

Cool roof:

  • Roof is low-slope (≤ 2:12). For Tier 1 the roofing must have aged solar reflectance ≥ 0.63, thermal emittance ≥ 0.75, or SRI ≥ 75 per § A5.106.11.2.2. Select product(s) meeting those aged values or calculate aged reflectance from the initial CRRC rating per § A5.106.11.2.1.

EV charging:

  • Designated parking for clean-air vehicles (Tier 1) must be 35% of 120 = 42 spaces (rounding up rule applies; here 42 is whole). See § A5.106.5.1.1.
  • Using the Tier 1 power-allocation table (Table A5.106.5.3.2) for 101–150 spaces, the minimum total kVA @6.6 kVA is 250.8 kVA. That equates to the capacity for about 38 Level 2 (6.6 kVA) equivalents (250.8 ÷ 6.6 ≈ 38). At least one Level 2 EVSE must be installed, and the design must either provide the EV-capable raceways and reserved panel space per § A5.106.5.3.1 or implement the power allocation approach.

Related provisions (CALGreen)

  • § A5.106.11.2 — Cool roof requirements (criteria, exceptions, aged-value rules).
  • § A5.106.11.2.2 — Table with Tier 1 numeric values (solar reflectance, emittance, SRI).
  • § A5.106.5.3.1 — EV-capable spaces requirements (raceway, panel space, branch-circuit sizing, marking).
  • § A5.106.5.3.2 / Table A5.106.5.3.2 — Tier 1 EVCS power-allocation method (kVA by parking-size ranges).
  • § A5.106.5.1.1 — Designated parking for clean-air vehicles (Tier 1 = 35%).
  • § A5.601.2.4 — Tier 1 voluntary measures listing (calls out cool roof and EV charging as Tier 1 requirements).

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 409.4 High relevance — show source text

    Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the
    solar insolation without shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
    3.
    Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|

    A5.601.1 Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by local government as specified in Section 101.7. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating addi

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    tional green building measures for newly constructed nonresidential buildings as well as additions and alterations. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level. Refer to the provisions in Section 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations scope and application.

    A5.601.2 CALGreen Tier 1

    A5.601.2.1 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.

    A5.601.2.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.

    A5.601.2.3 Tier 1. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.1.

    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:

    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:

    1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

    2. Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.

    3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    6. 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.

    1. From Division A5.4,
  • CALGreen § 601.2.4 High 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:

    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:

    1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

    2. Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.

    3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    6. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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 § 405.4 High relevance — show source text
    1. 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.

    1. 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:

    1. 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

    1. From Division A5.2 comply with TWO of the following:

    2. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

    3. Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.

    4. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    5. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    7. From Division A5.3,

  • CALGreen § 602.1 High relevance — show source text

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    APPENDIX A5-40 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A5.6 – VOLUNTARY TIERS

    SECTION A5.601—CALGreen TIER 1 AND TIER 2 Col2 Col3 Col4
    TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)
    CATEGORY ENVIRONMENTAL
    PERFORMANCE GOAL    		 TIER 1 TIER 2
    All Minimum Mandatory
    (See Mandatory Checklist)    		 Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 1 Checklist)    		 Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 2 Checklist)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Reuse of existing building See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements    		 See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Designated Parking for
    Fuel Efficient Vehicles
    (Tier 1 and Tier 2 only)    		 Approx. 35% of total spaces Approx. 50% of total spaces
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Electric Vehicle Charging Approx. 30% of total spaces Approx. 45% of total spaces
    **DIVISION 5.
  • CALGreen § 601.3.4 High relevance — show source text

    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:

    1. 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

    1. From Division A5.2 comply with TWO of the following:

    2. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

    3. Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.

    4. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    5. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    7. From Division A5.3,

    a. Comply with the 20-percent reduction for indoor potable water use in Section A5.303.2.3.2. b. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.

    1. From Division A5.4,

    a. Comply with recycled content of 15 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 A5.405.4.1. b. Comply with the 80-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.

    1. From Division A5.5,

    a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 100 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7.1. Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list and no added formaldehyde in Section A5.504.4.8.1.

    c. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division. 6. Comply with three additional elective measures 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.

