CRC · California Residential Code

How the CRC & CALGreen direct users to the Energy Code

Q: Who enforces the energy rules for a residential permit in California?

The building official enforces the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) for mandatory energy compliance; CRC Part IV defers to Part 6. If a local jurisdiction adopted CALGreen measures and completed the CEC/BSC approval process in § A4.201.1 , those local rules (as filed) would be enforceable.

Q: Are CALGreen Appendix A4 measures mandatory statewide?

No — Appendix A4 measures are voluntary statewide . They become mandatory in a jurisdiction only after that jurisdiction follows the CEC application and BSC filing/acceptance steps described in § A4.201.1 .

Q: If my local code says “follow CRC Part IV,” what should I do?

Treat that as a red flag: CRC itself notes Part IV is not adopted and directs you to Title 24, Part 6 (the California Energy Code). Enforce compliance with Part 6 unless the local jurisdiction has an approved, filed modification under § A4.201.1 .

Q: Can a city adopt a stricter energy budget than Part 6 immediately?

Only if the city follows the process in § A4.201.1 (CEC review/approval per Title 24, Part 1 § 10‑106 and BSC filing per § 101.7). Without those approvals the stricter rule is not enforceable.

Q: Where do I find the mandatory technical energy requirements?

In the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) — CRC Part IV points users there for the mandatory technical requirements.

The CRC does not include its own mandatory energy chapter — Part IV defers mandatory energy requirements to the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). CALGreen’s residential appendix (Appendix A4) offers voluntary energy measures and explains how a city can make those measures mandatory, but only after filing with and receiving approval from the California Energy Commission and acceptance through the Building Standards Commission as described in § A4.201.1.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

The California Residential Code (CRC) does not adopt its own Part IV energy provisions; instead CRC points users to the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) for mandatory energy requirements — § Part IV — Energy Conservation.
The CALGreen residential appendix explains the relationship: the California Energy Commission (CEC) will continue to adopt mandatory standards in the California Energy Code, and CALGreen’s Appendix A4 contains voluntary energy-efficiency measures that a local jurisdiction may adopt as mandatory only after CEC review/approval per Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 — § A4.201.1.

The single most important rule: the CRC defers mandatory energy requirements to the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6); CALGreen offers voluntary (or locally-adoptable) energy measures but they become mandatory only after CEC acceptance.

Requirements in detail

Key authorities and who to follow

Primary mandatory standard: California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) — CRC Part IV points users to this as the controlling mandatory energy code. § Part IV — Energy Conservation.
CALGreen Appendix A4 (residential voluntary measures): explains scope and the process for converting voluntary measures to mandatory local standards — § A4.201.1.

Decision-relevant dimensions (quick table)

Decision question	Values / requirement	Code reference
Is CRC Part IV adopted as a standalone mandatory energy code?	No — CRC defers to Title 24, Part 6	§ Part IV — Energy Conservation
Where are mandatory residential energy rules found?	California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6)	§ Part IV — Energy Conservation
Can local jurisdictions require CALGreen energy measures?	Yes, but only after CEC approval and BSC acceptance (filing per Title 24, Part 1, § 10‑106; ordinance and findings per § 101.7)	§ A4.201.1
Are CALGreen Appendix A4 measures mandatory statewide?	No — they are voluntary statewide unless adopted locally following the A4.201.1 process	§ A4.201.1
Where to find CALGreen voluntary performance options (energy budgets, elective measures)?	Appendix A4 (Divisions A4.2 / A4.203.x)	§ A4.203.1 (see Appendix A4)

How the direction works (practical steps)

For any permit/review of energy items, consult the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) (mandatory). The CRC explicitly says Part IV is not adopted and directs users to Part 6. § Part IV — Energy Conservation.
If a local government wants to require higher or earlier energy standards from CALGreen Appendix A4, it must submit an application and receive CEC approval (Title 24, Part 1, § 10‑106) and then file an ordinance and findings for Building Standards Commission acceptance (§ 101.7), as described in § A4.201.1.
Until those approvals are complete, enforcement is limited to the mandatory Title 24 Part 6 requirements; CALGreen Appendix A4 remains voluntary. § A4.201.1.

Exceptions & special cases

Local jurisdictions may adopt CALGreen Appendix A4 measures as mandatory local standards, but only after the California Energy Commission finds they meet the criteria and the Building Standards Commission accepts the local ordinance per the filing/acceptance requirements called out in § A4.201.1.
The CRC itself contains many energy-related references (e.g., insulation requirements in R403 series), but those items remain subject to the Energy Code where Part IV is replaced by Title 24, Part 6 — check the specific CRC sections (e.g., insulation tables) alongside Part 6 requirements.
Jurisdictions that try to enforce un-filed local energy standards risk conflict with State processes — do not treat CALGreen voluntary measures as automatically enforceable unless the A4.201.1 approval sequence has been completed.

