Los Angeles vs Palmdale
How do cool roof requirements rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Palmdale, CA?
Los Angeles and Palmdale have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC §94.0303 (Green Building Code) and LA Energy Code §150.1(c)11 require single-family homes with low-slope roofs (greater than 2:12 pitch) to install cool-roof products meeting an aged Solar Reflectance Index of at least 20, on top of CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 baselines.
View full Los Angeles rules →Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 31 Green Building Standards and Title 26 Building Code adopt CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 baseline requiring cool roofing on new construction and major reroofs in unincorporated areas. Reflective materials must meet minimum solar reflectance and thermal emittance ratings.
View full Palmdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| City code | LAMC §94.0303 Green Building | - |
| State baseline | Title 24 Part 6 §150.1(c)11 | CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 |
| Steep-slope SRI | Aged SRI 20 minimum | - |
| Low-slope reflectance | Aged reflectance 0.63 minimum | 0.55 aged minimum |
| Effective | 2014 ordinance, ongoing | - |
| County citations | - | Title 31 and Title 26 |
| Steep-slope reflectance | - | 0.20 aged in zones 9-16 |
| Enforcement | - | LA County Building and Safety |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I need a cool roof for a small reroof?
Reroofs replacing more than 50% of roof area trigger Title 24 compliance, including cool-roof requirements. Minor patch repairs under that threshold are exempt under LADBS reroof guidance.
Can I install a regular dark shingle?
Only if the product carries a Cool Roof Rating Council label showing aged SRI of 20 or more. Many modern asphalt shingles are CRRC-rated; check before purchase to confirm compliance.
Does the rule apply to ADUs?
Yes. Accessory dwelling units must meet the same Title 24 and LAMC §94.0303 cool-roof rules as primary residences, with documentation submitted at LADBS plan-check before permit issuance.
Palmdale FAQ
Do I need a cool roof when I patch my existing roof?
Repairs of less than 50% of total roof area are exempt. Reroof projects exceeding that threshold trigger Title 24 cool-roof requirements with specific aged reflectance and emittance values matched to slope and climate zone.
Can I get a rebate for a cool roof?
Yes. SoCalGas, SCE, and LADWP for service-area customers, plus CRRC-rated material rebates from manufacturers, can offset costs. Check Energy Upgrade California listings for current cool-roof and heat-pump combined incentives.
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