Who Enforces Title 24?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Who Enforces Title 24 depends on the building, jurisdiction, and part of California’s building standards involved. For most residential and commercial construction projects, the authority having jurisdiction—usually the city or county building department—reviews and enforces the applicable Title 24 requirements.

For California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards, commonly called the Energy Code or Title 24, Part 6, the California Energy Commission develops and administers the statewide standards but does not ordinarily perform the local building permit review or construction inspection.

Instead, enforcement generally works through several stages:

1. The state establishes the applicable Energy Code requirements
2. The project team prepares plans and compliance documentation
3. The local building department reviews the permit application
4. Plan examiners compare the Title 24 documentation with the construction plans
5. Corrections are issued when information is missing or inconsistent
6. The permit is issued after applicable requirements are satisfied
7. Contractors install the required materials and systems
8. Applicable field verification or acceptance testing is completed
9. Building inspectors review the construction during required inspections
10. Final documentation and inspections are completed before project closeout

This distinction is important because a Title 24 consultant does not issue the permit, and the California Energy Commission does not normally arrive at an ordinary house or commercial tenant improvement to inspect construction.

Alternative Energy Systems prepares project-specific energy calculations and compliance documentation that can be reviewed by the appropriate enforcement agency.

Call (626) 365-1518 if you need a Title 24 report prepared, revised, or coordinated with building-department correction comments.

The Short Answer: Your Local Building Department Usually Enforces Title 24

For most ordinary California construction projects, enforcement occurs through the city or county that has jurisdiction over the property.

The local building department may be responsible for:

• Accepting the permit application
• Reviewing construction plans
• Reviewing applicable energy-compliance forms
• Checking required project information
• Issuing plan-check corrections
• Approving revised documents
• Issuing the building permit
• Performing construction inspections
• Reviewing applicable installation and verification documentation
• Completing final inspection or permit closeout procedures

The department with enforcement authority is often referred to as the authority having jurisdiction, or AHJ.

For many projects, the AHJ is simply the local city building department.

In an unincorporated area, it may be the county.

Certain specialized buildings can have another state or public agency serving as the enforcement authority.

What Is an Authority Having Jurisdiction?

The authority having jurisdiction is the agency responsible for enforcing the applicable building requirements for a particular project.

The AHJ can determine:

• Which permit procedures apply
• What documents must be submitted
• Whether the plans contain sufficient information
• Whether applicable compliance forms are complete
• Whether plan-check corrections are required
• When construction inspections are required
• Whether required documentation has been provided before closeout

Most AHJs are associated with local city or county government.

However, special building types can have different enforcement authorities.

Knowing the correct AHJ is one of the first steps in determining how a project will move through permitting.

Does the California Energy Commission Enforce Title 24?

The California Energy Commission develops and administers California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards, but it does not ordinarily perform direct enforcement for typical local building projects.

The California Energy Commission’s role includes:

• Developing the Energy Code
• Updating the standards
• Publishing compliance manuals
• Publishing reference appendices
• Providing compliance forms and guidance
• Establishing approved compliance methods
• Providing Energy Code technical support
• Supporting statewide implementation

Local enforcement agencies then apply the standards to individual projects.

This creates an important separation:

The California Energy Commission establishes the Energy Code. The authority having jurisdiction enforces it on the project.

For current statewide information, review the California Energy Commission Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

What Does the California Building Standards Commission Do?

The California Building Standards Commission has a different role.

It administers, coordinates, approves, codifies, and publishes California’s broader Building Standards Code, commonly known as Title 24.

Title 24 contains multiple parts covering different aspects of construction.

The California Building Standards Commission therefore helps oversee the broader statewide code system, but it does not normally act as the local building inspector for an ordinary private construction project.

The Commission itself explains that enforcement is generally handled by the local government building or planning department with jurisdiction over the property.

Title 24 Is More Than the Energy Code

The phrase “Title 24” is often used casually to mean California energy requirements.

Technically, Title 24 is the entire California Building Standards Code.

The Building Energy Efficiency Standards are primarily located in:

Title 24, Part 6.

