How to Ensure Title 24 Compliance for Office Lighting

Learn the essential steps for ensuring Title 24 compliance for office lighting, including audits, upgrades, and advanced controls.

Luminate Lighting Group

04 Aug 2025 — 14 min read

Title 24 compliance for office lighting is all about meeting California's energy efficiency standards while reducing costs and improving system performance. Here's the key takeaway: If you're upgrading office lighting in California - like replacing 10% or more of fixtures or working on 40+ fixtures - compliance is mandatory. Failing to meet these standards can lead to failed inspections and delays.

Key Steps to Compliance:

Lighting Audit: Assess your current lighting setup, calculate energy usage, and identify gaps.
Upgrade Fixtures: Install LED lights that align with Title 24 standards, including dimming capabilities and energy efficiency.
Advanced Controls: Add systems like occupancy sensors, daylighting controls, and demand-response systems for better energy management.
Documentation and Testing: Work with experts to test systems, complete required forms, and pass inspections.

2025 Updates:

Stricter rules for energy use, daylighting controls, and signage lighting.
Eliminates older lighting tech like fluorescent and CFLs in favor of LEDs.

2022 Title 24: Introduction to Indoor Lighting Alterations

What Title 24 Requires

Title 24 sets energy efficiency standards for building components in California, with office lighting compliance triggered when a permit is issued. These standards aim to balance energy savings with maintaining comfort for occupants.

Main Goals of Title 24 for Office Lighting

The primary objectives of Title 24 are to cut energy use while ensuring adequate lighting and comfort. To achieve this, the code includes several key measures:

Lighting Power Density (LPD) limits: These define maximum wattage allowances for specific spaces to control energy usage.
Advanced lighting controls: Features like occupancy sensors help reduce energy consumption in unused spaces. For offices larger than 10,000 square feet, demand-responsive controls must cut energy use by at least 15% after receiving a utility signal.
Daylighting controls: These systems automatically adjust artificial lighting based on the availability of natural light.
Energy-efficient lighting technologies: The use of LED retrofit kits or integrated LED fixtures is encouraged to meet LPD standards.

Understanding these criteria is essential for auditing current lighting systems and planning upgrades to meet compliance.

2025 Updates Overview

The 2025 updates to Title 24 introduce new requirements that will affect office lighting projects for buildings with permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026. These updates include:

Elimination of the Tailored Method: This simplifies the compliance process.
Enhanced daylighting controls: Primary and secondary daylighting controls must now activate at 75 watts, with controlled segments limited to 8 feet.
Streamlined manual area control requirements: Changes make compliance easier for manual controls.
Tighter standards for signage and specialty lighting: Only LED and neon lighting are allowed for signs. Older technologies like high-pressure sodium, metal halide, fluorescent, and CFL lighting are no longer permitted.
Reduced lighting power allowances: These stricter limits will require upgrades to existing office lighting systems to stay compliant.

These updates are expected to save nearly $5 billion in energy costs and cut carbon emissions by 4 million metric tons over three years. Navigating these changes can be complex, so partnering with experienced lighting professionals is crucial to ensure compliance with Title 24 standards.

Step 1: Perform a Lighting Audit

A lighting audit is the starting point for ensuring Title 24 compliance, helping you uncover inefficiencies and find opportunities to save energy. This process gathers the data needed to create a plan that aligns with California's energy standards.

Record Your Current Lighting Systems

Start by taking a detailed inventory of your existing lighting setup. This step is crucial for accurate calculations that determine compliance with Title 24.

Inspect every lighting fixture and control system. Note the type of lighting (like fluorescent, incandescent, or LED) and record the wattage of each fixture for lighting power density (LPD) calculations.

"The most important points in conducting a lighting audit are the correct count of fixtures, the correct lamp and wattage types inside of each fixture, and the 'burn hours' for all lights, rather than the business' hours of operation." - Billy Ramirez, FSG Albuquerque Branch Manager

Use a light meter to measure illumination levels and identify areas that need improvement. Document the location of each fixture and any existing controls, such as occupancy sensors, dimmers, or daylight harvesting systems.

Equip yourself with tools like a camera, tape measure, laser measure, light meter, and standard audit forms to streamline the process. Also, review past utility bills to understand your baseline energy usage and estimate potential savings from upgrades. For more precise insights, energy monitoring tools can track real-time usage and highlight areas of high consumption.

Find Compliance Gaps and Energy Savings

Once you’ve documented your system, assess where it may fall short in areas like wattage limits, controls, and daylight integration.

