How does SolarAPP+ comply with Title 24?

The California Building Standards Code (CBSC), Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is a governing volume set of regulations and standards regarding the design and construction of all building occupancies, numerous non-occupied structures, and a vast array of equipment. The CBSC (California Building Standards Code) updates CA Title 24, including the CRC, CEC, and CFC, every three years. It is categorized into thirteen parts which can be found briefly summarized below, along with the state agencies responsible for amendments:

• Part 1 - California Administrative Code
  • Sets forth state agency administrative processes and procedures, fees, definitions and required duties.
  • Also identifies the procedural requirements to develop building standards, also known as the Code Adoption Process or Rulemaking.
• Part 2 - California Building Code
  • Based on ICC’s (International Code Council) International Building Code with necessary California amendments.
  • Part 2 applies to commercial and certain residential buildings, including offices, schools, hospitals and hotels.
  • Amendments made by the following state agencies: Building Standards Commission, Division of the State Architect, Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Department of Public Health, Board of State and Community Corrections, and State Lands Commission
• Part 2.5 - California Residential Code
  • Based on ICC’s (International Code Council) International Residential Code with necessary California amendments.
  • Part 2.5 applies to detached one-and two-family dwellings, and townhouses not more than three stories in height, and to accessory structures, with some exceptions.
  • Amendments made by the following state agencies: Department of Housing and Community Development, and Office of the State Fire Marshal
• Part 3 - California Electrical Code
  • Based on NFPA’s (National Fire Protection Association) NEC (National Electrical Code).
  • Part 3 applies to providing safety requirements pertinent to the installation of electrical infrastructure, which includes wiring, overcurrent protection and grounding.
  • Amendments made by the following state agencies: Building Standards Commision, Division of the State Architect, Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, and Office of the State Fire Marshal
• Part 4 - California Mechanical Code
  • Based on IAPMO’s Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, with necessary California amendments.
• Part 5 - California Plumbing Code
  • Based on IAPMO’s Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, with necessary California amendments.
• Part 6 - California Energy Code
  • Unique to California, meaning it is not based on a model code.
  • Part 6 applies to addressing the goals/mandates regarding reduced energy consumption and increased energy efficiency, as of the 2019 and 2022 publications.
  • Amendments made by the following state agencies: California Energy Commission
• Part 7 - Reserved Part
  • No building standards are presently located in this part.
• Part 8 - Historical Building Code
  • The intent of Part 8 is to save the state’s architectural heritage by recognizing the distinctive construction challenges inherent in historical buildings.
  • Provides alternative methods to achieve reasonable levels of safety in historical buildings.
  • Amendments made by the following state agencies: State Historical Building Safety Board, a unit within the Division of the State Architect
• Part 9 - California Fire Code
  • Based on ICC’s International Fire Code.
  • Part 9 applies to the public safeguarding and general welfare from the hazards of fire, explosions or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises. It also aims to provide assistance and provisions for firefighters and emergency responders.
  • Amendments made by the following state agencies: Office of the State Fire Marshal
• Part 10 - California Existing Building Code
  • Based on ICC’s International Existing Building Code.
  • Part 10 applies to the control of alterations, repair, additions, and change-of-occupancy of existing structures.
  • Amendments made by the following state agencies: Building Standards Commission, Division of the State Architect, Office of the State Fire Marshal, and Department of Housing and Community Development
• Part 11 - California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
  • Part 11 applies to California’s signature, first-in-the-nation, green building code that addresses mandatory and voluntary sustainable building practices that foster environmental responsibility including: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing water waste, increasing water reuse, encouraging building concepts and materials that have a positive environmental impact.
  • Amendments made by the following state agencies (non-residential occupancy): California Energy Commission, Building Standards Commission, Division of the State Architect, and Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
  • Amendments made by the following state agencies (residential occupancy): California Energy Commission and Department of Housing and Community Development
• Part 12 - California Referenced Standards Code
  • When there are no known national standards, or existing standards do not meet California’s criteria, referenced standards are developed by California agencies.
  • Amendments made by the following state agencies: Department of Public Health, Department of Consumer Affairs, Division of the State Architect, and Office of the State Fire Marshal

It’s important to note that there are state agencies involved specifically in the development and proposal of building standards/regulations, and state agencies involved specifically in the review and adoption of aforementioned proposed building standards/regulations. The propositions to the CBSC by state agencies are subject to public meetings and review periods prior to deeming an adoption appropriate. The adoptions by state agencies are submitted for review and approval by limited authority of the CBSC and then onto approval for publication in CA Title 24.

Perhaps the most pertinent-to-solar parts of CA Title 24 are Parts 2.5, 3, and 9; however, the overall scope of requirements imposed by CA Title 24 branch off to structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, measures for energy conservation, sustainability, construction, maintenance, fire and life safety, and accessibility. The CBSC (California Building Standards Code) updates CA Title 24, including the CRC, CEC, and CFC, every three years.

SolarAPP+ permitting, review specifications and calculations are based on model building, electrical and fire codes, covered by CA Title 24. “Model code” refers to a code or regulation that has been developed by an entity/organization which is then made available to be approved by a governmental consensus body for adoption by a local, state, or federal jurisdiction. The portal takes the application inputs, including installation components, methods of installation, safety/testing certifications, site conditions, and other essential details into consideration. These considerations then reference the California Energy Commission approved equipment lists to conduct automated calculations to determine whether an application meets the standards of code compliance to proceed toward printing their building permit. Inconsistencies and code irregularities are rejected immediately upon detection and are returned to be revised prior to being accepted once again for review.

The codes that are referenced within SolarAPP+ comply with the current code cycle and are updated to reflect new editions of CA Title 24 as they are published every three years. This greatly mitigates the need to consistently retrain staff on new codes, as errata and supplements can be made without regulatory effect between new editions and full publications.  Contractors and Municipalities alike will have quality assurance knowing that any submissions through SolarAPP+ are compliant with the most up-to-date code requirements.

Code compliance confirmation for Fire Safety and Protection means are checked based on conditions, logic, and inputs that are provided and reviewed under the scope of NFPA 70®: NEC and IRC. On a weekly basis, updates and accommodations are being implemented within SolarAPP+ to better assist jurisdictions that have adopted use of the NFPA 70®: NEC. 

SolarAPP+ continues to evolve, support and adapt to statewide standards, including CA Title 24 and its cyclical modifications. As the platform expands in-terms of users and municipal coverage, we look forward to offering further increased efficiency in seamless permit approval with the same consistent solar support. An in-depth Guide to Title 24 can be found by following the aforementioned linked PDF, where most information regarding Title 24 can be found organized.