Title 24 Reports and Energy Calculations for San Diego
Title 24 Calcs prepares permit-ready Title 24 energy reports and calculations for San Diego County. We serve homeowners, contractors, architects, and developers across all 18 incorporated cities and unincorporated county areas. Most residential reports are delivered within 1–2 business days.
The City of San Diego’s Development Services Department (DSD) requires a Title 24 compliance report (CF1R) for most new construction, ADUs, room additions, and many alterations. Permits are submitted online through the San Diego Development Portal (SDEP). All reports must use current CEC-approved software updated to the 2025 California energy code, which is in effect for permits submitted on or after January 1, 2026.
Quick facts for San Diego projects:
• Code in effect: 2025 Title 24 energy code (effective January 1, 2026)
• Climate zones: Zone 7 (coastal) and Zone 10 (inland)
• Building department: City of San Diego DSD — 1222 First Avenue
• Required document: CF1R Certificate of Compliance 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 | 18Incorporated cities in San Diego County we serve |
1222 First Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 | Phone: (619) 446-5000
www.sandiego.gov/development-services
Permits submitted online via SDEP. Counter open Mon–Thu 7am–4pm, Fri 10am–4pm.
San Diego Title 24 Climate Zones — Zone 7 and Zone 10
San Diego County spans two California Title 24 climate zones. Your climate zone determines your insulation R-values, window U-factor and SHGC requirements, solar PV sizing formula, and HVAC compliance thresholds. Using the wrong zone causes plan check corrections. We confirm your zone by project address before starting any report.
| Zone | San Diego Cities and Communities | Energy Code Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | San Diego (coastal neighborhoods), Chula Vista, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, National City, Coronado, Imperial Beach, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Vista, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Point Loma, Ocean Beach | Mild coastal Mediterranean climate. Moderate heating and cooling loads. Strong solar PV requirements for new construction. Window U-factor ≤ 0.30. |
| 10 | El Cajon, Escondido, Santee, Poway, La Mesa, San Marcos, Lemon Grove, Lakeside, Spring Valley, Ramona, Alpine, El Monte Valley, Rancho San Diego | Hotter inland climate. Significantly higher summer cooling loads than Zone 7. More demanding insulation values, HVAC sizing, and duct requirements. |
Some communities sit on the zone boundary. We confirm your exact zone by project address before starting your report. For reference, the California Energy Commission’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards provide the official climate zone map.
CF1R Reports and HERS Testing in San Diego
San Diego’s DSD requires a CF1R Certificate of Compliance for all residential permits that trigger Title 24. The CF1R is prepared by a certified energy consultant using CEC-approved software. It documents that your building design meets the 2025 energy code requirements for insulation, windows, HVAC, water heating, lighting, and solar.
Required Title 24 Documents for San Diego Residential Projects
| CF1RCertificate of Compliance — submitted with the DSD permit application | CF2RCertificate of Installation — signed by the installing contractor | CF3RCertificate of Verification — signed by a certified HERS Rater before final inspection |
HERS Testing Requirements in San Diego
HERS testing is required for specific energy systems in San Diego residential projects. A certified HERS Rater must verify these measures in the field before the certificate of occupancy is issued. Common HERS measures required in San Diego projects under the 2025 code include:
- Duct leakage testing — maximum 5 percent for single-family homes
- Heat pump refrigerant charge verification — required in all climate zones
- Whole-house ventilation flow rate verification
- Envelope leakage testing where applicable
- Battery readiness panel verification
- Pool pump control verification
Your CF1R report identifies which HERS measures apply to your specific San Diego project. All results are recorded on CF3R certificates and must be registered before DSD issues your certificate of occupancy.
San Diego Local Title 24 Amendments and Special Requirements
San Diego is one of the few California jurisdictions that adopts local amendments to the California Building Standards Code. These do not replace the state Title 24 energy compliance requirements. However, they can add project-specific requirements in certain areas.
Local amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards Code were expected to take effect in March or April 2026 through the San Diego Municipal Code. If your project is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), additional energy storage and ignition-resistance provisions may apply. Properties in the California Coastal Zone — including La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Mission Beach — may also be subject to additional Coastal Commission review.
Properties outside city limits are governed by San Diego County Planning and Development Services at 5510 Overland Ave, Suite 110. The same 2025 Title 24 energy code requirements apply. However, the permit process and plan check format differ from the City of San Diego’s DSD. Include your project address when you submit and we will confirm the correct jurisdiction.
