CRC · California Residential Code
Where mandatory energy requirements live (Title 24, Part 6)
Title 24, Part 6 (the California Energy Code) contains the statewide mandatory energy requirements for buildings — especially §§100, 110 and 150.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Title 24, Part 6 is the California Energy Code — the statewide, mandatory energy-efficiency rules that apply at permit and construction time for new buildings, additions, and many alterations. Part 6 organizes general provisions (scope and definitions), a set of “mandatory requirements” for systems and components, and the prescriptive and performance requirements used for compliance . Section 100.1 contains the definitions and rules of construction that drive how Part 6 is read and applied .
The mandatory measures you’ll encounter in Part 6 live in the Subchapter on mandatory requirements (for example Sections 110.0–110.9 for appliances, HVAC, fenestration, air leakage, insulation and lighting controls) and in the residential-specific chapters for envelope, HVAC, water heating and compliance paths (for example §150.0 and §150.2) . Part 6 also spells out manufacturer certification and verification rules (used to confirm appliance and equipment compliance) and special mandates such as solar readiness in Sections like 110.10 .
If you’re working on a residential project, focus first on the scope and definitions in §100.0–§100.1, then the mandatory measures in the 110-series (systems and components) and the residential envelope/HVAC rules in §150.0 and §150.2 — those are the sections that most often determine whether a permit will pass energy review .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 323-9843 High relevance — show source text
State Librarian [SL]
library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation
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HOW TO DETERMINE WHERE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE
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CONTENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 6 . . . . . 1
SUBCHAPTER 1 ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS . . .1
100.0 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
100.1 Definitions and Rules of Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
100.2 Calculation of Energy Budgets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SUBCHAPTER 2 ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND
BUILDING COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
110.0 Systems and Equipment—General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
110.1 Mandatory Requirements for Appliances . . . . . . . . . 39
110.2 Mandatory Requirements for Space-Conditioning Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
110.3 Mandatory Requirements for Service Water-Heating Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
110.4 Mandatory Requirements for Pool and Spa Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
110.5 Natural Gas Central Furnaces, Cooking Equipment, Pool and Spa Heaters, and Fireplaces: Pilot Lights Prohibited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
110.6 Mandatory Requirements for Fenestration Products and Exterior Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
110.7 Mandatory Requirements to Limit Air Leakage . . . . 57
110.8 Mandatory Requirements for Insulation, Roofing Products and Radiant Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
110.9 Mandatory Requirements for Lighting Controls. . . . 59
CRC § 201.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION A4.201—GENERAL
A4.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards in the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). 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 approval 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 modification 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/build- ing-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A4.202—DEFINITIONS
A4.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).
RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.
SECTION A4.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH FOR NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS
A4.203.1 Energy efficiency. Newly constructed low-rise residential buildings shall comply with Sections A4.203.1.1 through A4.203.1.4.
A4.203.1.1 Long-term system cost (LSC). LSC rating for the building’s Proposed Design shall be computed by Compliance Software certified by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 100.1 and 150.1(b), and shall reduce the LSC required in the Compliance Software for minimum performance-based compliance with the California Energy Code by the compliance margin specified in Table A4.203.1.1. The rating shall be included in the Certificate of Compliance documentation.
TABLE A4.203.1.1—RECOMMENDED LSC MARGINS BY CLIMATE ZONES Col2 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE CLIMATE ZONE TOTAL LSC COMPLIANCE MARGIN 1 2.70 2 1.62 3 1.10 4 1.11 5 1.01 6 0.24 7 0.24 8 0.21 9 0.20 10 0.18 11 1.11 12 1.05 13 0.96 14 1.21 15 0.59 16 1.68 Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-9
CRC § 25218.5 High relevance — show source text
(b) Certification Requirements for Manufactured Systems, Equipment, Appliances and Building Components.
- Appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations shall only be installed if they have been certified to the Energy Commission by the manufacturer, pursuant to the provisions of Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1606; or
- Systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are required by Part 6 or the Reference Appendices to be certified to the Energy Commission, which are not appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, shall only be installed if they are certified by the manufacturer in a declaration, executed under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that: A. All the information provided pursuant to the certification is true, complete, accurate and in compliance with all applicable requirements of Part 6; and B. The equipment, product, or device was tested using the test procedure specified in Part 6 if applicable
- The certification status of any system, equipment, appliance or building component shall be confirmed only by reference to: A. A directory published or approved by the Commission; or B. A copy of the application for certification from the manufacturer and the letter of acceptance from the Commission staff; or C. Written confirmation from the publisher of a Commission-approved directory that a device has been certified; or D. A Commission-approved label on the device.
Note: Part 6 does not require a builder, designer, owner, operator, or enforcing agency to test any certified device to determine its compliance with minimum specifications or efficiencies adopted by the Commission.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5
, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.SECTION 110.1—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLIANCES
(a) Any appliance regulated by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1601 et seq., may be installed only if the appliance fully complies with Section 1608(a) of those regulations.
(b) Except for those circumstances described in Section 110.1(c), conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be verified utilizing data from either:
- The Energy Commission’s database of certified appliances maintained pursuant to Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606, and which is available at: www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/ ; or
- An equivalent directory published by a federal agency; or
- An approved trade association directory as defined in Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606(h).
(c) Conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be demonstrated either by default to the mandatory efficiency levels specified in Part 6 or by following procedures approved by the Commission pursuant to Section 10-109 of Title 24, Part 1, when:
- Data to verify conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards is not available pursuant to subdivision (b); or
- Field verification and diagnostic testing is required for compliance with Part 6 and the Energy Commission has not approved a field verification and diagnostic test protocol that is applicable to the appliance; or
CRC § 100.1 Medium relevance — show source text
(d) Track lighting supplementary overcurrent protection panel. A Track Lighting Supplementary Overcurrent Protection Panel shall be used only for line-voltage track lighting and shall be recognized for compliance with Part 6 only if it meets all of the following requirements:
Shall be listed as defined in Section 100.1; and
Shall have a permanently installed label that is prominently located stating the following: “NOTICE: This Panel for Track Lighting Energy Code Compliance Only.” The overcurrent protection devices in this panel shall only be replaced with the same or lower amperage. No other overcurrent protective device shall be added to this panel. Adding to, or replacement of, existing overcurrent protective device(s) with higher continuous ampere rating will void the panel listing and require resubmittal of compliance documentation to the enforcement agency responsible for compliance with the California Title 24, Part 6 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
SECTION 110.10—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR READINESS
(a) Covered occupancies.
- Single-family residences. Single-family residences located in subdivisions with ten or more single-family residences and where the application for a tentative subdivision map for the residences has been deemed complete or approved by the enforcement agency, which do not have a photovoltaic system installed, shall comply with the requirements of Sections 110.10(b) through 110.10(e)
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ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
- Low-rise multifamily buildings. Low-rise multifamily buildings that do not have a photovoltaic system installed shall comply with the requirements of Sections 110.10(b) through 110.10(d).
- Hotel/motel occupancies and high-rise multifamily buildings. Hotel/motel occupancies and high-rise multifamily buildings with ten habitable stories or fewer, that do not have a photovoltaic system installed, shall comply with the requirements of Sections 110.10(b) through 110.10(d).
- Nonresidential buildings. Nonresidential buildings with three habitable stories or fewer, other than I-2 and I-2.1 buildings, that do not have a photovoltaic system installed, shall comply with the requirements of Sections 110.10(b) through 110.10(d).
(b) Solar zone.
- Minimum solar zone area. The solar zone shall have a minimum total area as described below. The solar zone shall comply with access, pathway, smoke ventilation and spacing requirements as specified in Title 24, Part 9 or other Parts of Title 24 or in any requirements adopted by a local jurisdiction. The solar zone total area shall be comprised of areas that have no dimension less than five feet and are no less than 80 square feet each for buildings with roof areas less than or equal to 10,000 square feet or no less than 160 square feet each for buildings with roof areas greater than 10,000 square feet. A. Single-family residences. The solar zone shall be located on the roof or overhang of the building and have a total area no less than 250 square feet. Exception 1 to Section 110.10(b)1A: Single-family residences with a permanently installed domestic solar waterheating system meeting the installation criteria specified in the Reference Residential Appendix RA4 and with a minimum solar savings fraction of 0.50.
