Can an Out-of-State Architect Sign Title 24 Documents?

An out-of-state energy consultant can prepare the documents, because the documentation author needs no licence. The responsible person who signs for the design must be eligible under Division 3 of California's Business and Professions Code, which for most buildings means a California architect or engineer licence.

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Where the home state stops counting

Picture a firm in Oregon or Arizona designing a building in California. The Energy Code asks two people to put their names to the certificate of compliance, and only one of them is affected by where the firm is licensed. Whoever prepares the certificate declares it accurate and complete. Separately, the person responsible for the design certifies that it conforms to Part 6, and Section 10-103(a)1 says that person must be eligible "under Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code to accept responsibility for the building design". Division 3 is California's own licensing law, so a licence from the firm's home state does not settle it.

The preparer is a different matter. The CEC's single-family manual says the documentation author "is not subject to the same limitations and restrictions of the Business and Professions Code as is the building designer", because the author does not specify the design features. A consultant in another state can do that part. Both roles are set out in who can prepare a Title 24 report.

What California's architecture law says

Business and Professions Code Section 5536.1(c) makes it a misdemeanour for anyone not licensed to practise architecture in California to prepare plans, specifications or instruments of service for any building other than those listed in Section 5537. Under Section 5536.1(b), a California architect's stamp carries the licensee's name and licence number and the legends "licensed architect" and "State of California". A licence from another state meets neither provision.

Projects with no licensed designer

Not every building needs an architect. Section 5537 exempts woodframe houses of up to two stories and a basement, woodframe buildings of up to four dwelling units of that height, the garages and other structures that go with them, and woodframe farm and ranch buildings unless the building official sees undue risk; Section 6737.1 mirrors it for engineering. On those jobs, plans can come from a designer anywhere. For the signature, the CEC's manual lets the builder sign the CF1R as responsible designer where no licensed professional is required.

The exemption stops at conventional framing. Any portion that departs from it has to be prepared by, or under the responsible control of, a licensed architect or engineer, and carry their stamp.

Getting a California licence

The California Architects Board runs a reciprocity route for architects licensed in another US jurisdiction, with or without an NCARB certificate. Either way, the Board states that candidates must pass the California Supplemental Examination, and that there is no waiver of this requirement. Engineers face the equivalent question under Chapter 7 of the same Division, the engineering law, and should ask the California engineering board.

On the signature page

  • When a licensed architect or engineer signs the CF1R, the signature block carries their licence number.
  • Where registration is required, both signatures are electronic signatures on the registered document (Section 10-103(a)1Av and vi).
  • An ECC-Rater is not eligible to sign the CF1R as the responsible designer.

Common Title 24 Questions

  1. What is Title 24?
  2. Do I need a Title 24 report?
  3. How much does a Title 24 report cost?
  4. How long does a Title 24 report take?
  5. What is included in a Title 24 report?
  6. What plans do I need to upload?

Frequently Asked Questions

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