Title 24 Compliance Documentation Requirements Guide

A well-designed construction project can still lose valuable time at plan check when its energy forms are missing, incomplete, or inconsistent with the drawings. This Title 24 Compliance Documentation Requirements Guide explains what California permit applicants should prepare, how the principal document types work together, and why careful coordination matters from the first plan review through final inspection.

Energy compliance is not limited to running a calculation and attaching the result to a permit package. The documentation must accurately describe the proposed building, identify the applicable compliance method, list the regulated materials and systems, and correspond with the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, lighting, and equipment information shown elsewhere in the plans.

When one document identifies a particular window value and the window schedule shows another, the reviewer may issue a correction. When the energy model specifies one HVAC system and the mechanical plans specify something different, the permit may be delayed. Even a compliant design can encounter unnecessary problems when the submitted documents do not tell one clear and consistent story.

Title24Energy.com provides online remote energy-compliance support for homeowners, architects, engineers, designers, contractors, developers, and permit applicants throughout California. Call or text (626) 365-1518 to discuss your plans and determine which documentation may be required for your project.

What the Title 24 Compliance Documentation Requirements Guide Covers

The term Title 24 Compliance Documentation Requirements Guide refers to the complete collection of design certificates, calculations, installation records, verification documents, acceptance-test forms, specifications, and supporting plan information used to demonstrate compliance with California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

The applicable requirements are determined by the building type, project scope, code cycle, compliance pathway, and energy features included in the design. A new single-family residence does not use exactly the same documents as a commercial tenant improvement. A low-rise multifamily project has different documentation categories from a high-rise multifamily building. An addition may also require different forms from an HVAC-only alteration.

The permit package may need to address:

• The project address and applicable California climate zone
• The building occupancy and proposed use
• New construction, addition, alteration, conversion, or equipment-replacement scope
• Conditioned and unconditioned floor areas
• Insulation and building-envelope assemblies
• Window and glazed-door performance
• Heating, cooling, ventilation, and duct systems
• Domestic water-heating equipment
• Indoor and outdoor lighting
• Lighting and mechanical controls
• Solar photovoltaic and battery-storage systems when applicable
• Electric-ready requirements when applicable
• Field verification and diagnostic testing
• Nonresidential acceptance testing
• Required signatures, registration, and responsible parties

A complete package should identify the required measures early enough for the architect, contractor, installer, energy consultant, rater, and acceptance-test technician to understand their respective responsibilities.

The Applicable Code Cycle Matters

California updates its building-energy standards on a recurring cycle. Permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, are generally subject to the 2025 Energy Code. Projects associated with an earlier permit application may fall under a previous code cycle.

The selected forms, approved software version, calculations, and supporting requirements must correspond with the code cycle enforced for the permit. Reusing documents from an older project without confirming the applicable standards can produce incorrect forms and immediate plan-check questions.

The Plans and Forms Must Describe the Same Project

The energy documentation should not be prepared as an isolated report. It must align with the permit-intent drawings. The floor area, orientation, window schedule, insulation values, equipment efficiencies, water-heating systems, lighting design, ventilation strategy, and other regulated features should remain consistent throughout the package.

When the design changes after the calculations are completed, the effect on compliance should be reviewed before the revised plans are submitted or the substituted equipment is installed.

Certificates Used for Energy Code Compliance

The required certificate names vary by building classification, but the documentation generally follows three stages: design compliance, installation, and field confirmation. Certain nonresidential systems may also require formal acceptance testing.

Certificate of Compliance

The Certificate of Compliance documents how the proposed design is intended to meet the applicable energy requirements. It is generally prepared during design and submitted with the permit package.

Depending on the project, the certificate may be identified as a CF1R, LMCC, or NRCC form. Performance projects may include forms and reports generated by approved modeling software. Prescriptive projects may use forms that document compliance with individual component requirements.

Certificate of Installation

The Certificate of Installation records how a regulated feature or system was installed. These documents are generally completed during construction by the contractor, installer, or other responsible party.