CRC § 204.1 Medium relevance — show source text
- Lighting for industrial sites, including but not limited to, rail yards, maritime shipyards and docks, piers and marinas, chemical and petroleum processing plants, and aviation facilities.
- Lighting of tunnels, bridges, stairs, wheelchair elevator lifts for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and ramps that are not parking garage ramps.
- In theme parks: outdoor lighting only for themes and special effects.
- Lighting for outdoor theatrical and other outdoor live performances, provided that these lighting systems are additions to area lighting systems and are controlled by a multi-scene or theatrical cross-fade control station accessible only to authorized operators.
- Outdoor lighting systems for qualified historical buildings, as defined in the California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8), if they consist solely of historical lighting components or replicas of historical lighting components. If lighting systems for qualified historical buildings contain some historical lighting components or replicas of historical components, combined with other lighting components, only those historical or historical replica components are exempt. All other outdoor lighting systems for qualified historical buildings shall not be exempted.
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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
SECTION A4.204 — REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS
A4.204.1 Energy efficiency. Alterations to existing residential buildings shall comply with Sections A4.204.1.1 and A4.204.1.2.
A4.204.1.1 Altered space-conditioning system serving existing single-family dwelling units – mechanical cooling. When a space-conditioning system serving an existing single-family dwelling unit is altered in Climate Zones 1 through 14 and 16 by installation or replacement of an air conditioner, the altered system shall comply with either a or b below in addition to the requirements for installation specified by Title 24, Part 6, Sections 150.2(b)1E and 150.2(b)1F: a. A heat pump shall be the primary heating source and sized according to the system selection requirements specified by Title 24, Part 6 of Section 150.0(h)5. Supplemental heating may be provided by an existing gas furnace or existing electric resistance heating; or b. An air conditioner shall meet the following requirements: i. R-8 duct insulation for ducts located in unconditioned space; and ii. The duct system measured air leakage shall be equal to or less than 5 percent of the system air handler airflow as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, per the requirements in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; and iii. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 400 CFM per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.35 W/CFM. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, following the procedures outlined in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3; and iv.
CRC § 106.8.2.2 Medium relevance — show source text
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.
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A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A4.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION A4.201—GENERAL
A4.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards in the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). 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 approval 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 modification 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/build- ing-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A4.202—DEFINITIONS
A4.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).
RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.
SECTION A4.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH FOR NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS
CRC § 170.2 Medium relevance — show source text
The rated energy capacity shall be not less than the Minimum Rated Useable Energy Capacity determined by Equation 170.2-E, or by Equation 170.2-F if SARA was used to determine the PV capacity in Section 170.2-D, and the rated power capacity shall be not less than the Minimum Power Capacity determined by Equation 170.2-G. In mixed occupancy buildings, the total battery system capacity for the building shall be determined by applying the Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity to each of the listed building types and summing the capacities determined for each.
EQUATION 170.2-E—BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED USABLE ENERGY CAPACITY kWh batt = k((CFA × B)/(1000 × C [0.5] ))
— EQUATION 170.2-F BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED USABLE ENERGY CAPACITY, SARA-ADJUSTED kWh batt = k((CFA × B)/(1000 × C [0.5] )) × (kWP Vdc,SARA /kWP Vdc )
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MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES
where:
kWh batt = Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity of the BESS in kWh.
kW PVdc = Minimum Rated PV System Capacity in kW from Equation 170.2D. kW PVdc, SARA = Minimum Rated PV System Capacity in kW from the SARA calculation. CFA = Conditioned floor area that is subject to the PV system requirements of Section 170.2(g) in square feet.