    A5.601.4 Compliance verification. Compliance with Section A5.601.2 or A5.601.3 shall be as required in Chapter 7 of this code. Compliance documentation shall be made part of the project record as required in Section 5.410.2 or 5.410.3.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-43

  • CALGreen § 106.5.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-5

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.106.5.1.1 Tier 1. Provide 35 percent designated parking spaces of the total number of parking spaces, for any combination of zero-emitting, high-efficiency and carpool/vanpool vehicles. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

    Note: Designated parking for clean air vehicles shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies. A5.106.5.1.2 Tier 2. Provide 50 percent designated parking spaces of the total number of parking spaces, for any combination of zero-emitting, high-efficiency and carpool/vanpool vehicles. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

    Note: Designated parking for clean air vehicles shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies. A5.106.5.1.3 Future charging spaces. Future EV charging spaces qualify as designated parking as described in Section A5.106.5.1 Designated parking for clean air vehicles. Note: Future EV charging spaces shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies. A5.106.5.1.4 Parking stall marking. Paint, in the paint used for stall striping, the following characters such that the lower edge of the last word aligns with the end of the stall striping and is visible beneath a parked vehicle:

    CLEAN AIR/ VANPOOL/EV Note: Vehicles bearing Clean Air Vehicle stickers from expired HOV lane programs may be considered eligible for designated parking spaces. A5.106.5.1.5 Vehicle designations. Building managers may consult with local community Transit Management Associations (TMAs) for methods of designating qualifying vehicles, such as issuing parking stickers. Notes:

    1. Information on qualifying vehicles, car labeling regulations and DMV CAV decals may be obtained from the following sources:

    a. California DriveClean.

    b. California Air Resources Board.

    c. US EPA fuel economy regulations and standards. d. DMV Registration Operations. 2. Purchasing policy and refueling sites for zero-emitting vehicles for state employees use can be found at the Department of General Services.

    A5.106.5.2 Reserved.

    A5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging. [N] Construction shall comply with Section A5.106.5.3.1 Tier 1 or A5.106.5.3.3 Tier 2, and in accordance with regulations in the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code. A5.106.5.3.1 Tier 1. Comply with Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces, Section 5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations and associated Table A5.106.5.3.1, or comply with Section A5.106.5.3.2 Tier 1 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—power allocation method and associated Table A5.106.5.3.2. Refer to Section 5.106.5.3.2 for the permitted use of Level 2 or Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) to create EVCS.

  • CALGreen § 106.5.3.2 High relevance — show source text

    Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
    2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.
    3. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.|1. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
    2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.
    3. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.|1. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
    2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.
    3. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.|1. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
    2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.
    3. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.|

    A5.106.5.3.2 Tier 1 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—power allocation method. The power allocation method may be used as an alternative to the requirements in Section 5.106.5.3.1, Section 5.106.5.3.2, and associated Table A5.106.5.3.1. Use Table A5.106.5.3.2 to determine the total power in kVA required based on the total number of actual parking spaces.

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    Power allocation method shall include the following:

    1. Use any kVA combination of EV capable spaces, low power Level 2, Level 2 or DCFC EVSEs.
    2. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.
    TABLE A5.106.5.3.2—TIER 1 EVCS—POWER ALLOCATION METHOD Col2 Col3 Col4
    TOTAL NUMBER OF
    ACTUAL PARKING SPACES    		 MINIMUM TOTAL kVA
    @ 6.6 kVA    		 OTHER THAN OFFICE AND RETAIL
    TOTAL kVA REQUIRED
    IN ANY COMBINATION OF EV
    CAPABLE3, 4, LOW POWER LEVEL 2
    LEVEL 21, 2, OR DCFC    		 OFFICE AND RETAIL
    TOTAL kVA REQUIRED
    IN ANY COMBINATION OF EV
    CAPABLE3, 4, LOW POWER LEVEL 2
    LEVEL 21, 2, OR DCFC
    1–9 13.2 13.2 13.2
    10–25 33 33 33
    26–50 72.6 72.6 72.6
    51–75 125.4 125.4 125.4
    76–100 171.6 171.6 171.6
    101–150 250.8 250.8 250.8
    151–200 349.8 349.8 349.8
    201 and over 30 percent of
    actual parking spaces× 6.6    		 Total required kVA = P× .
  • CALGreen § 106.8.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    A4.106.8.1.1 Identification. The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device designated for future EV charging purposes as “EV READY” in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The receptacle or blank cover shall be identified as “EV READY.”

    A4.106.8.2 New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels shall meet the following requirements.

    A4.106.8.2.1 Multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels.

    Tier 1. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels.