Common mistakes

Mistake: “Applying CALGreen Appendix A4 energy measures as mandatory without CEC/BSC approvals.” Fix: follow the filing/approval steps in § A4.201.1.
Mistake: “Using CRC Part IV language as the controlling mandatory energy standard.” Fix: CRC explicitly notes Part IV is not adopted; use Title 24, Part 6 for mandatory energy compliance. § Part IV — Energy Conservation.
Mistake: “Assuming voluntary tiers (Tier 1/Tier 2) are in force statewide.” Fix: tiers in Appendix A4 are voluntary statewide; local adoption is required to make them mandatory, with CEC review if the jurisdiction seeks to modify energy requirements. § A4.201.1.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A city wants to require new 3‑story low‑rise homes to meet a more stringent energy budget (an Energy Design Rating or budget that’s 90% of the Part 6 allowance) before the State effective date of that Part 6 change.

Step-by-step application of the rules:

The building department reviewer first enforces the mandatory energy code: Title 24, Part 6 (CRC Part IV expressly directs users to Part 6). § Part IV — Energy Conservation.
If the city wants to require the 90% energy-budget target via CALGreen Appendix A4 measures (or an earlier Part 6 requirement), the city must prepare and submit an application to the California Energy Commission showing the local standard will not allow higher energy use than Part 6 (or justify equivalence) and follow Title 24, Part 1, § 10‑106 procedure described in § A4.201.1.
After the CEC verifies the filing and the city files an ordinance and findings with the Building Standards Commission per § 101.7, the city may enforce the local requirement. Prior to that acceptance, plan reviewers should not deny permits based on the un-filed local energy requirement. § A4.201.1.

Numerical check: if the city’s required energy budget is 90% of Part 6 allowance, the reviewer should (before enforcement) verify:

Has the city’s CEC filing been accepted? (If not, enforce Part 6 only.) § A4.201.1.

Related provisions (CRC / CALGreen sections)

§ Part IV — Energy Conservation — CRC note: Part IV is not adopted; see Title 24, Part 6 (California Energy Code).
§ A4.201.1 — CALGreen Appendix A4 scope and filing/approval process for mandatory local energy standards.
§ A4.203.1 — CALGreen performance approach and energy-efficiency options referenced in Appendix A4 (electives / energy budgets).
§ R403.3 — CRC insulation/energy-related detail references; cross-check with Title 24 Part 6 requirements when performing compliance review.
§ R1006 (and other CRC energy‑adjacent sections) — referenced in CRC table of contents; consult Part 6 for final mandatory requirements.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CRC § 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
CRC § 1-5 Medium relevance — show source text
102 Construction Documents

and Installation Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

103 Building Standards Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5 104 Department of Housing and Community Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6 105 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

106 Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

CHAPTER 3 GREEN BUILDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3

4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3

CRC § 203.1.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

In addition, a minimum of two of
the efficiency measures specified in Sections A4.203.1.2.1 through
A4.203.1.2.8 will be required to be met.
· Roof Deck Insulation or Ducts in Conditioned Space.
· High-performance Walls.
· Compact Hot Water Distribution System.
· Drain Water Heat Recovery.
· High Performance Vertical Fenestration.
· Heat Pump Water Heater Demand Management.
· Battery Storage System Controls.
· **Heat Pump Space and Water Heating.||2|2|||| |**A4.203.1.3 Consultation with local electric service provider.**Local
jurisdictions considering adoption of reduced EDR targets based on
using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems larger than required by the
California Energy Code shall consult with the local electric service
provider to ensure that that PV system sizing required to comply with
the EDR targets will be acceptable to the local electric service
provider.||2|2||||

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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

SECTION A4.602—RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST—continued

FEATURE OR MEASURE	LEVELS APPLICANT TO SELECT ELECTIVE MEASURES	Col3	Col4	VERIFICATIONS ENFORCING AGENCY TO SPECIFY VERIFICATION METHOD	Col6	Col7
FEATURE OR MEASURE	Mandatory	Prerequisites and electives1	Prerequisites and electives1	Enforcing Agency  All	Installer or Designer  All	Third party  All
FEATURE OR MEASURE	Mandatory	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 2	Tier 2	Tier 2
WATER EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
Indoor Water Use
4.303.1Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and fittings (showerheads, faucets and pre-rinse spray valves) installed in residential buildings shall comply with the prescriptive requirements of Sections 4.303.1.1 through 4.303.1.4.5.						
4.303.2 Submeters for multifamily building and dwelling units in **mixed-use residential/commercial buildings.

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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APPENDIX A4-8 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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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 § 401.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

DIVISION A5.4 – MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

SECTION A5.401—GENERAL

A5.401.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter specify the requirements of achieving enhanced compliance with material conservation, resource efficiency, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction through reuse of existing building stock and materials; use of recycled, regional, rapidly renewable and certified wood materials; and employment of techniques to reduce pollution through recycling of materials.

SECTION A5.402—DEFINITIONS

A5.402.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

BUILDING COMMISSIONING.

BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA ACT (BCCA).

CRADLE-TO-GRAVE.

EMBODIED ENERGY.

EUTROPHICATION.

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA).

LIFE CYCLE INVENTORY (LCI).

OVE.

POSTCONSUMER CONTENT.

PRECONSUMER (or POSTINDUSTRIAL) CONTENT.

RECYCLED CONTENT.

RECYCLED CONTENT VALUE (RCV).

REFERENCE STUDY PERIOD.

TYPE III ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD).

FACTORY-SPECIFIC EPD.

INDUSTRY-WIDE EPD (IW-EPD).

PRODUCT-SPECIFIC EPD.

SECTION A5.403—FOUNDATION SYSTEMS (RESERVED)

SECTION A5.404—EFFICIENT FRAMING TECHNIQUES

A5.404.1 Wood framing. Employ advanced wood framing techniques or OVE, as recommended by the US Department of Energy’s Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs and as permitted by the enforcing agency.

A5.404.1.1 Structural or fire-resistance integrity. The OVE selected shall not conflict with structural framing methods or firerated assemblies required by the California Building Code.

A5.404.1.2 Framing specifications. Advanced framing techniques include the following:
1. Building design using 2-foot modules;
2. Spacing wall studs up to 24 inches on center;
3. Spacing floor and roof framing members up to 24 inches on center;
4. Using 2-stud corner framing and drywall clips or scrap lumber for drywall backing;
5. Eliminating solid headers in non-load-bearing walls;
6. Using in-line framing, aligning floor, wall and roof framing members vertically for direct transfer of loads; and
7. Using single lumber headers and top plates where appropriate.
Note: Additional information can be obtained from the US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) website.

SECTION A5.405—MATERIAL SOURCES
CRC § 4.00 Medium relevance — show source text
10
screw|Steel thickness
+ 3 threads|12|4.00|2.25|1.35|0.70|DR|3.70|1.05|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum
33-mil
steel
furring or
minimum
1× wood
furringc|33-mil
steel stud|No. 10
screw|Steel thickness
+ 3 threads|16|3.85|1.45|DR|DR|DR|3.40|DR|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum
33-mil
steel
furring or
minimum
1× wood
furringc|33-mil
steel stud|No. 10
screw|Steel thickness
+ 3 threads|24|3.40|DR|DR|DR|DR|2.70|DR|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum
33-mil
steel
furring or
minimum
1× wood
furringc|43-mil or
thicker
steel stud|No. 8
Screw|Steel thickness
+ 3 threads|12|3.00|1.80|0.95|DR|DR|3.00|0.65|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum
33-mil
steel
furring or
minimum
1× wood
furringc|43-mil or
thicker
steel stud|No. 8
Screw|Steel thickness
+ 3 threads|16|3.00|1.00|DR|DR|DR|2.85|DR|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum
33-mil
steel
furring or
minimum
1× wood
furringc|43-mil or
thicker
steel stud|No. 8
Screw|Steel thickness
+ 3 threads|24|2.85|DR|DR|DR|DR|2.20|DR|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum
33-mil
steel
furring or
minimum
1× wood
furringc|43-mil or
thicker
steel stud|No. 10
screw|Steel thickness
+ 3 threads|12|4.00|3.85|3.25|2.80|1.80|4.00|3.05|2.15|1.50|DR| |Minimum
33-mil
steel
furring or
minimum
1× wood
furringc|43-mil or
thicker
steel stud|No. 10
screw|Steel thickness
+ 3 threads|16|4.00|3.30|2.55|1.95|0.60|4.00|2.25|1.05|DR|DR| |Minimum
33-mil
steel
furring or
minimum
1× wood
furringc|43-mil or
thicker
steel stud|No. 10
screw|Steel thickness
+ 3 threads|24|4.00|2.25|1.05|DR|DR|4.00|0.65|DR|DR|DR|

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WALL COVERING

CRC § 504.8.5.2 Medium 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:

Product certifications and specifications.
Chain of custody certifications.
Other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency.

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

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

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

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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.

CGBSC § 2025 Medium relevance — show source text

WHEREAS, adoption of the California Green Building Standards Code appendices promotes statewide consistency and predictability for building professionals; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City/County hereby finds that green building design, construction and operation furthers the goals set forth in the City/County General Plan, including land use, conservation, open space and (include others, if applicable).

