Title 24 Reports and Energy Calculations for Riverside
Title 24 Calcs prepares permit-ready Title 24 energy reports and calculations for Riverside and Riverside County. We serve homeowners, contractors, architects, and developers. We cover all incorporated cities and unincorporated county areas. Most residential reports are ready within 1–2 business days.
The City of Riverside’s Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) requires a Title 24 energy compliance report for most new construction, ADUs, room additions, and many alterations. You submit permits online through the City of Riverside Public Permit Portal. All reports must use current CEC-approved software updated to the 2025 California energy code.
Quick facts for Riverside projects:
• Code in effect: 2025 Title 24 (effective January 1, 2026)
• Climate zones: Zone 10 (western county) and Zone 15 (desert communities)
• Building department: City of Riverside CEDD — 3900 Main Street, 3rd Floor
• Required document: CF1R for residential | NRCC forms for commercial
• Starting price: $250 for eligible residential projects
• Turnaround: 1–2 business days for most residential reports
Jump to your project type:
New ConstructionADU & JADURoom AdditionRemodel & AlterationCommercial
| 1–2Business day turnaround for most residential reports | $250Starting price for eligible residential projects | 26+Incorporated cities in Riverside County we serve |
3900 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Riverside, CA 92522 | Phone: (951) 826-5800
Public Permit Portal — Planning clearance is required for most applications.
Riverside County Title 24 Climate Zones
Riverside County spans two California Title 24 climate zones. Your zone sets your insulation R-values, window U-factor and SHGC requirements, solar PV sizing, and HVAC thresholds. In fact, Riverside County has some of the most demanding energy compliance requirements in California. This is because of the extreme summer heat in both Zone 10 and Zone 15.
| Zone | Riverside County Cities | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Jurupa Valley, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, Norco, Eastvale, Beaumont, Banning, San Jacinto, Wildomar, Canyon Lake | Hot inland climate. Very high summer cooling loads. Among the most demanding insulation, HVAC, and solar PV requirements in California. |
| 15 | Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, Coachella, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs | Extreme desert heat. The highest cooling loads in California. Strictest insulation, window, and HVAC requirements statewide. Solar PV is mandatory for all new construction. |
We confirm your exact zone by project address before starting any report. For reference, the California Energy Commission climate zone tool provides the official zone map.
CF1R Reports and HERS Testing in Riverside
Riverside’s CEDD requires a CF1R Certificate of Compliance for all residential permits that trigger Title 24. A certified Title 24 energy consultant prepares the CF1R using CEC-approved software. It documents that your design meets the 2025 energy code for insulation, windows, HVAC, water heating, lighting, and solar. You must register it with an approved HERS provider before submittal.
| CF1RCertificate of Compliance — submitted with the Riverside permit application | CF2RCertificate of Installation — signed by the installing contractor | CF3RCertificate of Verification — signed by a certified HERS Rater before final inspection |
HERS Testing in Riverside
HERS testing is third-party field verification. It is particularly important in Riverside because of Climate Zone 10’s extreme summer heat. Duct leakage and HVAC performance failures are common causes of energy waste in the Inland Empire. A certified HERS Rater must verify these measures before Riverside issues your certificate of occupancy:
- Duct leakage — maximum 5 percent for single-family homes in Zone 10
- Heat pump refrigerant charge verification
- Whole-house ventilation flow rates
- Envelope leakage testing where applicable
- Battery readiness panel verification
- Pool pump control verification
Your CF1R identifies which HERS measures apply to your project. All results go on CF3R certificates and must be registered before final sign-off.
Title 24 New Construction in Riverside
New single-family homes in Riverside must follow the 2025 Title 24 energy code. This applies to all permits submitted on or after January 1, 2026. Under the 2025 code, heat pumps are the prescriptive baseline for space and water heating. Solar PV and battery readiness provisions also apply to most new Riverside homes.
Climate Zone 10’s hot summers make energy compliance demanding in Riverside. Insulation values, window performance, and HVAC sizing are all more stringent here than in coastal zones. We prepare the full CF1R package using current CEC-approved software. Reports are formatted for Riverside’s CEDD permit portal.
What We Need to Get Started
- Floor plan with dimensions and north arrow
- Exterior elevations
- Window and door schedule with U-factor and SHGC values
- Heating, cooling, and water heating equipment type
- Project address for climate zone confirmation
Zone 10 requires higher insulation, more efficient HVAC, and stricter duct leakage than coastal zones. Solar PV sizing also uses a higher capacity factor. So new Riverside homes typically need larger solar arrays than comparable coastal projects.
See our new construction service page for full details.
