Do I Need Both Title 24 and CalGreen? A Clear Guide for California Permits
If you’re asking “Do I need both Title 24 and CalGreen?”, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions homeowners, contractors, architects, and developers ask when preparing a permit application in California. The short answer in most cases is: yes. But understanding why — and how each applies to your specific project — is critical to avoiding delays at plan check and inspection.
Title 24 and CalGreen are both part of California’s building regulations. However, they regulate different aspects of construction. Title 24 (Part 6) focuses on energy efficiency. CalGreen (Part 11) focuses on broader sustainability measures like water conservation, indoor air quality, and environmental responsibility.
So when you ask, “Do I need both Title 24 and CalGreen?”, what you’re really asking is whether your project must comply with both energy efficiency standards and green building requirements. In most new construction and many remodel or addition projects, the answer is yes.
If you need help determining how both apply to your permit submission, call (626) 365-1518.
What Is Title 24?
Title 24, Part 6 refers to California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards. It regulates how energy-efficient a building must be before it can receive permit approval.
Title 24 typically covers:
- Wall, roof, and floor insulation levels
- Window U-factor and SHGC values
- HVAC system efficiency requirements
- Duct leakage performance
- Water heating system efficiency
- Mechanical ventilation requirements
- Lighting efficiency and controls (especially commercial)
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) requirements for many new homes
Title 24 compliance is demonstrated through energy documentation generated using approved methods and software when required.
What Is CalGreen?
CalGreen is the California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11). It focuses on sustainability and environmental performance beyond just energy use.
CalGreen typically regulates:
- Water-conserving plumbing fixtures
- Indoor air quality measures
- Construction waste diversion requirements
- Recycling and material conservation
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
- Mandatory and voluntary green building measures
While Title 24 addresses energy consumption, CalGreen addresses environmental impact more broadly.
Do I Need Both Title 24 and CalGreen for New Construction?
If you’re building a new home, ADU, duplex, multi-family project, or commercial building, the answer to “Do I need both Title 24 and CalGreen?” is almost always yes.
For example:
- A new single-family home must meet Title 24 energy modeling requirements and include CalGreen water efficiency measures.
- A commercial office building must comply with Title 24 lighting and mechanical standards while also meeting CalGreen waste management and EV requirements.
- A multi-family development must address both energy performance and sustainability measures.
Both codes are reviewed at plan check and verified during inspections.
Do I Need Both for Additions or Remodels?
For additions and remodels, the answer depends on scope.
When asking, “Do I need both Title 24 and CalGreen?”, consider:
- If you are increasing conditioned floor area, Title 24 compliance is usually required.
- If you are altering plumbing fixtures, CalGreen water efficiency requirements may apply.
- If you are replacing HVAC equipment, Title 24 may require documentation and possibly HERS verification.
- If you are performing major renovations, CalGreen indoor air quality measures may apply.
Even smaller projects can trigger portions of both codes.
How Title 24 and CalGreen Are Reviewed at Plan Check
Understanding “Do I need both Title 24 and CalGreen?” also requires understanding how cities review permits.
During plan check:
- Title 24 compliance documentation is reviewed for accuracy and alignment with plans.
- CalGreen measures are reviewed through plan notes, checklists, and specifications.
If either portion is missing or incomplete, you may receive correction comments.
Common Confusion Between the Two
Many people asking “Do I need both Title 24 and CalGreen?” are confused by overlapping topics.
Here are clarifications:
- Solar PV: Primarily a Title 24 energy requirement.
- Low-flow fixtures: CalGreen water conservation requirement.
- Lighting power density: Title 24 energy requirement.
- Construction waste management plan: CalGreen requirement.
- EV charging infrastructure: CalGreen requirement.
Both must be addressed properly in the permit set.
What Happens If I Only Address One?
If you only address Title 24 but ignore CalGreen, or vice versa, your permit can be delayed.
Plan check reviewers typically:
- Issue correction notices
- Require revised documentation
- Delay approval until both are satisfied
Failing to coordinate both requirements early often results in avoidable revisions.
How to Make Sure You’re Covered
To confidently answer “Do I need both Title 24 and CalGreen?” for your project:
- Confirm project scope (new construction, addition, TI, remodel).
- Coordinate energy modeling early in design.
- Include CalGreen notes and specifications in the architectural set.
- Verify plumbing fixture flow rates meet CalGreen requirements.
- Confirm EV infrastructure requirements if applicable.
- Ensure energy documentation matches final plan revisions.
If you’re unsure which measures apply to your project, call (626) 365-1518, upload your plans through our contact page, or email info@title24energy.com with “Title 24 and CalGreen” in the subject line.
We’re Ready To Take Your Call
When asking “Do I need both Title 24 and CalGreen?”, the safest answer for most California projects is yes — especially for new construction and larger permitted work. Title 24 addresses energy performance, while CalGreen addresses sustainability and environmental measures. Both are enforced during plan review and inspection.
Call (626) 365-1518 today to ensure your project complies with both codes before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Do I Need Both Title 24 and CalGreen
1. Do I need both Title 24 and CalGreen for a new home?
Yes, most new homes must comply with both energy and green building standards.
2. Do additions require both?
Often yes, depending on scope and regulated systems affected.
3. Is Title 24 only about energy?
Yes, it primarily addresses energy efficiency.
4. Does CalGreen cover energy modeling?
No, CalGreen focuses on sustainability measures like water conservation.
5. Are both reviewed at plan check?
Yes, both are reviewed before permit approval.
6. Can I pass Title 24 but fail CalGreen?
Yes, if sustainability measures are missing.
7. Do tenant improvements require both?
Often yes, especially for commercial projects.
8. Are EV charging requirements part of Title 24?
Typically they fall under CalGreen.
9. Do remodels require both?
Some remodels trigger portions of both codes.
10. Is solar PV part of CalGreen?
Solar PV is generally part of Title 24 energy requirements.
11. Are plumbing fixture flow rates regulated?
Yes, under CalGreen water efficiency standards.
12. Does CalGreen apply statewide?
Yes, it is a statewide code.
13. Can cities add stricter requirements?
Some jurisdictions may adopt additional local amendments.
14. Does commercial construction require both?
Yes, commercial projects typically must comply with both codes.
15. Is energy modeling required for CalGreen?
No, CalGreen generally does not require modeling.
16. Can misunderstanding cause permit delays?
Yes, incomplete compliance can trigger correction notices.
17. Do ADUs require both?
Yes, most ADUs must meet both standards.
18. Is waste management required?
Yes, CalGreen includes waste diversion requirements.
19. Can one consultant coordinate both?
Yes, experienced professionals can coordinate both codes.
20. How do I confirm compliance?
Call (626) 365-1518 or upload your plans through our contact page for guidance.