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that newly constructed residential buildings, alterations or additions to residential buildings shall meet the _______ (Tier 1 or Tier 2) measures contained in the California Green Building Standards Code appendices and the green building design, construction and operation innovative concepts or additions or amendment thereto contained in Attachment _____ to address local environmental conditions; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council or County Board of Supervisors of the City/County of ___________ adopts the California Green Building Standards Code appendices, as they may be amended from time to time, as a City/County mandatory reference document and directs City/County staff to enforce these green building measures as mandatory standards within the City/County.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

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APPENDIX A4-32 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

APPENDIX A5 – NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

DIVISION A5.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

Adopting agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	HCD	Col6	Col7	DSA	Col9	OSHPD	Col11	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt entire CA chapter		X
Adopt entire chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
Chapter/Section

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-1

CRC § 3-4 Medium relevance — show source text
302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3

4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3

5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3 5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19 5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 5-23 5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

CHAPTER 6 REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS

AND STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3

CHAPTER 7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL

INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 701 General (Reserved) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3 702 Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

CRC § 106.9 Medium relevance — show source text

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. [OSHPD 1]Buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.” A.5.203.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] Buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by 15 percent.			
SECTION A6.204 Prescriptive Measures
A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances.All equipment and appliances provided by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment or appliance.			
A6.204.4 Commissioning. Building commissioning for all building systems covered by T24, Part 6, process systems and renewable energy systems shall be included in the design and construction processes of the building project. Commissioning requirements shall include as a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4. A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).Documented before the design phase of the project begins the OPR shall include items listed in Section A6.204.4. A6.204.4.2 Basis of Design (BOD).A written explanation of how the design of the building systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project and updated periodically to cover the systems listed in Section A6.204.4.2. **A6.204.4.3 Commissioning plan.

CRC § 405.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION A4.405—MATERIAL SOURCES

A4.405.1 Prefinished building materials. Utilize prefinished building materials which do not require additional painting or staining when possible. One or more of the following building materials that do not require additional resources for finishing are used:
1. Exterior trim not requiring paint or stain.
2. Windows not requiring paint or stain.
3. Siding or exterior wall coverings which do not require paint or stain.
A4.405.2 Concrete floors. Floors that do not require additional coverings are used including but not limited to stained, natural or stamped concrete floors.

A4.405.3 Recycled content. Comply with the requirements for recycled content in Section A4.405.3.1.

A4.405.3.1 Recycled content. Use materials, equivalent in performance to virgin materials with a total (combined) recycled content value (RCV) of:

Tier 1. The RCV shall not be less than 10 percent of the total material cost of the project.

(Equation A4. 4-1) Required Total RCV (dollars) = Total Material Cost (dollars) × 10 percent

Tier 2. The RCV shall not be less than 15 percent of the total material cost of the project.

(Equation A4. 4-2) Required Total RCV (dollars) = Total Material Cost (dollars) × 15 percent

For the purposes of this section, materials used as components of the structural frame shall not be used to calculate recycled content. The structural frame includes the load bearing structural elements, such as wall studs, plates, sills, columns, beams, girders, joists, rafters and trusses.

Notes:
1. Sample forms which allow user input and automatic calculation are located at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/building- standards/calgreen and may be used to simplify documenting compliance with this section and for calculating recycled content value of materials or assembly products.
2. Sources and recycled content of some recycled materials can be obtained from CalRecycle if not provided by the manufacturer.
A4.405.3.1.1 Total material cost. Total material cost is the total estimated or actual cost of materials and assembly products used in the project. The required total recycled content value for the project (in dollars) shall be determined by Equation A4.41 or Equation A4.4-2.

Total material cost shall be calculated by using one of the methods specified below:
1. Simplified method. To obtain the total cost of the project, multiply the square footage of the residential structure by the square foot valuation established pursuant to the ICC Building Valuation Data (BVD) or other valuation data approved and/or established by the enforcing agency. The total material cost is 45 percent of the total cost of the project. Use Equations A4.4-3A or A4.4-3B to determine total material costs using the simplified method.
(Equation A4.4-3A) Total material costs = Project square footage × square foot valuation × 45 percent
CRC § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text
VOLUNTARY MEASURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-3

A5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-3 A5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-13 A5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . APPENDIX A5-19 A5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-25 A5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-35 A5.6 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-41 A5.601 CALGren Tier 1 and Tier 2. . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-41

A5.602 CALGreen Verification Guidelines Mandatory Measures Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-44

A5.602.1 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

Tier 1 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-48

A5.602.2 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

Tier 2 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-55

APPENDIX A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH

FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.1 Site Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-32 A6.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-33

INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INDEX-1

HISTORY NOTE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HIST-1

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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
CRC § 1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
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How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments

To distinguish between model code language and the incorporated California amendments, including exclusive California standards, California amendments will appear in italics.

[BSC] This is an example of a state agency acronym used to identify an adoption or amendment by the agency. The acronyms will appear at California Amendments and in the Matrix Adoption Tables. Sections 1.2 through 1.14 in Chapter 1, Division 1 of the Cali- fornia Building Code, explain the used acronyms, the application of state agency adoptions to building occupancies or building features, the enforcement agency as designated by state law (may be the state adopting agency or local building or fire official), the authority in state law for the state agency to make the adoption, and the specific state law being implemented by the agency’s adoption. The following acronyms are used in Title 24 to identify the state adopting agency making an adoption.

