California’s Title 24 is the state’s Building Standards Code, governing standards for the construction of new buildings since its implementation in 1978, as well as alterations and repairs of existing structures. Broadly speaking, Title 24 is in place to ensure that California buildings meet minimum standards of safety, efficiency, and accessibility.

When most people refer to Title 24, they are referring specifically to the California Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, a set of standards for energy efficiency in new construction, both residential and non-residential, for buildings in California, also known as the California Energy Code.

The California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) was adopted with the aim of making California buildings more comfortable and reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. It sets minimum standards for the use of energy-efficient technologies and construction. Standards are set and updated by the California Energy Commission.

The purpose of Title 24 broadly is to ensure safe, comfortable, and accessible buildings throughout the state. It has the benefit of reducing California’s impact on climate change as well as reducing energy costs through increased efficiency, saving money for residents in the long term.

Title 24 applies to all new residential and non-residential buildings in California, with some exceptions for temporary structures such as fairground tents, correctional facilities, jails, and prisons.

It applies to all new construction after 1978, as well as repairs, alterations and restorations of existing structures. It’s important to keep in mind that standards do vary by climate zone. There are 16 climate zones in California, and extreme climates will likely have different standards of enforcement than milder ones.

According to a breakdown from 5 Star Energy, “the calculation includes an analysis of a building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as its envelope.”

Typically, homeowners will work with a consultant to prepare Title 24 calculations and generate a certified compliance report.

For residential projects, assessors may need your address, your home’s floor plan, exterior elevation views, the orientation of your home, windows and door schedules, heating and cooling system specs, and the name of the designer if you have it.

Title 24 compliance is triggered when you perform new construction that requires you to request a building permit, when you have your building inspected, or your plans reviewed.

With regard to doors and windows, it is triggered when you replace or install new doors and windows in your building. It applies to both new homes and existing structures. Even if you are only replacing a few doors or windows, you’ll need to make sure they are Title 24 compliant.

Doors and windows (and skylights too) can account for as much as 50% of your home’s heating and air conditioning costs. Factors such as orientation, shade, size of openings and glazing type all impact energy use.

Here’s a look at some of the specific technical requirements for residential doors and windows at time of writing:

• New windows must be dual-glazed
• Glass must meet at last Low-E2 standards
• Doors and windows in the majority of climate zones must have a U-factor of 0.30
• Additionally, they should have a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.23
• If you’re replacing less than 75 total square feet in area, windows may have a U-factor as high as 0.40 and SHGC of 0.35.

U-factor is a measurement of heat loss while SHGC is a measurement of how much heat is transmitted into your home.

Making sure that your doors and windows meet these standards before you buy is a crucial part of the purchase process.

Who enforces Title 24?

Title 24 is typically enforced by local enforcement agencies from the city and the county, who are authorized to verify that buildings in their jurisdiction are in compliance with state energy standards.

How long does Title 24 take?

Typically you can expect a Title 24 report to be prepared in 3-5 business days, however some services may offer them more quickly at a higher rate.

How much does a Title 24 report cost?

While the cost of preparation of a Title 24 report varies by consultant and by the square-footage of your home, generally they cost between $200 - $600. If you’d prefer to save money and know how to read architectural plans, it is possible to prepare a Title 24 report yourself and save using resources available online.

What are the penalties for violating Title 24?

Violation of Title 24 guidelines can result in fines of up to $5000 per instance, orders of enforcement, and legal action. Owners may be forced to stop construction or make alterations or repairs in order to come into compliance.