Compare your LPD: Calculate the total wattage of fixtures in a space and divide by the square footage. Then compare this figure to Title 24's maximum allowances for office spaces. Any areas exceeding these limits should be prioritized for upgrades.
Check your lighting controls: Ensure occupancy sensors are installed in the right areas and that daylight harvesting systems are working effectively near windows. Missing or outdated controls can be a key area for improvement.
Estimate energy savings: Look at how much energy you could save by replacing current fixtures with LED alternatives. Factor in reduced maintenance costs, longer lifespans of LEDs, and any utility rebates that could offset upgrade costs. Consulting with experts can help fine-tune these estimates.

Work with Lighting Experts

Lighting professionals can help you navigate Title 24's complex requirements, ensuring your upgrade strategy meets compliance standards. Their expertise goes beyond basic audits, uncovering opportunities you might miss.

Luminate Lighting Group, for example, offers in-depth energy audits for commercial and industrial facilities. Their team can analyze your current system, provide tailored recommendations for compliance, and guide you through updates to Title 24, such as stricter daylighting control requirements and lower lighting power allowances.

Experts can also assist with photometric layouts, fixture specifications, and integrating advanced controls. Plus, they can help identify utility rebates and tax deductions to make upgrades more cost-effective.

This audit phase sets the stage for achieving your goals - whether that's cutting energy costs, improving lighting quality, enhancing safety, or optimizing light distribution in your workspace.

Step 2: Upgrade to Title 24-Compliant LED Fixtures

Once you’ve completed your lighting audit, it’s time to move on to selecting and installing LED fixtures that align with California’s energy efficiency standards. Making this upgrade not only ensures compliance but also sets you up for long-term energy savings.

Choose LED Fixtures That Meet Standards

When choosing LED fixtures, it’s essential to ensure they meet the technical requirements outlined in Title 24. One critical feature to look for is dimming capability - fixtures should be able to dim continuously from 10% to 100%. This allows seamless integration with daylight harvesting controls and occupancy sensors, which are key components of energy-efficient lighting systems.

Efficacy ratings are another important factor. These ratings influence lighting power density (LPD) calculations, so select fixtures that provide high efficiency without compromising light output. Additionally, make sure the fixtures are compatible with occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting systems, and building management controls for a cohesive setup.

In office environments, color quality matters too. Choose fixtures that offer consistent illumination with adjustable intensity and color temperature to create a comfortable and productive workspace. Once you’ve selected compliant fixtures, carefully plan their placement for the best results.

Plan an Efficient Fixture Layout

Thoughtful fixture placement not only helps you stay within Title 24’s power density limits but also enhances overall lighting quality. Start by calculating your LPD to confirm compliance with the standard.

To make the most of natural light, position fixtures to complement daylight from windows and skylights rather than competing with it. Arranging workstations near windows can maximize natural illumination, reducing energy use while aligning with Title 24’s daylighting goals.

Group fixtures into occupancy zones to enable effective lighting control. Research indicates that ideal lighting levels for office tasks fall between 800 lx and 1000 lx. A layered lighting design - combining ambient, task, and accent lighting - can help you achieve this balance.

For precise planning, consider consulting professionals. For instance, Luminate Lighting Group offers photometric layout services as part of their custom designs, ensuring your fixture placement meets compliance standards while maintaining occupant comfort.

Installation Tips for Optimal Results

Proper installation is crucial for ensuring that your LED fixtures perform well, last long, and comply with regulations. Start by confirming that your electrical system is compatible with the new fixtures and controls.

Carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines during installation. Since LED fixtures can be sensitive to heat, make sure they’re installed with adequate ventilation to maintain their performance and reliability. Once installed, test the dimming functionality to confirm smooth operation across the full 10–100% range required by Title 24. Address any issues with LED drivers or dimming controls before finalizing the setup.

Integrate control systems like occupancy and daylight sensors during the installation process rather than adding them later. This ensures all components work together seamlessly. Finally, document key details such as fixture specifications, wattages, and installation dates. This information will be invaluable for inspections and future maintenance.

If you’re unsure about any part of the process, it’s a good idea to work with experienced lighting professionals. Their expertise can help you navigate Title 24’s technical requirements and ensure your upgrade delivers both compliance and outstanding performance for your office environment.

Step 3: Install and Set Up Advanced Lighting Controls

Once you've upgraded your fixtures, the next step in achieving Title 24 compliance is installing advanced lighting controls. These controls are essential not just for meeting regulatory standards but also for maximizing energy efficiency. They play a critical role in reducing energy use while maintaining a comfortable environment for occupants.