Title 24 New Construction Reports in San Diego
New single-family homes in San Diego must comply with the 2025 Title 24 energy code for permits submitted on or after January 1, 2026. Under the 2025 code, heat pumps for space and water heating are the prescriptive baseline. Solar PV and battery readiness provisions also apply to most new homes throughout San Diego County.
The City of San Diego’s DSD requires permit applications to be submitted online through the SDEP portal. The CF1R energy compliance report must be included at the time of submittal. We prepare all required CF1R forms using current CEC-approved software updated to the 2025 Title 24 standards.
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
Inland cities like El Cajon, Escondido, and Santee fall in Climate Zone 10. Zone 10 has significantly higher summer cooling loads than coastal Zone 7. This affects insulation R-values, HVAC sizing, duct requirements, and the solar PV sizing formula.
See our residential new construction service page for full details.
San Diego Title 24 ADU and JADU Reports
San Diego has one of the highest rates of ADU permit activity in California. The City of San Diego’s DSD requires a Title 24 ADU report for all new ADUs and JADUs submitted on or after January 1, 2026. The same requirement applies in unincorporated county areas and in cities like Chula Vista, Carlsbad, and Escondido.
The compliance path for your ADU depends on how it is classified. A new detached ADU follows new construction rules. A garage conversion or attached ADU may be classified as an alteration instead. This changes which 2025 code requirements apply. We confirm the correct path before starting your report.
ADU Types We Cover in San Diego
- Detached ADUs — new standalone units on existing residential lots
- Attached ADUs — additions connected to the primary home
- Garage conversions — existing garages converted to habitable space
- JADUs — junior ADUs created within the existing floor area of the home
- Multi-ADU projects — multiple units on a single lot under SB 9 or city programs
ADUs under 500 sq ft may qualify for a water heating exception under the 2025 code. An electric tankless heater may be permitted in place of a heat pump water heater. We confirm whether your project qualifies when you submit your plans.
See our ADU Title 24 service page for more details.
Title 24 for Room Additions in San Diego
A room addition in San Diego 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. Any new HVAC equipment or duct runs in the scope must also meet 2025 efficiency and leakage standards.
The City of San Diego’s DSD reviews energy documentation during plan check. Each San Diego County city has its own submittal format. Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and Escondido each manage their own independent plan check processes.
Common Room Addition Types in San Diego
- Master bedroom or bathroom additions
- Second-story additions over an existing ground floor
- Enclosed patio or sunroom additions that become conditioned space
- Kitchen expansions that extend the building envelope
See our residential addition service page for more information.
Title 24 Compliance for San Diego Remodels and Alterations
Not every remodel requires a Title 24 report. However, many do. San Diego’s DSD enforces Title 24 compliance documentation for alterations that affect energy systems. The following work commonly triggers a Title 24 alteration report in San Diego:
- HVAC replacement in San Diego — replacing a furnace, heat pump, or AC system may require load calculations, duct testing, and a Title 24 report at plan check.
- Window replacement — new windows must meet the 2025 U-factor and SHGC minimums for Climate Zone 7 or 10. A fenestration compliance form may be required at DSD submittal.
- Water heater replacement — switching to a heat pump water heater triggers ventilation and electrical panel readiness requirements.
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels — DSD requires Title 24 compliance documentation for most kitchen and bathroom remodels that include new lighting or mechanical work.
- Lighting alterations — significant changes to a home’s lighting fixtures can trigger residential lighting compliance documentation.
If you are not sure whether your San Diego project requires a Title 24 report, submit your project details and we will confirm the scope before you pay.
Title 24 Solar Requirements in San Diego
The 2025 Title 24 solar requirements apply to all new single-family homes and most new nonresidential buildings in San Diego. Solar PV system sizing is calculated using updated Equation 140.10-A with capacity factors that vary by climate zone and occupancy type.
New homes in San Diego also require battery readiness provisions under the 2025 code. This means the electrical panel and wiring must be configured to support a future battery storage system, even if no battery is installed at the time of construction. In addition, most new ADUs are required to include solar-ready provisions based on unit size and service panel capacity.
Certain projects may qualify for solar PV exemptions under the 2025 code. These include projects where shading from trees or adjacent structures makes solar infeasible, and ADUs under 500 sq ft under certain conditions. Your CF1R report will document whether a solar exemption applies to your project.
Commercial Title 24 Reports in San Diego
Title 24 Calcs prepares commercial Title 24 energy reports (NRCC forms) for all nonresidential project types in San Diego County. These are required for new commercial construction, tenant improvements affecting mechanical or lighting systems, and HVAC replacements above certain thresholds.
