La Habra Heights Municipal Code Ch. 5.1 Introduction to Article 5

The purpose of this Article is to establish building, residential, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, green building and WUI code requirements, procedures and regulations for new construction.

The provisions of this Article and other relevant portions of this Code shall apply to the erection, alteration, installation, repair, movement, improvement, removal, connection or conversion of any building, electrical equipment and/or appliances or any other electrical work, plumbing equipment and/or appliances or any other plumbing work and mechanical equipment and/or appliances or any other mechanical work regulated by this Code. (Ord. 2010-04 § 2; Ord. 2013-05 § 2; Ord. 2016-05 § 2(B); Ord. 2022-07 § 2; Ord. 2025-04 § 2)

The City of La Habra Heights Community Development Department hereby establishes the Building Division. The Community Development Director shall supervise the Building Official. The Building Official is responsible for adherence of all development to the Building, Residential, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Energy, Green Building and WUI Codes established by this Article. (Ord. 2010-04 § 2; Ord. 2013-05 § 2; Ord. 2016-05 § 2(C); Ord. 2022-07 § 2; Ord. 2025-04 § 2)

This Section establishes powers and duties of the Building Official.

A. General. The Building Official is authorized to engage in, and oversee all local code
enforcement activities, including administration of the Building Division, interpretation of
code requirements, making all inspections and enforcing and recommending adoption of
rules and supplemental regulations which clarify the application of such provisions. The
Building Official shall have all police powers necessary for the administration of such
enforcement and other enumerated and otherwise reasonably related activities. Such
powers and enforcement activities shall be in conformance with the intent and purpose of
this Code and State law.

B. Modifications. The Building Official shall approve modifications to this Code in
accordance with the policies and procedures approved and implemented by the City
Manager.

C. Authorities. The Building Official is authorized to make and enforce such guidelines and
policies for safeguarding life, limb, health or property as may be necessary to carry out the
purpose of this Code.

D. Deputies. The Building Official may delegate enforcement or inspection powers to other
employees or officials as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Building
Division.

E. Inspections; Alternate Methods of Construction. The Building Official shall conduct
inspections and shall approve alternate materials and methods to this Code in accordance
with the policies and procedures approved and implemented by the City Manager.

F. Plan Requirements. The Building Official shall enforce plan submittal requirements and
conditions in accordance with the policies and procedures approved and implemented by
the City.

G. Cooperation of Other Officials. The Building Official may request the assistance and
cooperation of other officials of the City.

H. Liability. Issues of liability and indemnification of the Building Official and any
subordinates are governed by applicable provisions of the Government Code or other State
law.

I. Appeals. The Building Official shall process all applications for appeals of decisions by
the Building Official in accordance with the policies and procedures of Article 8.