Title 24
California's energy efficiency code — required for all new construction and most additions.
Title 24 (Part 6) of the California Code of Regulations sets minimum energy efficiency standards for new construction and substantial alterations. ADUs and additions over 700 sqft must include solar PV (with limited exemptions), high-efficiency HVAC, heat-pump water heaters, and meet strict envelope insulation values.
A Title 24 compliance report (CF1R) must be prepared by a certified energy analyst and submitted with the permit application. Typical cost: $400–$900 for an ADU. Failure to meet Title 24 is the single most common reason for a plan-check rejection.
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FAQ — Title 24
What does "Title 24" mean in plain English?
California's energy efficiency code — required for all new construction and most additions.
Why does Title 24 matter for a California ADU or remodel?
Title 24 comes up in the California building code side of nearly every Greater LA and Bay Area project we touch. Title 24 (Part 6) of the California Code of Regulations sets minimum energy efficiency standards for new construction and substantial alterations. Getting it right at design saves rework later — getting it wrong is one of the most common reasons permits stall.
Where will I see Title 24 on my own project?
Most owners run into Title 24 during the design or plan-check phase. Your project manager flags it on the schedule, walks you through what the city expects, and confirms documentation is in place before the inspection that depends on it.
Does Title 24 cost extra?
Sometimes — depends on whether it adds scope (a report, a structural detail, a fee) or just a paperwork step. Anything cost-impacting is itemized in your contract or change order, never buried in the invoice.
Who at Alpha Dream handles Title 24?
The project architect owns design-level decisions; the permit runner owns city interactions; the project manager owns field execution. You always know who to ask.