CBC · California Building Code

How is a Certificate of Occupancy issued, temporarily granted or revoked?

Before you or a tenant can occupy a building or change its use in California, the local building official must inspect and issue a Certificate of Occupancy listing specific information. Officials can issue temporary COs for safely occupiable portions (for a time they set) and can suspend or revoke a CO if it was issued in error, on wrong information, or if violations are found, § 111.1–§ 111.4, .

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires

A building or portion of a building may not be occupied or changed in occupancy until the building official issues a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). The building official must inspect for compliance and may refuse issuance if code or other law violations exist; issuance does not validate code violations. These duties are established in § 111.1, § 111.2, § 111.3 and § 111.4 of the California Building Code, which set the required contents of the CO, authorize temporary COs with a defined time limit, and authorize suspension or revocation when the CO was issued in error or the building is in violation, .

Requirements in detail

1) When a CO is required

A CO is required before use or occupancy or before any change of occupancy for all work that requires a permit; certificates are not required for work specifically exempted from permits, per the exception in § 111.1, .

2) Who issues it and the trigger for issuance

The building official issues the CO after inspection confirms no violations of this code or other laws enforced by the department, as required in § 111.2, .
Note: related inspection and final-approval duties (inspection scheduling, approvals) are described elsewhere in Chapter 1 (see Sections 109 and 110), and some prerequisites (for example, required floor-load posting) must be satisfied before issuance, § 106.2, .

3) Minimum contents the CO must show

The code requires the CO to include specific information about the permit and building. At minimum the CO must identify the permit number, address, owner/agent, description of the portion covered, a statement that the portion was inspected for code compliance, the issuing official’s name, the code edition, use/occupancy classification, type of construction, design occupant load, whether a provided sprinkler is required, and any special stipulations of the permit, § 111.2, .

4) Temporary certificates of occupancy

The building official is empowered to issue a temporary Certificate of Occupancy for a portion of work before the entire project is finished, provided the portion is safely occupiable. The official must set the valid time period for that temporary CO, § 111.3, .
The code does not prescribe a specific length for the temporary period; the time limit is a discretionary condition set by the official.

5) Suspension or revocation

The building official may suspend or revoke a previously issued CO (or certificate of completion) in writing where the CO was issued in error, based on incorrect information, or where the building (or portion) is found to be in violation of the code or other local ordinances, § 111.4, .

Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference table)

Decision / value	What to check	Who decides / enforces	Code Reference
Is a CO required?	Was a permit required for the work? (Exemptions per permit section)	Building official	§ 111.1, exception;
Trigger for issuance	Final inspection: no code/other-law violations	Building official	§ 111.2,
Required CO contents	Permit #, address, owner, portion described, inspection statement, official, code edition, occupancy/use, construction type, occupant load, sprinkler info, special stipulations	Building official prepares CO	§ 111.2,
Temporary CO allowed?	Yes, if portion is safe to occupy; official sets time limit	Building official sets and enforces period	§ 111.3,
Grounds for revocation	Issued in error, incorrect info, or building now in violation	Building official; revocation must be in writing	§ 111.4,
Pre-issuance prerequisites to check	Required postings (e.g., floor-load signs) or other specified conditions	Building official; owner responsible to comply	§ 106.2 (CO withheld until posting installed),

Exceptions & special cases

Work exempt from permits: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under the permit exemption provision referenced in § 111.1 (see the exception to § 111.1), .
Phased or partial occupancy: The code explicitly allows temporary COs for safely occupiable portions, but leaves the duration and any conditions to the discretion of the building official, § 111.3, .
Issuance is not approval of violations: A CO must not be interpreted as approving existing code violations and cannot be used to waive code requirements, § 111.1, .

Common mistakes

Occupying a building before a CO is issued: Owners or tenants sometimes assume final inspections are sufficient; the code prohibits use/occupancy until the CO is issued, § 111.1, .
Treating the CO as a permit to violate code: A CO is not an approval of code violations; relying on a CO to justify noncompliant features is incorrect, § 111.1, .
Expecting a fixed temporary-CO duration: The code does not set a fixed time; the building official assigns the time period — ask and document the official’s time limit, § 111.3, .
Missing required contents: Issued COs must show the enumerated items in § 111.2; an incomplete certificate is a code deficiency, § 111.2, .
Overlooking prerequisite postings or conditions: For example, floor-load postings required by § 106.1 and the hold in § 106.2 can prevent issuance until completed, .

