Who Can Sign Off a Title 24 Report?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Who Can Sign Off a Title 24 Report depends on which compliance document is being signed and who is legally responsible for the building design. A Title 24 consultant may prepare the energy calculations and compliance documentation, but preparing the report does not automatically make that consultant the person legally responsible for the architectural, mechanical, electrical, or overall building design.

For a California Certificate of Compliance, there are generally two important roles to understand: the documentation author and the responsible person.

The documentation author signs to certify that the compliance documentation they prepared is accurate and complete. The responsible person signs to accept responsibility for the applicable building or system design and certify that the design conforms to California’s energy requirements.

Depending on the project, the responsible person may be an architect, engineer, contractor, builder, designer, or another person legally eligible to accept responsibility for the applicable design scope.

The correct signer therefore depends on:

• The type of building
• Whether the project is residential, multifamily, or commercial
• The scope of construction
• The specific compliance form
• Who prepared the energy documentation
• Who has legal responsibility for the building or system design
• Whether the project requires a licensed design professional
• Whether field verification or acceptance testing is required

Alternative Energy Systems provides Title 24 energy calculations and compliance-documentation support throughout California. AES brings more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience to residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial projects.

Call (626) 365-1518 if you need help determining which Title 24 documents apply to your project and which project professional should sign them.

The Short Answer: Who Signs a Title 24 Certificate of Compliance?

The California Energy Code distinguishes between the person who prepares the documentation and the person responsible for the design.

For a Certificate of Compliance:

• The documentation author signs to certify that the documentation is accurate and complete.
• The responsible person signs to accept responsibility for the applicable design and certify conformance with the Energy Code.

These may be the same person in some projects.

On other projects, they may be two different people.

For example, an energy consultant may prepare the calculations and forms while an architect, engineer, builder, contractor, or other legally eligible responsible designer accepts responsibility for the design.

This distinction is important because a Title 24 consultant should not be described automatically as the person who can provide the final design-responsibility signature for every project.

What Does “Sign Off” Mean on a Title 24 Report?

The phrase “sign off” is commonly used by homeowners, contractors, and designers, but it can refer to several different actions.

Someone may be asking:

• Who prepares and signs the energy calculations?
• Who signs the Certificate of Compliance?
• Who accepts responsibility for the building design?
• Who signs installation documentation?
• Who signs field-verification documentation?
• Who signs acceptance-testing documentation?
• Who approves the report at the building department?

Those are separate responsibilities.

A person who prepares a Title 24 calculation is not automatically responsible for construction.

A contractor responsible for installation is not automatically the building designer.

A field-verification professional does not automatically become the responsible designer.

The building department also does not replace the signatures required from the project professionals. The jurisdiction reviews the submitted documentation as part of the permit process.

What Is a Title 24 Documentation Author?

The documentation author is the person who prepares the applicable energy-compliance documentation.

That work may include:

• Reviewing the construction plans
• Identifying applicable energy requirements
• Reviewing window and door information
• Reviewing insulation assemblies
• Reviewing HVAC specifications
• Reviewing duct locations
• Reviewing ventilation
• Reviewing water heating
• Reviewing commercial lighting and controls
• Preparing energy calculations
• Preparing compliance forms

The documentation author’s signature certifies the accuracy and completeness of the documentation that person prepared.

That signature does not automatically mean that the documentation author designed the entire building or accepts responsibility for every feature shown on the construction plans.

Can a Title 24 Consultant Sign the Report?

A Title 24 consultant may be able to sign the applicable compliance documentation as the documentation author when that consultant prepared the calculations and forms.

However, that does not necessarily mean the consultant can also sign as the responsible person for the building design.

The two roles should not be confused.

A consultant may:

• Review the plans
• Prepare the energy analysis
• Prepare the compliance forms
• Identify energy measures that should appear on the plans
• Sign documentation as the documentation author

The responsible designer remains responsible for the building or system design represented by those documents.

