Under a 1970s statewide initiative called the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, mandatory energy conservation requirements apply to construction of new residential and commercial buildings, as well as additions and alterations to existing buildings. It is part of our job at the Building Bureau to enforce these State requirements.

California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards are updated almost every three years. For more information on the regulations, visit the California Energy Commission.

Residential Additions and Alterations

The following guidelines reflect basic requirements prescribed by the State Energy Commission for additions and alterations. Any deviations from the following guideline must be justified by submission of a point system or computer analysis and appropriate compliance forms.

General Requirements

• There are two climate zones within the City of Long Beach as determinde by state energy laws. This is important to know because there are differences in the energy law requirements from one zone to the other. Long Beach Climate Zone Map.
• Radiant barriers are required in all Climate Zones.