Sacramento Climate Zone & Energy Code

Climate Zone: IECC Climate Zone 3B (hot-dry) / CEC Climate Zone 12 (Sacramento metro, Elk Grove, Roseville, Davis, Woodland) and Zone 11 (Sierra Nevada foothills: Auburn, Grass Valley, Placerville). Sacramento's hot, dry summer is the dominant HVAC design driver, with 101°F cooling design and low humidity producing very high sensible loads.

Energy Code & Manual J Requirement: California Title 24 Part 6 (2025 edition, effective January 1, 2026). ACCA Manual J required for residential HVAC sizing. Sacramento and all Sacramento Valley jurisdictions enforce Title 24. The 2025 code includes updated efficiency minimums and heat pump provisions that affect equipment selection.

Local Electric Utility: SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District)

Building Department: City of Sacramento Community Development Department

Local Trade Association: ACCA California / ASHRAE Sacramento Chapter / CABEC