Worked example — tenant improvement with partial occupancy (illustrative)

Scenario: Owner obtains a permit for a tenant improvement of an office suite (Permit #TI-2026-01). The tenant's portion (suite A) is finished, fire/sprinkler upgrades for the suite are complete and inspected, but exterior façade work and remaining corridor finishes are not finished.

Inspection: The building official inspects suite A and finds no violations for the work completed. The official may determine the suite can be occupied safely, § 111.2 and § 111.3, .
Temporary CO: The official issues a temporary Certificate of Occupancy for suite A, describing the portion covered, listing the permit number and required items, and sets a time period for the temporary CO (for example, 60 days) and any stipulations (e.g., final fire alarm test within 30 days). The time period length and stipulations are the official’s decision; the code requires only that a time period be set, § 111.2 and § 111.3, .
Completion: The owner completes façade and corridor work and requests final inspections. After the final inspection confirms no violations and prerequisite postings/conditions (if any) are satisfied (see § 106.2 for posting requirements that may block issuance), the building official issues the full CO for the entire building or the changed occupancy, § 111.2 and § 106.2, .
Revocation risk: If the official later discovers material incorrect information was supplied at time of issuance or that the occupied suite violates life-safety requirements, the official may suspend or revoke the CO in writing, § 111.4, .

(Notes: the example uses a specific temporary period for illustration only; the CBC does not mandate a particular temporary-CO duration — the official sets it, § 111.3, .)

Related provisions

§ 111.1 — Change of occupancy; general prohibition on use/occupancy until CO issued, exception for permit-exempt work, .
§ 111.2 — Certificate issuance requirements and required contents of the CO, .
§ 111.3 — Authority to issue temporary certificates of occupancy and requirement that the official set the valid time period, .
§ 111.4 — Authority to suspend or revoke a CO when issued in error, on incorrect information, or where violations exist, .
§ 106.2 — Precondition: a CO required by § 111 shall not be issued until required floor‑load posting signs are installed (example of a prerequisite that can delay issuance), .
Sections on inspections and approvals (see Chapter 1, Sections 109 and 110 for inspection procedures and the general certificate/inspection framework), .

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CBC § 111.2 High relevance — show source text
[A] 111.2 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and does not find violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:
1. The permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
3. The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code.
6. The name of the building official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
9. The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.
10. The design occupant load.
11. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.
12. Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
[A] 111.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.

[A] 111.4 Revocation. The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code, in writing, wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of the provisions of this code or other ordinance of the jurisdiction.

SECTION 112—SERVICE UTILITIES

[A] 112.1 Connection of service utilities. A person shall not make connections from a utility, a source of energy, fuel, or power, or a water system or sewer system to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required, until approved by the building official.

[A] 112.2 Temporary connection. The building official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility, the source of energy, fuel, or power, or the water system or sewer system for the purpose of testing systems or for use under a temporary approval.

[A] 112.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The building official shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system regulated by this code and the referenced codes and standards in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or where such utility connection has been made without the approval required by Section 112.1 or 112.2. The building official shall notify the serving utility, and wherever possible the owner or the owner’s authorized agent and occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to disconnecting, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent or occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in writing, as soon as practical thereafter.

SECTION 113—MEANS OF APPEALS
CBC § 110.5 High relevance — show source text
[A] 110.5 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the building permit or their duly authorized agent to notify the building official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for inspections of such work that are required by this code.

[A] 110.6 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official. The building official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notify the permit holder or the permit holder’s agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the building official.

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ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 111—CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

[A] 111.1 Change of occupancy. A building or structure shall not be used or occupied in whole or in part, and a change of occupancy of a building or structure or portion thereof shall not be made, until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.

Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits in accordance with Section 105.2.

[A] 111.2 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and does not find violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:
1. The permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
3. The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code.
6. The name of the building official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
9. The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.
10. The design occupant load.
11. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.
12. Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
[A] 111.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.

[A] 111.4 Revocation. The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code, in writing, wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of the provisions of this code or other ordinance of the jurisdiction.

SECTION 112—SERVICE UTILITIES
CBC § 105.2. High relevance — show source text
Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits in accordance with Section 105.2.

[A] 110.2 Certificate issued. After the code official inspects the structure and does not find violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department, the code official shall issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:
1. The permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
3. The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
6. The name of the code official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. The use and occupancy in accordance with the provisions of the California Building Code .
9. The type of construction as defined in the California Building Code .
10. The design occupant load and any impact the alteration has on the design occupant load of the area not within the scope of the work.
11. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, and whether an automatic sprinkler system is required.
12. Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
[A] 110.3 Temporary occupancy. The code official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The code official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.

