CalGreen and Remodels
CalGreen and Remodels
There is some misinformation regarding CalGreen and remodels, or renovations, floating around the internet.
CalGreen code compliance is required for any residential remodel that “increases the building’s conditioned area, volume or size”. This is noted in the 2019 Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 3, Green Building, section 301.1.1.
For non-residential additions and alterations, the code applies to building additions greater than 1000 square feet and/or alterations with a permit value of $200,000 or more. This is noted in the 2019 Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 3, Green Building, section 301.3.
In both of the above cases, the CalGreen Mandatory Measures only apply to the specific area of the addition or alteration. The mandatory measures are found in the CalGreen Checklist adopted, or published, by your local jurisdiction. It is important to understand that not all “mandatory measures” listed may be required on your project. A clear understanding of the CalGreen Code is necessary to determine if some of the measures do not apply to your project.
Each CalGreen mandatory measure you comply with will cost your project time and money. A CalGreen specialist can help you determine which items don’t apply – and save you unnecessary costs.
CalGreen and Residential Remodels
As noted above, any residential remodel that increases the building’s conditioned area, volume or size must comply with the applicable CalGreen mandatory measures.
Some jurisdictions publish a separate CalGreen Mandatory Measures Checklist for residential additions and alterations. Here is a section of the 2019 Sonoma County CalGreen Checklist for Additions and Alterations.
Checklist for Residential Additions and Alterations
The above checklist has requirements for Site Development. If you are adding a second story to your home, or building out your garage, the requirements for Site Development would not apply for your project. In this case these items would be marked “NA” (not applicable) on the checklist. The takeaway here is that just because an item is listed on the checklist, does no mean you must comply with it.
If your local building department wants you to submit the California Housing and Community Development (HCD) checklist, please beware! This is a massive checklist that lists every single CalGreen requirement, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 requirements. Checking the wrong boxes here can waste thousands of dollars on your project. If you must submit the HCD checklist we strongly recommend hiring a CalGreen specialist to help you with this.
Other items which may not be applicable to an interior remodel include the sections Outdoor Water Use, Fireplaces, Indoor Air Quality and a few others, depending on local requirements.
Many jurisdictions will require you hire a CalGreen Special Inspector to sign the Design Verification form on your checklist. In addition, you may also need the special inspector to sign the Implementation Verification form at the completion of your project.
CalGreen and Non-Residential Remodels
For non-residential additions and alterations, the code applies to building additions greater than 1000 square feet and/or alterations with a permit value of $200,000 or more.
Some jurisdictions publish a separate CalGreen Mandatory Measures Checklist for non-residential additions and alterations. Here is a link to the Sonoma County CalGreen Checklist for Non-residential Additions and Alterations.
Sonoma County Additions and Alterations Checklist – Click for complete checklist.
Many jurisdictions publish a CalGreen Checklist for non-residential buildings. A few also publish a checklist for non-residential additions and alterations. It is important to check with your local building department to verify the checklist they want you to use.
A word of caution if your building department suggests you use the AIA (Architects Institute of America) checklist. This checklist is problematic on many levels. We go into detail on the concerns over this checklist here. This would be another case where you should get assistance from a CalGreen specialist.
A non-residential project only needs to comply with the CalGreen requirements to the area within the portion of the building being added or altered.
Many jurisdictions will require you hire a CalGreen Special Inspector to sign the Design Verification form on your checklist. In addition, you may also need the special inspector to sign the Implementation Verification form at the completion of your project.
At CalGreen Energy Services we are specialists in the CalGreen Code. CalGreen is our only business. If you have a CalGreen question please feel free to give us a call. We are happy to share our knowledge.
Call us today and let us show you how we can help with your project.
Email: gary@calgreenenergyservices.com
Phone: 707-328-5299
Gary Welch has over 35 years experience in the field of sustainable building design. He is the CEO of CalGreen Energy Services. Gary is an ICC Certified CalGreen Special Inspector and Plans Examiner.
