Local Climate Zones
California Energy Code Compliance (Title 24, Part 6): The California Energy Commission splits Santa Cruz County geographically between Climate Zone 3 and Climate Zone 4. Because minimum performance requirements change based on this division, applicants must use their exact project site parameters. Use the official interactive CEC EZ Building Climate Zone Finder to verify your parcel's energy zone prior to submitting energy compliance documents.
Compliance Resources and Technical Support
Additional tools, resource centers, building overviews, and newsletters for compliance can be accessed through official state and industry support platforms.
Energy Code Ace - Tools Ace: A suite of interactive tools to help you understand the compliance process, required forms, installation techniques and energy efficiency regulations applicable to building projects and appliances in California.
California Energy Commission – Energy Code Support Center: The Online Resource Center provides educational assistance about the Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code) to building and enforcement communities. The California Energy Commission (CEC) and utilities developed the resources, which include fact sheets, energy videos, and presentations.
California Energy Commission - Overview of Residential and Nonresidential Buildings: There are Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code) requirements for residential and nonresidential buildings. The following information contains multiple-subject matter overviews, of both residential and nonresidential requirements, to help comply with the Energy Code.
California Energy Commission - Blueprint Newsletter: Blueprint is the California Energy Commission’s quarterly e-newsletter that delves into the Building Energy Efficiency Standards and provides examples of projects. The newsletter provides updates, answers to frequently asked questions, clarifications to requirements, announcements, and educational resources and training.