The First Generation Residential Standards remained in effect until 1983,    when the Second Generation Residential Standards were adopted for single family dwellings, and January 1984 for multi-family buildings. Compliance methods included Prescriptive Packages, Point System and Computer Performance methods.

The Second Generation Residential Standards were revised for low-rise      residential occupancies in July 1988. Computer methods of compliance were then required to print out standardized forms. High-rise residential and hotel/motel occupancies were covered under the First Generation Standards until July 1992 when they  were adopted under Nonresidential Standards. In January 1987, the Second Generation Standards for office occupancies went into effect and in July 1988, the lighting requirements switched formats for all nonresidential occupancies. The Standards were again revised and adopted in July 1995.

The current simplified Standards (both Residential and Nonresidential), adopted in July 1998, apply to essentially all occupancy buildings that are  mechanically heated or cooled. Exempt occupancies include hospitals, nurseries for full-time child care, nursing homes, and prisons. Residential Standards include all low-rise residential buildings having three or fewer habitable stories.

With California's increased demand for electricity and natural gas, the state of California has adopted emergency standards for energy efficiency in new buildings that will cut the State's energy use by 200 megawatts annually - enough electricity to power 200,000 average-sized California homes. The new standards will be effective on June 1, 2001.