Los Angeles Climate Zone & Energy Code
Climate Zone: Multiple CEC climate zones across the LA metro — coastal Zone 6 (Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach, Torrance), inland Zone 8 (Culver City, Downey), San Fernando/San Gabriel Valley Zone 9, and Antelope Valley Zone 14. IECC Climate Zone 3B applies to most of the metro; coastal communities (Santa Monica, Malibu) fall within IECC Zone 3C. Design conditions vary significantly by location within the metro.
Energy Code & Manual J Requirement: California Title 24 Part 6 (California Building Energy Efficiency Standards), 2025 edition, effective January 1, 2026. ACCA Manual J is required for HVAC equipment sizing as part of Title 24 compliance. California's energy code is more stringent than the standard IECC and has its own climate zone mapping. All LA County jurisdictions enforce Title 24.
Local Electric Utility: Los Angeles Dept. of Water & Power (LADWP) or Southern California Edison (SCE)
Building Department: Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety (LADBS)
Local Trade Association: ACCA California / SMACNA Southern California Chapter / ASHRAE Los Angeles Chapter