Riverside Title 24 ADU and JADU Reports
Riverside County has seen strong ADU permit activity in recent years. Cities like Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, and Temecula have all seen growth in ADU permits. Every new ADU, JADU, in-law unit, granny flat, or studio submitted on or after January 1, 2026 must comply with the 2025 energy code. A Title 24 ADU report is required at permit submittal.
The compliance path depends on how Riverside classifies your project. A new detached ADU follows new construction rules. A garage conversion or attached ADU may be an alteration instead. This changes the 2025 code requirements. We confirm the right path before we start.
ADU Types We Cover in Riverside
- Detached ADUs — new standalone units on existing lots
- Attached ADUs — additions connected to the primary home
- Garage conversions — existing garages converted to habitable space
- JADUs — junior ADUs within the existing floor area of the home
- Granny flats and in-law units — classified based on how the city scopes the project
ADUs under 500 sq ft may qualify for a water heating exception under the 2025 code. An electric tankless heater may be used instead of a heat pump water heater. We confirm whether your Riverside ADU qualifies when you submit.
See our ADU Title 24 service page for more details.
Title 24 Room Addition Reports in Riverside
A room addition in Riverside that adds conditioned floor area triggers Title 24 compliance. Under the 2025 code, all new walls, ceilings, and windows must meet updated insulation and fenestration values. Moreover, any new HVAC or ducts must meet the 2025 efficiency and leakage standards too.
In Zone 10, insulation requirements for additions are more demanding than in coastal zones. Ceiling insulation minimums are higher. Window performance requirements are stricter. Any new HVAC must be sized for Zone 10’s peak cooling loads. We prepare addition reports tailored to Riverside’s CEDD requirements.
See our room addition service page for more information.
Title 24 Compliance for Riverside Remodels and Alterations
Not every remodel needs a Title 24 report. However, many do. Riverside’s CEDD enforces Title 24 compliance for alterations that affect energy systems. These scopes of work commonly trigger a Title 24 alteration report in Riverside:
- HVAC replacement in Riverside — a new furnace, heat pump, or AC system may need load calculations, duct testing, and a Title 24 report. Zone 10’s extreme cooling loads make HVAC sizing especially important.
- Window replacement — new windows in Zone 10 must meet the 2025 U-factor and SHGC minimums. A fenestration compliance form may be required at CEDD submittal.
- Water heater replacement — switching to a heat pump water heater triggers ventilation and panel readiness requirements.
- Lighting alterations — significant fixture changes can trigger residential lighting compliance documentation.
Not sure if your Riverside project needs a report? Submit your project details and we will confirm before you pay.
Title 24 Solar Requirements in Riverside County
The 2025 Title 24 solar requirements apply to all new homes and most new nonresidential buildings in Riverside County. Solar PV system sizing uses updated Equation 140.10-A. The capacity factor is higher in Zone 10 and Zone 15 than in coastal zones. As a result, new Riverside homes typically need larger solar arrays than comparable coastal projects.
In addition, all new homes need battery readiness provisions. The electrical panel and wiring must support a future battery storage system. For desert communities in Zone 15 — like Palm Springs and Palm Desert — the solar requirements are even more stringent.
Some projects may qualify for solar PV exemptions. These include projects where shading makes installation infeasible and some ADUs under 500 sq ft. Your CF1R will document whether an exemption applies to your project.
Commercial Title 24 Reports in Riverside
Title 24 Calcs prepares commercial Title 24 energy reports (NRCC forms) for all nonresidential project types in Riverside County. These are required for new commercial construction, tenant improvements affecting mechanical or lighting systems, and HVAC replacements above set thresholds.
Commercial projects in Zone 10 and Zone 15 face more demanding compliance than coastal zones. HVAC efficiency thresholds are higher. Solar PV is required for most new nonresidential buildings. Furthermore, ASHRAE Guideline 36 controls are now mandatory for VAV systems under the 2025 code.
Nonresidential Report Types We Prepare
- Nonresidential Envelope (NRCC-ENV) — insulation, roofing, wall assemblies, glazing, and fenestration
- Nonresidential Mechanical (NRCC-MCH) — HVAC systems, ventilation, heating, and cooling
- Nonresidential Lighting (NRCC-LTI) — interior and exterior lighting, controls, and power density
Commercial Sectors We Cover in Riverside County
- Warehouse and logistics — one of the largest sectors in the Inland Empire, active in Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Perris
- Office and mixed-use buildings — active in downtown Riverside and Corona
- Retail centers and restaurant spaces throughout the county
- Healthcare and medical offices — common in Murrieta, Temecula, and Hemet
- Resort and hospitality — active in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage
- Industrial and manufacturing throughout western Riverside County
Unincorporated Riverside County Title 24 Requirements
A large part of Riverside County consists of unincorporated areas. These areas use the Riverside County TLMA Building and Safety Department instead of a city building department. The 2025 California energy code applies to all permits in these areas submitted on or after January 1, 2026. The requirements are the same as in incorporated cities.
