Introduction
If you've worked on a permitted construction project in California, you've likely heard the term "CF1R." It's one of the most important documents in California's Title 24 compliance process — and one of the least understood outside of energy professionals.
This post explains exactly what a CF1R is, what it contains, who prepares it, when it's required, and how it fits into the broader compliance document chain alongside the CF2R and CF3R.
What Is a CF1R?
The CF1R is the Certificate of Compliance. It is the foundational Title 24 compliance document for any California construction project subject to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
The "CF" stands for Compliance Form. The "1" indicates it is the first document in the compliance sequence — the design-stage compliance report that everything else flows from.
The CF1R is generated by an energy consultant (also called a Title 24 analyst or ECC writer) using CEC-approved energy modeling software. It is submitted with the building permit application and must be approved before construction begins.
What Does a CF1R Contain?
The CF1R is a detailed compliance report that documents every energy measure the building is designed to include. Key sections of a residential CF1R include the building description (conditioned floor area, number of stories, climate zone), envelope measures (insulation R-values, window U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients, air sealing requirements), HVAC systems (equipment type, efficiency ratings, duct configuration, ventilation requirements), water heating (system type, efficiency, distribution system), lighting (indoor and outdoor lighting power), solar PV and battery storage (required system size and specifications under the 2022 standards), and HERS verification requirements (a list of every measure that requires HERS field verification and diagnostic testing).
That last section is critical. The HERS verification measures listed on the CF1R determine exactly what a HERS Rater must test and verify on your project. This list drives the CF2R and CF3R compliance process.
Who Prepares the CF1R?
The CF1R is prepared by a Title 24 energy consultant using CEC-approved compliance software such as EnergyPro (for residential and nonresidential projects) or CBECC-Res and CBECC-Com. The energy consultant models the building based on the architectural and mechanical drawings, confirms it meets the required energy budget, and generates the CF1R report.
The energy consultant is responsible for the accuracy of the CF1R. If the building is constructed differently from what was modeled — different window specifications, a different HVAC system, revised insulation levels — the CF1R must be revised and resubmitted before HERS verification can proceed.
When Is a CF1R Required?
A CF1R is required for virtually every permitted construction project in California that falls under Title 24 Part 6, including new single-family residential construction, new multifamily residential construction, new nonresidential and commercial construction, residential additions over a threshold conditioned floor area, HVAC system replacements and alterations that require a Title 24 calculation, and major building envelope alterations.
There are limited exemptions for very small additions and certain like-for-like replacements, but most permitted work on California buildings requires a CF1R.
How the CF1R Connects to CF2R and CF3R
The CF1R is the starting point. It defines what must be installed and what must be verified.
The CF2R (Certificate of Installation) is completed by each licensed installing contractor after their work is done. They are attesting that what they installed matches the specifications on the CF1R.
The CF3R (Certificate of Verification) is generated by the HERS Rater after they perform field verification and diagnostic testing. It confirms that the installations documented on the CF2R were actually done correctly and perform as the CF1R requires.
All three documents — CF1R, CF2R, and CF3R — must be on file before a project can receive final permit sign-off from the local building department.
Common CF1R Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting the CF1R late is one of the most common and costly mistakes. The CF1R must be approved with the permit before construction begins. Last-minute energy consulting can delay your permit.
Not updating the CF1R when design changes occur is another frequent problem. If you change the window specifications, swap out the HVAC equipment, or modify the insulation scope, the CF1R must be revised. Running HERS verification against an outdated CF1R will result in compliance failures.
Failing to review the HERS verification measures on the CF1R before construction is a third common error. Review this section early so you understand what your HERS Rater will need to test — and can schedule their site visits at the right construction phase.
Conclusion
The CF1R is the compliance roadmap for every Title 24 project. It documents what must be built, drives the HERS verification process, and must match what is actually constructed. Getting it right at the design stage — and keeping it updated through construction — is the foundation of a smooth path to permit final.