Other parts of Title 24 address subjects such as:

• Building construction
• Residential construction
• Electrical systems
• Mechanical systems
• Plumbing
• Existing buildings
• CALGreen
• Other building requirements

Different agencies can therefore have responsibilities for different portions of Title 24.

Alternative Energy Systems focuses on California energy-compliance calculations and documentation rather than claiming responsibility for enforcing every part of the California Building Standards Code.

Who Enforces the Energy Portion of Title 24?

For an ordinary project, the local enforcement agency reviews the energy-compliance documentation as part of the overall permit package.

That can include checking whether:

• The correct compliance documents were submitted
• The project address is correct
• The building classification is correct
• The climate zone is correct
• The energy report matches the plans
• The windows match the report
• The insulation requirements are shown on the plans
• The HVAC information is coordinated
• Ventilation requirements are addressed
• Water-heating information is consistent
• Lighting requirements are documented when applicable
• Required verification measures are identified

The enforcement agency can issue corrections when this information is missing, contradictory, incomplete, or based on an incorrect project scope.

Who Reviews Title 24 During Plan Check?

The plans examiner or other authorized building-department reviewer typically evaluates the Title 24 documentation during plan review.

The reviewer can compare the Certificate of Compliance and related energy documents with the architectural, mechanical, electrical, and other construction plans.

For example, the reviewer may identify that:

• The energy report shows different windows than the plans
• The report uses a different conditioned floor area
• The wall insulation does not match the sections
• The HVAC equipment differs from the mechanical schedule
• The water-heating system is inconsistent
• Commercial lighting information is incomplete
• Required compliance forms are missing

These issues can result in plan-check corrections before a permit is issued.

What Happens During Title 24 Plan Review?

A typical energy-related plan review can involve several steps.

1. Permit Documents Are Submitted

The project team submits the plans and applicable compliance documentation to the enforcement agency.

2. The Plans Examiner Reviews the Package

The reviewer checks the drawings and supporting documents for compliance with applicable requirements.

3. Energy Documentation Is Compared With the Plans

Energy-related requirements should correspond to the actual building design.

4. Corrections May Be Issued

The building department may request clarification, missing information, or revised documentation.

5. The Project Team Responds

The architect, designer, engineer, energy consultant, or another responsible professional addresses comments within their respective scope.

6. Revised Documents Are Reviewed

The enforcement agency reviews the corrections before approving the permit package.

A well-coordinated report can make this process significantly easier because the energy documentation and construction plans communicate the same project.

Does a Title 24 Consultant Enforce the Code?

No.

A Title 24 consultant helps demonstrate compliance but does not normally act as the enforcement authority.

Alternative Energy Systems can:

• Review the project scope
• Review plans
• Identify missing energy-related information
• Prepare applicable calculations
• Prepare compliance documentation
• Coordinate energy measures with the plans
• Review building-department corrections
• Revise energy documentation when necessary

AES does not issue the building permit and does not replace the authority having jurisdiction.

This distinction helps establish clear responsibility during the permit process.

Does the Architect Enforce Title 24?

No.

An architect may be responsible for designing and coordinating the project but does not normally serve as the governmental enforcement agency.

The architect or designer can help make sure the plans show the energy features represented in the Title 24 documentation.

That can include:

• Wall assemblies
• Roof assemblies
• Insulation
• Windows
• Exterior doors
• Other applicable energy notes

The building department then reviews those documents.

Does the Contractor Enforce Title 24?

No.

Contractors are responsible for performing work according to the approved plans, specifications, applicable building requirements, and their contractual scope.

They can play a critical role in compliance by correctly installing:

• Insulation
• Windows
• Roof assemblies
• HVAC equipment
• Ductwork
• Ventilation systems
• Water-heating equipment
• Lighting
• Controls

However, enforcement authority still belongs to the applicable governmental agency.

Who Enforces Title 24 During Construction?

During construction, building inspectors working for the enforcement agency can inspect applicable work.

