Chapter 8 — COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
Section A4.106 — SITE DEVELOPMENT
2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · California
A4.106.1 Reserved.
A4.106.2 Soil analysis and protection. The soils at the building site are analyzed and protected as specified in this section.
A4.106.2.1 Soil analysis. Soil analysis is performed by a licensed design professional and the findings utilized in the structural design of the building.
A4.106.2.2 Soil protection. The effect of development on building sites is evaluated and the soil is protected by one or more of the following:
- Natural drainage patterns are evaluated and erosion controls are implemented to minimize erosion during construction and after occupancy.
- Site access is accomplished by minimizing the amount of cut and fill needed to install access roads and driveways.
- As allowed by other parts of the California Building Standards Code underground construction activities are coordinated to utilize the same trench, minimize the amount of time the disturbed soil is exposed and the soil is replaced using accepted compaction methods.
A4.106.2.3 Topsoil protection. Topsoil shall be protected or saved for reuse as specified in this section.
Tier 1. Displaced topsoil shall be stockpiled for reuse in a designated area and covered or protected from erosion.
Note: Protection from erosion includes covering with tarps, straw, mulch, chipped wood, vegetative cover or other means acceptable to the enforcing agency to protect the topsoil for later use.
Tier 2. The construction area shall be identified and delineated by fencing or flagging to limit construction activity to the construction area. Heavy equipment or vehicle traffic and material storage outside the construction area shall be limited to areas that are planned to be paved.
A4.106.3 Landscape design. Postconstruction landscape designs shall accomplish one or more of the following:
- Areas disrupted during construction are restored to be consistent with native vegetation species and patterns.
- Utilize at least 75 percent native California or drought tolerant plant and tree species appropriate for the climate zone region.
A4.106.4 Water permeable surfaces. Permeable paving is utilized for the parking, walking or patio surfaces in compliance with the following.
Tier 1. Not less than 20 percent of the total parking, walking or patio surfaces shall be permeable.
APPENDIX A4-4 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
Tier 2. Not less than 30 percent of the total parking, walking or patio surfaces shall be permeable.
Exceptions:
- The primary driveway, primary entry walkway and entry porch or landing shall not be included when calculating the area required to be a permeable surface.
- Required accessible routes for persons with disabilities as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 11A and/or Chapter 11B as applicable.
A4.106.5 Cool roof for reduction of heat island effect. Roofing materials for Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings shall comply with this section:
Exceptions:
- Roof constructions that have a thermal mass over the roof membrane including areas of vegetated (green) roofs, weighing at least 25 pounds per square foot.
- Roof areas covered by building integrated solar photovoltaic panels and building integrated solar thermal panels.
A4.106.5.1 Solar reflectance. Roofing materials shall have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance equal to or greater than the values specified in Tables A4.106.5.1(1) and A4.106.5.1(3) for Tier 1 and Tables A4.106.5.1(2) and A4.105.5.1(4) for Tier 2.
If CRRC testing for aged solar reflectance is not available for any roofing products, the aged value shall be determined using the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) certified initial value using the equation ρ aged = [0.2 + β[ρ initial -0.2], where ρ initial = the initial Solar Reflectance and soiling resistance, β, is listed by product type in Table A4.106.5.1.
Solar reflectance may also be certified by other supervisory entities approved by the Energy Commission pursuant to Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-113.
TABLE A4.106.5.1—VALUES OF SOILING RESISTANCE (ß) BY PRODUCT TYPE
| PRODUCT TYPE | CCRC PRODUCT CATEGORY | ß |
|---|---|---|
| Field-applied coating | Field-applied coating | 0.65 |
| Other | Not a field-applied coating | 0.70 |
A4.106.5.2 Thermal emittance. Roofing materials shall have a CRRC initial or aged thermal emittance equal to or greater than those specified in Tables A4.106.5.1(1) and A4.106.5.1(3) for Tier 1 and Tables A4.106.5.1(2) and A4.106.5.1(4) for Tier 2.
Thermal emittance may also be certified by other supervisory entities approved by the Energy Commission pursuant to Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code.
A4.106.5.3 Solar reflectance index alternative. Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) equal to or greater than the values specified in Tables A4.106.5.1(1) and A4.106.5.1(3) for Tier 1 and Tables A4.106.5.1(2) and A4.106.5.1(4) for Tier 2 may be used as an alternative to compliance with the 3-year aged solar reflectance values and thermal emittance.
SRI values used to comply with this section shall be calculated using the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) Calculation Worksheet (SRI-WS) developed by the California Energy Commission or in compliance with ASTM E1980-01 as specified in the 2022 California Energy Code. Solar reflectance values used in the SRI-WS shall be based on the aged reflectance value of the roofing product or the equation in Section A4.106.5.1 if the CRRC certified aged solar reflectance are not available. Certified thermal emittance used in the SRI-WS may be either the initial value or the aged value listed by the CRRC.
Solar reflectance and thermal emittance may also be certified by other supervisory entities approved by the Commission pursuant to Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code.
Note: The Solar Reflectance Index Calculation Worksheet (SRI-WS) is available by contacting the Energy Standards Hotline at 1-800-772-3300, website at www.energy.ca.gov or by email at Title24@energy.ca.gov.