Legend of Acronyms of Adopting State Agencies

BSC California Building Standards Commission (see Section 1.2)

BSC-CG California Building Standards Commission-CALGreen (see Section 1.2.2)

BSCC Board of State and Community Corrections (see Section 1.3)

SFM Office of the State Fire Marshal (see Section 1.11)

HCD 1 Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.1)

HCD 2 Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.3)

HCD 1/AC Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.2)

DSA-AC Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance (see Section 1.9.1)

DSA-SS Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (see Section 1.9.2)

DSA-SS/CC Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety/Community Colleges (see Section 1.9.2.2)

OSHPD 1 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.1)

OSHPD 1R Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.1)

OSHPD 2 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.2)

OSHPD 3 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.3)

OSHPD 4 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.4)

OSHPD 5 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.5)

OSHPD 6 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.6)

DPH Department of Public Health (see Section 1.7)

AGR Department of Food and Agriculture (see Section 1.6)

CEC California Energy Commission (see Section 100 in Part 6, the California Energy Code)
CRC § 1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Legend of Acronyms of Adopting State Agencies

BSC California Building Standards Commission (see Section 1.2)

BSC-CG California Building Standards Commission-CALGreen (see Section 1.2.2)

BSCC Board of State and Community Corrections (see Section 1.3)

SFM Office of the State Fire Marshal (see Section 1.11)

HCD 1 Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.1)

HCD 2 Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.3)

HCD 1/AC Department of Housing and Community Development (see Section 1.8.2.1.2)

DSA-AC Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance (see Section 1.9.1)

DSA-SS Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (see Section 1.9.2)

DSA-SS/CC Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety/Community Colleges (see Section 1.9.2.2)

OSHPD 1 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.1)

OSHPD 1R Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.1)

OSHPD 2 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.2)

OSHPD 3 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.3)

OSHPD 4 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.4)

OSHPD 5 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.5)

OSHPD 6 Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (see Section 1.10.6)

DPH Department of Public Health (see Section 1.7)

AGR Department of Food and Agriculture (see Section 1.6)

CEC California Energy Commission (see Section 100 in Part 6, the California Energy Code)

CA Department of Consumer Affairs (see Section 1.4): Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine Board of Pharmacy Acupuncture Board Bureau of Household Goods & Services Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB)

SL State Library (see Section 1.12)

SLC State Lands Commission (see Section 1.14)

DWR Department of Water Resources (see Section 1.13 of Chapter 1 of the California Plumbing Code in Part 5 of Title 24)

The state agencies are available to answer questions about their adoptions. Contact information is provided on page iv of this code.

To learn more about the use of this code refer to pages viii and ix. Training materials on the application and use of this code are available at the website of the California Building Standards Commission www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc.

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California Matrix Adoption Tables

Format of the California Matrix Adoption Tables
CRC § 3.1. Medium relevance — show source text
1. From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.3.
2. From Division A4.4, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency. 4.1. Comply with the 20 percent cement reduction requirements in Section A4.403.2. 4.2. Comply with the 10 percent recycled content requirements in Section A4.405.3.1. 4.3. Comply with the 65 percent reduction in construction waste in Section A4.408.1. 4.4. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.4.
3. From Division A4.5, Environmental Quality. 5.1. Comply with the 90 percent resilient flooring systems requirements in Section A4.504.2. 5.2. Comply with the thermal insulation requirements for Tier 1 in Section A4.504.3. 5.3. Comply with at least one elective measure selected from Division A4.5.
Note: The Residential Occupancies Application Checklist contained in Section A4.602 may be used to show which elective measures are selected.

A4.601.5 Tier 2. To achieve Tier 2 status a project must comply with the following.

Note: The measures necessary to achieve Tier 2 status are very stringent. Cities, counties, and cities and counties considering adoption of Tier 2 as mandatory should carefully consider the stringency of each measure and ensure that the measures are achievable in their location.

A4.601.5.1 Mandatory measures for Tier 2. The project shall meet or exceed all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 4, Divisions 4.1 through 4.5 and Chapter 7 as applicable.

A4.601.5.2 Prerequisite and elective measures for Tier 2. In addition to the mandatory measures, compliance with the following prerequisite and elective measures from Appendix A4 is also required to achieve Tier 2 status.
1. From Division A4.1, Planning and Design.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-21

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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

1.1. Comply with the topsoil protection requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 in Section A4.106.2.3. 1.2. Comply with the 30 percent permeable paving requirements in Section A4.106.4. 1.3. Comply with the cool roof requirements in Section A4.106.5. 1.4. Comply with the Tier 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements in Section A4.106.8. 1.5. Comply with at least four elective measures selected from Division A4.1. 2. From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency. 2.1. For newly constructed low-rise residential buildings, comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Sections A4.203.1, A4.203.1.1, Table A4.203.1.1, A4.203.1.2 and A4.203.1.3.
1. From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least three elective measures selected from Division A4.3.
2. From Division A4.4, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency. 4.1.
CRC § 601.5.2 Medium relevance — show source text
A4.601.5.2 Prerequisite and elective measures for Tier 2. In addition to the mandatory measures, compliance with the following prerequisite and elective measures from Appendix A4 is also required to achieve Tier 2 status.
1. From Division A4.1, Planning and Design.
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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

