Short answer: A CF1R is the Title 24 Certificate of Compliance for single-family homes, ADUs, additions and residential alterations. An LMCC is the compliance certificate for low-rise multifamily buildings. Both are prepared from your plans before the permit and prove the same thing — that the design meets California's energy code — but they apply to different building types.
The CF1R and LMCC are both Title 24 Part 6 energy compliance documents, but they apply to different building types and occupancies.
CF1R — Certificate of Compliance for Residential
Required for single-family homes, ADUs (detached, attached, and garage conversions), and most other single-unit residential projects. Generated using CEC-approved compliance software. Covers insulation, windows, HVAC, water heating, and lighting for single-family residential occupancies. For a closer look at the form itself, see what a CF1R report is.
LMCC — Low-Rise Multifamily Compliance Certificate
Required for multi-unit residential buildings up to three stories — duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and small apartment buildings. Covers the same energy systems as the CF1R but accounts for shared walls, multiple units, and multi-zone HVAC configurations common in multifamily construction. Our LMCC guide explains what the certificate includes.
CF1R vs LMCC at a Glance
| Item | CF1R | LMCC |
|---|---|---|
| Building type | Single-family homes and single dwelling units | Low-rise multifamily buildings |
| Typical projects | New homes, ADUs, garage conversions, additions, HVAC and window alterations | New duplexes to small apartment buildings, and additions or alterations to them |
| When it is prepared | From the plans, before the permit is issued | From the plans, before the permit is issued |
| Modeled per | Dwelling | Building, with each unit type and shared assemblies accounted for |
| Title24Comply report | Residential from $245, ADU from $199 | Multifamily from $345 per building |
What the Two Certificates Have in Common
Whichever form your project uses, the underlying work is the same. The design is modeled in CEC-approved software using the project's climate zone, envelope, windows, heating and cooling, and water heating, usually with the performance method described in Title 24 calculations. Mandatory measures apply either way, and the code sections behind them are summarized in Title 24 requirements.
Both certificates can also flag items for field verification by a HERS (ECC) rater after installation, and both are registered with an approved data registry such as CHEERS where the project requires it. See HERS rater vs Title 24 report for how that later step works.
Quick rule of thumb
- 1 unit → CF1R
- 2 or more units, up to 3 stories → LMCC
The rule of thumb covers most projects, but the building's occupancy classification under the code is what decides the form. An ADU built on the same lot as an existing house still uses a CF1R, because each dwelling is evaluated on its own. Commercial and mixed-use spaces use the nonresidential NRCC forms instead — request a quote through our commercial Title 24 form.
If you are unsure which report your project requires, contact us before ordering — we will confirm the correct report type based on your project description at no charge. Title24Comply offers both CF1R and LMCC reports, with transparent fixed-rate pricing and 2–3 day turnaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an ADU behind my house need an LMCC?
No. A single ADU uses a CF1R even when it shares a lot with an existing home. The LMCC is for buildings that contain multiple dwelling units.
Is an LMCC more expensive than a CF1R?
Multifamily reports start higher because there is more to model — several units, shared walls and often more HVAC systems. Title24Comply multifamily reports start at $345 per building; see pricing.