California Building Code Solar Requirements

Calgreen is the first in the nation mandatory green building standards code.

California building code solar requirements.

Current laws regulations and codes state code requirements california s state building codes provide uniform requirements for buildings throughout the state. 2019 california building standards code title 24 california code of regulations. But now a dramatic expansion is about to begin as new building codes take effect jan. Effective january 1 2020.

In 2007 cbsc developed green building standards in an effort to meet the goals of california s landmark initiative ab 32 which established a comprehensive program of cost effective reductions of greenhouse gases ghg to 1990 levels by 2020. The ccr is divided into 28 separate titles based on subject matter or state agency authority. Building codes ibc fire codes ifc and structural engineering codes asce also come into play when adding solar to an existing structure. The california building standards commission cbsc voted unanimously to confirm a solar panel mandate on new homes in california starting in 2020.

These requirements are contained in title 24 of the california code of regulations ccr. Order the 2019 edition of title 24 from the publishers listed on the codes tab. Published july 1 2019. With the newly established code california is the first state in the country to adopt the clean energy requirement.

Working in the solar industry necessitates understanding more than one type of code unlike for example an electrician who may just need to know the national electrical code nec. Low rise residential buildings including single family homes and multifamily. 2019 california building standards code title 24 education outreach. Sb 1226 bates adds section 17958 12 to the california health and safety code opens in new window and with application of appropriate building codes may allow issuance of a building permit for the residential unit.

The solar pv requirement only applies to new buildings under three stories tall. California already generates more electricity from solar power than any other state.