CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

How is compliance with Tier checklists documented and verified?

CALGreen checklists document which mandatory and voluntary Tier measures a nonresidential project selects. You must complete the appropriate checklist (§ A5.602, § A5.602.1 or § A5.602.2), mark each item Y/N/O, attach plan/spec references and required verification (product data, reports, certifications), sign the responsible‑designer declaration, submit to the enforcing agency, and keep the documentation in the project record as required by § A5.601.4.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

The CALGreen checklists for nonresidential projects are the official forms used to document which mandatory and voluntary Tier measures a project selects and how it demonstrates compliance. Use the Mandatory Checklist (§ A5.602), Tier 1 Checklist (§ A5.602.1) or Tier 2 Checklist (§ A5.602.2) as applicable, and submit supporting documentation to the enforcing agency; the checklists require marking selections (Y / N / O) and signing an author/ responsible‑designer declaration. (§ A5.602; § A5.602.1; § A5.602.2)

The single most important rule: Documentation of conformance for applicable green building measures must be provided to the enforcing agency and retained in the project record. (§ A5.601.4; see Chapter 7 and Section 5.410.2 for project record requirements.)

Requirements in detail

Which checklist to use and when

  • Use the Mandatory Checklist — § A5.602 for nonresidential projects that do not trigger a Tier selection. § A5.602 is the controlling checklist for mandatory measures.
  • Use § A5.602.1 (Tier 1 Checklist) when the project is adopting Tier 1 voluntary measures. The checklist instructions require marking prerequisites and electives and totaling selected measures.
  • Use § A5.602.2 (Tier 2 Checklist) when the project is adopting Tier 2 voluntary measures; it uses the same Y/N/O marking and counting procedure but with Tier 2 prerequisites and elective counts.

Bold triggers that commonly require Tier checklists (from the checklist application text): new construction, building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or more. (§ A5.602.1; § A5.602.2)

What the checklists require you to submit / show

  • Mark every applicable line with Y / N / O per checklist instructions and cross‑reference plan sheets, specs or attachments. (§ A5.602.1; § A5.602.2)
  • Provide supporting documentation types requested by each measure (product data, third‑party certifications, waste reports, test reports, etc.) and identify the plan sheet or spec where the work is shown. (§ A5.602; checklist forms and “Plan Sheet, Spec or Attach” column)
  • Include a Documentation Author’s / Responsible Designer’s Declaration (signed attestation) that the checklist is accurate and complete and that the required number of electives/prerequisites have been selected to achieve the chosen Tier. (See checklist signature blocks in § A5.602.1 and § A5.602.2.)

Decision matrix (quick reference)

Decision dimension Typical values / thresholds What you must do Code Reference
Project trigger for Tier checklists New construction OR addition ≥ 1,000 ft² OR alteration permit val. ≥ $200,000 Use Tier 1 or Tier 2 checklist if adopting that Tier; otherwise use Mandatory Checklist (§ A5.602) § A5.602.1; § A5.602.2
Which checklist to file Mandatory, Tier 1, Tier 2 Complete applicable checklist, mark Y/N/O, attach plan/spec references, sign declaration § A5.602; § A5.602.1; § A5.602.2
Number of measures required (examples) Tier 1 total measures required ≈ 15; Tier 2 total measures required ≈ 25 (checklists list totals) Count prerequisites + selected electives; attest on declaration § A5.602.1; § A5.602.2
Where documentation goes Project record / enforcing agency Submit documentation with permit application; retain as part of project record per Chapter 7 / § 5.410.2 § A5.601.4; Chapter 7; § 5.410.2
Acceptable alternate documentation Alternate methods acceptable if enforcing agency approves Provide alternate documentation and note acceptance by enforcing agency § A5.602; Section 102.3 (verification)

Exceptions & special cases

  • Local adoption: Voluntary tiers are optional and may be adopted/enforced by local jurisdictions; if a local authority requires a Tier, follow the local adoption rules. (Voluntary tiers and adoption are explained in Section 304 and Appendix A5 context.)
  • Modifications: The enforcing agency may grant a modification where strict tier thresholds are impractical, but the agency must document the finding and keep it in agency files. (Section 304.1.1)
  • Alternate documentation: The checklists note that alternate documentation methods are acceptable if the enforcing agency finds them satisfactory to demonstrate substantial conformance. (See the checklists and Section 102.3.)

