The City of Los Angeles spans four California climate zones: 6, 8, 9 and 16. So the first step for any LA Title 24 report is confirming the zone for your address. Plans go to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), mostly online through ePlanLA.
We prepare the Title 24 report (CF1R) for LA ADUs, garage conversions, additions and new homes.
What climate zone is my Los Angeles address in?
It depends on the neighborhood. Here is how the California Energy Commission's ZIP code list breaks down for the city:
| Zone | Where | Example ZIP codes |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Most of the city: central LA, Hollywood, the Eastside and the San Fernando Valley | 90004, 90012, 90026, 90028, 90039, 90042, 90065, 91303, 91331, 91343, 91401, 91601, 91604 |
| 8 | South LA | 90001, 90003, 90011, 90016, 90037, 90043, 90044, 90047, 90062, 90247 |
| 6 | Westside coast and the harbor | 90025, 90045, 90049, 90066, 90272, 90291, 90292, 90731, 90732, 90744 |
| 16 | Sunland and Tujunga | 91040, 91042 |
Zone lines do not follow ZIP code lines. The CEC says a local building department may assign one zone to a ZIP code that crosses a zone line. For the exact answer, look up the address in the CEC's EZ Building Climate Zone Search Tool. If the tool and the ZIP list disagree, ask LADBS which one it uses.
Why does the zone matter so much in LA?
Different zones mean different energy targets. Two examples from the 2025 code:
- Ceiling insulation for additions: R-30 in zone 6, R-38 in zones 8, 9 and 16.
- Air conditioner refrigerant charge testing: required in zones 8 and 9, not in zones 6 or 16. Heat pumps need it in every zone.
The same ADU design can pass easily in one part of the city and need upgrades in another.
Who reviews plans in Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Its website is dbs.lacity.gov.
How do I submit plans to LADBS?
Through ePlanLA. The LADBS home page describes it as the place to "Submit plans for plan check and track your review online." LADBS also says you can book an appointment for plan submittal in person.
To use ePlanLA or PermitLA, you first need an Angeleno account.
When you upload, include the registered CF1R in the plan set. It is usually printed on its own sheets.
Does Los Angeles have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes. LADBS has a dedicated ADU page and an ADU Standard Plan Program, which lists pre-approved plans.
What will my LA ADU's report need?
That depends on the type of ADU:
- A new detached ADU is a new home under the 2025 Energy Code and usually needs new solar PV.
- An attached ADU or garage conversion is an addition. No solar is required.
- A conversion of space that is already conditioned is an alteration.
See Title 24 for ADUs and California climate zones.
Will I need an ECC (HERS) rater?
Most new ADUs with a mini-split do. The CF1R lists the tests. See ECC rater testing for ADUs.
Need a report for a Los Angeles project? See our flat prices.
Frequently asked questions
What climate zone is Los Angeles in?
More than one. On the California Energy Commission's ZIP code list, most of the city, including the San Fernando Valley and central LA, is zone 9. South LA ZIP codes are zone 8. Westside coastal and harbor ZIP codes are zone 6. Sunland (91040) and Tujunga (91042) are zone 16.
How do I submit plans to LADBS?
LADBS takes plan check submittals online through ePlanLA. Its site says you can 'Submit plans for plan check and track your review online.' You need an Angeleno account to use ePlanLA.
Does Los Angeles have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes. LADBS runs an ADU Standard Plan Program, linked from its ADU page.
My ZIP code is near a zone line. Which zone do I use?
Look up the exact address in the CEC's EZ Building Climate Zone Search Tool. The CEC says a local building department may assign one zone to a ZIP code that spans two, so confirm with LADBS if the tool and the ZIP list disagree.
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
- dbs.lacity.gov/
- eplanla.lacity.org/
- dbs.lacity.gov/adu
- dbs.lacity.gov/standard-plan-program
- energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/energy-code-support-center-6/2025