🚨 Beat the 2026 California Building Code Changes: Why Now Is the Best Time to Start Your Remodel or ADU Plans
- Admin
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
Introduction:
California’s next wave of building code updates goes into effect January 1, 2026—and if you’re thinking about a remodel, room addition, ADU, or JADU, the time to act is now. Once the new codes hit, you’ll face stricter energy standards, seismic upgrades, and higher construction costs. Starting your project before the changes could save you thousands and fast-track your approvals.
At Only Think Green, we’re helping homeowners across Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties lock in today’s codes and avoid delays.
What Are the 2026 California Building Code Changes?
The new codes—part of the 2025 Triennial Code Cycle—include changes to:
Energy Efficiency Standards: Stricter Title 24 compliance = more insulation, HVAC upgrades, and solar integration.
Structural/Seismic: Higher safety thresholds for additions or second stories.
Accessibility Requirements: Especially for ADUs and interior remodels.
Permit Processing: Expect longer review timelines as jurisdictions adjust to the new rules.
💡 Key Fact: Projects permitted before Dec. 31, 2025 are reviewed under the 2022 codes—saving time and cost.
Who’s Most Affected?
If you’re planning any of the following, you’re in the target zone:
Home Additions (second stories, rear expansions, new bedrooms)
Kitchen or Interior Remodels
Garage Conversions or Detached ADUs
Junior ADUs (JADUs) for Rental Income
Major Structural Changes to existing homes
Why Submitting Plans Before 2026 Is Critical
✅ Grandfathered Permits: Once approved under 2022 codes, you can build even after Jan 1, 2026.
✅ Avoid Higher Costs: New energy rules will increase HVAC, solar, insulation, and lighting costs.
✅ Beat the Rush: Expect major backlogs at city planning offices in late 2025.
✅ More Contractor Availability Now: Waiting may mean scheduling into 2027.
Local Insight: What Homeowners Should Know by County
📍 Riverside County:ADUs are popular in Palm Springs and Temecula. Get in now before stricter desert climate codes raise efficiency standards.
📍 San Bernardino County:Older hillside homes in places like Redlands will face tougher seismic retrofits. Permitting now avoids costly reinforcements.
📍 Orange County:JADU conversions in cities like Anaheim and Costa Mesa are fast-tracked—but only if submitted before 2026.
📍 Los Angeles County:Expect big energy upgrades required post-2025. ADU trends are hot in neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Highland Park.
How We Can Help
At Only Think Green, we specialize in:
Fast-track permitting
ADU + JADU design
Additions and interior remodels
Energy-efficient, code-compliant plans
🎯 Free Consultation Offer: Book now and we’ll help you get your plans submitted before the 2026 cutoff—no obligations.
FAQs
Q: Can I still build in 2026 if I submit in 2025?A: Yes, as long as your permit is approved in 2025, you can build under the 2022 codes even in 2026 or 2027.
Q: Will my ADU need solar under the new codes?A: Likely yes. Title 24 updates will require more solar and battery integration in new units post-2025.
Q: What’s the average time to submit plans?A: It can take 2–4 months for full approval, depending on your city. Starting now gives you buffer time.
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