1.1. Comply with the topsoil protection requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 in Section A4.106.2.3. 1.2. Comply with the 30 percent permeable paving requirements in Section A4.106.4. 1.3. Comply with the cool roof requirements in Section A4.106.5. 1.4. Comply with the Tier 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements in Section A4.106.8. 1.5. Comply with at least four elective measures selected from Division A4.1. 2. From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency. 2.1. For newly constructed low-rise residential buildings, comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Sections A4.203.1, A4.203.1.1, Table A4.203.1.1, A4.203.1.2 and A4.203.1.3.
1. From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least three elective measures selected from Division A4.3.
2. From Division A4.4, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency. 4.1. Comply with the 25 percent cement reduction requirements in Section A4.403.2. 4.2. Comply with the 15 percent recycled content requirements in Section A4.405.3.1. 4.3. Comply with the 75 percent reduction in construction waste in Section A4.408.1. 4.4. Comply with at least four elective measures selected from Division A4.4.
3. From Division A4.5, Environmental Quality. 5.1. Comply with the 100 percent resilient flooring systems requirements in Section A4.504.2. 5.2. Comply with the thermal insulation requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 in Section A4.504.3. 5.3. Comply with at least one elective measure selected from Division A4.5.
Note: The Residential Occupancies Application Checklist contained in Section A4.602 may be used to show which elective measures are selected.

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DIVISION A4.6 – TIER 1 AND TIER 2

SECTION A4.602 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST
CRC § 2025 Medium relevance — show source text
It is important to understand that the IRC contains coverage for what is conventional and common in residential construction practice. While the IRC will provide all of the needed coverage for most residential construction, it might not address construction practices and systems that are atypical or rarely encountered in the industry. Therefore, the IRC contains several references to other codes either as an alternative to the provisions of the IRC or where the IRC lacks coverage for a particular type of structure, design, system, appliance or method of construction. In other words, the IRC is meant to be all inclusive for typical residential construction and it relies on other codes only where alternatives are desired or where the code lacks coverage for the uncommon aspect of residential construction. Of course, the IRC constantly evolves to address new technologies and construction practices that were once uncommon, but are now common.

The IRC is unique in that much of it, including Chapters 3 through 9 and Chapters 34 through 43, is presented in an ordered format that is consistent with the normal progression of construction, starting with the design phase and continuing through the final trimout phase. This is consistent with the “cookbook” philosophy of the IRC.

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Arrangement and Format of the 2025 CRC

The CRC is divided into nine main parts, specifically: Part I—Administrative, Part II—Definitions, Part III—Building Planning and Construction, Part IV—Energy Conservation, Part V—Mechanical, Part VI—Fuel Gas, Part VII—Plumbing, Part VIII—Electrical and Part IX—Referenced Standards. Parts IV through VIII of IRC are not adopted in California and replaced with references to appropriate parts of Title 24. The following provides a brief description of the content of each chapter and appendix of the CRC:

Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

Chapter 2 Definitions.

Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.

Chapter 3 Building Planning.

Chapter 3 provides guidelines for a minimum level of structural integrity, life safety, fire safety and livability for inhabitants of dwelling units regulated by this code. Chapter 3 is a compilation of the code requirements specific to the building planning sector of the design and construction process. This chapter sets forth code requirements dealing with light, ventilation, sanitation, minimum room size, ceiling height and environmental comfort. Chapter 3 establishes life-safety provisions including limitations on glazing used in hazardous areas, specifications on stairways, use of guards at elevated surfaces, window and fall protection, and rules for means of egress. Snow, wind and seismic design live and dead loads and flood-resistant construction, as well as solar energy systems are addressed in this chapter.

Chapter 4 Foundations.
CRC § 25402.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1. The city, county, or city and county shall obtain California Energy Commission approval for any energy- related ordinances consistent with Public Resources Code Section 25402.1(h)(2) and Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106. Local governmental agencies may adopt and enforce energy standards for newly constructed buildings, additions, alterations and repairs, provided the California Energy Commission finds that the standards will require buildings to be designed to consume no more energy than permitted by Part 6. Such local standards include, but are not limited to, adopting the requirements of Part 6 before their effective date, requiring additional energy conservation measures, or setting more stringent energy budgets.
101.8 Alternate materials, designs and methods of construction. 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, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternate shall be approved on a case-by-case basis where the enforcing agency finds that the proposed alternate is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code and is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in planning and design, energy, water, material conservation and resource efficiency, environmental air quality, performance, safety and the protection of life and health. Consideration and compliance provisions for occupancies regulated by adopting state agencies are found in the sections listed below.
1. Section 1.2.3 in the California Building Code (CBC) for the California Building Standards Commission.
2. Section 104.2.3 in the California Building Code (CBC) for the Division of the State Architect.
3. Section 1.8.7 in the California Building Code (CBC); and Section 1.8.7 in the California Residential Code (CRC) for the Department of Housing and Community Development.
4. Section 7-104 in the California Administrative Code for the Office of the Statewide Health Planning and Development.
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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.
CRC § 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.
CRC § 10-13 Medium relevance — show source text
R1006.5 Outlet. The exterior air outlet shall be located in the back or side of the firebox chamber or shall be located outside of the firebox, at the level of the hearth and not greater than 24 inches (610 mm) from the firebox opening. The outlet shall be closable and designed to prevent burning material from dropping into concealed combustible spaces.

