Arcadia is in California climate zone 9, and its Building Services Division accepts plans in digital format only. We prepare the Title 24 report (the CF1R) for Arcadia ADUs, garage conversions, additions and new homes.
What climate zone is Arcadia in?
Climate zone 9. On the California Energy Commission's ZIP code list, both Arcadia ZIP codes are zone 9:
- 91006
- 91007
The whole city is in one zone.
Which code cycle does Arcadia use?
The 2025 cycle. Arcadia's plan check page says: "The following codes are currently being enforced: 2025 California Building Code ..., 2025 California Residential Code ..., 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 California Energy Code, and the 2025 CA Wildland Urban Interface Code."
Who reviews building plans in Arcadia?
The Building Services Division of Development Services. City Hall is at 240 West Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91007, main line (626) 574-5400. The Building Official's number is (626) 574-5416.
How do I submit plans in Arcadia?
Digital only. The plan check page says: "All plan submittals are accepted in digital format only. Plans may be submitted electronically through the EDGE Portal, or provided on a flash drive when submitting for an in-person plan check."
EDGE stands for ePermitting and Development Gateway.
What to include. The same page lists "Energy calculations when required by state Title 24 regulations." It also says plans should come with all applicable documents, "such as structural calculations, energy calculations, geotechnical reports."
Our reports come as PDF plan sheets, so they upload with the rest of your set.
How do Arcadia's pre-approved ADU plans work?
Arcadia runs a Pre-Approved ADU (PAADU) program. The city says choosing a pre-approved plan "is the quickest way for homeowners to add a new detached ADU to their property."
From the program page:
- Submit a Pre-Approved Detached ADU Request Form to Arcadia EDGE, with the approved plans and a completed PAADU Submittal Checklist.
- "All pre-approved plans still require a site plan."
- Pre-approved plans "may not be used for sites located in the Very High Fire Severity Zone (VHFSZ), unless the plan was specifically designed with alternative details for the VHFSZ."
The page does not say whether a plan's energy report carries over. Energy results depend on the climate zone, which way the windows face and the equipment installed. Ask Planning, and expect to need a report that matches your lot.
What changes in climate zone 9?
- Refrigerant charge. The 2025 Single-Family Compliance Manual says ducted air conditioners need ECC-verified refrigerant charge in zones 2 and 8 through 15, which includes zone 9. Heat pumps, including mini-splits, need it in every zone.
- Cool roofs. Zone 9 is outside the zones (10 through 15) where cool roof rules apply to steep-sloped roofs on new homes and additions.
What will my Arcadia ADU's report need?
- A new detached ADU is treated as a new home and usually needs new solar PV. See Does my ADU need solar?
- An attached ADU or garage conversion is an addition and does not need solar.
- An ADU or JADU inside space that is already conditioned is an alteration.
See Title 24 for ADUs for the full breakdown.
Need a report for an Arcadia project? See our flat prices.
Frequently asked questions
What climate zone is Arcadia in?
Climate zone 9. Arcadia's ZIP codes 91006 and 91007 are both zone 9 on the California Energy Commission's ZIP code list.
Which energy code does Arcadia enforce?
Arcadia's plan check page lists the 2025 California Energy Code among the codes currently enforced, along with the 2025 California Building, Residential and Green Building Standards codes.
Can I submit paper plans in Arcadia?
No. Arcadia says all plan submittals are accepted in digital format only, either through the EDGE Portal or on a flash drive at an in-person plan check.
Does an Arcadia pre-approved ADU plan still need a Title 24 report?
Arcadia's page does not say whether a pre-approved plan's energy report can be reused. The Energy Code depends on climate zone, orientation and equipment, so ask Planning and plan on a report that matches your lot and the plan's orientation on it.
Related
Sources
- energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/climate-zone-tool-maps-and
- energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/BuildingClimateZonesByZIPCode_ada.xlsx
- arcadiaca.gov/government/development_services/building_services/index.php
- arcadiaca.gov/government/development_services/building_services/plan_check_information.php
- arcadiaca.gov/government/development_services/planning_zoning_services/accessory_dwelling_units/pre-approved_accessory_dwelling_unit_programs.php
- energy.ca.gov/filebrowser/download/8636?fid=8636
- energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/energy-code-support-center-6/2025