LA Kitchen HVAC + Title 24 Requirements 2026: Ducting, Lighting, and Slab Layout Impacts

Why LA Kitchens Fail HVAC Requirements in 2026

Title 24 increasingly cracks down on ventilation inefficiencies.

Common failures:

• Unsealed ducts in attics or soffits

• Undersized hood ducting

• Non-LED undercabinet lighting

• Missing vacancy sensors

• Lack of makeup air for high-BTU gas ranges

Valley homes in Sherman Oaks, Northridge, and Burbank often have older ducting done long before the current code cycle.

Hood Ducting Requirements

Minimum requirements

• Hard metal ducting (no flex)

• Smooth interior

• Minimum 6 in duct diameter, often 8–10 in for large ranges

• Vent to exterior (not attic)

Makeup air rules

When a hood exceeds 400 CFM, makeup air is required:

• Through mechanical supply

• Interlocked to hood operation

• Balanced to prevent negative pressure

This is mandatory in 2026 for both gas and electric ranges.

Slab-on-Grade Impacts on HVAC Routing

Slab homes dominate LA/OC/SFV. They offer no crawlspace for ducting or electrical lines.

Implications:

• No running ductwork under the floor

• Limited options for adding fresh air

• Must use attic, soffits, or exterior wall chases

• More drywall demo

Homes in Mission Viejo, Irvine, and Anaheim face the same constraints.

Title 24 Lighting Rules

Required:

• Full LED lighting

• JA8-certified fixtures for high-use areas

• Vacancy or occupancy sensors

• Dedicated lighting circuits

Common upgrades:

• Replacing old can lights

• Adding low-profile LED modules

• Converting undercabinet lighting to 24V LED

Title 24 Mechanical Permit Requirements

Mechanical permits are required when:

• New ducting is added

• Makeup air is installed

• Hood CFM changes

• Outdoor units are relocated

LADBS may request:

• Duct sealing verification

• Airflow testing

• Hood compliance documentation

  

Costs for LA Kitchen HVAC + Title 24 Work (2026)

Upgrade	Cost Range
Hood ducting upgrade	$1,800–$4,500
Makeup air system	$2,200–$6,000
Attic duct sealing	$650–$1,800
LED conversion	$350–$1,200
Mechanical permit + testing	$450–$1,200

How Slab Foundations Affect Layout and Appliances

Because ducting cannot run below the floor, appliance placement must work around:

• Refrigerators requiring dedicated circuits

• Islands that cannot vent directly down

• Hood ducting that may require a new chase

In many cases:

• Hoods move to exterior walls

• Makeup air equipment goes in attic

• Soffits are built to hide duct paths

How Long HVAC + Title 24 Work Adds to a Remodel Timeline

1. Design + Title 24 review: 1–2 weeks

2. LADBS Mechanical Permit: 1–4 weeks

3. Construction + ducting: 2–6 days

4. Testing + signoff: 1–2 days

Most projects see 2–3 additional weeks of timeline impact.

When You Must Redesign the Kitchen Layout

LA kitchen layouts require revision when:

• Hood location exceeds duct length limits

• Makeup air must be placed farther from gas lines

• Slab prevents new circuits from crossing the floor

• WUI zone requires fire-safe materials

This is common in Pasadena, Studio City, and hillside homes.

How to Choose an HVAC-Compliant Contractor

Choose a GC who:

• Understands Title 24

• Works with certified mechanical engineers

• Manages LADBS paperwork

• Performs airflow testing in-house

• Plans around slab constraints

California Construction & Remodeling specializes in energy-efficient, code-compliant kitchens across LA, OC, and the Valley.

👉 See services: https://www.calbuildremodel.com/services👉 View past projects: https://www.calbuildremodel.com/projects

FAQ

Do all hoods over 400 CFM require makeup air?

Yes. Title 24 makes this mandatory in 2026.

Can ducting run under the slab?

No. LA slab foundations prevent underfloor routing.

Does all kitchen lighting need to be LED?

Yes. Title 24 requires high-efficacy LED fixtures.

Do I need a mechanical permit for a new hood?

Yes if ducting, CFM, or makeup air changes.

External Links

• LADBS Mechanical Code Resources

• California Energy Commission Title 24 Residential Manual