If a specific measure requires a specific form of evidence (for example, a waste management report for construction waste diversion, or emission test reports for low‑emitting materials), the checklist item will call out the verification required; submit that verifier along with the checklist entry.

Common mistakes

  • Not attaching plan/spec cross‑references for each checked item — the checklists include a “Plan Sheet, Spec or Attach” column and require that link. (§ A5.602; § A5.602.1; § A5.602.2)
  • Forgetting the signed Documentation Author’s / Responsible Designer’s Declaration or leaving the wrong box checked (e.g., failing to attest Tier compliance). The declaration is required on the checklist forms.
  • Miscounting electives or prerequisites — the checklists require counting prerequisites plus electives and comparing to the required total (Tier 1 ≈ 15, Tier 2 ≈ 25 in the sample forms). Verify the total listed on the applicable checklist before signing.
  • Assuming every voluntary measure needs third‑party certification; some items accept multiple forms of documentation (product specs, chain‑of‑custody, or other documentation acceptable to the enforcing agency). Check the individual measure’s verification requirement.

Worked example — concrete scenario with numbers

Scenario: Owner proposes a new nonresidential building (new construction) and opts to achieve Tier 1. The project is 30,000 ft².

  1. Determine which checklist applies: for new construction adopting Tier 1, use § A5.602.1 (Tier 1 Checklist).
  2. Review prerequisites: The Tier 1 Checklist requires compliance with all Tier 1 prerequisites across Divisions A5.1–A5.5. Mark each prerequisite line Y and list the plan sheet or spec that shows the work. (§ A5.602.1)
  3. Electives required: The sample Tier 1 checklist lists a Total number of Measures required = 15. Count the number of Tier 1 prerequisites (say 9) plus the additional electives you select to reach the total of 15. Record each selected elective with a Y, the rest N, and note where each is shown on the plans.
  4. Supporting documentation: For items that require verification (e.g., construction waste diversion), attach the waste management report; for low‑emitting materials attach product emission documentation per the specific measure. Cross‑reference each attachment in the checklist “Plan Sheet, Spec or Attach” column. (§ A5.602 series; measure specific verification requirements)
  5. Sign and submit: The responsible designer signs the declaration attesting that the required number of measures is met and that the checklist is accurate. Submit checklist and attachments with the permit application and retain copies in the project record as required by § A5.601.4 and Chapter 7.

Related provisions (quick list)

  • § A5.602 — CALGreen Verification Guidelines, Mandatory Measures Checklist.
  • § A5.602.1 — CALGreen Verification Guidelines, Tier 1 Checklist.
  • § A5.602.2 — CALGreen Verification Guidelines, Tier 2 Checklist.
  • § A5.601.4 — Compliance verification; documentation becomes part of the project record as required in § 5.410.2 / 5.410.3 and Chapter 7.
  • Section 102.3 — Documentation and verification: documentation of conformance shall be provided to the enforcing agency; alternate documentation acceptable if satisfactory to the enforcing agency.
  • § 5.410.2 / § 5.410.3 — Owner’s Project Requirements and project record requirements related to commissioning and documentation (referenced by A5.601.4).

If you want, I can:

  • produce a filled example checklist for the worked example above showing how to mark Y/N/O and where to attach each document, or
  • extract the exact checklist totals and the full list of Tier prerequisites/electives for your specific building type.

