California Title 24
California's building standards code, best known for its energy efficiency requirements.
Quick Answer
California Title 24 is the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. It contains the state's building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, and green building standards. People often use the term for Part 6, the Energy Code, which sets efficiency requirements for new construction and alterations.
The Full Picture
Title 24 is the compilation of building standards that apply statewide in California. It is organized into multiple parts, including the California Building Code (Part 2), the Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes, the Energy Code (Part 6), the Green Building Standards Code known as CALGreen (Part 11), and others. The California Building Standards Commission publishes the code, and state agencies propose the standards within their areas.
In everyday use, Title 24 often refers to Part 6, the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which are developed by the California Energy Commission. These standards cover residential and nonresidential buildings and address envelope, lighting, HVAC, water heating, and, in recent editions, requirements related to solar photovoltaics and battery storage readiness and electrification-related provisions. The details change by edition.
The code is updated on a three-year cycle, and each edition takes effect on a set date, which means projects are subject to the edition in force when the permit application is submitted. Local governments can adopt stricter local energy ordinances, subject to state approval, so requirements can vary by city.
Compliance is documented through standardized forms, often prepared with approved compliance software, and inspectors and sometimes third-party field verifiers confirm installation. For contractors, Title 24 shapes scope in lighting controls, mechanical systems, envelope, and commissioning, and missing documentation can delay permits or occupancy.
Real Examples
Common Misconceptions
People assume: Title 24 is only an energy code.
Actually: Title 24 is the entire California Building Standards Code. Energy requirements are in Part 6, but it also includes the building code, CALGreen, and others.
People assume: Title 24 is the same everywhere in California.
Actually: The state standards apply statewide, but local governments can add stricter requirements, and the applicable edition depends on permit timing.
Does MeltPlan Solve This?
Partially — adjacentMeltPlan Code can help teams research California code requirements and identify possible compliance gaps. It does not prepare compliance forms, run approved compliance software, or issue determinations for permits.
Research California code requirements →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Title 24 Part 6?
The California Energy Code, formally the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, developed by the California Energy Commission for residential and nonresidential buildings.
What is CALGreen?
The California Green Building Standards Code, Part 11 of Title 24, which sets mandatory green building measures for new buildings and some alterations.
How often is Title 24 updated?
On a three-year cycle. Each edition has an effective date, and projects follow the edition in force when they apply for a permit.
Who enforces Title 24?
Local building departments enforce it through plan review and inspection, with state agencies responsible for developing the standards.