New energy standards affect homes and restaurant projects
Heating, ventilation, and equipment choices belong in the design conversation early.
Permit applications from January 1, 2026
What changed
The 2025 California Energy Code applies to building permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026. It expands heat-pump use in new residential buildings, encourages readiness for electric equipment, and strengthens ventilation standards.
The California Energy Commission provides separate guidance for single-family and nonresidential buildings. A restaurant should not use a homeowner checklist as its compliance plan.
For a new home or ADU
Ask the designer to coordinate the heating system, water heating, insulation, and electrical design before you select equipment. A model number in a sales brochure is not a substitute for a coordinated plan.
When comparing bids, look for a clear equipment schedule and responsibility for the compliance documents and required verification. A cheaper allowance may simply leave more decisions unresolved.
For a restaurant
Discuss the proposed use of the space and equipment with the design team before signing off on the layout. Ask which requirements apply to the proposed work, rather than assuming a commercial remodel has the same obligations as a completely new building.
Have your contractor price the equipment and controls shown in the approved design. If a substitution is proposed, send it back to the designer before purchase so the team can assess whether the change fits the compliance approach.