B = BESS Capacity Factor in Wh/square foot as specified in Table 170.2-V for the building type.
C = Rated single charge-discharge cycle AC to AC (round-trip) efficiency of the BESS.
EQUATION 170.2-G—BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED POWER CAPACITY
kW batt = kW batt /4
where:
kW batt = Minimum Rated Power Capacity of the BESS in kW dc .
kWh batt = Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity of the BESS in kWh.
Exception 1 to Section 170.2(h): No BESS is required if the installed PV system capacity is less than 15 percent of the capacity determined by Equation 170.2-D.
Exception 2 to Section 170.2(h): No BESS is required in buildings with BESS requirements with less than 10 kWh minimum rated usable energy capacity.
|TABLE 170.
CRC § 5.6. Medium relevance — show source text
Supply fan variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.6.
Hydronic system variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7 and NA7.5.9.
Boiler or chillers that require isolation controls as specified by Section 140.4(k)2 or 140.4(k)3 shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7.
Hydronic systems with supply water temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.8.
Automatic demand shed controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.10.
Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) for Packaged Direct-Expansion Units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.11.
Automatic fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for air handling units and zone terminal units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.12.
Distributed Energy Storage DX AC Systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.13.
Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.14.
Supply air temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.15.
Water-cooled chillers served by cooling towers with condenser water reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.16.
When an energy management control system is installed, it shall functionally meet all of the applicable requirements of Part 6.
Occupant sensing zone controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.17.
Conductivity controls and overflow alarms for open and closed-circuit cooling towers shall be tested according to NA7.5.18.
(b) When certification is required by Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-103.2, the acceptance testing specified by Section 120.5(a) shall be performed by a certified mechanical acceptance test technician (CMATT). If the CMATT is operating as an employee, the CMATT shall
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NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES, AND COVERED PROCESSES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
be employed by a certified mechanical acceptance test employer. The CMATT shall disclose on the certificate of acceptance a valid CMATT certification identification number issued by an approved acceptance test technician certification provider. The CMATT shall complete all certificate of acceptance documentation in accordance with the applicable requirements in Section 10-103(a)4.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402(a)-(b), 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .
SECTION 120.6—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 120.6(a) through 120.6(k), and the applicable requirements of Sections 110.2(a) and 120.3.
(a) Mandatory requirements for refrigerated warehouses.
CRC § 110.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 110.1—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLIANCES
(a) Any appliance regulated by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1601 et seq., may be installed only if the appliance fully complies with Section 1608(a) of those regulations.
(b) Except for those circumstances described in Section 110.1(c), conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be verified utilizing data from either:
- The Energy Commission’s database of certified appliances maintained pursuant to Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606, and which is available at: www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/ ; or
- An equivalent directory published by a federal agency; or
- An approved trade association directory as defined in Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606(h).
(c) Conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be demonstrated either by default to the mandatory efficiency levels specified in Part 6 or by following procedures approved by the Commission pursuant to Section 10-109 of Title 24, Part 1, when:
- Data to verify conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards is not available pursuant to subdivision (b); or
- Field verification and diagnostic testing is required for compliance with Part 6 and the Energy Commission has not approved a field verification and diagnostic test protocol that is applicable to the appliance; or
- The appliance meets the requirements of Section 110.1(a) but has been site-modified in a way that affects its performance; or
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ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
- The U.S. Department of Energy has approved a waiver from federal test procedures, pursuant to 10 CFR Section 430.27 or Section 431.401 and that waiver fails to specify how the efficiency of the system shall be determined.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5
, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.SECTION 110.2—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT
Certification by manufacturers. Any space-conditioning equipment listed in this section may be installed only if the manufacturer has certified to the Commission that the equipment complies with all the applicable requirements of this section.