    1. EV ready parking spaces with receptacles. a. Hotels and motels. Sixty (60) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles. b. Raceway capacity requirements. To allow for future upgrades to the electrical conductors serving low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles, the listed raceway serving such receptacles shall be sized to allow

    APPENDIX A4-6 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    the installation of a dedicated 208/240-volt 40-ampere branch circuit. Where no raceway is used, the conductors shall be sized to accommodate a 208/240-volt 40-ampere receptacle.

    Exception: Hotels and motels may substitute Level 2 EV chargers for some or all of the required EV charging receptacles. 2. EV ready parking spaces with EV chargers. a. Hotels and motels. Forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces for hotels and motels shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers. b. Multifamily parking facilities with unassigned or common use parking. In addition to the low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle requirements of Section A4.106.8 (Tier 1, subsection 1), forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers and shall be made available for use by all residents or guests.

    Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to automated mechanicalaccess open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging.

    A4.106.8.2.2 Technical requirements. The EV spaces required by Section A4.106.8.2 shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 4.106.4.2, 4.106.4.2.2.1.1, 4.106.4.2.2.1.2, and 4.106.4.2.5.

    SECTION A4.107 (RESERVED)

    SECTION A4.108 —INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

    A4.108.1 Innovative concepts and local environmental conditions. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, method, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code. This code does not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county government to make necessary changes to the provisions contained in this code pursuant to Section 101.7.1.

  • CALGreen § 106.5 High relevance — show source text

    Lockers shall be lockable with either padlock or combination lock.
    2. Tenant spaces housing more than 10 tenant-occupants within buildings sharing common toilet facilities need not comply; however, such common shower facilities shall
    accommodate the total number of tenant-occupants served by the toilets and include a minimum of one unisex shower and two 2-tier lockers.|1. One 2-tier locker serves two people. Lockers shall be lockable with either padlock or combination lock.
    2. Tenant spaces housing more than 10 tenant-occupants within buildings sharing common toilet facilities need not comply; however, such common shower facilities shall
    accommodate the total number of tenant-occupants served by the toilets and include a minimum of one unisex shower and two 2-tier lockers.|1. One 2-tier locker serves two people. Lockers shall be lockable with either padlock or combination lock.
    2. Tenant spaces housing more than 10 tenant-occupants within buildings sharing common toilet facilities need not comply; however, such common shower facilities shall
    accommodate the total number of tenant-occupants served by the toilets and include a minimum of one unisex shower and two 2-tier lockers.|

    A5.106.5 Reserved.

    A5.106.5.1 Designated parking for clean air vehicles. In new projects or additions or alterations that add 10 or more vehicular parking spaces, provide designated parking for any combination of zero-emitting, high-efficiency and carpool/vanpool vehicles as listed in code Sections A5.106.5.1.1 or A5.106.5.1.2.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-5

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

    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.106.5.1.1 Tier 1. Provide 35 percent designated parking spaces of the total number of parking spaces, for any combination of zero-emitting, high-efficiency and carpool/vanpool vehicles. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

    Note: Designated parking for clean air vehicles shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies. A5.106.5.1.2 Tier 2. Provide 50 percent designated parking spaces of the total number of parking spaces, for any combination of zero-emitting, high-efficiency and carpool/vanpool vehicles. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

    Note: Designated parking for clean air vehicles shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies. A5.106.5.1.3 Future charging spaces. Future EV charging spaces qualify as designated parking as described in Section A5.106.5.1 Designated parking for clean air vehicles. Note: Future EV charging spaces shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies. A5.106.5.1.4 Parking stall marking. Paint, in the paint used for stall striping, the following characters such that the lower edge of the last word aligns with the end of the stall striping and is visible beneath a parked vehicle:

  • CALGreen § 5.106.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    5.106.5 Electric vehicle (EV) charging.

    5.106.5.1 Reserved.

    5.106.5.2 Reserved.

    5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging. [N] [BSC-CG] Construction to provide electric vehicle infrastructure and facilitate electric vehicle charging shall comply with Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces, Section 5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1, or Section 5.106.5.3.6 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—Power allocation method and associated Table 5.106.5.3.6, and shall be provided in accordance with regulations in the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code. Exceptions:

    1. On a case-by-case basis where the local enforcing agency has determined compliance with this section is not feasible based upon one of the following conditions: a. Where there is no local utility power supply. b. Where the local utility is unable to supply adequate power. c. Where there is evidence suitable to the local enforcement agency substantiating that additional local utility infrastructure design requirements, directly related to the implementation of Section 5.106.5.3, may adversely impact the construction cost of the project.