Installation forms should identify the materials and equipment actually used at the project. They should not simply repeat an outdated design assumption when the installed product or system has changed.

Certificate of Verification

A Certificate of Verification documents required field verification or diagnostic testing. Depending on the measure, this work may involve duct testing, airflow measurement, refrigerant-charge verification, building-envelope leakage testing, ventilation testing, insulation inspection, or confirmation of specific equipment features.

Projects subject to these measures must follow the applicable Energy Code Compliance provider and registration process. Verification should be scheduled at the proper stage of construction because some features cannot be evaluated accurately after they have been concealed.

Certificate of Acceptance

Certificates of Acceptance are used for applicable nonresidential systems and controls. Lighting controls, mechanical systems, and certain covered processes may require acceptance testing by an authorized technician or Certified Acceptance Test Technician.

Acceptance testing is not merely a paperwork exercise. It confirms that specified systems and controls have been installed, programmed, and operating as required. Identifying the applicable tests before construction is complete can prevent a last-minute delay at final inspection.

Single-Family Title 24 Documentation Guide

Single-family projects commonly use the CF series of compliance documents. The exact forms depend on whether the project involves a newly constructed building, an addition, an alteration, a space-conditioning-system replacement, or another regulated scope.

CF1R Certificate of Compliance

The CF1R is the primary design-stage certificate for applicable single-family projects. It may document:

• Conditioned floor area
• Wall, roof, ceiling, floor, and slab assemblies
• Insulation values and installation requirements
• Window and glazed-door performance
• Space-conditioning equipment
• Duct design, insulation, and location
• Whole-building ventilation
• Domestic water heating
• Solar photovoltaic and battery measures when applicable
• Electric-ready measures when applicable
• Mandatory efficiency features
• Required field verification measures

The CF1R should match the latest architectural and mechanical plans. If the energy documentation shows a different conditioned floor area, window quantity, equipment efficiency, or insulation level, the building department may request revisions before approving the permit.

CF2R Certificate of Installation

CF2R documents are completed for the applicable features installed during construction. They may cover insulation, HVAC equipment, ducts, ventilation, lighting, water heating, solar systems, battery systems, and other regulated components.

The responsible installer should verify the actual product information rather than relying on a preliminary schedule. Product substitutions may need to be reviewed to confirm that the project still complies with the approved design.

CF3R Certificate of Verification

CF3R documents record required field verification and diagnostic testing. The applicable verification measures should already be identified in the design-stage documentation so the contractor can coordinate access and scheduling with the qualified rater.

For projects using the 2025 Energy Code, the current Energy Code Compliance terminology and provider process should be followed. Although many industry participants remain familiar with the previous HERS terminology, current forms should match the applicable code cycle.

Low-Rise Multifamily Compliance Documentation

Low-rise multifamily buildings use a dedicated LM documentation series. Treating every multifamily project as either single-family or conventional commercial work can result in the wrong forms being prepared.

LMCC Certificates of Compliance

LMCC forms document design-stage compliance for applicable low-rise multifamily projects. Separate documentation may be required for:

• Building-envelope features
• Mechanical systems
• Indoor and outdoor lighting
• Electrical power distribution
• Domestic water heating
• Ventilation systems
• Solar photovoltaic systems
• Battery-storage systems
• Commissioning measures
• Covered processes

Performance-based multifamily projects may require approved modeling software and project-specific compliance output.

LMCI Certificates of Installation

LMCI forms document the installation of applicable multifamily systems and efficiency measures. The required forms depend on the features included in the design and whether registration or verification applies.

LMCV Certificates of Verification

LMCV documents record required field verification and diagnostic testing. Multifamily projects may involve common-area systems, individual dwelling-unit systems, central water heating, ventilation, lighting, envelope measures, and other features that require careful coordination between multiple trades.

Identifying those responsibilities before construction begins is far easier than trying to locate missing documentation immediately before final inspection.