Whether one person may serve in both roles depends on that person’s legal eligibility and actual responsibility for the applicable design.

Who Is the Responsible Person?

The responsible person is the individual legally eligible to accept responsibility for the applicable design.

That person certifies that the energy features represented by the Certificate of Compliance conform to the applicable Energy Code requirements and are consistent with the project documents submitted for permit approval.

Depending on the project and scope, the responsible person may include an eligible:

• Architect
• Professional engineer
• Contractor
• Builder
• Building designer
• Other professional legally permitted to accept responsibility for the applicable design

The correct person cannot be determined simply from a job title.

The person’s legal eligibility and actual responsibility for the design matter.

Why Are Two Signatures Sometimes Required?

Separating documentation preparation from design responsibility provides clarity about who did what.

The documentation author certifies:

• The energy documentation was prepared accurately
• The information included in the forms is complete to the extent required

The responsible person certifies:

• Responsibility for the applicable design
• Conformance with the Energy Code
• Consistency between the design represented in the compliance documents and the project plans and specifications

On some projects, one qualified person may perform both functions.

On others, an energy consultant prepares the report and a separate design professional provides the responsible-person signature.

Who Can Sign Off a Residential Title 24 Report?

For single-family residential projects, the Certificate of Compliance is commonly associated with the responsible building designer.

The appropriate signer depends on the project and whether California law requires a licensed design professional.

Residential projects may include:

• New single-family homes
• Detached ADUs
• Attached ADUs
• Garage conversions
• Room additions
• Second-story additions
• Major remodels
• Envelope alterations
• HVAC-related permit projects

When a licensed architect or engineer is responsible for the design, that professional’s information may be required in the responsible-designer portion of the applicable compliance documentation.

California law also allows certain residential designs to be prepared without a licensed architect or engineer. When a licensed design professional is not legally required, another eligible responsible designer or builder may be able to provide the responsible-person signature for the applicable project.

The specific project should be reviewed rather than assuming every residential Title 24 form must always be signed by an architect.

Does a Title 24 Report Always Need an Architect’s Signature?

No.

An architect’s signature may be appropriate or required when an architect is the responsible design professional, but an architect is not automatically the only person who can sign every Title 24 Certificate of Compliance.

The proper signer depends on:

• The building type
• The construction scope
• The design professional responsible for the project
• California licensing requirements
• The particular compliance form being submitted

Avoid hiring an architect solely because someone stated that every Title 24 report universally requires an architect’s signature.

Instead, determine who is legally responsible for the applicable design.

Does a Title 24 Report Always Need an Engineer’s Signature?

No.

A professional engineer may be the appropriate responsible person when the engineer is responsible for the applicable design.

However, not every residential or commercial Title 24 report requires the same type of engineer.

For example, a project may involve separate responsibility for:

• Architectural design
• Mechanical systems
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Structural design
• Energy compliance

The appropriate signature depends on which system or design scope is represented by the document.

Can a Builder Sign a Residential Title 24 Certificate?

In certain residential projects where California law does not require a licensed design professional, the builder may be eligible to sign as the responsible building designer.

That should not be interpreted as permission for every builder to sign every project.

The builder must actually be eligible to accept responsibility for the applicable design.

When an architect, engineer, or other professional is responsible for the project design, the responsible-person signature should reflect that responsibility.

Can the Homeowner Sign a Title 24 Report?

A property owner should not assume that ownership alone makes the owner eligible to sign every Title 24 compliance document.

The relevant question is not simply who owns the property.

The question is who is legally eligible and actually responsible for the applicable building or system design.

Owner-builder situations can involve different responsibilities depending on the project, permit scope, design, and applicable California law.

Confirm the responsible signer before submitting the compliance forms to the building department.

Who Can Sign Off an ADU Title 24 Report?

The signature requirements for an ADU depend on the design responsibility and the type of ADU project.