TABLE A4.106.5.1(1)—TIER 1 – LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL
| ROOF SLOPE | CLIMATE ZONE | MINIMUM 3-YEAR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE |
THERMAL EMITTANCE | SRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 2:12 | 13 & 15 | 0.63 | 0.75 | 75 |
| > 2:12 | 10 – 15 | 0.20 | 0.75 | 16 |
TABLE A4.106.5.1(2)—TIER 2 – LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL
| ROOF SLOPE | CLIMATE ZONE | MINIMUM 3-YEAR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE |
THERMAL EMITTANCE | SRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 2:12 | 2, 4, 6 – 15 | 0.65 | 0.85 | 78 |
| > 2:12 | 2, 4, 6 – 15 | 0.23 | 0.85 | 20 |
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
TABLE A4.106.5.1(3)—TIER 1 – HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, HOTELS AND MOTELS
| ROOF SLOPE | CLIMATE ZONE | MINIMUM 3-YEAR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE |
THERMAL EMITTANCE | SRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 2:12 | 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 | 0.55 | 0.75 | 64 |
| > 2:12 | 2 – 15 | 0.20 | 0.75 | 16 |
TABLE A4.106.5.1(4)—TIER 2 – HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, HOTELS AND MOTELS
| ROOF SLOPE | CLIMATE ZONE | MINIMUM 3-YEAR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE |
THERMAL EMITTANCE | SRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 2:12 | 2 – 15 | 0.65 | 0.75 | 78 |
| > 2:12 | 2 – 15 | 0.23 | 0.75 | 20 |
APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
A4.106.5.4 Verification. Inspection shall be conducted to ensure roofing materials meet cool roof aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance or SRI values.
A4.106.6 Vegetated roof. Install a vegetated roof for at least 50 percent of the roof area. Vegetated roofs shall comply with requirements for roof gardens and landscaped roofs in the California Building Code, Chapter 15 and Chapter 16.
A4.106.7 Reduction of heat island effect for nonroof areas. Reduce nonroof heat islands for 50 percent of sidewalks, patios, driveways or other paved areas by using one or more of the methods listed.
- Trees or other plantings to provide shade and that mature within 15 years of planting. Trees should be native or adaptive to the region and climate zones and noninvasive; hardy and resistant to drought, insects and disease; easy to maintain (no frequent shedding of twigs, branches, unwanted fruit or seed pods); and suitable in mature size and environmental requirements for the site. Tree selection and placement should consider location and size of areas to be shaded, location of utilities, views from the structure, distance to sidewalks and foundations, overhangs onto adjacent properties and streets; other infrastructure and adjacent to landscaping. In addition, shading shall not cast a shadow, as specified, on any neighboring solar collectors pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 25981, et seq. (Solar Shade Control Act).
- Use high albedo materials with an initial solar reflectance value of at least 0.30 as determined in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards E1918 or C1549.
- Use open grid pavement system or pervious or permeable pavement system.
- Locate 50 percent of parking underground or use multilevel parking.
- Other methods of reducing heat island effects acceptable to the enforcing agency.
als with an initial solar reflectance value of at least 0.30 as determined in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards E1918 or C1549. 3. Use open grid pavement system or pervious or permeable pavement system. 4. Locate 50 percent of parking underground or use multilevel parking. 5. Other methods of reducing heat island effects acceptable to the enforcing agency.
Note: Local agencies may have ordinances requiring mitigation of heat island effects through building or parking lot shading, tree plantings, landscaping, use of pervious pavements and other approved methods.
A4.106.8 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction. New construction shall comply with Section A4.106.8.1 or A4.106.8.2, to facilitate the installation and use of EV ready spaces. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall comply with the California Electrical Code .
A4.106.8.1 New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages.
Tier 1 and Tier 2. For each dwelling unit, a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit shall be installed in the raceway required by Section 4.106.4.1. The branch circuit and associated overcurrent protective device shall be rated at 40 amperes minimum. Other electrical components, including a receptacle or blank cover, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
A4.106.8.1.1 Identification. The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device designated for future EV charging purposes as “EV READY” in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The receptacle or blank cover shall be identified as “EV READY.”
A4.106.8.2 New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels shall meet the following requirements.
A4.106.8.2.1 Multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels.
Tier 1. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels.
- EV ready parking spaces with receptacles. a. Hotels and motels. Sixty (60) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles. b. Raceway capacity requirements. To allow for future upgrades to the electrical conductors serving low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles, the listed raceway serving such receptacles shall be sized to allow
APPENDIX A4-6 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
the installation of a dedicated 208/240-volt 40-ampere branch circuit. Where no raceway is used, the conductors shall be sized to accommodate a 208/240-volt 40-ampere receptacle.
Exception: Hotels and motels may substitute Level 2 EV chargers for some or all of the required EV charging receptacles. 2. EV ready parking spaces with EV chargers. a. Hotels and motels. Forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces for hotels and motels shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers. b. Multifamily parking facilities with unassigned or common use parking. In addition to the low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle requirements of Section A4.106.8 (Tier 1, subsection 1), forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers and shall be made available for use by all residents or guests.
Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to automated mechanicalaccess open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging.
A4.106.8.2.2 Technical requirements. The EV spaces required by Section A4.106.8.2 shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 4.106.4.2, 4.106.4.2.2.1.1, 4.106.4.2.2.1.2, and 4.106.4.2.5.
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Ask AI about this code▸ Contents — 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11)
- Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 3 — GREEN BUILDING
- Chapter 4 — RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 4 — RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 4 — RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 4 — RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 4 — RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 5 — NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 5 — NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 5 — NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 5 — NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 5 — NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Chapter 6 — REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS
- Chapter 7 — INSTALLER AND SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
-
▸ Chapter 8 — COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
Overview- Section A4.101 — GENERAL
- Section A4.102 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A4.103 — SITE SELECTION
- Section A4.104 — SITE PRESERVATION
- Section A4.105 — DECONSTRUCTION AND REUSE OF EXISTING MATERIALS
- Section A4.106 — SITE DEVELOPMENT
- Section A4.107
- Section A4.108 — INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL C…
- Section A4.201 — GENERAL
- Section A4.202 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A4.203 — PERFORMANCE APPROACH FOR NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BU…
- Section A4.204 — REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUIL…
- Section A4.301 — GENERAL
- Section A4.302 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A4.303 — INDOOR WATER USE
- Section A4.304 — OUTDOOR WATER USE
- Section A4.305 — WATER REUSE SYSTEMS
- Section A4.306 — INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL C…
- Section A4.401 — GENERAL
- Section A4.402 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A4.403 — FOUNDATION SYSTEMS
- Section A4.404 — EFFICIENT FRAMING TECHNIQUES
- Section A4.405 — MATERIAL SOURCES
- Section A4.406 — ENHANCED DURABILITY AND REDUCED MAINTENANCE
- Section A4.407 — WATER RESISTANCE AND MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
- Section A4.408 — CONSTRUCTION WASTE REDUCTION, DISPOSAL AND RE…
- Section A4.409 — LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
- Section A4.410 — BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
- Section A4.411 — INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL C…
- Section A4.501 — GENERAL
- Section A4.502 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A4.503 — FIREPLACES
- Section A4.504 — POLLUTANT CONTROL
- Section A4.505 — INTERIOR MOISTURE CONTROL
- Section A4.506 — INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND EXHAUST
- Section A4.507 — ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT
- Section A4.508 — OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY
- Section A4.509 — INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL C…
- Section A4.601 — GENERAL
- Section A4.602 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST
- Section A4.602 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST…
- Section A4.602 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST…
- Section A4.602 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST…
- Section A4.602 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST…
- Section A4.602 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST…
- Section A4.602 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST…
- Section A5.101 — GENERAL
- Section A5.102 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A5.103 — SITE SELECTION
- Section A5.104 — SITE PRESERVATION
- Section A5.105 — DECONSTRUCTION AND REUSE OF EXISTING STRUCTURES
- Section A5.106 — SITE DEVELOPMENT
- Section A5.107 — BIRD-FRIENDLY BUILDING DESIGN
- Section A5.201 — GENERAL
- Section A5.202 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A5.203 — PERFORMANCE APPROACH
- Section A5.204 — MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERATIONS TO EXI…
- Section A5.211 — RESERVED
- Section A5.212 — ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
- Section A5.213 — ENERGY EFFICIENT FRAMING
- Section A5.301 — GENERAL
- Section A5.302 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A5.303 — INDOOR WATER USE
- Section A5.304 — OUTDOOR WATER USE
- Section A5.305 — WATER REUSE
- Section A5.401 — GENERAL
- Section A5.402 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A5.403 — FOUNDATION SYSTEMS
- Section A5.404 — EFFICIENT FRAMING TECHNIQUES
- Section A5.405 — MATERIAL SOURCES
- Section A5.406 — ENHANCED DURABILITY AND REDUCED MAINTENANCE
- Section A5.408 — CONSTRUCTION WASTE REDUCTION, DISPOSAL AND RE…
- Section A5.409 — LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
- Section A5.501 — GENERAL
- Section A5.502 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A5.504 — POLLUTANT CONTROL
- Section A5.507 — ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT
- Section A5.508 — OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY
- Section A6.106 — SITE DEVELOPMENT
- Section A6.202 — DEFINITIONS
- Section A6.203 — PERFORMANCE APPROACH
- Section A6.204 — PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH
- Section A6.205 — [OSHPD 1 & 4]—BUILDING ENVELOPE
- Section A6.207 — [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]—HVAC DESIGN, EQUIPMENT AND I…
- Section A6.210 — [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]—APPLIANCES
- Section A6.401 — GENERAL
- Section A6.407 — [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]—WATER RESISTANCE AND MOISTUR…
- Section A6.408 — CONSTRUCTION WASTE REDUCTION, DISPOSAL AND RE…
- Section A6.410 — BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
- Section A6.504 — POLLUTANT CONTROL
- Section A6.505 — [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]—INDOOR MOISTURE CONTROL