Required Control Systems Under Title 24

Title 24 outlines several advanced lighting control systems designed to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing functionality or comfort. Let’s break down the main types:

Manual space controls: These allow users to adjust lighting levels as needed. They must be easy to access and clearly labeled, enabling employees to tailor lighting to their tasks or preferences.
Automatic shutoff controls: These systems save energy by turning lights off when spaces are unoccupied. Options include occupancy sensors, which detect motion and turn lights off or dim them within 20 minutes of vacancy, and time clocks, which manage lighting based on pre-set schedules.
Multi-level lighting controls: Required in spaces larger than 100 square feet that use more than 0.5 watts per square foot of lighting. These controls let users adjust light intensity, ensuring energy use stays within prescribed limits.
Daylighting controls: These systems adjust artificial lighting based on the amount of natural light available. They work in tandem with LED fixtures, which should have dimming capabilities ranging from 10% to 100%, to reduce energy use when daylight is sufficient.
Demand response controls: For buildings over 10,000 square feet, these controls must reduce power usage by at least 15% during peak demand periods. This helps manage electrical loads and supports grid stability.

Control Zoning and Placement Best Practices

To get the most out of your advanced controls, proper zoning and sensor placement are key. Well-designed zones and strategically placed sensors ensure energy savings and occupant satisfaction.

Start by analyzing how your office spaces are used. Different areas - like conference rooms, private offices, and open workspaces - have unique occupancy patterns that should guide sensor placement. For example, occupancy sensors should fully cover each zone without leaving blind spots where movement might go unnoticed.

When setting up manual-on controls, include a grace period of 15 to 30 seconds to automatically restore lighting after sensors time out. This prevents disruptions, such as lights turning off while someone is still working.

For daylighting controls, position sensors where they can accurately measure natural light without interference from artificial sources. Additionally, ensure these controls revert to their last settings within 60 minutes after calibration mode ends.

Pay special attention to dimmer controls. Title 24 requires dimmers to reduce lighting power by at least 65% at their lowest setting. Place dimmers in convenient, accessible spots so occupants can adjust lighting without interrupting their workflow.

Finally, align control zones with the layout and usage of your office. Open spaces may benefit from broader zones, while private offices and meeting rooms often perform better with individual zone controls. To maintain energy efficiency, ensure occupant sensors cannot be disabled without modifying system settings.

System Integration and Testing

Once your control systems are installed and zones are defined, the final step is integration and testing. This phase ensures everything works seamlessly and meets Title 24’s stringent standards.

Start by confirming that all control components communicate properly with your LED fixtures and building management systems. Test dimming functionality across the full range, from 10% to 100%, to identify and resolve any flickering or inconsistencies.

Hiring Certified Acceptance Test Technicians is crucial for Title 24 compliance. These experts are familiar with California energy codes and can guide you through the complex testing process. They’ll conduct thorough inspections to verify that each control system meets the requirements outlined in Section 110.9.

Testing includes a variety of specific procedures, such as Shut-Off Lighting Control Acceptance, Automatic Daylighting Control Acceptance, and Demand Responsive Lighting Control Acceptance. Each test confirms that your systems operate as intended under Title 24 guidelines.

Keep detailed records throughout the testing process. Document system responses, timing sequences, and any adjustments made during calibration. This information is critical for passing inspections and for future maintenance.

Once testing is complete, you’ll receive a Certificate of Acceptance, which serves as proof of compliance. This certificate is essential for final building approval and should be kept on hand for future inspections or system updates.

The testing phase often uncovers minor issues that can be quickly addressed before final approval. Partnering with experienced professionals, like those at Luminate Lighting Group, can help you identify and resolve these problems efficiently, ensuring your system operates smoothly and meets all compliance requirements.

Step 4: Complete Documentation and Inspection

Once installation and testing are finished, the next step is to finalize your documentation and inspection process to achieve Title 24 compliance. This stage ties together all the work you've done - from audits and upgrades to control installations - and ensures everything meets regulatory standards.

Prepare Compliance Documentation

Your documentation package is critical for demonstrating compliance with Title 24. It should include all necessary forms and reports:

Certificate of Compliance forms: Use CF-1R for residential projects and NRCC for nonresidential ones.
Installation Verification forms: Include CF-2R and NRCI to confirm that the lighting system was installed as planned.
Certificate of Acceptance: Provide proof from the testing phase that your advanced lighting controls meet Title 24 guidelines.

Additionally, create commissioning reports detailing system performance. These reports should cover key metrics like dimming ranges, occupancy sensor response times, and daylighting control calibration. Make sure to reference the relevant Title 24 sections, showing how each component contributes to energy efficiency.

Lastly, ensure the building's design aligns with the energy code features outlined in the submitted Certificate of Compliance documents. Any inconsistencies between the plans and the actual installation could lead to delays during inspections.

Work with Authorities for Inspection

Local building departments handle inspections, so it’s important to engage with them early. Submit your documentation and schedule inspections in advance to avoid delays.

