Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook - Report - Page 13
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Energy Storage Guidebook
California Building Code
Energy storage systems (ESS) in California must be designed to meet provisions in
the California Building Standards Code (CBSC), which is Title 24 of the California
Code of Regulations (CCR).
Title 24 is reserved for state regulations that cover the design and construction of buildings, associated
facilities, and equipment, and it applies to all building occupancies throughout the state. It contains
requirements for structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Title 24 is an essential mechanism
for ensuring safe construction practices. This guidebook focuses on the 2025 CBSC, published July 1, 2025,
which will be effective in practice starting January 1, 2026.
TABLE 1
Parts of CBSC That Apply to ESS by Building Type
Building Type
Part 2.5
CA Residential
Code
Part 3
CA Electrical
Code
Part 6
CA Energy
Code1
Part 9
CA Fire
Code
One- & Two-Family
Residential
Multifamily
Residential
Commercial
Source: Center for Sustainable Energy (https://energycenter.org/)
The intent of this guidebook is to provide consistent interpretation of these Title 24 requirements throughout
the state. This guidebook is not intended to create, explicitly or implicitly, any new requirements. Updated
information regarding new code requirements, as well as the code updating process, is available on the
California Building Standards website at www.bsc.ca.gov.
Note that cities and counties in California may adopt local laws (“ordinances”) to modify the state building
standards mandated under Title 24. There are limitations to the types of modifications that can be made, but
this variation from jurisdiction to jurisdiction adds to the variability of ESS permitting across California.
One- and Two- Family Residential
California Residential Code
The California Residential Code (CRC) includes building provisions for construction of detached one- and
two-family dwellings as well as townhomes that are three stories or less, and it is based on the International
Residential Code. The CRC, Part 2.5 of Title 24, governs the installation of ESS for these properties.
1
Applies to ESS in new construction.
