Santa Clarita Commercial Energy Code Checklist

Environmental Protection California 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of California

Santa Clarita, California requires commercial projects to comply with the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) energy requirements and local building rules. This checklist explains scope, who enforces the rules, typical compliance items for commercial projects, permitting touchpoints, and steps to document energy compliance before plan approval.

Scope & Key Requirements

Commercial projects in Santa Clarita must follow the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) for energy efficiency in new construction, alterations, tenant improvements and certain equipment replacements. Compliance generally includes mandatory measures, performance or prescriptive pathways, and verified documentation with permit applications. For statewide standards see the California Energy Commission resources [1].

Begin compliance planning at schematic design to avoid rework at permit review.

Common Checklist Items

  • Completed energy compliance documentation (Title 24 certificate, CALGreen forms where applicable).
  • Equipment schedules and HVAC controls showing compliance with efficiency and commissioning requirements.
  • Lighting design and lighting control plans meeting mandatory control and power density rules.
  • Plans or calculations for building envelope, glazing, and insulation to meet performance targets.
  • Construction sequencing notes for field verification and required testing (e.g., duct leakage, HVAC commissioning).

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the City of Santa Clarita Building and Safety Department, which reviews plans, inspects installations, and issues notices for noncompliance. Contact the Building and Safety Division for specific complaint and inspection pathways santaclarita.gov/services/building-safety[2]. The statewide standards in Title 24 set the technical requirements that local inspectors verify.

Address deficiencies promptly after an inspection to avoid escalation.

Fines, Escalation and Non-monetary Sanctions

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for Santa Clarita; consult Building and Safety for local penalty schedules.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violations ranges are not specified on the cited page; the department may issue correction notices and stop work orders.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: correction orders, stop-work orders, withholding of occupancy permits, and referral to code compliance or legal action where applicable.[2]
  • Enforcer and inspection pathway: Building and Safety Division handles inspections, plan checks and complaints; use the official contact and permit portal for scheduling inspections.[2]
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page; request information from Building and Safety on administrative appeals and timelines.[2]

Applications & Forms

The typical submissions for energy compliance are the Title 24 Certificate of Compliance and mandatory CALGreen forms included with building permit applications. Specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission methods for Santa Clarita plan check are provided by the Building and Safety Division; fees and submittal instructions are not specified on the statewide Title 24 page and must be confirmed with the city.[1][2]

Action Steps for Compliance

  • Early coordination: include energy compliance in early design and specify the compliance method (prescriptive or performance).
  • Prepare and submit Title 24 compliance forms with permit plans and energy calculations.
  • Schedule required inspections and provide test reports (e.g., duct leakage) before requesting final inspection.
  • If cited for violation, follow notice instructions, correct the issue, and use the city appeal process if you disagree.
Keep digital and hard copies of compliance certificates for the owner’s records and future audits.

FAQ

Do commercial tenant improvements need Title 24 compliance?
Yes. Alterations that affect lighting, HVAC, envelope, or installed equipment generally require Title 24 compliance and appropriate documentation with the permit.
Where do I find the technical standards for energy compliance?
Technical standards are in the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and explanatory materials on the California Energy Commission site.[1]
Who enforces energy code compliance in Santa Clarita?
The City of Santa Clarita Building and Safety Division enforces compliance through plan review, inspections, and permit conditions. See the Building and Safety contact page for filing complaints or scheduling inspections.[2]

How-To

  1. Confirm project scope and whether the work is new construction, addition, alteration or equipment replacement.
  2. Choose compliance path (prescriptive or performance) and gather required calculations and certificates.
  3. Prepare Title 24 and CALGreen forms and include them in the permit submission package.
  4. Submit plans and forms to City of Santa Clarita Building and Safety and pay any plan-check fees.
  5. Respond to plan-check comments, revise documents as needed, and secure plan approval.
  6. Complete required field verification, testing, and final inspection to obtain a certificate of occupancy.

Key Takeaways

  • Start energy compliance documentation early to avoid delays at plan check.
  • Track inspections and test reports required for final approval.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] California Energy Commission - Building Energy Efficiency Standards
  2. [2] City of Santa Clarita - Building and Safety

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