(a) Efficiency. Equipment shall meet the applicable efficiency requirements in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, subject to the following:
- If more than one efficiency standard is listed for any equipment in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, the equipment shall meet all the applicable standards that are listed; and
- If more than one test method is listed in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, the equipment shall comply with the applicable efficiency standard when tested with each listed test method; and
CRC § 204.1 Medium relevance — show source text
** Buildings complying with the second level of advanced energy efficiency shall have an Energy Budget that is no greater than indicated below, depending on building type and the type of energy systems included in the building project. If the newly constructed building or addition does not include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, then no additional performance requirements above Title 24, Part 6 are required.
- For nonresidential building projects that include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, but not both: No greater than 90 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
- For nonresidential building projects that include indoor lighting and mechanical systems: No greater than 85 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
- For high-rise residential and hotel/motel building projects: No greater than 95 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
Note: For Energy Budget calculations, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings are considered nonresidential buildings.
SECTION A5.204—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS
A5.204.1 Energy efficiency . Alterations to existing nonresidential buildings shall comply with Section A5.204.1.1.
A5.204.1.1 Altered pool and/or spa heating for existing nonresidential buildings . Alteration of existing nonresidential pool and/or spa heating system shall meet the following.
Heating source sizing. Heating systems or equipment for pools or spas shall meet one of the sizing requirements of Items 1 through 5 below:
- Solar pool heating system with a solar collector surface area that is equivalent to 65 percent or greater of the surface areas of the pool or spa or a combination of both respectively; or
- A heat pump pool heater as the primary heating system that meets the sizing requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA16.3. The control for the heat pump pool heater shall meet the requirements specified in Section 110.4(d). The supplementary heater can be of any energy source; or
- A heating system that derives at least 60 percent of the annual heating energy from on-site renewable energy or on-site recovered energy; or
- A combination of a solar pool heating system and heat pump pool heater without any additional supplementary heater;
or
- A pool heating system determined by the Energy Commission Executive Director to use no more energy than the systems specified in Item 1, 2, 3, or 4 above.
Exception 1 to A5.204.1.1: Portable electric spas compliant with 20 CCR, Section 1605.3(g)(7) of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations.
Exception 2 to A5.204.1.1: A pool or spa that is heated solely by a solar pool heating system without any supplementary heater.
Exception 3 to A5.204.1.1: An existing building with inadequate Solar Access Roof Area (SARA) as specified in Section 140.10(a) for a solar pool heating system to be installed.
Exception 4 to A5.204.1.1: Heating systems which are used exclusively for permanent spa applications in existing buildings with gas availability.
SECTION A5.211—RESERVED
SECTION A5.212—ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
CRC § 100.0 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception 1 to Section 100.0(f): If one occupancy constitutes at least 80 percent of the conditioned floor area of the building, the entire building envelope, HVAC and water heating may be designed to comply with the provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy, provided that the applicable lighting requirements in Sections 140.6 through 140.8, 150.0(k), or 160.5 and 170.2(e) are met for each occupancy and space, and mandatory measures in Sections 110.0 through 130.5, 150.0, and 160.0 through 160.9 are met for each occupancy and space.
Exception 2 to Section 100.0(f): If one occupancy constitutes at least 90 percent of the combined conditioned plus unconditioned floor area of the building, the entire building indoor lighting may be designed to comply with only the lighting provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy.
(g) Administrative requirements. Administrative requirements relating to permit requirements, enforcement by the Commission, locally adopted energy standards, interpretations, claims of exemption, approved calculation methods, rights of appeal, and certification and labeling requirements of fenestration products and roofing products are specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1, Sections 10-101 to 10-114.
(h) Certification requirements for manufactured equipment, products and devices. Part 6 limits the installation of manufactured equipment, products and devices to those that have been certified as specified by Sections 110.0 and 110.1. Requirements for manufactured equipment, products, and devices, when not specified in Title 24 Part 6, are specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601–1609.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code .
SECTION 100.1 — DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
(a) Rules of Construction.
- Where the context requires, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.
- The use of “and” in a conjunctive provision means that all elements in the provision must be complied with or must exist to make the provision applicable. Where compliance with one or more elements suffices, or where existence of one or more elements makes the provision applicable, “or” (rather than “and/or”) is used.