[A] 110.4 Revocation. The code official is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code, in writing, wherever the certificate is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of the provisions of this code or other ordinance of the jurisdiction.

SECTION 111—SERVICE UTILITIES

[A] 111.1 Connection of service utilities. A person shall not make connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel, power, water system or sewer system to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required, until approved by the code official.

[A] 111.2 Temporary connection. The code official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility, source of energy, fuel, power, water system or sewer system for the purpose of testing systems or for use under a temporary approval.

[A] 111.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The code official shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system regulated by this code and the referenced codes and standards in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or where such utility connection has been made without the approval required by Section 111.1 or 111.2. The code official shall notify the serving utility and, wherever possible, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent and the occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to disconnecting, the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in writing, as soon as practical thereafter.

SECTION 112—MEANS OF APPEALS
CBC § 109.3.7.2 High relevance — show source text
109.3.7.2 Notice of violation. The code official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.

[A] 109.3.8 Abatement of violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about any premises.

SECTION 110—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

[A] 110.1 General. A building, structure or premises shall not be used or occupied, and a change in the existing use or occupancy classification of a building, structure, premise or portion thereof shall not be made until the code official has issued a certificate of completion therefor as provided herein. The certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the code official has determined that the project is in compliance with this code. The code official shall, upon completion of construction, provide the owner or applicant with a copy of the final inspection report that demonstrates the building was constructed in compliance with all applicable state and local building standards, including those for materials and construction methods for wildfire exposure as described in this code. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the local building official for the proposed building shall be considered to indicate compliance with this code.

[A] 110.2 Certificate of occupancy. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other pertinent laws and ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.

Exceptions:
1. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section 105.3.
2. Accessory structures.
[A] 110.3 Temporary occupancy. The code official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The code official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.

[A] 110.4 Revocation. The code official is authorized to, in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code wherever the certificate is issued in error, on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure, premise or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.

SECTION 111—SERVICE UTILITIES

[A] 111.1 Connection of service utilities. A person shall not make connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel, power, water system or sewer system to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required until authorized by the code official.

[A] 111.2 Temporary connection. The code official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility, source of energy, fuel, power, water system or sewer system for the purpose of testing systems or for use under a temporary approval.

**[A] 111.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities.
CBC § 105.3. Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
1. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section 105.3.
2. Accessory structures.
[A] 110.3 Temporary occupancy. The code official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The code official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.

[A] 110.4 Revocation. The code official is authorized to, in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code wherever the certificate is issued in error, on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure, premise or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.

SECTION 111—SERVICE UTILITIES

[A] 111.1 Connection of service utilities. A person shall not make connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel, power, water system or sewer system to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required until authorized by the code official.

[A] 111.2 Temporary connection. The code official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility, source of energy, fuel, power, water system or sewer system for the purpose of testing systems or for use under a temporary approval.

[A] 111.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The code official shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system regulated by this code and the referenced codes and standards in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or where such utility connection has been made without the approval required by Sections 111.1 and 111.2. The code official shall notify the serving utility and, where possible, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent and the occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to disconnection, the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or the occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in writing as soon as practical thereafter.

SECTION 112—MEANS OF APPEALS

[A] 112.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the code official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. The board of appeals shall be appointed by the applicable governing authority and shall hold office at its pleasure. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant, with a duplicate copy to the code official.

[A] 112.2 Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equivalent or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.

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ADMINISTRATION
CBC § 1-12 Medium relevance — show source text
1.9 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

1.10 Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

1.12 State Librarian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

1.13 Department of Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

1.14 California State Lands Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

DIVISION II – SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

101 Scope and General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

104 Duties and Powers of Code Official. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . 1-28

108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
CBC § 1-24 Medium relevance — show source text
102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

Part 2—Administration and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

104 Duties and Powers of Building Official. . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27

106 Floor and Roof Design Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

107 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

108 Temporary Structures, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

109 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

110 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

111 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

113 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . .3-1

301 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

302 Occupancy Classification and Use Designation . . . . 3-3
CBC § 1.11.4.6 Medium relevance — show source text
1.11.4.6 Requests of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Whenever a local authority having jurisdiction requests that the State Fire Marshal perform plan review and/or inspection services related to a building permit, the applicable fees for such shall be payable to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

1.11.5 Inspections. Work performed subject to the provisions of this code shall comply with the inspection requirements of Sections 110.1, 110.3, 110.3.4, 110.3.5, 110.3.6, 110.3.8, 110.3.9, 110.3.10, 110.5 and 110.6 as adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

1.11.5.1 Existing Group I-1 or R occupancies. Licensed 24-hour care in a Group I-1 or R occupancy in existence and originally classi- fied under previously adopted state codes shall be reinspected under the appropriate previous code, provided there is no change in the use or character which would place the facility in a different occupancy group.