The 2025 code introduces significant changes to commercial compliance in San Diego. ASHRAE Guideline 36 controls are now mandatory for VAV systems. Solar PV is now required for most new nonresidential buildings. The Tailored Method for lighting compliance has been eliminated. All of these changes affect commercial permits submitted to San Diego’s DSD after January 1, 2026.
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 Project Types We Cover in San Diego
- Office and tech campus tenant improvements — active in Sorrento Valley, Carmel Valley, and downtown San Diego
- Biotech and life sciences facilities — common in Torrey Pines, Kearny Mesa, and Sorrento Mesa
- Retail centers and restaurant spaces throughout San Diego County
- Healthcare and medical office buildings — common in Chula Vista and Escondido
- Industrial and warehouse buildings — common in El Cajon, Santee, and San Marcos
- Hospitality and hotel properties — common in downtown San Diego, Mission Valley, and Carlsbad
- Mixed-use and multifamily buildings over three stories
San Diego County Cities We Serve for Title 24
We prepare Title 24 reports for projects in all 18 incorporated cities in San Diego County and unincorporated county areas. Click any city to view its dedicated Title 24 service page.
San Diego • Chula Vista • Carlsbad • Oceanside • Escondido • El Cajon • Vista • San Marcos • Encinitas • National City • La Mesa • Santee • Poway • Imperial Beach • Solana Beach • Del Mar • Coronado • Lemon Grove
We also serve unincorporated San Diego County communities including Lakeside, Spring Valley, Alpine, Ramona, Fallbrook, Valley Center, Rancho Santa Fe, and Rancho Bernardo. View our full cities list.
Why San Diego Contractors Use Title 24 Calcs
San Diego’s DSD requires accurate, complete Title 24 documentation at plan check. A report with the wrong climate zone, outdated software, or missing HERS measures will result in a correction notice. Title 24 Calcs prepares reports using current CEC-approved software and formats them to meet DSD and each city’s plan check requirements.
| Fast TurnaroundMost residential reports are ready within 1–2 business days of receiving your plans. Rush options are available for time-sensitive DSD 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 San Diego permits after January 1, 2026. |
| All 18 SD CitiesWe are familiar with the City of San Diego’s DSD and the building departments for all 18 incorporated cities in San Diego County. | All Project TypesWe cover new homes, ADUs, room additions, remodels, alterations, and all commercial building types across San Diego County. |
Frequently Asked Questions — Title 24 San Diego
Does San Diego require a Title 24 report for building permits?
Yes. The City of San Diego’s Development Services Department requires a Title 24 energy compliance report (CF1R) for most new construction, room additions, ADUs, and many alterations. Reports must be submitted through the SDEP portal with the permit application.
Which Title 24 climate zone is San Diego in?
Most of the City of San Diego and coastal communities fall in Climate Zone 7. Inland cities like El Cajon, Escondido, Santee, and Poway fall in Climate Zone 10. We confirm your zone by project address before starting any report.
What is a CF1R report and why does San Diego DSD require it?
A CF1R is the Certificate of Compliance for residential Title 24 energy compliance. It documents that the proposed design meets California’s 2025 energy standards. San Diego DSD requires it at the time of permit submittal for most residential projects. It must be prepared using current CEC-approved software and registered with an approved HERS provider.
What is HERS testing and is it required in San Diego?
HERS testing is third-party field verification required for specific energy systems. In San Diego, 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. Your CF1R report identifies which HERS measures apply to your project.
Does San Diego have local Title 24 amendments?
Yes. The City of San Diego adopts local amendments through the San Diego Municipal Code. Local amendments to the 2025 code were expected in March or April 2026. Projects in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or the Coastal Zone may have additional requirements beyond the state Title 24 energy code.
Do I need a Title 24 report for an ADU in San Diego?
Yes. All ADUs and JADUs submitted on or after January 1, 2026 require a Title 24 ADU report in San Diego. The compliance path depends on how the project is classified. We confirm this before starting your report.
My project is in unincorporated San Diego County. Do I still need a Title 24 report?
Yes. Unincorporated areas are governed by San Diego County Planning and Development Services. The 2025 Title 24 energy code applies to all permits in these areas submitted on or after January 1, 2026. The permit process differs from the City of San Diego’s DSD but the energy compliance requirements are the same.
How much does a Title 24 report cost in San Diego?
Pricing starts at $250 for eligible residential projects in San Diego. ADU, room addition, and commercial reports are quoted based on scope. See our pricing page for current rates.
How long does it take to get a Title 24 energy report in San Diego?
Most residential Title 24 energy reports for San Diego projects 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.