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 7.3 High relevance — show source text

    d. Executed installation checklists

    e. Executed Functional Performance Test (FPT) forms

    f. Recommendations for end-of-warranty review activities

    7.3 Enforcement:

    At their discretion, the inspector confirms demonstrated compliance during on-site enforcement by: a) Receipt of a copy of the commissioning report, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner’s representative attesting that the Cx Report has been completed.

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    COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

    PART 2 SAMPLE FORMS AND TEMPLATES FOR COMMISSIONING

    Note: Following are examples of templates and/or forms that may be used or adopted for verification compliance with commissioning. Code users may provide their own documents as permitted by the enforcing agency. For each subsection of commissioning, samples are provided; in a few cases with narrative templates, and in most cases with compliance forms. Simplified forms or more detailed forms, but not both, may be selected to submit for each project.

    CALGreen COMPLIANCE FORM

    OWNER’S PROJECT REQUIREMENTS (OPR)

    The following form may be required to be printed on the permit set of construction drawings or submitted separately. Italicized text indicates direct or partial quotes from the CALGreen Code.

    CALGreen Commissioning Requirement 5.410.2.1, Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)

    5.410.2.1 Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR). [N] The expectations and requirements of the building appropriate to its phase shall be documented before the design phase of the project begins. This documentation shall include the following: 1. Environmental and sustainability goals. 2. Building sustainable goals. 3. Indoor environmental quality requirements. 4. Project program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after hours operation. 5. Equipment and systems expectations. 6. Building occupant and operation and maintenance (O&M) personnel expectations.

    Col1 OPR ELEMENTS INCLUDED
    1. Environmental and sustainability goals.
    2. Building sustainable goals.
    3. Indoor environmental quality requirements.
    4. Project program, including facility functions and hours of operation,
    and need for after-hours operation.
    5. Equipment and systems expectations.
    6. Building occupant and O&M personnel expectations.

    Owner/Owner’s Representative Signature Date

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    COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

    OWNER’S PROJECT REQUIREMENTS (OPR)

    COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

    INCORPORATE THIS FORM IN THE PLANS

    Project Address: _________________________________________________________

    Permit Number: _____________________________

  • CALGreen § 504.8.5.2 High relevance — show source text

    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.

    A6.504.9 Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Where outdoor areas are provided for smoking, prohibit smoking within 25 feet of building entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows and within the building, if not already prohibited by other laws or regulations, or as enforced by ordinances, regulations or policies of any city, county, city and county, California Community College, campus of the California State University or campus of the University of California, whichever are more stringent. When ordinances, regulations or policies are not in place, post signage to inform building occupants of the prohibitions.

    SECTION A6.505 [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]—INDOOR MOISTURE CONTROL

    A6.505.2 Indoor moisture control. Buildings shall meet or exceed the provisions of California Building Code, CCR, Title 24, Part 2, Sections 1203 and Chapter 14.

    APPENDIX A6.1-36 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    APPENDIX A6.1 — VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]

    NONRESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST [OSHPD 1, 2 and 4]

    FEATURE OR MEASURE COMPLIANCE LEVELS Col3 Col4 NOTES
    FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
    CALGreen    		 VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen    		 VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen    		 VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen
    FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
    CALGreen    		 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 2
    DIVISION A6.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN
    SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development
    **A6.106.9 Building orientation.**Locate and orient the building as follows:
    1. When site and location permit, orient the building with the long sides facing north and
    south.
    2. Protect the building from thermal loss, drafts and degradation of the building envelope
    caused by wind and wind-driven materials such as dust.
    DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
    SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures
    A6.203.1 Energy performance. [OSHPD 1]
    **A6.203.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1.
  • CALGreen § 602.1 High 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

  • 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 § 504.4.7.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    See California Department of Public Health’s website for certification programs and testing labs.

    https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHLB/IAQ/Pages/VOC.aspx#material

    A5.504.4.7.1 Resilient flooring systems, Tier 2. Where resilient flooring is installed, 100 percent of floor area receiving resilient flooring shall meet the requirements of the California Department of Public Health, “Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers,” Version 1.2, January 2017 (Emission testing method for California Specification 01350).