    2. Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to, automated mechanical-access open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging. 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces. [N] EV capable spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 5.106.5.3.1 and the following requirements:

    3. Raceways complying with the California Electrical Code and no less than 1-inch (25 mm) diameter shall be provided and shall originate at a service panel or a subpanel(s) serving the area, and shall terminate in close proximity to the proposed location of the EV capable space and into a suitable listed cabinet, box, enclosure or equivalent. A common raceway may be used to serve multiple EV capable spaces.

    4. A service panel or subpanel(s) shall be provided with panel space and electrical load capacity for a dedicated 208/240 volt, 40-ampere minimum branch circuit for each EV capable space, with delivery of 30-ampere minimum to an installed EVSE at each EVCS.

    5. The electrical system and any on-site distribution transformers shall have sufficient capacity to supply full rated amperage at each EV capable space.

    6. The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the reserved overcurrent protective device space(s) as “EV CAPABLE”. The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as “EV CAPABLE.” Note: A parking space served by electric vehicle supply equipment or designed as a future EV charging space shall count as at least one standard automobile parking space only for the purpose of complying with any applicable minimum parking space requirements established by an enforcement agency. See Vehicle Code Section 22511.2 for further details.

  • CALGreen § 106.8 Medium relevance — show source text
    1. Use open grid pavement system or pervious or permeable pavement system.
    2. Locate 50 percent of parking underground or use multilevel parking.
    3. Other methods of reducing heat island effects acceptable to the enforcing agency.

    Note: Local agencies may have ordinances requiring mitigation of heat island effects through building or parking lot shading, tree plantings, landscaping, use of pervious pavements and other approved methods.

    A4.106.8 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction. New construction shall comply with Section A4.106.8.1 or A4.106.8.2, to facilitate the installation and use of EV ready spaces. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall comply with the California Electrical Code .

    A4.106.8.1 New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages.

    Tier 1 and Tier 2. For each dwelling unit, a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit shall be installed in the raceway required by Section 4.106.4.1. The branch circuit and associated overcurrent protective device shall be rated at 40 amperes minimum. Other electrical components, including a receptacle or blank cover, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

    A4.106.8.1.1 Identification. The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device designated for future EV charging purposes as “EV READY” in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The receptacle or blank cover shall be identified as “EV READY.”

    A4.106.8.2 New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels shall meet the following requirements.

    A4.106.8.2.1 Multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels.

    Tier 1. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels.

    1. EV ready parking spaces with receptacles. a. Hotels and motels. Sixty (60) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles. b. Raceway capacity requirements. To allow for future upgrades to the electrical conductors serving low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles, the listed raceway serving such receptacles shall be sized to allow

    APPENDIX A4-6 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    the installation of a dedicated 208/240-volt 40-ampere branch circuit. Where no raceway is used, the conductors shall be sized to accommodate a 208/240-volt 40-ampere receptacle.

Frequently asked questions

Do cool-roof values differ by climate zone?

Yes. The Tier 1 table lists values by roof slope and by the climate zones shown (Table § A5.106.11.2.2). For the Tier 1 table excerpt climate zones 1–16 are shown; use the table row that matches your roof slope and climate zone. § A5.106.11.2 and Table § A5.106.11.2.2.

If a roof will later host PV, do I still need a cool roof?

Roof areas covered by building-integrated PV or solar thermal are an exception to the cool-roof numeric requirements in § A5.106.11.2. If PV is not building-integrated (i.e., PV racks above the membrane), check local enforcement interpretation.

How do I show compliance for EV-capable spaces?

Documented plans must show the 1 in. raceway terminations, reserved panel space and load capacity sized for a 208/240 V, 40 A branch circuit per EV-capable space, and marking “EV CAPABLE” as required in § A5.106.5.3.1. Alternatively, provide the total kVA per the Tier 1 power-allocation table and show at least one Level 2 EVSE.

Can I use ALMS (load management) to reduce infrastructure costs?

Yes. ALMS is permitted; when used it can reduce required electrical load capacity. Each ALMS-controlled EVSE must still deliver 30 A to a single EV and ≥ 3.3 kW when charging multiple EVs, per the EV section.

Are there waivers for sites without utility power?

Local enforcement can grant exceptions where there is no local utility power or the utility cannot supply adequate power, per the exceptions to the EV charging requirements. § 5.106.5.3 exceptions.

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