Single-family buildings include detached one- and two-family dwellings (e.g. duplexes) and townhouses. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are buildings that are accessory to the primary dwelling unit on a parcel.

All single-family and ADU projects must complete the Single-Family CAP Checklist and include it as a sheet in their plan set submittal.

New Construction and Detached ADUs

The City’s local energy and green building codes apply to all new single-family buildings, new detached ADUs, or any existing buildings where more than 50% of the roof framing and exterior bearing walls/columns are removed or conditioned area more than doubles.  New single-family buildings must meet higher energy performance standards, install solar photovoltaic panels, be electric vehicle ready, and install dual plumbing for graywater. New detached ADUs must meet higher energy performance standards and install solar photovoltaic panels.

Single-family additions and alterations, such as a remodel, attached ADU, or second story addition, with a permit value that is equal to or greater than $50,000, are also subject to the City’s local energy and green building codes. These projects must include an energy efficiency measure of their choice from Table 150.2-E in their project design.

For more information on the requirements for single-family and accessory dwelling units, see the following fact sheets:

New Construction Fact Sheet | Single Family Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet | EV Charging Fact Sheet | Electric Readiness Guidelines

Check out this comprehensive video which provides step-by-step guidance for how to fill out the CAP Checklist. This is the second installment of a three-part video series designed to guide you through the City’s local energy efficiency and green building codes requirements.

Multifamily buildings are buildings, other than townhomes, containing more than two dwelling units (E.g., apartment complex, condominium).

All multifamily projects must complete the Multifamily CAP Checklist and include it as a sheet in their plan set submittal.

Mixed-use buildings must comply with all applicable residential and nonresidential requirements and complete both the multifamily and nonresidential CAP Checklist.

New Construction

The City’s local energy and green building codes apply to all new multifamily buildings, or any existing buildings where more than 50% of the roof framing and exterior bearing walls/columns are removed or the conditioned area more than doubles. These projects must meet higher energy performance standards, install solar photovoltaic panels, and electric vehicle charging stations.

All multifamily additions and alterations with a permit value that is equal to or greater than $50,000 are also subject to the City’s local energy efficiency and green building codes. These projects must include an energy efficiency measure of their choice from Table 150.2-E in their project design.

High-rise multifamily (four or more habitable stories) additions equal to or greater than 1,000 sq. ft. of roof area addition and alterations with a permit value that is equal to or greater than $1,000,000, affecting at least 75% of the gross floor area are required to install solar photovoltaic equipment .

All additions or alterations to multifamily parking spaces, where new spaces are added or electrical or lighting systems of parking facilities are added or altered, must install EV-capable equipment for at least 10% of the spaces added.

For more information on the requirements for multifamily development, see the following fact sheets:

New Construction Fact Sheet | Multifamily Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet | EV Charging Fact Sheet | Electric Readiness Guidelines

Check out this comprehensive video which provides step-by-step guidance for how to fill out the CAP Checklist. This is the third installment of a three-part video series designed to guide you through the City’s local energy efficiency and green building codes requirements.  

A nonresidential building are buildings as defined in Title 24, Part 2 § 3.302.1, other than hotels, motels, and residential occupancies.  Hotel/motel is defined as residential building or group of buildings or facility, containing six or more guestrooms, which is occupied or intended or designed for occupancy by guests for lodging or sleeping purposes and is held out as such to the public. 

All nonresidential, hotel and motel projects must complete the Nonresidential, Hotel, & Motel CAP Checklist and include it as a sheet in the plan set submittal.   

New Construction 

The City’s local energy and green building codes apply to all new nonresidential, hotel and motel buildings, including any existing buildings where more than 50% of the roof framing and exterior bearing walls/columns are removed or conditioned area more than doubles. These projects must install solar photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging stations. 

Additions/Alterations 

Nonresidential, hotel, and motel additions and alterations, such as a tenant improvement, or second story addition, may be subject to the City of Encinitas local energy efficiency and green building code, depending on the size of the renovation and permit value. These projects may need to install energy efficiency measures,  solar photovoltaic panels, and electric vehicle charging stations. 

For more information on the requirements for nonresidential, hotel, and motel developments, see the following fact sheets: 

New Construction Fact Sheet | Nonresidential Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet | Nonresidential Solar Photovoltaic Fact Sheet | EV Charging Fact Sheet | Electric Readiness Guidelines