An ADU may be:

• Detached new construction
• Attached to an existing residence
• Created through a garage conversion
• Created through conversion of other existing space

AES may prepare energy calculations based on:

• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plans
• Window schedules
• Insulation assemblies
• HVAC information
• Ventilation
• Water heating

The person responsible for the ADU’s building design should then provide the applicable responsible-person signature when required.

The energy consultant’s role in preparing the report should not be confused with responsibility for the complete ADU design.

For additional project information, review the ADU Title 24 page.

Who Can Sign Off an Addition or Remodel Report?

Additions and remodels often involve existing construction combined with new work.

The responsible signer may depend on who designed:

• The new conditioned area
• Exterior wall changes
• Window alterations
• Roof modifications
• HVAC changes
• Other systems included in the permit scope

The energy consultant can prepare calculations based on the proposed design.

The person responsible for that design remains responsible for the applicable responsible-person declaration.

This becomes especially important when the plans are revised after the original report is completed.

Who Can Sign Off a Commercial Title 24 Report?

Commercial and nonresidential projects can involve several separate design disciplines.

The energy documentation may address:

• Building-envelope performance
• Mechanical systems
• Ventilation
• Service water heating
• Interior lighting
• Exterior lighting
• Lighting controls
• Electrical-power systems
• Other regulated systems

The Certificate of Compliance must identify the appropriate responsible person for the applicable design scope.

Depending on the project, that may involve a licensed architect, professional engineer, licensed contractor, or another person legally eligible to accept design responsibility.

Large or technically complex commercial projects may also involve additional compliance documents with their own signature requirements.

For professional support, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

Who Signs Multifamily Title 24 Documents?

Multifamily projects can involve several categories of compliance documentation depending on building configuration and project scope.

The project may require coordination among:

• Architects
• Mechanical engineers
• Electrical designers
• Energy consultants
• General contractors
• Specialty contractors
• Field-verification professionals

The person preparing a compliance document signs for the accuracy of that documentation when required.

The responsible person signs for the design, construction, or installation scope for which that person is legally responsible.

The exact signer therefore depends on whether the document concerns design compliance, installation, acceptance testing, or field verification.

The Certificate of Compliance Is Not the Only Title 24 Document That Gets Signed

A California project may involve several categories of compliance documents.

These can include:

• Certificate of Compliance
• Certificate of Installation
• Certificate of Acceptance
• Certificate of Verification

Each serves a different purpose.

The person who signs one category of document may not be the person who signs another.

Certificate of Compliance

This addresses the proposed design.

It is associated with the documentation author and the responsible person for the applicable design.

Certificate of Installation

This documents installed features, materials, equipment, or systems.

The responsible person for the applicable construction or installation signs the appropriate documentation.

Certificate of Acceptance

Certain nonresidential systems require acceptance testing.

The applicable acceptance-testing professionals and responsible persons complete the required documentation.

Certificate of Verification

When field verification and diagnostic testing are required, the applicable verification documentation is completed and signed by the qualified field-verification professional who performed that work.

These documents should not be treated as interchangeable.

Can an ECC-Rater or HERS-Type Field Rater Sign Off the Energy Report?

Field verification and design responsibility are separate functions.

A qualified ECC-Rater may perform required field verification and diagnostic testing and sign the applicable Certificate of Verification documentation.

That does not automatically make the rater the responsible building designer for the Certificate of Compliance.

The energy report may identify measures that later require verification, but preparing or signing verification documentation is not the same as accepting responsibility for the original building design.

This distinction matters on projects involving:

• Duct verification
• Airflow requirements
• Mechanical-system verification
• Other performance-sensitive energy measures

For related information, review Title 24 vs. CALGreen.

Does the Building Department Sign Off the Title 24 Report?

The building department reviews the compliance documentation as part of the permit process, but its role is different from the signatures supplied by the project professionals.

