Who can prepare a Title 24 report?
Two roles show up on a CF1R, and they’re not the same person by default. Here’s how the split works, and where I sit in it.
Documentation author and responsible designer aren't the same role
A CF1R names two roles. The documentation author is whoever built the energy model and prepared the compliance paperwork — that’s me’s role on every job. The responsible designer is the architect, engineer, or designer of record on the project — that stays you. The CF1R registers you as the responsible designer regardless of who authored the documentation; nothing about your role or your relationship with your client changes because the energy modeling was outsourced.
I’m not a licensed engineer or architect and I don’t stamp drawings — that’s stated plainly, not a limitation being worked around. The documentation-author role is specifically the piece of the permit set that’s energy-compliance modeling and paperwork; it’s not standing in for the stamped structural, architectural, or civil work your project still needs from its licensed professionals.
Practically, this is why sending me plans doesn’t change anything about who signs off on the rest of the permit set — it adds the CF1R to the stack, registered and ready, with your name on it as the designer who owns the project. For a design firm, permit service or GC sending this every week, here’s how outsourcing the Title 24 piece works.
Prices
Flat fees, in writing before I start. No hourly, no bid package, no change-order games — the number on the quote is the number on the invoice.
One honest note
I’m not a licensed engineer or architect, and I don’t stamp drawings. On the CF1R I’m the documentation author — you stay the responsible designer. Nothing about your role on the job changes.
That’s on purpose. I’m not after your scope or your clients. I do one piece of the permit set — the piece that usually holds it up — and I do it fast.
Roles & responsibility questions
If yours isn’t here, see the full FAQ or call and ask.
Who signs it — and does my role change?
Nothing about your role changes. On the CF1R I’m the documentation author. You stay the responsible designer and the registered document names you as such. I’m not a licensed engineer or architect and I don’t stamp drawings — that’s deliberate, not a limitation I’m working around.
What exactly is a CF1R?
The Certificate of Compliance for low-rise residential work, commonly called a Title 24 report — the form that proves the design meets California’s Title 24, Part 6 energy standards. Plan check will not issue the permit without it. It comes out of an energy model built in CBECC-Res, registered with a data registry, and signed by the responsible designer. That whole chain is what you’re handing me.
Do I need to be a licensed architect or engineer to submit a CF1R?
Keep your role exactly as it is.
Send the plans, I handle the modeling and paperwork, you stay the designer of record.