Yes — a newly constructed ADU in California must show compliance with the Title 24, Part 6 Energy Code before a building permit is issued. Compliance is normally documented on a CF1R certificate of compliance, prepared from the ADU plans and submitted with the permit set.
Projects we cover
What’s included
- CF1R certificate of compliance (performance or prescriptive)
- Climate zone confirmation from site address
- Envelope, fenestration, HVAC and water-heating modeling
- Solar PV / battery requirement check where applicable
- Mandatory measures summary
- Plan-check revisions (see pricing)
Does every ADU need a Title 24 report?
New detached and attached ADUs need energy compliance documentation. Conversions of existing space (such as a garage) are typically treated as an addition or alteration, which still requires compliance for the newly conditioned space. Your building department decides what it accepts, so confirm local submittal requirements.
Do ADUs need solar panels?
Newly constructed detached ADUs can be subject to the Energy Code’s solar PV requirements, with exceptions that depend on factors such as size and site conditions. ADUs that are additions or conversions are generally treated differently. We check this during modeling and tell you which applies.
Which compliance forms are used?
Single-family ADUs are documented on residential CF1R forms; an ADU in a multifamily building may use LMCC forms.
What documents do I need?
- Floor plan with dimensions
- Exterior elevations
- Building section(s)
- Window & door schedule (sizes, U-factor/SHGC if selected)
- Site plan showing orientation (north arrow)
- HVAC and water-heater type, if decided
- Insulation specifications, if decided
Missing something? Order anyway — we’ll flag gaps and, where appropriate, use code-minimum assumptions with your approval.
How we prepare your report
- 01Plan & data intake
We review your plans for completeness — floor plans, elevations, sections, window schedule and mechanical notes — and flag anything missing before modeling starts.
- 02Climate zone & scope confirmation
We confirm the project’s climate zone from the site address using the CEC lookup, and the compliance scope (new construction, addition, alteration).
- 03Energy modeling
The building is modeled in CEC-approved compliance software, choosing the performance or prescriptive path that best fits your design.
- 04Technical review
Inputs are checked against the plans: areas, orientations, assemblies, fenestration, HVAC and water heating, PV and battery requirements.
- 05Delivery & revisions
You receive the signed compliance documents as PDF, ready to print onto the plan set, with included revisions for plan-check comments.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an ADU Title 24 report take?
Standard turnaround is 2–3 business days after we receive complete plans. Rush options may be available at checkout.
Can a garage conversion pass with the existing walls?
Often the existing walls need added insulation and the slab or windows may need attention. The model shows which upgrades are needed so you can decide before construction.
Do I need a HERS/ECC rater for my ADU?
Some measures modeled in the report require field verification by a third-party rater during construction. The report lists any such verifications so your contractor can schedule them.