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Part IV—Energy Conservation

(Note: Part IV is not adopted. See California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6.)

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Part V—Mechanical

(Note: Part V is not adopted. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.)

2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 12-1

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Part VI—Fuel Gas

(Note: Part VI is not adopted. See California Mechanical Code and California Plumbing Code, Title 24, Parts 4 and 5.)

2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 24-1

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Part VII—Plumbing

(Note: Part VII is not adopted. See California Plumbing Code, Title 24, Part 5.)

2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 25-1

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Part VIII—Electrical

(Note: Part VIII is not adopted. See California Electrical Code, Title 24, Part 3.)

2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 34-1

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CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 44 – REFERENCED STANDARDS

(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
CRC § 110.4 Medium relevance — show source text
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 Title 24, Part 6, Section 110.4(d). The supplementary heater can be of any energy source; or 3. 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 4. A combination of a solar pool heating system and heat pump pool heater without any additional supplementary heater; or 5. 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 A4.204.1.2: Portable electric spas compliant with 20 CCR, Section 1605.3(g)(7) of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations.

Exception 2 to A4.204.1.2: A pool or spa that is heated solely by a solar pool heating system without any supplementary heater.

Exception 3 to A4.204.1.2: An existing building with inadequate Solar Access Roof Area (SARA) as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 170.2(f) for a solar pool heating system to be installed.

Exception 4 to A4.204.1.2: Heating systems which are used exclusively for permanent spa applications in existing buildings with gas availability.

Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4 and 25402.8, Public Resources Code.

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-11

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APPENDIX A4-12 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

DIVISION A4.3 – WATER EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION

SECTION A4.301—GENERAL (RESERVED)

SECTION A4.302—DEFINITIONS (RESERVED)

SECTION A4.303—INDOOR WATER USE

A4.303.1 Kitchen faucets. The maximum flow rate of kitchen faucets shall not exceed 1.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi. Kitchen faucets may temporarily increase the flow above the maximum rate, but not to exceed 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi, and must default to a maximum flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi.

Note: Where complying faucets are unavailable, aerators or other means may be used to achieve reduction.

A4.303.2 Alternate water sources for nonpotable applications. Alternate nonpotable water sources are used for indoor potable water reduction. Alternate nonpotable water sources shall be installed in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.

A4.303.3 Appliances. Install at least one qualified ENERGY STAR dishwasher or clothes washer.

