City of Los Angeles Cool Roof Ordinance

This page provides details about cool roof building code requirements in Los Angeles, California. For information about how to apply to the rebate program, visit the LADWP Consumer Rebate Program webpage. You can contact LADWP with rebate program questions at 1-800-374-2224.

Building Code Requirements

The Los Angeles Green Building Code requires that roofing material used in residential buildings meet minimum values for 3-year aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance, or for SRI. The requirements are as follows:

ROOF PITCH

SOLAR REFLECTANCE

THERMAL EMITTANCE

SRI

Low-Rise Residential Low-slope (≤ 2:12)

0.65

0.85

78

Low-Rise Residential Steep-slope (> 2:12)

0.25

0.85

20

High-Rise Residential Low-slope (≤ 2:12)0.650.7578
High-Rise Residential Steep-slope (> 2:12)0.250.7520

If the product is new and the aged solar reflectance value is unavailable, it can be calculated using the following formula:

Aged Reflectancecalculated=(0.2+ ß[pinitial – 0.2])

Where pinitial = Initial Reflectance listed in the CRRC Rated Product Directory, and

ß= 0.65 for Field Applied Coating, or 0.70 for Not a Field Applied Coating

Exceptions to the Los Angeles Green Building Code include:

  • Roof repair as defined in Section 100.1(b) of the California Energy Code; or

  • Roof replacement when the roof area being replaced is equal to or less than 50% of the total roof area; or

  • Roof replacement where solar systems are being installed; or

  • Additions resulting in less than 500 square feet of added roof area or less than 50% of the total roof area, whichever is greater; or

  • Roof construction that has a thermal mass over the roof membrane, including areas of vegetated (green) roofs weighing at least 25 pounds per square foot

To find CRRC-rated products that comply with the ordinance, visit the CRRC online Rated Roof Products Directory and search for the minimum required values using the "Minimum Radiative Properties" tab. For more information about the building requirements, review the City of Los Angeles Cool Roof Fact Sheet & FAQs or visit www.ladwp.com.