Current Commercial Code of California

California

The current Commercial Building Code of California, as outlined in the 2022 edition of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), includes comprehensive regulations for commercial structures regarding safety, accessibility, and sustainability. The code incorporates amended versions of the International Building Code 2021 (IBC 2021), covering diverse areas such as fire safety, mechanical, plumbing, energy, and electrical systems. Specific amendments to the 2021 IBC address regional requirements and enhancements, ensuring that commercial buildings adhere to high safety and efficiency standards, reflecting California’s specific needs related to seismic activity, climate, and technological advancements. These standards are enforceable by state and local building departments to maintain consistency across the state.

List of all California Building Codes

The current Residential Code of California, as specified in the 2022 California Residential Code, modifies the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC 2021) to tailor it to the state’s unique requirements. This code governs the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in height. The amendments made to the standard IRC reflect California’s specific needs concerning seismic safety, fire hazards, and environmental conditions, ensuring that residential buildings provide safe, sustainable, and efficient living spaces. These regulations are mandatory and enforceable across all jurisdictions within the state to maintain uniformity and safety in residential construction.

January 1, 2017	2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards Go Into Effect	The 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards become effective, introducing enhanced measures for energy conservation in new building constructions. Read the press release here.
September 4, 2015	Publication of the Existing Buildings Energy Efficiency Action Plan	The California Energy Commission publishes the Existing Buildings Energy Efficiency Action Plan, outlining strategies to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings across the state.
July 1, 2014	2013 Standards Become Effective	The 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards take effect, expected to achieve 25% more energy savings compared to the 2008 Standards. These include advanced measures for both commercial and residential buildings, surpassing the efficiency levels of ASHRAE 90.1-2010 and the 2012 IECC respectively.
January 23, 2013	Approval of 2013 Standards for Publication	The Building Standards Commission approves the 2013 Standards for publication, setting the stage for their implementation the following year.
May 24, 2012	Editorial Advocacy for Energy Code Update	The San Francisco Chronicle publishes an editorial titled “A Green Future Starts at Home for Californians,” advocating for the update to California’s state building energy code (Title 24, Part 6), highlighting widespread support from various stakeholders.
2012	Preparation and Approval of 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards	The California Energy Commission prepares and approves updates to the state building energy code (Title 24, Part 6), aiming for significant energy savings over previous standards, with public comments and hearings facilitating the process. View the slide presentation on the 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
February 2011	Ground-Breaking Green Building Legislation in San Francisco	San Francisco passes groundbreaking legislation requiring non-residential building owners to benchmark and publicly disclose energy use, with future mandates for energy audits in larger commercial properties.
January 12, 2010	Adoption of CALGREEN	California adopts the nation’s first mandatory green building standards, CALGREEN, effective January 1, 2011. This code mandates reductions in water use, waste diversion, and the use of low-emitting materials, among other environmental standards.
January 1, 2010	Effectiveness of 2008 Standards	The 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards become effective, showing an average energy performance improvement of at least 21% over ASHRAE 90.1-2004.
October 11, 2009	Legislative Developments in Building Energy Efficiency	Assembly Bill No. 758 is approved, mandating the California Energy Commission to develop a comprehensive program for energy savings in existing building stock, with the PUC investigating energy efficiency financing options.
September 2009	$3.1 Billion Energy Efficiency Budget Approved	The California Public Utilities Commission approves a three-year $3.1 billion energy efficiency budget aimed at retrofitting residential buildings, making public buildings more energy efficient, and promoting zero net energy homes and commercial buildings. Source
February 2, 2009	Zero Net Energy Bill Introduced	A bill is introduced in the state assembly mandating “zero net energy” standards for residential buildings starting in 2020, though it does not pass.
December 14, 2004	Green Building Initiative by Governor Schwarzenegger	Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issues Executive Order S-20-04, directing the California Energy Commission to enhance energy efficiency in nonresidential buildings by 20% by 2015 as part of the Green Building Initiative.
1974-1975	Establishment of the California Energy Commission	Following the Warren-Alquist Act, the California Energy Commission is established, tasked with creating energy efficiency requirements for buildings, initially setting statewide energy standards in 1975 for low-rise residential buildings by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Current Commercial Code of California

List of all California Building Codes

California Building Code 2022 (Vol 1 & 2)

California Building Code 2019 (Vol 1 & 2)

California Building Code 2016 (Vol 1 & 2)

California Building Code 2013 (Vol 1 & 2)

California Residential Code 2022

California Residential Code 2019

California Residential Code 2016

California Residential Code 2013

California Existing Building Code 2016

California Existing Building Code 2022

California Existing Building Code 2019

California Fire Code 2022

California Fire Code 2019

California Fire Code 2016

California Fire Code 2013

California Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands 2017

California Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures 2017

California Storm Shelter Code 2020

California Storm Shelter Code 2014

California Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions 2020

California Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions 2014

California 2010 ADA Standards

California Mechanical Code 2022

California Mechanical Code 2019

California Mechanical Code 2016

California Plumbing Code 2022

California Plumbing Code 2019

California Plumbing Code 2016

California Electrical Code 2022

California Electrical Code 2019

California Fire Sprinkler Code 2022

California Fire Sprinkler Code 2016

California One- and Two-Family Dwelling Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2022

California One- and Two-Family Dwelling Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2016

California Low-rise Residential Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2022

California Low-rise Residential Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2016

California Standpipe and Hose System Installation Code 2016

California Fire Pump Installation Code 2016

California Private Fire Service Main Installation Code 2019

California Private Fire Service Main Installation Code 2016

California Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code 2020

California Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code 2016

California LP Gas Code 2020

California LP Gas Code 2017

California Fire Alarm Code 2022

California Fire Alarm Code 2016

California Emergency and Standby Power Code 2019

California Emergency and Standby Power Code 2016

California Fire Wall Code 2021

California Fire Wall Code 2018

California Fire Wall Code 2015

California Stationary Fuel Cell Power Code 2020

California Stationary Fuel Cell Power Code 2015

California Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems Code 2018

California Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems Code 2015

California Refrigeration System Safety Code 2016

California Refrigeration System Safety Code 2013

California Refrigerant Classification Code 2016

California Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality Code 2016

California Commercial HVAC Inspection and Maintenance Code 2018

California Commercial HVAC Inspection and Maintenance Code 2012

California Belt Manlift Code 2015

California Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Cast Copper Alloy 2018

California Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Cast Copper Alloy 2012

California Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy 2018

California Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy 2013

California Conveyor and Related Equipment Code 2018

California Conveyor and Related Equipment Code 2015

California Process Piping Code 2020

California Concrete Construction Tolerance Code 2010

California Structural Concrete Code 2019

California Structural Concrete Code 2014

California Concrete Thin Shells Code 2019

California Concrete Thin Shells Code 2014

California Residential Structural Concrete Code 2020

California Residential Structural Concrete Code 2014

California Post-Installed Mechanical Anchors in Concrete Code 2019

California Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Concrete Code 2011