The inspector may evaluate whether the installed project corresponds to:

• The approved plans
• Approved energy documentation
• Applicable installation requirements
• Required compliance forms
• Applicable verification or acceptance documentation

An energy-related requirement is therefore not finished simply because it passed plan review.

The specified features still have to be constructed or installed.

What Energy Documents May Be Used During Enforcement?

The Energy Code uses different compliance documents at different stages of a project.

For applicable single-family projects, these can include:

• Certificates of Compliance
• Certificates of Installation
• Certificates of Verification when required

Nonresidential and multifamily projects can have their own applicable compliance documentation.

The important principle is that compliance continues from design into construction.

The documents can identify:

• What was designed
• What was installed
• What was verified when separate verification is required
• What was acceptance tested when applicable

The enforcement agency can use these documents during plan review and inspections.

What Is a Certificate of Compliance?

A Certificate of Compliance documents the energy-related characteristics and compliance measures associated with the proposed design.

It is generally part of the permit-submittal process.

Depending on the project, the documentation can identify:

• Building characteristics
• Envelope requirements
• Windows
• Mechanical systems
• Water heating
• Lighting
• Other applicable measures

The enforcement agency reviews the document together with the plans.

What Is a Certificate of Installation?

Installation documentation addresses applicable energy-related features or systems actually installed during construction.

The applicable installer or contractor completes the required installation documentation within the scope established by the Energy Code.

These documents help connect the approved design with what was actually built.

What Is a Certificate of Verification?

Certain projects require separate field verification or diagnostic testing.

When required, the applicable verification documentation records the results of that process.

Verification can involve measures associated with:

• Duct systems
• Airflow
• Mechanical equipment
• Other applicable performance-sensitive features

The field-verification professional does not replace the building department.

Instead, the verification documentation becomes part of the evidence used to demonstrate compliance.

Who Performs Field Verification?

When field verification and diagnostic testing are required, an appropriately qualified professional completes the applicable verification work.

The energy consultant preparing the original calculations is not automatically the person who performs this separate verification.

This division of responsibility helps provide independent confirmation of applicable installed measures.

The enforcement agency can require the applicable verification documentation before project completion.

Who Performs Acceptance Testing?

Some nonresidential systems require acceptance testing.

Depending on the project, this may involve:

• Lighting controls
• Mechanical systems
• Other regulated nonresidential systems

The applicable acceptance-test technician performs the required testing.

Acceptance testing is separate from:

• Preparing the Title 24 report
• Designing the system
• Performing ordinary building-department inspections

The completed acceptance documentation can then be made available to the enforcement agency as required.

Are Public Schools Enforced Differently?

Some specialized buildings have enforcement structures that differ from an ordinary city or county permit project.

For example, applicable California public school projects can involve the Division of the State Architect as the authority having jurisdiction.

This is why the California Energy Commission describes most—but not all—authorities having jurisdiction as local city or county enforcement agencies.

If the project involves a specialized state-regulated facility, confirm which agency has jurisdiction before assuming the local building department is the final enforcement authority.

Are Hospitals and Other Specialized Facilities Different?

Certain specialized facilities can fall under state-agency jurisdiction rather than the ordinary city or county enforcement process.

The exact agency depends on the building type and legal jurisdiction.

When the project is a:

• Hospital
• Public school
• State-regulated facility
• Other specialized building

the project team should identify the correct enforcement agency before preparing the final permit package.

The local building department can often help identify the appropriate enforcement authority when it does not have jurisdiction.

Can Cities and Counties Adopt Stricter Energy Standards?

Yes, under applicable California procedures.

Local governmental agencies can adopt and enforce local energy standards that are more energy efficient than the statewide Energy Code when required findings and California Energy Commission approval procedures are satisfied.

These local standards are sometimes referred to as reach codes.

This means the statewide Title 24 requirements can be the baseline rather than the maximum requirement in every jurisdiction.

Before finalizing a project, determine whether the applicable jurisdiction has approved local energy amendments affecting the proposed work.

Who Enforces a Local Energy Amendment?

When a jurisdiction has legally adopted an applicable local energy standard, the local enforcement agency can enforce that requirement as part of its building permit process.