1.11.6 Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued as specified in Section 111.

Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits in accordance with Section 105.2 of the Califor- nia Building Code.

1.11.7 Temporary structures and uses. See Section 108.

1.11.8 Service utilities. See Section 112.

1.11.9 Stop work order. See Section 115.

1.11.10 Unsafe buildings, structures and equipment. See Section 116.

1.11.11 Adopting Agency Identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Section 1.11 will be identi- fied in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.

SECTION 1.12—STATE LIBRARIAN

1.12.1 Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

Application— Public library construction and renovation using funds from the California Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 1988.

Enforcing agency— State librarian.

Authority cited— Education Code Sections 19950 through 19981.

Reference— Education Code Sections 19950 through 19981.

SECTION 1.13—DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

RESERVED

SECTION 1.14—CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION

1.14.1 Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

Application— Marine oil terminals.

Enforcing agency— California State Lands Commission.

Authority cited— Public Resources Code Section 8755.

Reference— Public Resources Code Section 8755.

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ADMINISTRATION
CBC § 1.11.4.5 Medium relevance — show source text
At the time of the preinspection, the primary fire enforcing agency shall price_ consultation and interpretation of the fire safety regulations and shall notify the prospective licensee of the facility in writing of the specific fire safety regulations which shall be enforced in order to obtain fire clearance approval. A fee equal to, but not exceeding, the actual cost of the preinspection services may be charged for the preinspection of a facility.

1.11.4.5 Care facilities. The primary fire enforcing agency shall complete the final fire clearance inspection for a community care facility, residential care facility for the elderly, or child day-care facility within 30 days of receipt of the request for the final inspection, or as of the date the prospective facility requests the final prelicensure inspection by the State Department of Social Services, whichever is later.

2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 1-19

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

ADMINISTRATION

Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13235, a preinspection fee equal to, but not exceeding, the actual cost of the preinspection services may be charged for the preinspection of a facility.

Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13131.5, a reasonable final inspection fee, not to exceed the actual cost of inspection services necessary to complete a final inspection may be charged for occupancies classified as residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE).

Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1569.84, neither the State Fire Marshal nor any local public entity shall charge any fee for enforcing fire inspection regulations pursuant to state law or regulation or local ordinance, with respect to residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE) which service six or fewer persons.

1.11.4.6 Requests of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Whenever a local authority having jurisdiction requests that the State Fire Marshal perform plan review and/or inspection services related to a building permit, the applicable fees for such shall be payable to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

1.11.5 Inspections. Work performed subject to the provisions of this code shall comply with the inspection requirements of Sections 109.1, 109.3, 109.3.4, 109.3.5, 109.3.6, 109.3.7, 109.3.8, 109.3.9, 109.5 and 109.6 as adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

1.11.5.1 Existing Group I-1 or R occupancies. Licensed 24-hour care in a Group I-1 or R occupancy in existence and originally classified under previously adopted state codes shall be reinspected under the appropriate previous code, provided there is no change in the use or character which would place the facility in a different occupancy group.

1.11.6 Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued as specified in Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 111.

Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits in accordance with Section 105.2 of the California Building Code.

1.11.7 Temporary structures and uses. See Section 107.

1.11.8 Service utilities. See Section 111.

1.11.9 Stop work order. See Section 114.
CBC § 1-22 Medium relevance — show source text
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

104 Duties and Powers of Code Official. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . 1-28

108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

115 Unsafe Structures and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

116 Emergency Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32

117 Demolition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

202 General Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

CHAPTER 3 PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE

METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

301 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
CBC § 2404.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Vertical 2404.1 Walkways 2409.1 Grade (Adjacent Ground Elevation) 202 Grading Appendix J Grain Elevators 426.1.5

Historic buildings G106.3 Interior finishes 802.4

Manufactured homes G109

Modifications 104.2.4.1

Recreation vehicles G110

Site improvements G108 Site plan 107.2.6 Subdivisions G107

Tank G111

Temporary G113 Utility G114 Floodway Appendix G, 1612.3 Floor Construction (see Floor Construction, Wood) Draftstopping 718.3 Finishes 804, 805, 1003.4, 1209.1 Fire resistance Table 601, 711 Loads (see Floor Loads) Materials Chapter 6 Penetration of fire-resistant

assemblies 711, 714.5, 717.2, 717.6 Pipes and trenches 1809.15 Floor Construction, Wood Beams and girders 2304.12.1.1, 2308.8.1 Bridging/blocking 2308.8.6, 2308.11.7 Diaphragms 2305.1 Fastening schedule 2304.10.2 Framing 2304.4, 2304.11.1.2, 2304.11.3, Table 2304.11, 2308.8 Joists 2308.8.2 Sheathing 2304.8 Floor Level 1003.5, 1010.1.4 Floor Loads