    See California Department of Public Health’s website for certification programs and testing labs.

    https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHLB/IAQ/Pages/VOC.aspx#material

    A5.504.4.7.2 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that resilient flooring materials meet the pollutant emission limits.

    A5.504.4.8 Thermal insulation, Tier 1. Thermal insulation, No-added Formaldehyde. Install thermal insulation which complies with Tier 1 plus does not contain any added formaldehyde.

    A5.504.4.8.1 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that thermal insulation materials meet the pollutant emission limits.

    A5.504.5 Hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants. Minimize and control pollutant entry into buildings and cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas.

    A5.504.5.1 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.

    1. Qualifying entryways are those that serve as regular entry points for building users.
    2. Acceptable entryway systems include, but are not limited to, permanently installed grates, grilles or slotted systems that allow cleaning underneath.

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1. Roll-out mats are acceptable only when maintained regularly by janitorial contractors as documented in service contract or by in-house staff as documented by written policies and procedures.

    A5.504.5.2 Isolation of pollutant sources. In rooms where activities produce hazardous fumes or chemicals, such as garages, janitorial or laundry rooms and copy or printing rooms, exhaust them and isolate them from their adjacent rooms.

    1. Exhaust each space with no air recirculation in accordance with ASHRAE 62.1, Table 6-4 to create negative pressure with respect to adjacent spaces with the doors to the room closed.
    2. For each space, provide self-closing doors and deck to deck partitions or a hard ceiling.
    3. Install low-noise, vented range hoods for all cooking appliances and in laboratory or other chemical mixing areas.

    SECTION A5.507—ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT

  • CALGreen § 408.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION A5.408—CONSTRUCTION WASTE REDUCTION, DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING

    A5.408.3.1 Enhanced construction waste reduction – Tier 1. Divert to recycle or salvage at least 65 percent of nonhazardous construction and demolition waste generated at the site. Any mixed recyclables that are sent to mixed-waste recycling facilities shall include a qualified third party verified facility average diversion rate. Verification of diversion rates shall meet minimum certification eligibility guidelines, acceptable to the local enforcing agency.

    A5.408.3.1.1 Enhanced construction waste reduction – Tier 2. Divert to recycle or salvage at least 80 percent of nonhazardous construction and demolition waste generated at the site.

    A5.408.3.1.2 Verification of compliance. A copy of the completed waste management report or documentation of certification of the waste management company utilized shall be provided.

    Exceptions:

    1. Excavated soil and land-clearing debris.
    2. Alternate waste reduction methods developed by working with local agencies if diversion or recycle facilities capable of compliance with this item do not exist.
    3. Demolition waste meeting local ordinance or calculated in consideration of local recycling facilities and markets.

    SECTION A5.409—LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT

    A5.409.1 Scope. Projects with the area limits specified shall comply with Section A5.409.1 to achieve Tier 1 or Tier 2 compliance. Projects of any size shall comply with Section A5.409.5 to achieve Tier 2 compliance.

    1. Projects consisting of newly constructed building(s) with a combined floor area of 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section A5.409.2 or Section A5.409.3.

    2. Alteration(s) to existing building(s) where the combined altered floor area is 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section A5.105.2, Section A5.409.2 or Section A5.409.3.

    3. Addition(s) to existing building(s) where the total floor area combined with the existing building(s) is 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section A5.105.2, Section A5.409.2 or Section A5.409.3. Exception: Combined addition(s) to existing building(s) of two times the area or more of the existing building(s) is not eligible to meet compliance with Section A5.105.2.

