Planning a remodel in Calabasas? Title 24 can be the difference between a smooth permit and a stalled project. You want beautiful results, a clean inspection, and no last‑minute surprises. In this guide, you’ll learn what Title 24 means for your home, when it is triggered, what forms and inspections you will need, and how upcoming changes could affect your timing. Let’s dive in.
What Title 24 means in Calabasas
Title 24 is California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards that govern things like HVAC, water heating, lighting, insulation, and windows. It applies statewide and is enforced locally by the City of Calabasas. To learn the basics, see the California Energy Commission’s overview of the Energy Code Compliance Program: state energy code overview.
The 2022 Energy Code has been in effect since January 1, 2023. The next cycle, often called the 2025 code, was approved and will take effect January 1, 2026. Projects permitted near a code change may be reviewed under different rules, so timing matters.
If you are worried about new local “reach codes,” Assembly Bill 130 limits cities from adopting stricter local residential standards from October 1, 2025 through June 1, 2031, with narrow exceptions. Learn more in this summary of the pause on local amendments: AB 130 overview.
When your remodel triggers Title 24
Additions vs. alterations
The code treats additions differently from alterations. Additions create new conditioned space and must meet current standards for envelope, HVAC, and water heating. Alterations update existing systems or components and have their own pathways. For definitions and compliance paths, review the CEC’s page on the Building Energy Efficiency Standards: additions and alterations context.
Common projects that require compliance
- HVAC change‑outs or major equipment upgrades, including some controls.
- Water heater replacements, especially when switching fuel type or to heat pump.
- Window or exterior door replacements that must meet U‑factor and SHGC targets.
- Roof replacement or attic work that may trigger cool roof or insulation rules.
- Duct extensions or replacements that can require duct leakage testing.
For a consumer‑friendly summary of typical alteration triggers, see this overview of 2022 Energy Code requirements: alterations and prescriptive measures.
Key requirements you will see
HVAC and ducts
If you extend or replace ducts beyond certain thresholds, duct leakage testing is usually required. Some HVAC changes also require HERS field verification for items like refrigerant charge or airflow. Recent code cycles emphasize higher‑efficiency systems and expand heat pump options, with more changes coming in the 2025 cycle. See stakeholder notes on alterations and heat pump trends: HVAC and alteration changes.
Water heating
Heat pump water heaters are broadly allowed under the 2022 code for alterations, while pure electric resistance replacements are more limited. Expect added placement and verification details if you switch to a heat pump water heater. See the same stakeholder summary for water heating updates: water heating changes.
Insulation, windows, and doors
When you replace windows, doors, or insulation, the new components must meet current U‑factor, SHGC, R‑value, and cool roof standards for your climate zone. Calabasas lies in a Southern California zone with specific prescriptive values. A helpful summary is here: envelope requirements overview.
Lighting and ventilation
Altering lighting can trigger high‑efficacy and control requirements for indoor and outdoor fixtures. Mechanical ventilation, kitchen and bath exhaust, and indoor air quality rules may also apply to additions and certain alterations. See a quick refresher: lighting and ventilation basics.
How the paperwork and inspections work
Title 24 compliance uses a set of forms that follow your project from plan submittal to final inspection. The California Energy Commission explains this process and the forms here: Energy Code Support Center.
- CF-1R: Certificate of Compliance submitted at permit time. It shows how your project will meet the code.
- CF-2R: Certificate of Installation completed by the installer.
- CF-3R or CF-4R: HERS field verification and diagnostic testing forms completed by a certified rater when required.
Typical flow: an energy consultant prepares the CF-1R for plan check, your contractor installs per plans and completes CF-2R, and the HERS rater performs required tests before final sign‑off. A concise overview of submittal timing is here: where and when to submit Title 24 documents.
Submitting in Calabasas
The City of Calabasas enforces state building codes and reviews Title 24 documentation as part of your building permit. Check the city’s Building & Safety page for current adopted codes and submittal guidance: City of Calabasas Building & Safety. Submit your CF-1R with the permit and make sure all verification forms are registered and provided before final inspection.
Five common remodels and what to expect
1) HVAC change‑out
- Plan on a CF-1R at permit time and HERS testing if ducts or system controls are affected.
- Consider heat pump options, which align with current and upcoming code pathways.
- Schedule HERS tests early to avoid delays at final.
2) Water heater replacement
- Title 24 documentation is often required, especially when changing fuel type.
- Heat pump water heaters are widely accepted and may trigger field checks.
- Confirm clearance, venting, and electrical capacity before you buy equipment.
3) Windows and exterior doors
- Expect U‑factor and SHGC targets for replacements.
- If you increase glazing area, other envelope measures can be triggered.
- Keep NFRC labels and installer documentation for permit closeout.
4) Roof or attic project
- Re‑roofing can trigger cool roof or attic insulation requirements.
- Coordinate ventilation and insulation details during design, not after demolition.
- Use the correct CF-1R variant for re‑roof permits.
5) Additions and ADUs/JADUs
- New conditioned space must meet current envelope, HVAC, and water heating standards.
- Some JADUs have limited exemptions for whole‑building ventilation. Verify scope early.
- Align structural and energy plans to avoid change orders mid‑build.
Plan around the 2025 code
The next Energy Code takes effect January 1, 2026. If you want your project reviewed under current rules, target permit submittal and approval before the change. If your design benefits from 2025 provisions, plan your schedule accordingly and allow time for any new documentation steps. For official guidance on the 2025 cycle and its registry requirements, see the CEC’s manual: 2025 Data Registry Requirements Manual.
Quick checklist
- Get a CF-1R from a qualified Title 24 consultant before you submit plans.
- Confirm if HERS tests will be required for HVAC, ducts, or water heating.
- Keep installer CF-2R forms and schedule HERS verification before final.
- Submit all registered documents to the City of Calabasas prior to inspection.
- If your permit is near a code change, plan timing with your team.
Ready to remodel with confidence?
If you are preparing to renovate or position a Calabasas property for sale, smart planning around Title 24 can save time and protect value. For tailored guidance on timing, vendor coordination, and listing strategy for luxury properties, connect with Tina Lucarelli.
FAQs
What is Title 24 for a Calabasas remodel?
- Title 24 is California’s energy code that sets requirements for HVAC, water heating, lighting, insulation, and windows, and it is enforced locally by the City of Calabasas.
Which projects typically trigger Title 24 paperwork?
- HVAC or water heater replacements, window or exterior door swaps, roof or attic insulation work, and duct extensions often require Title 24 forms and sometimes HERS testing.
What forms do I need for permit and final?
- You usually submit a CF-1R at permit time, complete CF-2R during installation, and provide HERS CF-3R or CF-4R verifications before final inspection when required.
Will Calabasas require all‑electric systems soon?
- A statewide law limits new local residential standards from Oct 1, 2025 through June 1, 2031, so new local reach codes are unlikely in the near term, though state code updates still apply.
When does the next code take effect?
- The next Energy Code cycle takes effect January 1, 2026, so permits submitted near the transition should be timed carefully with your design and permitting team.