Nonresidential Title 24 Documentation Guide

Nonresidential, hotel, motel, and applicable high-rise multifamily projects generally use the NR series of compliance documents. These projects often require close coordination between architectural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, plumbing, and control-system information.

NRCC Certificates of Compliance

NRCC forms document design-stage compliance for applicable nonresidential systems. Depending on the scope, the permit package may include documentation for:

• Building-envelope assemblies
• Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
• Mechanical equipment efficiency
• Economizers and mechanical controls
• Indoor lighting power
• Occupancy and automatic shutoff controls
• Daylighting zones and daylighting controls
• Outdoor and sign lighting
• Electrical power distribution
• Domestic water heating
• Solar photovoltaic and battery systems
• Refrigeration and covered processes
• Commissioning requirements

NRCI Certificates of Installation

NRCI forms document that applicable components were installed in accordance with the approved design and mandatory requirements. The responsible contractor or installer generally completes the appropriate form for the system involved.

NRCA Certificates of Acceptance

NRCA forms document required acceptance testing. Lighting controls and mechanical systems may require testing by qualified personnel through an approved Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provider.

The project team should determine which tests apply before installation is complete. A system that cannot pass acceptance testing may require control changes, programming corrections, equipment adjustments, or additional documentation.

NRCV Certificates of Verification

NRCV forms are used when specified nonresidential or multifamily measures require verification through the Energy Code Compliance process. The required forms depend on the building systems and compliance measures identified for the project.

Prescriptive and Performance Compliance Documentation

The selected compliance pathway affects the forms, calculations, and supporting records included in the permit package.

Prescriptive Compliance

The prescriptive method demonstrates that each applicable component meets the requirements assigned to that component. Insulation, glazing, equipment, water heating, lighting, controls, ventilation, and other regulated features are evaluated against the applicable prescriptive standards.

This approach can be practical when the proposed design meets the required values without relying on performance trade-offs. It still requires accurate documentation and coordination with the permit drawings.

Performance Compliance

The performance method uses approved energy-analysis software to compare the proposed design with a standard design established by the Energy Code. This method can provide additional design flexibility by evaluating the building as an integrated system.

Only software approved for the applicable code cycle, building classification, and project scope should be used. A program approved for one occupancy or code cycle may not be authorized for another. Review what software is used to create Title 24 reports for additional information about performance modeling.

Plan Information Needed to Prepare the Documentation

Energy compliance can be prepared more efficiently when the consultant receives a coordinated set of project information. Incomplete plans may require assumptions, additional correspondence, or revisions after the missing details become available.

Architectural Information

• Project address
• Site plan and building orientation
• Dimensioned floor plans
• Existing and proposed floor areas
• Elevations and building sections
• Wall, roof, ceiling, floor, and slab assemblies
• Door and window schedules
• Window U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient information when selected
• Existing, altered, and new construction clearly identified

Mechanical and Ventilation Information

• Heating and cooling equipment type
• Equipment efficiency
• System capacity when available
• Duct location and insulation
• Thermostat and control information
• Whole-building ventilation design
• Local exhaust requirements
• Economizer information for applicable nonresidential systems

Water-Heating Information

• Water-heater type and fuel source
• Efficiency and capacity
• Distribution-system design
• Recirculation information when applicable
• Central water-heating details for multifamily projects

Lighting and Electrical Information

• Fixture schedules and wattage
• Lighting-control design
• Occupancy-control zones
• Daylighting zones
• Outdoor lighting
• Electrical-service information
• Solar photovoltaic design when applicable
• Battery-storage information when applicable
• Electric-ready features when applicable

The more accurately the project documents describe the intended construction, the less likely the energy package will need to be rebuilt after plan submission.

Common Documentation Problems That Delay Approval

Permit corrections frequently arise from coordination problems rather than an inherently noncompliant design. A careful review can identify these conflicts before the building department does.

Window Information Does Not Match

The energy model may identify one window area or performance value while the elevations and window schedule show something different. Window quantity, dimensions, orientation, U-factor, and solar heat gain coefficient should remain consistent.

