CalGreen for Cupertino

CalGreen for Cupertino

Since 2013 the Cupertino Building Department has been a leader in the CalGreen permitting process. It was in this year that they created their first CalGreen Checklist.

The building department created a user-friendly CalGreen Checklist to encourage architects and designers to integrate these sustainable requirements into their projects. Cupertino was one of the first in the state to take such a pro-active role in promoting the state’s only green building code. 

For those knowledgeable in the code, CalGreen for Cupertino is straightforward. For those with little or no experience in California’s sustainable code, the checklist and inspection requirements may be confusing.

I will explain the process in this article to give you a broader understanding of the compliance requirements.

The Cupertino Building Department specifically requires a “green building professional” to author and sign the checklist, such as a CalGreen Special Inspector. A CalGreen Special Inspector is also required to perform inspections on your project to ensure the construction complies with the approved permit.

The Three Step Process

Calgreen for Cupertino is a three-step process. 

The first step is to review and edit the Cupertino CalGreen Checklist. There are two versions, one for residential projects and one for nonresidential projects.

Each checklist list a brief summary of each of the code items the city expects to have integrated into your design. The checklist includes items related to site work, energy efficiency, water usage, material conservation, air quality, and environmental comfort.

In many cases, the narratives in the checklist are not the full text of the actual code requirements. In other words, you need to understand the full text of the code requirements, and not rely on the checklist itself. The checklist is intended for design professionals knowledgeable in California’s building codes. 

To fill out the checklist you progress through each item to determine if it is applicable to your project. There are very few projects where every item applies. Knowing which items do not can save thousands of dollars in unnecessary construction costs.

If a particular code item applies to your project, a checkmark should be placed in the box in Column 2. In addition, it should be noted in the box where this item is shown on your permit plans.

If an item is not applicable, you should explain in Column 2 why this does not apply to your project. 

The second step in the process is to include a note, or detail, in your plans for each item that is shown as applicable on your checklist. The checklist itself does not obligate your contractor to actually perform the work. The checklist is simply a document the city uses to ensure compliance during the permit process. To ensure your contractor actually bids the requirements required by the checklist, the items must be shown on the permit drawings.

Failure to include the CalGreen Code items in your permit plans will be greatly appreciated by your contractor, just like this guy:

Although there are many great contractors in the Bay Area, there are still a few that look carefully at bid documents for potential change orders, then bid low in order to get the job. Once construction starts they suddenly discover the missing items and start writing change orders. You are now a captive client with little recourse other than to “pay the man”.

The Third Step – Inspections

CalGreen for Cupertino also involves inspections by a CalGreen Special Inspector. Depending on the project more than one inspection may be required. For smaller remodel and ADU projects a single inspection at the end of the project may suffice. In addition to the inspection, the CalGreen inspector will collect various documents from your contractor. These include copies of the construction waste recycling receipts, records of VOC containing materials, moisture readings of framing members, catalogue cuts of plumbing fixtures, and other items that may apply to your project. 

After the CalGreen inspector has examined the project, checked off each item, and collected all of the contractor reports they will sign and date the Implementation Verification section of your checklist. This final signed copy of the checklist gets turned over to the building department to close out the Calgreen portion of your project. 

Cupertino Takes CalGreen Compliance Seriously

The City of Cupertino takes the enforcement of the California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) seriously. They have recognized the importance of California’s only green and sustainable building code since 2013. 

It is more important than ever to hire a CalGreen specialist to manage your checklist. The city has taken a firm stand on CalGreen enforcement. Failure to fully comply with all of the code requirements could cause delays in your occupancy permit – and cost you extra money at the very end 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

CalGreen Inspections