That is another reason project requirements should be checked against the actual jurisdiction rather than relying solely on plans prepared for a project in another city.

Can a Building Department Change Title 24 on Its Own?

A local jurisdiction cannot simply disregard statewide standards or invent enforceable energy requirements informally.

Local amendments must follow applicable California law and required adoption procedures.

Where locally adopted energy standards are more restrictive than statewide Part 6 requirements, the applicable approval and filing requirements must be satisfied before enforcement.

Project teams should distinguish between:

• Statewide Title 24 requirements
• Legally adopted local amendments
• Ordinary permit-submittal procedures

These are related but different concepts.

What Happens if the Building Department Disagrees With the Title 24 Report?

A building department can issue a correction when the submitted documentation does not adequately demonstrate compliance or does not match the plans.

Possible comments may involve:

• Incorrect forms
• Missing information
• Incorrect project scope
• Incorrect climate zone
• Window discrepancies
• Insulation discrepancies
• Mechanical-system conflicts
• Water-heating conflicts
• Lighting-control information
• Missing signatures
• Missing verification requirements

The appropriate response is to review the complete correction notice and current plans.

Do not automatically change one isolated number without understanding the reason for the correction.

Can AES Help With a Title 24 Correction?

Yes.

For an energy-related correction, send AES:

• The complete correction notice
• The latest architectural plans
• The previously submitted energy report
• Current mechanical plans when applicable
• Current electrical or lighting plans when applicable
• Updated equipment specifications
• A summary of project changes

AES can determine whether the correction requires:

• Revised calculations
• Updated compliance forms
• New specifications
• Plan coordination
• Clarification of the energy documentation

Does a Title 24 Report Guarantee Building Department Approval?

No.

A Title 24 report is one part of the permit package.

The building department can also review:

• Architectural requirements
• Structural requirements
• Electrical requirements
• Mechanical requirements
• Plumbing requirements
• Fire and life-safety provisions
• CALGreen requirements
• Other applicable codes

A correct energy report supports the energy portion of the permit process but cannot guarantee complete permit approval.

Can the Building Department Require a Revised Title 24 Report?

Yes.

A revised report may be needed when:

• The original calculations contain incorrect project information
• The report does not match the current plans
• The design changes during plan review
• The building department identifies missing energy information
• The mechanical system changes
• The window design changes
• The conditioned floor area changes

The revision should address the actual project condition rather than simply changing text to satisfy a comment.

What Happens if the Plans Change After the Permit Is Issued?

Changes during construction can also affect Title 24 compliance.

Notify the appropriate project professionals before substituting or changing:

• Windows
• Insulation
• Roof construction
• HVAC equipment
• Duct configuration
• Ventilation
• Water heating
• Commercial lighting
• Lighting controls

A significant change may require revised plans, revised energy documentation, or approval from the enforcement agency.

Who Enforces Title 24 for an ADU?

For a typical ADU project, the local city or county building department with jurisdiction generally enforces the applicable Energy Code requirements through plan review and inspections.

The project can involve:

• Building-envelope requirements
• Windows
• Insulation
• HVAC
• Ventilation
• Water heating
• Applicable verification

AES can prepare energy-compliance documentation for detached ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversions, and other applicable residential projects.

Visit the ADU Title 24 page for additional information.

Who Enforces Title 24 for a Home Addition?

The local authority having jurisdiction generally reviews the addition as part of the building permit.

The reviewer can evaluate whether new:

• Conditioned floor area
• Walls
• Roofs
• Windows
• Insulation
• HVAC
• Ductwork

meet applicable energy requirements.

The energy report should correspond to the final addition plans.

Who Enforces Title 24 for Residential Remodels?

A residential alteration is generally enforced by the local authority having jurisdiction.

The energy requirements depend on what is being changed.

A remodel can trigger applicable requirements when it affects:

• Windows
• Exterior doors
• Insulation
• Roofing
• HVAC equipment
• Ducts
• Water heating
• Other regulated systems

Purely cosmetic work can be treated differently from an alteration of regulated energy components.

