KPA Associates, Inc.

Although the internet is an incredible resource for construction-related information, you can't believe everything you read on-line. The internet is also a prodigious source of mis-information, rumors and just plain wrong-headed thinking. Recently I was browsing through an on-line glossary of construction terms and came upon this definition:

"Title 24: A set of federal laws that mandates the construction industry to conserve energy."

This is totally incorrect. Title 24 is not a federal law, and it is not limited to energy standards.

"Title 24" refers to the 24th of 28 titles within the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Since Title 24 is reserved for state regulations that govern building design and construction, it is also known as the California Building Standards Code, which is published by the California Building Standards Commission.

Title 24 consists of 12 parts, as follows:

• Part 1, California Building Standards Administrative Code;
• Part 2, California Building Code based on the International Building Code;
• Part 3, California Electrical Code based on the National Electrical Code;
• Part 4, California Mechanical Code based on the Uniform Mechanical Code;
• Part 5, California Plumbing Code based on the Uniform Plumbing Code;
• Part 6, California Energy Code;
• Part 7, currently vacant;
• Part 8, State Historical Building Code;
• Part 9, California Fire Code based on the International Fire Code;
• Part 10, California Existing Building Code;
• Part 11, California Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN);
• Part 12, California Reference Standards Code.

You can find additional information at the California Building Standards Commission website.

Ron Tov, AIA