The jurisdiction may review whether:

• The applicable forms were submitted
• The required signatures are present
• The project address is correct
• The report applies to the current plans
• The energy features match the construction documents
• Required verification or acceptance-testing measures are identified

The building department may:

• Accept the documentation
• Request clarification
• Issue correction comments
• Require revised forms

Building-department acceptance does not replace the responsible person’s signature and does not guarantee that later construction or inspection requirements have already been satisfied.

What Happens if the Wrong Person Signs?

Incorrect or incomplete signatures can create problems during permit review.

The building department may request:

• The correct responsible-person signature
• The documentation author’s signature
• Professional-license information when applicable
• Corrected compliance forms
• Clarification of who is responsible for the design

Do not simply move a signature from one person to another without confirming who actually prepared the documentation and who is legally responsible for the design.

What if the Architect or Engineer Changes After the Report Is Prepared?

A change in the project team can affect responsibility for the design.

If a new professional takes over the project, provide:

• The current plan set
• The previously prepared Title 24 report
• Updated project information
• Revised specifications
• Information identifying the current responsible designer

The new project professional should review the applicable work before accepting responsibility for it.

AES can review whether the energy calculations and forms still correspond to the current design.

What if the Plans Change After the Report Is Signed?

A signed report should remain consistent with the design being submitted.

The Title 24 documentation may require revision if the project changes:

• Conditioned floor area
• Building geometry
• Window sizes
• Window performance
• Insulation
• Roof assemblies
• HVAC equipment
• Duct locations
• Ventilation
• Water heating
• Commercial lighting
• Lighting controls

An earlier signature should not be treated as approval of later design changes that were never reviewed.

Send revised plans to AES when an energy-related feature changes.

What if the Building Department Requests a Different Signer?

First determine what the reviewer is actually requesting.

The building department may be identifying:

• A missing documentation-author signature
• A missing responsible-person signature
• An incorrect responsible designer
• Missing professional-license information
• A document requiring a different responsible professional
• A separate installation, acceptance, or verification form

Send AES the complete correction notice and latest project plans.

AES can review whether the energy documentation itself needs correction or whether the requested signature belongs to another member of the design or construction team.

How Do Electronic Signatures and Registered Documents Affect the Process?

Some California energy-compliance documents require electronic registration through an approved Energy Code Compliance process.

When registration is required, applicable signatures are completed electronically according to California Energy Commission requirements.

The project team should not substitute an informal typed name for a required registered electronic signature.

The specific registration requirement depends on the project, document type, and applicable verification measures.

For current state guidance, review the California Energy Commission Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

What Should You Verify Before a Title 24 Report Is Signed?

Before signatures are completed, confirm that the report reflects the project being submitted.

Review:

• Project address
• Client or project name
• Permit scope
• Current plan date
• Conditioned floor area
• Window information
• Wall and roof assemblies
• Insulation
• HVAC systems
• Duct locations
• Ventilation
• Water heating
• Commercial lighting and controls

Also confirm:

• Who prepared the compliance documentation
• Who is responsible for the applicable design
• Whether professional-license information is required
• Whether document registration is required
• Whether separate verification or acceptance forms will be required later

This review helps prevent signature and coordination issues during plan check.

What Documents Should You Send AES?

AES can review the available project information and explain what is needed to prepare or revise the energy documentation.

Helpful documents include:

• Current architectural plans
• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plans
• Window and exterior-door schedules
• Insulation details
• HVAC specifications
• Duct information
• Ventilation information
• Water-heating specifications
• Commercial lighting plans when applicable
• Existing Title 24 documentation
• Building-department correction notices

Before submitting the project, review what AES will need from you.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides professional Title 24 energy calculations, report preparation, revision, and plan-check support throughout California.

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

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Additions and remodels
• Multifamily projects
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC projects
• Commercial lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Revisions to existing calculations and reports

AES can prepare the applicable energy-compliance documentation and help the project team understand which role must provide the corresponding signature.

