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. Browse the full construction glossary for related terms.
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. See how it lands in our five-phase process and the relevant field guides.
Where will I see Title 24 on my own project?
Most owners run into Title 24 during the design or plan-check phase — specifically inside schematic design or permit submittal. 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. Sanity-check your number with the ADU cost calculator and the 2026 cost report.
Who at Alpha Dream handles Title 24?
The project architect owns design-level decisions; the permit runner owns city interactions — see the California permit directory; the project manager owns field execution. You always know who to ask. Start a conversation on the contact page.
When does Title 24 typically come up in the project schedule?
Most often during permit submittal or early construction. The full sequence is on the process page.
Is Title 24 handled differently in LA vs the Bay Area?
Yes — local interpretation varies. The LA studio and Bay Area studio note the regional shifts on each city hub.
What documents prove compliance with Title 24?
City-specific — the California permit directory lists the form set per jurisdiction. Field journal entries show what actually clears plan check.
Which trades or consultants own Title 24 on a typical job?
Architect, structural engineer, or Title 24 consultant — depends on the term. The process page maps roles across the five phases.
How does Title 24 affect the project budget?
Direct line item in the contract when it triggers a report, detail, or fee. Pricing bands are in the 2026 cost report.
Has Title 24 changed recently under California law?
California ADU and remodel law has shifted every legislative session since 2017. Material changes land first on the field journal; definitions update quarterly here.
Where can I read the underlying statute for Title 24?
Each glossary entry cites the relevant Gov Code, building code section, or city bulletin. The permit directorylinks the source portals.
Which ADU type is Title 24 most relevant to?
Cross-references live on the ADU types index. The term often appears in detached ADU and JADU contexts most.
Can I send Title 24 questions to your team?
Yes — use the contact page. We add the most-asked questions to the site-wide FAQ monthly.
What's a related term I should also read after Title 24?
Each entry cross-links 3–5 related terms. Browse the full set on the glossary index.
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