During the inspection, officials will verify that your installed system matches the submitted plans. They’ll check fixture specifications, control system functionality, and zone configurations. Be ready to demonstrate how systems like occupancy sensors, daylighting controls, and dimming features operate.

The inspection process involves collaboration between various parties, including architects, contractors, energy consultants, and inspectors. Before a certificate of occupancy can be issued, acceptance testing must be completed, and the Certificate of Acceptance must be submitted to the enforcement agency. Your system must be fully functional and compliant before the building can be legally occupied.

Maintain Compliance After Installation

Approval doesn’t mark the end of your Title 24 responsibilities. Maintaining compliance requires ongoing attention to ensure your lighting system continues to operate efficiently.

A designated professional should oversee regular maintenance and ensure the system adheres to the approved plans. This includes routine checks like sensor testing, daylight control calibration, and verifying dimming functionality. Keep detailed records of these activities and address any issues promptly.

Stay up-to-date on changes to building standards by attending industry workshops, subscribing to relevant publications, and connecting with professional organizations. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, stop-work orders, or delays in future projects.

For long-term support, consider working with professionals who specialize in Title 24 requirements. Companies like Luminate Lighting Group offer maintenance services and can help you stay ahead of code updates, ensuring your system remains compliant and energy-efficient over time.

Conclusion: Maintaining Title 24 Compliance and Energy Efficiency

Meeting Title 24 compliance isn't just about checking off a regulatory box - it’s a pathway to lasting energy efficiency and sustainable operations. By following a straightforward process - conducting detailed lighting audits, upgrading to compliant LED fixtures, incorporating advanced controls, and ensuring proper documentation - you set the stage for long-term success. This approach ensures your system remains efficient and aligned with evolving standards.

Regular maintenance is key to staying compliant. Since Title 24 regulations are updated every three years, it’s important to periodically assess and update your lighting systems to meet new requirements. For buildings over 10,000 square feet, additional measures like demand lighting controls - which can reduce lighting loads by at least 15% when signaled by an energy provider - are mandatory.

Frequent evaluations are also essential for identifying issues like malfunctioning occupancy sensors, daylighting controls, or dimming systems. Keeping these components in top shape ensures your system continues to meet Title 24 standards.

Detailed documentation is another critical piece. Maintaining thorough records of all maintenance, repairs, and upgrades is invaluable for inspections or future system modifications. Even small updates, such as retrofits impacting 10% or more of your fixtures, must comply with Title 24 standards. Proper documentation simplifies this process and helps verify compliance.

Energy-efficient lighting systems don’t just save money - they enhance the look and feel of your space, deliver consistent performance, and reduce energy use, all while minimizing environmental impact.

Navigating Title 24’s evolving standards can be complex, which is why professional guidance matters. Companies like Luminate Lighting Group offer expertise in energy audits, custom lighting solutions, and ongoing support to keep your system efficient and compliant. When you follow these steps, your office lighting remains both cost-effective and aligned with regulatory standards.

FAQs

What are the benefits of switching to LED lighting for Title 24 compliance in offices?

Switching to LED lighting to meet Title 24 standards in office spaces can lead to major energy savings, often cutting energy use by 30–50%. Beyond efficiency, LEDs deliver superior lighting quality, offering better brightness, consistent color, and less glare. This creates a more comfortable and productive environment for employees.

LED systems also work seamlessly with advanced controls like automatic dimming and occupancy sensors - essential features for Title 24 compliance. These technologies not only help meet regulations but also boost efficiency and reduce long-term operational expenses.

How can I make sure my office lighting meets the 2025 Title 24 daylighting control requirements?

To meet the 2025 Title 24 requirements for office lighting, you'll need to incorporate automatic daylighting controls. These systems must independently manage lighting in each daylight zone for spaces larger than 250 square feet. On top of that, daylight-responsive controls are necessary to adjust lighting levels based on the amount of natural light available in sidelight and toplight zones.

The updated regulations also lower the lighting power threshold to 75 watts and restrict controlled groups to a maximum of 8 fixtures. These changes aim to boost energy efficiency while maintaining proper lighting and ensuring compliance with California's energy standards.

What should I do if my office lighting system doesn’t meet Title 24 compliance standards?

If your office lighting system falls short of Title 24 compliance standards, the first step is to carefully review the inspection report. This will help you identify the specific areas that need attention. Make sure the installation matches the approved plans and meets all code requirements. Common adjustments might include tweaking lighting controls, replacing fixtures that don’t meet the standards, or upgrading outdated components.

For a smoother resolution, it’s a good idea to consult with a certified energy compliance expert or inspector. These professionals can walk you through the required steps and help you get ready for a re-inspection. Keeping thorough records and sticking closely to the original plans can simplify the process and increase the likelihood of passing the next inspection.