AES does not claim that one person can sign every document or that an energy consultant automatically replaces the legally responsible building designer.

Learn more on the About Us page or review the company’s professional background on the clients page.

Confirm Who Should Sign Your Title 24 Documentation

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding Who Can Sign Off a Title 24 Report starts with identifying the document and the responsibility represented by the signature.

The person who prepares the energy calculations may sign as the documentation author. The person legally responsible for the applicable building or system design provides the responsible-person signature. Installation, acceptance testing, and field verification may involve separate professionals and separate compliance documents.

Alternative Energy Systems can review your residential or commercial plans, prepare the applicable Title 24 calculations and forms, identify missing information, and help clarify which project professional should complete the applicable signature section.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Discuss your project type
• Submit current plans
• Request Title 24 calculations
• Ask which compliance forms may apply
• Clarify documentation-author responsibilities
• Review responsible-person signature questions
• Request help with plan-check corrections

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 Can Sign Off a Title 24 Report?

Who Can Sign Off a Title 24 Report?

The applicable Certificate of Compliance generally distinguishes between the documentation author who certifies the accuracy and completeness of the documentation and the responsible person who accepts responsibility for the applicable design.

Can the Title 24 consultant sign the report?

A consultant who prepares the energy documentation may sign as the documentation author. The consultant can sign as the responsible person only when legally eligible and actually responsible for the applicable design.

Does an architect always have to sign?

No. The appropriate responsible signer depends on the building, project scope, design responsibility, and California licensing requirements.

Does an engineer always have to sign?

No. An engineer may be the appropriate signer when responsible for the applicable design, but not every project requires the same professional.

Can a builder sign a residential Title 24 form?

For certain residential projects where a licensed design professional is not legally required, an eligible builder or responsible designer may be able to provide the responsible-design signature.

Can a homeowner sign?

Ownership alone does not automatically make someone eligible to provide every responsible-person signature. Eligibility depends on the design responsibility and applicable law.

Who signs an ADU Title 24 report?

The documentation author signs the documentation they prepare, while the person legally responsible for the ADU design provides the applicable responsible-person signature.

Who signs a commercial Title 24 report?

The responsible signer depends on the applicable design scope and may involve an eligible architect, engineer, contractor, or other responsible professional.

What is a documentation author?

The documentation author is the person who prepares the applicable compliance documentation and certifies that the documentation is accurate and complete.

What is the responsible person?

The responsible person is the individual legally eligible to accept responsibility for the applicable building or system design.

Can the same person be the documentation author and responsible person?

Yes, when that person both prepares the documentation and is legally eligible to accept responsibility for the applicable design.

Can an energy consultant prepare the report without designing the building?

Yes. Energy documentation preparation can be delegated while the building designer remains responsible for the design represented by the compliance forms.

Does the building department sign the report?

The building department reviews the submitted documentation. Its plan-review role is separate from the signatures required from the documentation author and responsible person.

Who signs HERS or field-verification documents?

Applicable verification documents are completed and signed by the qualified professional who performs the required field verification or diagnostic testing.

Does a field rater sign as the responsible building designer?

Field verification and building-design responsibility are separate roles. A field-verification professional should not automatically be treated as the responsible building designer.

Who signs installation forms?

The applicable person responsible for construction or installation signs the required installation documentation according to the scope of work.

Can the signer change after the report is prepared?

If project responsibility changes, the current responsible professional should review the applicable work before accepting responsibility for it.

What happens if the building department says the wrong person signed?

Send AES the complete correction notice and current plans so the signature issue can be reviewed in context.

Do electronic Title 24 documents require electronic signatures?

When California’s registration requirements apply, the required signatures must follow the applicable electronic-document and signature procedures.

Does signing the report guarantee permit approval?

No. A properly signed report supports the energy-compliance portion of the permit package, but the building department controls its review and final permit decision.

How do I determine who should sign my project?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 and provide the project type, current plans, and information identifying the responsible design professionals.