Note: See Section A5.303.3 for nonresidential dishwashers and clothes washers.
CRC § 1.8. Medium relevance — show source text
4 mm, °C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8.
a. Insulation requirements are for protection against frost damage in heated buildings. Greater values could be required to meet energy conservation standards.
b. See Figure R403.3(2) or Table R403.3(2) for Air-Freezing Index values.
c. Insulation materials shall provide the stated minimum_R_-values under long-term exposure to moist, below-ground conditions in freezing climates. The following_R_-values
shall be used to determine insulation thicknesses required for this application: Type II expanded polystyrene (EPS)-3.2 R per inch for vertical insulation and 2.6 R per inch for
horizontal insulation; Type IX expanded polystyrene (EPS)-3.4 R per inch for vertical insulation and 2.8 R per inch for horizontal insulation; Types IV, V, VI, VII, and X extruded
polystyrene (XPS)-4.5 R per inch for vertical insulation and 4.0 R per inch for horizontal insulation.
d. Vertical insulation shall be expanded polystyrene insulation or extruded polystyrene insulation.
e. Horizontal insulation shall be expanded polystyrene insulation or extruded polystyrene insulation.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, °C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8.
a. Insulation requirements are for protection against frost damage in heated buildings. Greater values could be required to meet energy conservation standards.
b. See Figure R403.3(2) or Table R403.3(2) for Air-Freezing Index values.
c. Insulation materials shall provide the stated minimum_R_-values under long-term exposure to moist, below-ground conditions in freezing climates. The following_R_-values
shall be used to determine insulation thicknesses required for this application: Type II expanded polystyrene (EPS)-3.2 R per inch for vertical insulation and 2.6 R per inch for
horizontal insulation; Type IX expanded polystyrene (EPS)-3.4 R per inch for vertical insulation and 2.8 R per inch for horizontal insulation; Types IV, V, VI, VII, and X extruded
polystyrene (XPS)-4.5 R per inch for vertical insulation and 4.0 R per inch for horizontal insulation.
d. Vertical insulation shall be expanded polystyrene insulation or extruded polystyrene insulation.
e. Horizontal insulation shall be expanded polystyrene insulation or extruded polystyrene insulation.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, °C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8.
a. Insulation requirements are for protection against frost damage in heated buildings. Greater values could be required to meet energy conservation standards.
b. See Figure R403.3(2) or Table R403.3(2) for Air-Freezing Index values.
c. Insulation materials shall provide the stated minimum_R_-values under long-term exposure to moist, below-ground conditions in freezing climates.
CRC § 3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Insulation requirements are for protection against frost damage in heated buildings. Greater values could be required to meet energy conservation standards.
b. See Figure R403.3(2) or Table R403.3(2) for Air-Freezing Index values.
c. Insulation materials shall provide the stated minimum_R_-values under long-term exposure to moist, below-ground conditions in freezing climates. The following_R_-values
shall be used to determine insulation thicknesses required for this application: Type II expanded polystyrene (EPS)-3.2 R per inch for vertical insulation and 2.6 R per inch for
horizontal insulation; Type IX expanded polystyrene (EPS)-3.4 R per inch for vertical insulation and 2.8 R per inch for horizontal insulation; Types IV, V, VI, VII, and X extruded
polystyrene (XPS)-4.5 R per inch for vertical insulation and 4.0 R per inch for horizontal insulation.
d. Vertical insulation shall be expanded polystyrene insulation or extruded polystyrene insulation.
e. Horizontal insulation shall be expanded polystyrene insulation or extruded polystyrene insulation.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, °C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8.
a. Insulation requirements are for protection against frost damage in heated buildings. Greater values could be required to meet energy conservation standards.
b. See Figure R403.3(2) or Table R403.3(2) for Air-Freezing Index values.
c. Insulation materials shall provide the stated minimum_R_-values under long-term exposure to moist, below-ground conditions in freezing climates. The following_R_-values
shall be used to determine insulation thicknesses required for this application: Type II expanded polystyrene (EPS)-3.2 R per inch for vertical insulation and 2.6 R per inch for
horizontal insulation; Type IX expanded polystyrene (EPS)-3.4 R per inch for vertical insulation and 2.8 R per inch for horizontal insulation; Types IV, V, VI, VII, and X extruded
polystyrene (XPS)-4.5 R per inch for vertical insulation and 4.0 R per inch for horizontal insulation.
d. Vertical insulation shall be expanded polystyrene insulation or extruded polystyrene insulation.
e. Horizontal insulation shall be expanded polystyrene insulation or extruded polystyrene insulation.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, °C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8.
a. Insulation requirements are for protection against frost damage in heated buildings. Greater values could be required to meet energy conservation standards.
b. See Figure R403.3(2) or Table R403.3(2) for Air-Freezing Index values.
c. Insulation materials shall provide the stated minimum_R_-values under long-term exposure to moist, below-ground conditions in freezing climates. The following_R_-values
shall be used to determine insulation thicknesses required for this application: Type II expanded polystyrene (EPS)-3.2 R per inch for vertical insulation and 2.6 R per inch for
horizontal insulation; Type IX expanded polystyrene (EPS)-3.4 R per inch for vertical insulation and 2.8 R per inch for horizontal insulation; Types IV, V, VI, VII, and X extruded
polystyrene (XPS)-4.5 R per inch for vertical insulation and 4.0 R per inch for horizontal insulation.
d.

Frequently asked questions

Who enforces the energy rules for a residential permit in California?

The building official enforces the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) for mandatory energy compliance; CRC Part IV defers to Part 6. If a local jurisdiction adopted CALGreen measures and completed the CEC/BSC approval process in § A4.201.1, those local rules (as filed) would be enforceable.

Are CALGreen Appendix A4 measures mandatory statewide?

No — Appendix A4 measures are voluntary statewide. They become mandatory in a jurisdiction only after that jurisdiction follows the CEC application and BSC filing/acceptance steps described in § A4.201.1.

If my local code says “follow CRC Part IV,” what should I do?

Treat that as a red flag: CRC itself notes Part IV is not adopted and directs you to Title 24, Part 6 (the California Energy Code). Enforce compliance with Part 6 unless the local jurisdiction has an approved, filed modification under § A4.201.1.

Can a city adopt a stricter energy budget than Part 6 immediately?

Only if the city follows the process in § A4.201.1 (CEC review/approval per Title 24, Part 1 § 10‑106 and BSC filing per § 101.7). Without those approvals the stricter rule is not enforceable.

Where do I find the mandatory technical energy requirements?

In the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) — CRC Part IV points users there for the mandatory technical requirements.

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A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

DIVISION A4.6 – TIER 1 AND TIER 2

A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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