San Diego, CA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2025 CA Green Building Code
- Applies to
- all new buildings + city-owned
- Excludes
- right-of-way work, utility poles
- Conflict rule
- most restrictive section governs
Summary
San Diego adopts the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code by reference for all new construction citywide, covering energy and water efficiency, material conservation, and environmental quality, with City-owned buildings also required to comply.
The 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, published by the California Building Standards Commission (BSC), and as amended by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), is adopted by reference except as otherwise provided in this Article.
(b) When reference is made to the California Green Building Standards Code, it shall be the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 11, as published by the California Building Standards Commission.
(c) Each of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code is made a part of this Article as if fully set forth in this Article.
(d) Numbering of Sections and Subsections in this Article is cross referenced to Sections in the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code.
Ch. Art. Div. 14 10 1 2 San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)
(e) The adoption of the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code shall in no way limit, prohibit, impede, or prevent the City Council from adopting
Full Breakdown
SDMC §1410.0103(a) adopts the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 24, Part 11) by reference as San Diego's Green Building Regulations. Under §1410.0102, the article applies to construction of new buildings citywide, excluding work primarily in the public right-of-way, utility towers and poles, and unregulated mechanical equipment, and it also binds City-owned buildings. Where sections conflict, §1410.0102(b) requires the more restrictive standard to control, and the Building Official enforces only amendments made by the state's Building Standards Commission and HCD.
Violations & Fines
Enforced through the building permit and inspection process administered by Development Services under SDMC Chapters 11-12; noncompliant plans are rejected at plan check and construction can be red-tagged until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Diego have its own green building code?
Do city-owned buildings have to meet San Diego's green building rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California building safety overview
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Green Building Code in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle green building code.