Who Enforces Title 24 for Commercial Buildings?

For most private commercial projects, the local city or county enforcement agency reviews and inspects the work.

Commercial compliance can involve:

• Building envelope
• Mechanical systems
• Ventilation
• Service water heating
• Interior lighting
• Exterior lighting
• Lighting controls
• Other regulated energy systems

Some systems may also require acceptance testing in addition to normal building-department inspection.

For related services, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

Who Enforces Title 24 for Commercial Tenant Improvements?

A tenant improvement can fall under current Energy Code requirements even though the building itself already exists.

The local enforcement agency can review changes involving:

• Lighting
• Lighting controls
• HVAC equipment
• Ventilation
• Water heating
• Storefront glazing
• Other regulated components

The tenant, landlord, contractor, and design team should not assume an older Title 24 report for the shell building automatically covers new tenant work.

Who Enforces Title 24 for HVAC Replacement?

When an HVAC replacement requires a permit and triggers applicable Energy Code requirements, the authority having jurisdiction can review:

• Equipment information
• Efficiency
• Duct requirements
• Applicable controls
• Required compliance forms
• Applicable field verification

The contractor and applicable verification professional may complete required project documentation, while the building department retains enforcement responsibility.

Who Enforces Title 24 for Commercial Lighting?

The local enforcement agency can review applicable commercial lighting requirements during permit review and inspection.

The project may involve:

• Lighting power
• Fixture information
• Occupancy controls
• Automatic shutoff
• Daylighting controls
• Exterior lighting

Applicable acceptance testing may also be required.

What Energy Code Is Being Enforced Now?

For applicable permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2026, the current statewide Energy Code is the 2025 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

Projects should therefore use the appropriate current:

• Code requirements
• Compliance forms
• Calculation methods
• Approved software when applicable
• Verification procedures

Do not assume that forms or calculations prepared under the previous 2022 Energy Code remain appropriate for a new permit application.

How Do You Know Which Building Department Has Jurisdiction?

Start with the project address and determine whether the property is:

• Inside an incorporated city
• In an unincorporated county area
• Part of a specialized state-regulated project

The permitting authority for the property should be confirmed before relying on local submittal requirements.

If the local agency is not the correct enforcement authority, it can often identify which agency has jurisdiction.

What if You Disagree With a Building Department Interpretation?

Questions about code interpretation should generally begin with the local building department.

Depending on the issue and jurisdiction, review may proceed through:

• The plans examiner
• The building official
• The jurisdiction’s appeal procedures
• Other applicable administrative review

A Title 24 consultant can provide technical information related to the energy calculations, but the consultant cannot overrule the authority having jurisdiction.

Why Early Title 24 Coordination Helps With Enforcement

It is easier to satisfy energy requirements when the report is prepared before the design is considered final.

Early review can identify:

• Missing window information
• Unclear insulation assemblies
• Undecided HVAC equipment
• Duct conditions
• Ventilation requirements
• Water-heating issues
• Commercial lighting information
• Potential verification measures

Addressing these items before formal plan check can reduce avoidable corrections.

Before sending documents, review what AES will need from you.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides professional Title 24 calculations, compliance documentation, revisions, and plan-check support throughout California.

AES brings more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience to:

• New residential construction
• ADUs
• Garage conversions
• Additions
• Residential remodels
• Multifamily projects
• Mixed-use buildings
• Commercial construction
• Tenant improvements
• HVAC projects
• Commercial lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Energy-report revisions

AES prepares the energy-compliance portion of the project so it can be reviewed by the appropriate enforcement agency.

Learn more through the About Us page or review company background on the clients page.

Get Help With Title 24 Before Building Department Review

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding Who Enforces Title 24 can make the permit process much clearer.

For most projects:

• The California Energy Commission establishes the Energy Code
• The California Building Standards Commission administers the broader Title 24 code system
• The local authority having jurisdiction enforces the applicable requirements
• The plans examiner reviews compliance before permit issuance
• The contractor installs the required systems and materials
• Qualified professionals perform required verification or acceptance testing
• The building inspector reviews applicable construction in the field

Alternative Energy Systems can prepare and coordinate the Title 24 energy documentation that supports this process.