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1. Projects consisting of newly constructed building(s) with a combined floor area of less than 50,000 square feet shall comply with either Section 5.409.2 or Section 5.409.3 for Tier 1 compliance, and either Section A5.409.2.1 or A5.409.3 Tier 1 requirements for Tier 2 compliance.
    2. Alteration(s) to existing building(s) where the aggregate floor area is less than 50,000 square feet shall comply with either Section 5.105.2, Section 5.409.2, or Section 5.409.3 for Tier 1 compliance, and either Section A5.105.2.1, Section A5.409.2.1, or Section A5.409.3 Tier 1 requirements for Tier 2 compliance.
  • CALGreen § 602.2 Medium relevance — show source text
    Documentation Author's / Responsible Designer's Declaration Statement
    Check the appropriate box(es) for the list below.
    □ Mandatory: I attest that the mandatory provisions checklist is accurate and complete.
    □ Tier 1 compliant: I attest that the total number of voluntary measures selected meet or exceed the total number required
    to achieve Tier 1 compliance.
    □ Partial Tier 1 compliant: I attest that the total number of voluntary measures selected do not meet the total number
    required to achieve Tier 1 compliance: however, partial Tier 1 compliance has been achieved.    		 Col2
    Signature:
    Company: Date:
    Address: License:
    City/State/Zip: Phone:

    APPENDIX A5-54 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.602.2

    CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES

    TIER 2 CHECKLIST

    Application: This checklist shall be used for nonresidential projects that meet the following: new construction, or building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or more pursuant to Section 301.3, AND are adopting Tier 2 voluntary measures.

    Note: All applicable mandatory requirements in Chapter 5 shall be met prior to applying Tier 2 voluntary measures.

    Instructions:

    Comply with all Tier 2 prerequisite measures from the various categories shown on the table below.

    Add a “ Y ” to all mandatory and Tier 2 prerequisite measures in the appropriate columns.

    Select the required number of additional electives from those categories shown on the table below and add a “ Y ” on the selected elective and add an “ N ” on the rest.

    Count the total number of Tier 2 prerequisite measures plus the additional electives and write down the total number at the end of the checklist. Determine if the required number of Tier 2 measures have been selected to achieve Tier 2 compliance.

    Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included) N = No (section has not been selected and/or included) O = Other (provide explanation)

    [N] = New construction pursuant to Section 301.3

    [A] = Additions and/or Alterations pursuant to Section 301.3

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS    		 Col2 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION    		 Y N O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures,
    Scope with Exception    		 5.105.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with
    note    		 5.105.2 and 5.105.2.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb
    less than 1 acre of land    		 5.106.1 through
    5.106.
  • CALGreen § 102.1 Medium relevance — show source text
    1. The application checklist identifies which measures are required by this code and allows users to check off which voluntary items have been selected to meet voluntary tier levels if desired or mandated by a city, county, or city and county.

    SECTION 102—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND INSTALLATION VERIFICATION

    102.1 Submittal documents. Construction documents and other data shall be submitted in one or more sets with each application for a permit. Where special conditions exist, the enforcing agency is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a licensed design professional and may be submitted separately.

    Exception: The enforcing agency is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a licensed design professional.

    102.2 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and scope of the proposed green building feature and show that it will conform to the provisions of this code, the California Building Standards Code and other relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as determined by the enforcing agency.

    102.3 Verification. Documentation of conformance for applicable green building measures shall be provided to the enforcing agency. Alternate methods of documentation shall be acceptable when the enforcing agency finds that the proposed alternate documentation is satisfactory to demonstrate substantial conformance with the intent of the proposed green building measure.

    [HCD] Documentation of conformance for applicable green building measures shall be provided to the enforcing agency. All projects shall submit a completed Residential Occupancies Application Checklist that includes Chapter 4 residential mandatory measures and Tier 1 or Tier 2, as applicable. References to the measure-specific documentation used to show compliance shall be included. Alternate methods of documentation shall be acceptable when the enforcing agency finds that the proposed alternate documentation is satisfactory to demonstrate substantial conformance with the intent of the proposed green building measure.

