Santa Barbara Climate Zone & Energy Code
Climate Zone: CEC Climate Zone 5 (Central Coast / south coastal). IECC Climate Zone 3C. Santa Barbara's coastal climate is mild with low cooling loads and moderate heating loads. The Santa Ynez Valley and inland Santa Barbara County areas have warmer summer conditions (CEC Zone 6/7).
Energy Code & Manual J Requirement: California Title 24 Part 6 (2025 edition, effective January 1, 2026). ACCA Manual J required for residential HVAC sizing. City of Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County enforce Title 24. Santa Barbara has a history of progressive building code adoption and strict enforcement consistent with the city's environmental focus.
Local Electric Utility: Southern California Edison (SCE)
Building Department: City of Santa Barbara Community Development Department
Local Trade Association: ACCA California / ASHRAE Santa Barbara Chapter