Riverside County TLMA Building and Safety
4080 Lemon Street, 2nd Floor, Riverside, CA 92501 | Phone: (951) 955-1500 | building.rctlma.org
Riverside County Cities We Serve for Title 24
We prepare Title 24 reports for all incorporated cities in Riverside County and unincorporated areas. Click any city to view its dedicated Title 24 service page.
Banning • Beaumont • Blythe • Calimesa • Canyon Lake • Cathedral City • Coachella • Corona • Desert Hot Springs • Eastvale • Hemet • Indian Wells • Indio • Jurupa Valley • Lake Elsinore • La Quinta • Menifee • Moreno Valley • Murrieta • Norco • Palm Desert • Palm Springs • Perris • Rancho Mirage • Riverside • San Jacinto • Temecula • Wildomar
We also serve unincorporated Riverside County areas. View our full cities list.
Why Riverside Contractors Use Title 24 Calcs
Zone 10 is one of the most demanding energy compliance zones in California. A report with incorrect insulation values, wrong zone assignment, or missing HERS measures leads to a correction notice. Title 24 Calcs prepares reports using current CEC-approved software. We format them to meet Riverside’s CEDD and each city’s specific requirements.
| Fast TurnaroundMost residential reports are ready within 1–2 business days of receiving your plans. Rush options are available for urgent Riverside CEDD submittals. | 2025 Code SoftwareAll reports use CEC-approved software updated to the 2025 Title 24 standards. Reports from 2022-code software are not valid for Riverside permits after January 1, 2026. |
| Zone 10 and Zone 15 ExperienceWe are familiar with the specific requirements of Riverside County’s hot inland and desert climate zones. This includes HVAC sizing, insulation values, and solar PV calculations for both Zone 10 and Zone 15 projects. | All Project TypesWe cover new homes, ADUs, room additions, remodels, alterations, and all commercial building types across Riverside County. |
Frequently Asked Questions — Title 24 Riverside
Does the City of Riverside require a Title 24 report?
Yes. Riverside’s CEDD requires a CF1R energy compliance report for most new construction, room additions, ADUs, and many alterations. You submit permits online through the City of Riverside Public Permit Portal at 3900 Main Street.
Which Title 24 climate zone is Riverside in?
Riverside falls in Climate Zone 10. So do most western Riverside County cities including Corona, Moreno Valley, Temecula, and Murrieta. Desert cities like Palm Springs and Palm Desert fall in Zone 15.
What is a Title 24 energy calculation in Riverside?
A Title 24 energy calculation is the modeling process that produces your CF1R compliance report. It involves entering your building’s design, insulation, windows, and HVAC into CEC-approved software. The software checks whether your design meets the 2025 energy code for Climate Zone 10 or Zone 15. We handle the full calculation and deliver the report ready for Riverside CEDD submittal.
What is a CF1R report and why does Riverside require it?
A CF1R is the Certificate of Compliance for residential Title 24. Riverside’s CEDD requires it at permit submittal. A certified energy consultant prepares it using CEC-approved software. You must register it with a HERS provider before adding it to your permit application.
Does the 2025 Title 24 code apply to my Riverside project?
Yes. The City of Riverside confirmed this for permits submitted on or after January 1, 2026. Applications submitted before that date may continue under the 2022 code while the plan check remains active.
What is HERS testing and is it required in Riverside?
HERS testing is third-party field verification. In Riverside, a certified HERS Rater must verify duct leakage, heat pump refrigerant charge, ventilation flow rates, and other measures before the certificate of occupancy is issued. Zone 10’s extreme summer heat makes duct performance especially important.
Do I need a Title 24 report for an ADU in Riverside?
Yes. Riverside requires a Title 24 ADU report for all ADUs and JADUs submitted on or after January 1, 2026. The compliance path depends on how the city classifies your project. We confirm this before starting your report.
My project is in unincorporated Riverside County. Do I still need a Title 24 report?
Yes. Unincorporated areas use Riverside County TLMA Building and Safety at 4080 Lemon Street. The 2025 Title 24 energy code applies to all permits submitted on or after January 1, 2026. The requirements are the same as in incorporated cities.
How much does a Title 24 report cost in Riverside?
Pricing starts at $250 for eligible residential projects. ADU, room addition, and commercial reports are quoted based on scope. See our pricing page for current rates.
How fast can I get a Title 24 energy report in Riverside?
Most residential reports are ready within 1–2 business days after we receive your plans. Commercial reports typically take 2–3 business days. Rush options are available for urgent submittals.