    Note: HCD’s Residential Occupancies Application Checklist that includes the minimum criteria for documentation is available at: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/calgreen/cal-green-forms.shtml.

    SECTION 103—BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION

    103.1 BSC-CG. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency, and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

    1. Application— All occupancies where no state agency has the authority to adopt green building standards applicable to those occupancies. Enforcing agency— State or local agency specified by the applicable provisions of law. Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Sections 18930.5(a), 18938 and 18940.5. Reference— Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.5, commencing with Section 18901.
    2. Graywater systems. The construction, installation and alteration of graywater systems for indoor and outdoor uses in nonresidential occupancies. Application— All occupancies where no state agency has the authority to adopt green building standards applicable to those occupancies. Enforcing agency— State or local agency specified by the applicable provisions of law. Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Section 18941.8. Reference— Health and Safety Code Section 18941.8.

    103.1.1 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this section will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym BSC-CG.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 1-5

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    ADMINISTRATION

  • CALGreen § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text

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

  • CALGreen § 405.4 Medium relevance — show source text
    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

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.602

    CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES MANDATORY MEASURES CHECKLIST

    Application: This checklist shall be used for nonresidential projects that meet one of the following: new construction, building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or more pursuant to Section 301.3 AND do not trigger a Tier 1 or Tier 2 requirement:

    Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included)

    — N/A = Not Applicable (code section does not apply to the project mainly used for additions and alterations) O = Other (provide explanation)

    [N] = New construction pursuant to Section 301.3

    [A ] = Additions and/or Alterations pursuant to Section 301.3

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS    		 Col2 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION    		 Y N/A O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design    		 Mandatory Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures,
    Scope with Exception    		 5.105.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design    		 Mandatory Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with
    note    		 5.105.2 and
    5.105.2.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design    		 Mandatory Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb less
    than 1 acre of land    		 5.106.
  • CALGreen § 7-104 Medium relevance — show source text
    1. Section 7-104 in the California Administrative Code for the Office of the Statewide Health Planning and Development.

    1-4 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    ADMINISTRATION

    101.9 Effective date of this code. Only those standards approved by the California Building Standards Commission that are effective at the time an application for a building permit is submitted shall apply to the plans and specifications for, and to the construction performed under, that permit. For the effective dates of the provisions contained in this code, see the appropriate application checklist and the History Note page of this code.

    101.10 Mandatory requirements. This code contains both mandatory and voluntary green building measures. Mandatory and voluntary measures are identified in the appropriate application checklist contained in this code.

    101.11 Effective use of this code. The following steps shall be used to establish which provisions of this code are applicable to a specific occupancy:

    1. Establish the type of occupancy.
    2. Verify which state agency has authority for the established occupancy by reviewing the authorities list in Sections 103 through 106.
    3. Once the appropriate agency has been identified, find the chapter which covers the established occupancy.
    4. The Matrix Adoption Tables at the beginning of Chapters 4 and 5 identify the mandatory green building measures necessary to meet the minimum requirements of this code for the established occupancy.
    5. Voluntary tier measures are contained in Appendix Chapters A4 and A5. A checklist containing each green building measure, both required and voluntary, is provided at the end of each appendix chapter. Each measure listed in the application checklist has a section number which correlates to a section where more information about the specific measure is available.
    6. The application checklist identifies which measures are required by this code and allows users to check off which voluntary items have been selected to meet voluntary tier levels if desired or mandated by a city, county, or city and county.

    SECTION 102—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND INSTALLATION VERIFICATION

    102.1 Submittal documents. Construction documents and other data shall be submitted in one or more sets with each application for a permit. Where special conditions exist, the enforcing agency is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a licensed design professional and may be submitted separately.

    Exception: The enforcing agency is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a licensed design professional.

