Retail stores combine sales floors, stockrooms, and entries, and lighting is usually the largest regulated system. New retail construction and most retail tenant improvements in California require Title 24 (Part 6) energy documentation before permits are issued.
Lighting is the key retail system
Retail interiors use general, display, and accent lighting, and the Energy Code treats display and merchandise lighting differently from general lighting. Indoor lighting is documented on NRCC-LTI and must include the required controls — occupancy sensing, daylighting where applicable, and multi-level or automatic shutoff. Exterior and parking lighting is documented on NRCC-LTO, and sign lighting on its own certificate, NRCC-LTS. We size the lighting scope from your fixture schedule and control narrative.
Envelope, HVAC, and entries
Larger stores add envelope (NRCC-ENV) and mechanical (NRCC-MCH) scope — roof and wall insulation, glazing at storefronts, rooftop units, economizers, and controls. Entry configurations and any refrigeration or process loads can also affect the scope. Whether you comply prescriptively or through performance modeling, we prepare the certificates your permit set needs.
Refrigeration and process loads
Many retail formats add refrigerated cases, walk-in coolers, or a small food-service area, which introduce process loads documented on the process systems certificate (NRCC-PRC) where applicable. We separate regulated building systems from process refrigeration so the report reflects only what the code covers. Coordinating the refrigeration equipment schedule with the lighting and mechanical scope early keeps the compliance path clean and avoids surprises if the store later adds cases or back-of-house prep. Send any refrigeration details with your plans so we scope them correctly from the start.
What we need to quote and prepare your report
Send the full plan set so we can scope lighting and all regulated systems:
- Architectural plans and reflected ceiling plans
- Lighting plan, fixture schedule, and controls narrative (interior + exterior)
- Mechanical plans and equipment schedules
- Storefront/glazing details and envelope assemblies (if altered)
- Conditioned floor area and project scope narrative
- Signage/site lighting details if exterior fixtures change
Example project
Illustrative example — not a specific customer: A vacant 4,500-square-foot shell is built out as a clothing store with track and display lighting, a new rooftop unit, and an illuminated sign. The project needs NRCC-LTI for interior lighting and controls, NRCC-LTO for the exterior fixtures, NRCC-LTS for the illuminated sign, and NRCC-MCH for the rooftop unit; installed lighting controls are verified through acceptance testing during construction.
Commercial Title 24 pricing
Commercial projects are quoted individually — priced by building type, conditioned floor area, compliance path, and the systems in scope, not a flat rate. Upload your plans for a firm quote, with standard, rush, and same-day options.
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