Construction documents 107.2

Live 1603.1.1, 1607 Posting 106.1 Floor Opening Protection (see Vertical Opening Protection) Floor/Ceiling (see Floor Construction) Foam Plastics

Attics 720.1, 2603.4.1.6 Cladding attachment 1404.5.1, 1404.5.2, 1404.5.3 Cold storage 2603.3, 2603.4.1.2, 2603.5

Concealed 603 Covered mall and open mall buildings 402.6.2, 402.6.4.5 Crawl space 2603.4.1.6 Doors 2603.4.1.7, 2603.4.1.9 Exterior wall covering 806.6.1, Chapter 14 Exterior walls of multistory buildings 1403.12, 2603.5 Interior finish 2603.9, 2604 Label/identification 2603.2 Metal composite material (MCM) 1406.12

Plenums 2603.7, 2604.1.1 Roofing 2603.4.1.5 Siding backer board 2603.4.1.10 Stages and platform scenery 410.2.6 Surface burning characteristics 2603.3 Termites, protection from 2603.8 Thermal barrier requirements 2603.5.2

Trim 806.6.1, 2604.2 Type I and II construction 603.1

Walk-in coolers 2603.4.1.3
CBC § 105.6 Medium relevance — show source text
[A] 105.6 Suspension or revocation. The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code wherever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.

[A] 105.7 Placement of permit. The building permit or copy shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion of the project.

SECTION 106—FLOOR AND ROOF DESIGN LOADS

[A] 106.1 Live loads posted. In commercial or industrial buildings, for each floor or portion thereof designed for live loads exceeding 50 psf (2.40 kN/m [2] ), such design live loads shall be conspicuously posted by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent in that part of each story in which they apply, using durable signs. It shall be unlawful to remove or deface such notices. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] These posting requirements also apply to school and state-owned essential services buildings as regulated by DSA.

106.1.1 Snow load posting. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Snow loads used in design shall be posted as for live loads.

106.1.2 Snow load posting. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] When design snow loads at exterior balconies, decks and other elevated walking surfaces exceed 50 psf, the design snow loads shall be posted as for live loads. When design roof (not ground) snow loads exceed 20 psf, the roof design snow loads for each roof level of the building shall similarly be conspicuously posted with signs stating the maxi- mum design roof snow loads.

[A] 106.2 Issuance of certificate of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy required by Section 111 shall not be issued until the floor load signs, required by Section 106.1, have been installed.

[A] 106.3 Restrictions on loading. It shall be unlawful to place, or cause or permit to be placed, on any floor or roof of a building, structure or portion thereof, a load greater than is permitted by this code.

SECTION 107—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

[A] 107.1 General. Submittal documents consisting of construction documents, statement of special inspections, geotechnical report and other data shall be submitted in two or more sets, or in a digital format where allowed by the building official, with each

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 1-29

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

ADMINISTRATION

permit application. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.

Exception: The building official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.

[A] 107.2 Construction documents. Construction documents shall be in accordance with Sections 107.2.1 through 107.2.8.

Frequently asked questions

Who issues the Certificate of Occupancy?

The building official issues the CO after inspection confirms the work and occupancy comply with the code; temporary COs and revocations are also actions of the building official, § 111.2—§ 111.4, .

Can I occupy part of a building while work continues elsewhere?

Yes — the building official may issue a temporary CO for a portion that is safely occupiable and will set the allowable time period and any conditions, § 111.3, .

Does a Certificate of Occupancy allow me to ignore code violations?

No. Issuance of a CO is not approval of any violation; a CO cannot be relied on to waive or cancel code requirements, § 111.1, .

What are common grounds for revocation of a CO?

The official may suspend or revoke a CO if it was issued in error, issued based on incorrect information, or if the building or portion is later found to be in violation of the code or local ordinances, § 111.4, .

Are there items that must be posted or in place before a CO will be issued?

Yes — certain prerequisites may be required before issuance (for example, required floor-load posting), and the code disallows issuance until such conditions are satisfied, § 106.2 and § 111.2, .

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