The Floor Area Is Incorrect

Conditioned floor area affects the compliance analysis. Garages, unconditioned storage areas, covered patios, existing rooms, additions, and converted areas should be classified accurately.

Mechanical Equipment Has Changed

Replacing modeled equipment with a different system can affect efficiency, fuel type, controls, ventilation, duct requirements, and overall compliance. Substitutions should be reviewed before installation.

The Forms Reflect an Older Plan Revision

Architectural changes made after the energy calculations were completed may alter glazing, insulation, floor area, equipment, or other regulated features. The final permit package should not combine current drawings with outdated energy forms.

Lighting Controls Are Incomplete

Nonresidential lighting compliance often depends on more than fixture wattage. Occupancy controls, automatic shutoff, daylighting controls, dimming, zoning, and exterior controls may need to appear on the plans and forms.

The Wrong Code Cycle or Software Was Used

Using documents prepared for an earlier code cycle can lead to incorrect forms and assumptions. Performance calculations must use software approved for the code cycle and project classification associated with the permit application.

Required Registration or Signatures Are Missing

Certain compliance documents must be signed, registered, or completed by specific responsible parties. An otherwise accurate form may still be rejected when required certification information is absent.

Documentation Requirements During Construction

The permit-stage report is only the beginning. Energy compliance continues through installation, field verification, testing, and inspection.

Installers Must Follow the Approved Design

Contractors should review the energy requirements before ordering materials or installing equipment. Insulation, windows, HVAC equipment, water heaters, ventilation systems, lighting controls, solar components, and battery systems should correspond with the approved documentation.

Testing Must Be Scheduled at the Proper Time

Ducts, insulation, air barriers, ventilation systems, controls, and other features may need to remain accessible for inspection or testing. Waiting until finishes are complete can make required verification more difficult and expensive.

Construction Changes May Require Revisions

Not every field adjustment requires a complete new energy model, but changes affecting regulated components should be evaluated. When the installed design no longer matches the approved compliance package, revised forms may be required before final approval.

Final Documentation Must Be Completed

Applicable installation, verification, and acceptance documents should be completed and available for the enforcement agency. Missing closeout documentation can delay final inspection even when the physical work appears complete.

Title 24 Compliance Documentation Requirements Guide Checklist

Before submitting the permit package, confirm the following:

• The correct code cycle has been selected
• The project type and occupancy are classified correctly
• The correct CF, LM, or NR form series is being used
• The project address and climate zone are accurate
• The conditioned floor area matches the plans
• The window schedule matches the energy documentation
• Insulation values and assemblies are coordinated
• Mechanical equipment information is consistent
• Ventilation requirements are addressed
• Water-heating information is complete
• Lighting and control requirements are shown when applicable
• Solar and battery requirements are addressed when applicable
• The latest plan revision was used
• Approved compliance software was used when required
• Required field verification measures are identified
• Required acceptance tests are identified
• Registration and signature requirements are understood
• The documentation contains no conflicting project information

Applicants who are uncertain whether their project requires an energy report should review when a Title 24 report is required before submitting plans.

Why Professional Documentation Review Matters

A professionally prepared energy package does more than show a passing result. It gives the building department a coordinated set of documents, gives the contractor clear efficiency requirements, and gives the property owner a better chance of avoiding preventable corrections.

Title24Energy.com evaluates the actual permit scope instead of forcing every project into a generic template. The online remote process allows plans to be reviewed digitally, making it practical for project teams located in different parts of California.

Plan Review Before Modeling

The available drawings are reviewed to identify the project type, conditioned areas, envelope assemblies, glazing, mechanical systems, water heating, lighting, and other regulated features.

Appropriate Compliance Method

The project is evaluated using the documentation and compliance pathway appropriate to its design. When performance modeling is needed, the analysis should use approved software for the applicable code cycle and building classification.

Coordination Before Submission

The prepared forms are compared with the supplied project information to identify visible inconsistencies. This step can help prevent corrections involving floor area, windows, insulation, equipment, lighting, or project classification.