Call (626) 365-1518 if you need:

• A new Title 24 report
• Energy calculations
• Compliance forms
• A review of existing energy documentation
• A revision after plans change
• Help responding to energy-related plan-check comments

You may also begin through the contact page.

When service and payment have already been arranged, payment can be completed through the AES payment page.

Frequently Asked Questions: Who Enforces Title 24?

Who Enforces Title 24?

For most California construction projects, the city or county building department serving as the authority having jurisdiction enforces the applicable Title 24 requirements through plan review, permit issuance, inspections, and project closeout.

Does the California Energy Commission enforce Title 24?

The California Energy Commission develops and administers the Building Energy Efficiency Standards but does not ordinarily directly enforce the Energy Code on typical local construction projects.

Who enforces Title 24, Part 6?

The authority having jurisdiction generally enforces the Energy Code as part of the overall building permit process.

Who is the authority having jurisdiction?

For most projects, it is the city or county building department responsible for permits and inspections at the project location. Certain specialized buildings can have another state or public agency as the AHJ.

Who reviews the Title 24 report?

The applicable building-department plans examiner or other authorized reviewer can review the energy documentation during plan check.

Who issues Title 24 corrections?

The enforcement agency can issue plan-check comments when the energy documents are incomplete, inconsistent, or do not demonstrate the applicable requirements.

Does a Title 24 consultant approve the project?

No. The consultant prepares energy-compliance documentation. The applicable enforcement authority reviews the permit package.

Does AES enforce Title 24?

No. AES provides Title 24 energy-compliance consulting, calculations, documentation, and revisions.

Does the architect enforce Title 24?

No. Architects and designers coordinate applicable requirements with the building design, while enforcement belongs to the authority having jurisdiction.

Does the contractor enforce Title 24?

No. Contractors construct the project according to the approved documents and applicable requirements.

Who inspects Title 24 work?

Building inspectors working for the applicable enforcement agency inspect construction within their jurisdiction and scope.

Who verifies HVAC or duct requirements?

When separate field verification or diagnostic testing is required, the appropriate qualified verification professional performs that work and prepares the applicable documentation.

Who performs commercial acceptance testing?

When required, an appropriately qualified acceptance-test technician performs the applicable system testing.

Who enforces Title 24 for an ADU?

For a typical ADU, the local city or county building department generally enforces the applicable Energy Code requirements.

Who enforces Title 24 for a commercial building?

Most private commercial projects are enforced by the applicable city or county building department, although specialized facilities can have different authorities.

Who enforces Title 24 for schools?

Certain California public school projects can fall under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect rather than an ordinary local building department.

Are hospitals always enforced by the city?

Not necessarily. Specialized facilities can fall under state-agency jurisdiction, so the correct enforcement authority should be identified for the specific project.

Can a city enforce standards stricter than statewide Title 24?

A local government can adopt qualifying local energy standards through the applicable California approval process. Once properly adopted, the local enforcement agency can enforce them.

Can the building department require a revised energy report?

Yes. A revision may be required when the report does not match the plans, project information changes, or additional compliance information is necessary.

Can the building department reject a Title 24 report?

The enforcement agency can require corrections when the submitted documentation does not adequately demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements.

Does a Title 24 report guarantee permit approval?

No. Energy compliance is one part of the overall permit review.

What happens after the Title 24 report passes plan check?

The project proceeds through construction, applicable installation documentation, required verification or acceptance testing, and building-department inspections.

What if the contractor changes equipment after permit approval?

Energy-related substitutions should be reviewed because they can affect the approved Title 24 documentation and may require revised plans or calculations.

What Energy Code is currently being enforced?

For applicable permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2026, the current statewide Energy Code is the 2025 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

Who should I contact about a local Title 24 interpretation?

Start with the building or planning department that has jurisdiction over the property.

Who should I contact for project-specific Title 24 calculations?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 and provide the current plans and project information for review.