- “Shall” is mandatory and “may” is permissive.
(b) Definitions. Terms, phrases, words and their derivatives in Part 6 shall be defined as specified in Section 100.1. Terms, phrases, words and their derivatives not found in Section 100.1 shall be defined as specified in the “Definitions” chapters of Title 24, Parts 1 through 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Where terms, phrases, words and their derivatives are not defined in any of the references above, they shall be defined as specified in Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged (1961 edition, through the 2002 addenda), unless the context requires otherwise.
CRC § 5.5 Medium relevance — show source text
DIVISION 5.5 – ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
SECTION 5.501—GENERAL
5.501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall outline means of reducing the quantity of air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of a building’s installers, occupants and neighbors.
SECTION 5.502—DEFINITIONS
5.502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
1 BTU/HOUR.
ARTERIAL HIGHWAY.
A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL (dBA).
COMMUNITY NOISE EQUIVALENT LEVEL (CNEL).
COMPOSITE WOOD PRODUCTS.
DAY-NIGHT AVERAGE SOUND LEVEL (Ldn).
DECIBEL (dB).
ENERGY EQUIVALENT (NOISE) LEVEL (L eq ).
EXPRESSWAY.
FREEWAY.
GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL (GWP).
GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL VALUE (GWP VALUE).
HIGH-GWP REFRIGERANT.
LONG RADIUS ELBOW.
LOW-GWP REFRIGERANT.
MERV.
MAXIMUM INCREMENTAL REACTIVITY (MIR).
PRODUCT-WEIGHTED MIR (PWMIR).
PSIG.
REACTIVE ORGANIC COMPOUND (ROC).
SCHRADER ACCESS VALVES.
SHORT RADIUS ELBOW.
SUPERMARKET.
VOC.
SECTION 5.503—FIREPLACES
5.503.1 Fireplaces. Install only a direct-vent sealed-combustion gas or sealed wood-burning fireplace, or a sealed woodstove or pellet stove, and refer to residential requirements in the California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, Subchapter 7, Section 150. Woodstoves, pellet stoves and fireplaces shall comply with applicable local ordinances.
5.503.1.1 Woodstoves. Woodstove and pellet stoves shall comply with US EPA New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) emission limits as applicable, and shall have a permanent label indicating they are certified to meet the emission limits.
SECTION 5.504—POLLUTANT CONTROL
5.504.1 Temporary ventilation. The permanent HVAC system shall only be used during construction if necessary to condition the building or areas of addition or alteration within the required temperature range for material and equipment installation. If the HVAC system is used during construction, use return air filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13, based on ASHRAE 52.2. Replace all filters immediately prior to occupancy, or, if the building is occupied during alteration, at the conclusion of construction.
5.504.2 Reserved.
5.504.3 Covering of duct openings and protection of mechanical equipment during construction. At the time of rough installation and during storage on the construction site until final startup of the heating, cooling and ventilating equipment, all duct and
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 5-31
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
Frequently asked questions
Where are mandatory energy requirements vs. voluntary measures?
Mandatory statewide energy standards are adopted and published in Title 24, Part 6 (the California Energy Code). Voluntary or incentive-style provisions appear in other parts of the Title 24 family (for example the Green Building appendices that describe voluntary tiers), but they do not replace Part 6’s mandatory requirements unless a local jurisdiction follows the Energy Commission’s approval process to adopt them as mandatory .
Which Part 6 sections should I check first for a residential permit submittal?
Start with §100.0 (scope) and §100.1 (definitions), then review the 110-series mandatory items for systems and equipment (e.g., §110.1–§110.2) and the residential-specific requirements in §150.0 and §150.2 for envelope, HVAC and alterations; those are the most common drivers of corrections at plan check filecite.
How do I confirm an appliance or piece of equipment meets Part 6 mandatory rules?
Part 6 requires manufacturer certification and uses the Energy Commission’s certified appliance/equipment directories (or approved equivalents) to verify efficiency and compliance; Section 110.1 explains the certification and verification approach and where to find accepted directories/data sources .
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