    102.2 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and scope of the proposed green building feature and show that it will conform to the provisions of this code, the California Building Standards Code and other relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as determined by the enforcing agency.

    102.3 Verification. Documentation of conformance for applicable green building measures shall be provided to the enforcing agency. Alternate methods of documentation shall be acceptable when the enforcing agency finds that the proposed alternate documentation is satisfactory to demonstrate substantial conformance with the intent of the proposed green building measure.

    [HCD] Documentation of conformance for applicable green building measures shall be provided to the enforcing agency. All projects shall submit a completed Residential Occupancies Application Checklist that includes Chapter 4 residential mandatory measures and Tier 1 or Tier 2, as applicable. References to the measure-specific documentation used to show compliance shall be included. Alternate methods of documentation shall be acceptable when the enforcing agency f

  • CALGreen § 5.508.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    000 square feet or more|5.508.2
    through
    5.508.2.6.3||||| |||END OF MANDATORY PROVISIONS||||||

    Documentation Author's / Responsible Designer's Declaration Statement
    □ Mandatory: I attest that this mandatory provisions checklist is accurate and complete.    		 Col2
    Signature: Signature:
    Company: Date:
    Address: License:
    City/State/Zip: Phone:

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-47

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.602.1

    CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES

    TIER 1 CHECKLIST

    Application: This checklist shall be used for nonresidential projects that meet the following: new construction, or building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or more pursuant to Section 301.3, AND are adopting Tier 1 voluntary measures.

    Note: All applicable mandatory requirements in Chapter 5 shall be met prior to applying Tier 1 voluntary measures.

    Instructions:

    Comply with all Tier 1 prerequisite measures from the various categories shown on the table below.

    Add a “ Y ” to all mandatory and Tier 1 prerequisite measures in the appropriate columns.

    Select the required number of additional electives from those categories shown on the table below and add a “ Y ” on the selected elective and add an “ N ” on the rest.

    Count the total number of Tier 1 prerequisite measures plus the additional electives and write down the total number at the end of the checklist. Determine if the required number of Tier 1 measures have been selected to achieve Tier 1 compliance.

    Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included) N = No (section has not been selected and/or included) O = Other (provide explanation)

    [N] = New construction pursuant to Section 301.3

    [A] = Additions and/or Alterations pursuant to Section 301.3

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS    		 Col2 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION    		 Y N O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures,
    Scope with Exception    		 5.105.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with note 5.105.2 and 5.105.2.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb
    less than 1 acre of land    		 5.106.1 through
    5.106.2
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Short-term bicycle parking 5.106.4.1.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know whether to file the Mandatory checklist or a Tier checklist?

If the project is adopting voluntary Tier requirements (Tier 1 or Tier 2) and meets the project triggers (e.g., new construction, addition ≥ 1,000 ft², or alteration permit ≥ $200,000), file the appropriate Tier checklist (§ A5.602.1 or § A5.602.2). Otherwise file the Mandatory Checklist (§ A5.602).

What form of evidence is acceptable for a given checklist item?

The checklist item will either call out a specific verification (e.g., waste management report, emissions testing) or accept typical evidence such as product specs, certifications, or chain‑of‑custody documents. Alternate evidence may be accepted if the enforcing agency finds it satisfactory. (§ A5.602; Section 102.3)

Where does the documentation go?

Submit the completed checklist(s) and supporting documentation to the enforcing agency with permit submittal; retain the documentation in the project record per § A5.601.4 and Chapter 7 requirements.

Who signs the checklist?

The Documentation Author / Responsible Designer signs the declaration on the checklist attesting that the checklist is accurate and that the project meets the required number of measures for the selected Tier.

Can the enforcing agency accept alternate documentation?

Yes — the checklists and Section 102.3 allow alternate methods when the enforcing agency finds them satisfactory to demonstrate substantial conformance.

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What project records and owner/designer declarations are required for Tier compliance?

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