California Title 24 Compliance
Meeting California's statewide building standards, including its energy code.
Quick Answer
California Title 24 compliance means a project meets the California Building Standards Code, which includes the state's building, energy, green building, and other parts. Part 6 sets energy efficiency standards, and Part 11 is CALGreen. AI can speed up researching Title 24 requirements, but compliance is documented by qualified professionals and approved by the local building department.
The Full Picture
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is the California Building Standards Code. It is published by the California Building Standards Commission and is organized in parts, including the California Building Code (Part 2), the Energy Code (Part 6), and the California Green Building Standards Code, known as CALGreen (Part 11). Other parts cover electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, and existing buildings.
The Energy Code, formally the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, is adopted by the California Energy Commission and covers envelope, lighting, mechanical systems, and, in recent cycles, solar photovoltaic and battery storage requirements for certain buildings. The codes are updated on a three-year cycle, and the editions in force change with each cycle, so the version tied to the permit application date matters.
Compliance is demonstrated through compliance documentation, often prepared with approved software or prescriptive paths, and verified through plan review and inspection. Healthcare and school projects can also involve state agencies with their own review authority, and local jurisdictions may add stricter local energy or green building ordinances.
The volume of cross-references is what makes Title 24 research time-consuming. AI-assisted lookup helps teams find applicable sections and compliance paths faster and flag gaps in drawings, while the energy analysis, documentation, and certification remain the work of qualified professionals.
Real Examples
Common Misconceptions
People assume: Title 24 is only an energy code.
Actually: Title 24 is the entire California Building Standards Code. Energy efficiency is Part 6, and it also includes the building code, CALGreen, and other parts.
People assume: Title 24 is the same every year.
Actually: It is updated on a three-year cycle with intervening supplements, and the edition in force depends on the permit application timing.
Does MeltPlan Solve This?
Yes — direct fitEnergy code and accessibility code research, including California Title 24, is within MeltPlan Code, an AI-first building code research assistant. It helps teams find requirements and identify compliance gaps before they reach construction. It does not perform energy modeling or prepare certified compliance documents.
Research Title 24 code requirements →Frequently Asked Questions
What is California Title 24?
Title 24 is the California Building Standards Code, which includes the state's building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, green building, and other codes.
What is Title 24 Part 6?
Part 6 is the Energy Code, or Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which sets energy efficiency requirements for new buildings and certain alterations. It is adopted by the California Energy Commission.
What is CALGreen?
CALGreen is Part 11 of Title 24, the California Green Building Standards Code, with requirements for sustainability measures such as water efficiency, waste diversion, and material use.
How often is Title 24 updated?
On a three-year cycle, with supplements in between. The edition that applies depends on when the project is permitted.
Can AI produce my Title 24 compliance documents?
AI can speed up researching requirements, but compliance documentation and energy analysis are prepared and certified by qualified professionals using approved methods and software.