Support for Plan Revisions

Construction plans often evolve. When the design changes or the building department issues an energy-related correction, the affected documentation can be reviewed and updated using the latest information.

For additional information about who may prepare the project documentation, review who can legally prepare a Title 24 report in California.

Title 24 Compliance Documentation Requirements Guide: Make the Permit Package Easier to Approve

Do not let missing forms, outdated calculations, or conflicting specifications turn a manageable permit submittal into weeks of avoidable revisions. The purpose of this Title 24 Compliance Documentation Requirements Guide is to help you identify the documentation early, coordinate the plans carefully, and move forward with a clearer compliance strategy.

Title24Energy.com offers online remote support for new construction, additions, alterations, accessory dwelling units, multifamily developments, commercial tenant improvements, and other permit-driven projects throughout California.

Call or text (626) 365-1518 to discuss your plans today. You can also submit the project through the Title24Energy.com contact page or email info@title24energy.com.

Include the project address, latest drawings, equipment information, applicable lighting plans, permit comments, and intended submission date. The sooner the documents are coordinated, the sooner your permit package can move toward review with fewer surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Permit Documentation

What documents are normally submitted with a residential permit?

The package may include a CF1R Certificate of Compliance, software-generated performance documentation when applicable, mandatory-measure information, and coordinated architectural and mechanical specifications.

What is the purpose of a CF1R form?

A CF1R records how an applicable single-family design is intended to comply with the Energy Code at the permit stage.

What is a CF2R form?

A CF2R is a Certificate of Installation used to document applicable energy features and systems installed during construction.

What is a CF3R form?

A CF3R is a Certificate of Verification used for required field verification and diagnostic testing on applicable single-family projects.

Which forms apply to low-rise multifamily buildings?

Applicable low-rise multifamily projects may use LMCC Certificates of Compliance, LMCI Certificates of Installation, and LMCV Certificates of Verification.

Which forms apply to commercial projects?

Applicable nonresidential projects may require NRCC, NRCI, NRCA, and NRCV documents depending on the scope, systems, and testing requirements.

Do all permitted projects require energy calculations?

No. The requirement depends on the work being permitted and whether it affects components regulated by the Energy Code.

Can old energy forms be reused?

They should not be reused without confirming the code cycle, project address, design, scope, software approval, and current permit requirements.

Why must window information match the plans?

Window area and performance affect energy compliance. Differences between the forms, elevations, and window schedule may produce corrections or require recalculation.

Can HVAC equipment be substituted during construction?

A substitution may be possible, but the replacement equipment should be reviewed for efficiency, capacity, controls, ventilation, and consistency with the approved documentation.

Are solar forms required for every project?

No. Solar and battery requirements depend on the building type, construction scope, code provisions, and any applicable exceptions.

What is the difference between prescriptive and performance compliance?

Prescriptive compliance evaluates individual components against specified requirements. Performance compliance uses approved software to compare the proposed building with a standard design.

Do commercial tenant improvements require energy forms?

They may. Lighting, controls, mechanical systems, ventilation, water heating, envelope changes, and other regulated work can trigger documentation requirements.

Are installation forms completed during plan check?

Installation forms are generally completed during construction by the responsible contractor or installer, although the permit package should identify the expected documentation.

What is acceptance testing?

Acceptance testing confirms that applicable nonresidential systems and controls have been installed and operate as required.

What happens when the plans change after the report is prepared?

The changes should be reviewed to determine whether the calculations, forms, or supporting specifications need to be updated.

Can missing documents delay final inspection?

Yes. Required installation, verification, acceptance, registration, or signature information may need to be completed before final approval.

How long does documentation preparation take?

Timing depends on the project size, complexity, completeness of the plans, compliance method, and number of revisions required.

What should be submitted for a professional review?

Provide the project address, latest architectural plans, mechanical information, window schedule, lighting plans when applicable, equipment specifications, and any plan-check corrections.

How do I begin?

Call or text (626) 365-1518 or submit the project through the contact page for an online remote review.