Title 24 planning in San Jose

Coordinate the ADU without hiding work to the original house

An ADU label does not identify whether the work is a newly constructed detached dwelling, an attached addition or a conversion. Record previous conditioning and proposed boundaries before selecting a model. If the main house also receives changed HVAC or windows, show those changes separately. A combined address does not establish a combined report boundary, and a shared utility meter does not by itself establish acceptable shared mechanical systems.

For the illustrative project, the designer provides one clear schedule of affected equipment and the spaces served. The energy preparer can then identify the documentation approach and unresolved assumptions for each scope. The City confirms application treatment and local requirements; the systems designer resolves equipment and ventilation design. No equipment purchase or voluntary efficiency goal should be treated as a substitute for those decisions.

ADU and garage-conversion documentation

Prepare an application-and-equipment packet

Make these distinctions visible before requesting final output:

• Show existing/proposed plans, dwelling boundaries, conditioned areas and prior use; distinguish the ADU from any alteration or addition to the original house.
• Record the AHJ application date and permit identifiers for each scope; ask whether the work is one application, a revision or a separate request.
• List existing and proposed HVAC, areas served, ventilation and domestic hot water; include equipment schedules from the responsible designer rather than a generic heat-pump label.
• Provide window sizes and U-factor/SHGC, assemblies, insulation intentions and supported retained-condition information; label unknown values instead of copying them.
• Attach prior accepted reports, complete comments and a change log. Identify which City direction addresses current local provisions and retain the source/date.

San José Building DivisionIntake checklist

Choose the edition before the software and certificate

The 2025 California Energy Code generally governs permit applications on or after January 1, 2026. An earlier valid application may use the 2022 edition; confirm the recorded date and any later changes with the AHJ. The software, compliance approach and forms must match the applicable basis. A construction start in a later year does not by itself change the edition, and an older local program page does not answer current applicability.

Code-cycle transition decisionsClimate Smart San José

Plan the design-to-construction handoff

Where the single-family form family applies, the CF1R documents design compliance, contractors complete applicable CF2R installation records and qualified ECC-Raters perform required CF3R verification. Current ECC terminology should lead; HERS may appear on older-cycle paperwork. Read the selected measures before construction is concealed. A compliance report does not prove that equipment was installed or a required test passed.

Commercial tenant work belongs to the applicable NRCC design pathway and its separate construction-stage records. If an ADU, residence or commercial space appears in a mixed scope, classify the actual building and systems before borrowing a form family. Title 24 Lab prepares design documents and coordinates handoffs; field testing, acceptance testing, registry fees, CALGreen and AHJ permit fees remain separate.

Residential CF1R supportCommercial TI support

Resolve changes before submitting disconnected records

If the proposed HVAC changes after the initial report, supply the equipment data and affected drawings to the design/documentation team. If plan check identifies an inconsistency, send the full comment and the package actually reviewed. Distinguish a missing explanation from a client design change or a larger model rebuild. Paying for document work cannot guarantee City staffing, review timing or permit approval.

Plan-check corrections and revision tiers

Use remote service availability honestly

Title 24 Lab serves San José remotely, without a local office or City affiliation. Review published pricing and send scoped plans for intake. This educational guide is not legal advice and assigns no parcel climate zone or local fee.

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