Norwalk is in California climate zone 8, and its Building & Safety division reviews plans under the 2025 California Energy Code. We prepare the Title 24 report (the CF1R) for Norwalk ADUs, garage conversions, additions and new homes.
What climate zone is Norwalk in?
Climate zone 8. On the California Energy Commission's ZIP code list, Norwalk's ZIP code is zone 8:
- 90650
The city sits in one zone, so there is no zone line to check.
Which code cycle does Norwalk use?
The 2025 cycle. Norwalk's Building & Safety page lists "Building Codes used," including the 2025 California Building Code, the 2025 California Residential Code, the 2025 California Green Building Code and the 2025 California Energy Code.
Who reviews building plans in Norwalk?
Building & Safety, part of the Community Development department. It is at City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, CA 90650, in Room 12. Its phone number is (562) 929-5733.
How do I submit plans in Norwalk?
Norwalk's Building & Safety page says:
- "The plan check requirements and permit application are available for download from the City's Online Document page."
- The Citizen Access Portal "currently allows you to review inspection results, schedule/cancel an inspection, or apply for certain permits."
- "You may make an appointment to see a Permit Technician by calling Building & Safety at (562) 929-5733 or seeing a representative in Room 12."
The page also lists project types that may qualify for over-the-counter plan review. They include minor remodels, patio covers, window change-outs and residential solar systems under 15 kW. ADUs, additions and new homes are not on that list, so expect full plan check.
How do ADUs work in Norwalk?
Planning comes first. Norwalk's Planning Division page says: "Our NEW Citizen Access Portal currently allows you to apply for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and certain Planning Entitlement applications." It asks applicants to contact the Planning Division before submitting, at (562) 929-5744 or Planning@norwalkca.gov.
The city's online documents page includes a 2026 ADU Guide and an ADU Checklist.
Norwalk's pages do not say where the Title 24 report goes on the plans. Our reports come as plan sheets, so you can put them in the set or upload them as the city asks.
What changes in climate zone 8?
- Refrigerant charge. The 2025 Single-Family Compliance Manual says ducted air conditioners need ECC-verified refrigerant charge in zones 2 and 8 through 15. Heat pumps, including mini-splits, need it in every zone. See Mini-split Title 24 requirements.
- Cool roofs. Zone 8 is outside the zones (10 through 15) where cool roof rules apply to steep-sloped roofs on new homes and additions.
What will my Norwalk 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 a Norwalk project? See our flat prices.
Frequently asked questions
What climate zone is Norwalk in?
Climate zone 8. Norwalk's ZIP code 90650 is zone 8 on the California Energy Commission's ZIP code list.
Which energy code does Norwalk use?
Norwalk's Building & Safety page lists the 2025 California Energy Code among the building codes used, along with the 2025 California Building, Residential, Green Building and Fire codes.
How do I apply for an ADU in Norwalk?
Norwalk's Planning Division says its Citizen Access Portal accepts ADU applications, and asks applicants to contact Planning before submitting. The city also publishes a 2026 ADU Guide and an ADU Checklist.
Can an ADU get over-the-counter plan review in Norwalk?
ADUs are not on Norwalk's published over-the-counter list. That list covers smaller work such as minor remodels, patio covers, window change-outs and residential solar systems under 15 kW.
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
- norwalk.org/departments_services/community_development/building___safety.php
- norwalk.org/departments_services/community_development/planning_division_services.php
- norwalk.org/departments_services/community_development/applications_and_online_documentation.php
- norwalk.org/departments_services/community_development/accessory_dwelling_units.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