CBC · California Building Code

What work is specifically exempt from permits?

Under CBC §105.2 some small, specific work (for example a one‑story shed ≤120 sq ft, fences ≤7 ft, sidewalks ≤30 in above grade, minor finish work, certain portable appliances and temporary electrical testing) is exempt from a building permit. Exemption only waives the permit — the work must still meet all applicable building, fire, health and local rules. Confirm thresholds and local rules with your enforcing agency before starting work file.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

The California Building Code (CBC) says certain limited work is exempt from permit — but an exemption does not mean the work can violate the code or other laws. The list of permit exemptions and the preface that exemptions do not permit code violations are contained in §105.2 of the CBC (see §105.2) .

Requirements in detail

At a high level §105.2 divides common exemptions by discipline: Building (small accessory structures, fences, sidewalks, finish work, etc.), Electrical (minor repairs, temporary testing), Gas (portable appliances, minor part replacement), Mechanical (portable equipment, small refrigeration), and similar limited items. All of those specific exemptions are enumerated in §105.2; local enforcement may still regulate or require permits in special situations (see Exceptions & special cases below) .

Decision‑relevant thresholds and conditions (selected, decision‑oriented summary)

Work type	Key threshold / condition that makes it exempt	Permit required?	Code Reference
One‑story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses)	Floor area does not exceed 120 sq ft	Exempt when ≤120 sq ft	§105.2 (Building)
Fences (not swimming pool barriers)	Height not over 7 ft	Exempt when ≤7 ft	§105.2 (Building)
Retaining walls	Height not over 4 ft measured from footing bottom to top (unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids)	Exempt when ≤4 ft and not supporting surcharge/impounding Class I/II/IIIA liquids	§105.2 (Building)
Sidewalks and driveways	Not more than 30 in above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route	Exempt when meets all three conditions	§105.2 (Building)
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, similar finish work	Ordinary finish work only	Exempt	§105.2 (Building)
Prefabricated above‑ground pools (accessory to Group R‑3)	Less than 24 in deep, ≤5,000 gal, installed entirely above ground	Exempt when all conditions met	§105.2 (Building)
Water tanks on grade	Capacity ≤5,000 gal and height:diameter (or width) ratio ≤2:1	Exempt when both conditions met	§105.2 (Building)
Nonfixed / movable cases, counters, partitions	Height not over 5 ft 9 in (1753 mm)	Exempt when ≤5 ft 9 in	§105.2 (Building)
Electrical — minor repairs & maintenance	Minor repairs (e.g., lamp replacement) or connecting approved portable equipment to approved receptacles	Exempt	§105.2 (Electrical)
Electrical — temporary systems	Temporary systems for testing/servicing electrical equipment	Exempt	§105.2 (Electrical)
Mechanical — portable heating, ventilation, cooling; small refrigeration	Portable heating appliance; portable ventilation; portable cooling; portable evaporative coolers; self‑contained refrigeration ≤10 lb refrigerant and ≤1 HP motor; steam/hot/chilled piping within regulated equipment; replacement parts that do not alter approval	Exempt for the listed portable/small items and non‑altering replacements	§105.2 (Mechanical)
Gas — portable heating appliance; minor part replacement	Portable heating appliance; replacement of minor part that doesn't alter approval or make unsafe	Exempt	§105.2 (Gas)

Notes on reading the table

These are selected, decision‑relevant exemptions from §105.2; the CBC text lists the full wording and additional items. Use the table to check thresholds (area, height, capacity, depth, weight) that determine whether a specific item is exempt under §105.2 .
Exemptions are narrowly defined; a small change (e.g., a shed that exceeds 120 sq ft) removes the exemption and requires a permit per §105.1/§105.2 .

Exceptions & special cases

Exempt does not equal unregulated: §105.2 explicitly states that exemptions “shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.” If the exempted work would violate other requirements (structural safety, egress, accessibility, fire code, local ordinances), it is not a license to proceed without compliance .
Local authority and other Parts of Title 24: Some state or local agencies may still require permits or inspections for activities otherwise listed as exempt in §105.2. For example, the CBC notes that an exempt detached accessory structure may nevertheless be regulated by Section 710A in certain programs — check local enforcement or specialty sections of Title 24 for cross‑jurisdiction rules .
Wildland/other specialty codes: Other parts of Title 24 or specialty parts (e.g., wildland‑urban interface provisions) set their own permit triggers and may reference §105.2 differently; always confirm whether a specialty chapter imposes additional permit requirements in your area .
Certificates of Occupancy: The code materials also note that a Certificate of Occupancy is not required for work exempt under §105.2, but that by itself does not remove other obligations (see the cross reference to §111) .

Common mistakes

Treating “exempt” as “not subject to code” — the exemption only waives a building permit; the work still must comply with the CBC, fire code, health/safety law, and local ordinances (§105.2) .
Ignoring thresholds — details like “120 sq ft,” “30 in above grade,” “24 in depth / 5,000 gallons,” “4 ft retaining wall height,” or refrigeration ≤10 lb are decisive. Small exceedances remove the exemption and trigger permit requirements file.
Assuming all accessory buildings are exempt — only one‑story detached accessory structures that meet the size limit are exempt; multi‑story, larger, or those with service systems typically need a permit (§105.2) .
Failing to check local amendments and specialty codes — jurisdictions and other Title 24 Parts (for example, wildland, existing building, residential) can alter how §105.2 is applied; always confirm with the local enforcing agency .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario A — Detached tool shed:

Dimensions: 10 ft × 12 ft = 120 sq ft; one story; accessory to a single family home.
Decision: The shed is exactly 120 sq ft and one story, so it meets the CBC §105.2 exemption language for one‑story detached accessory structures “provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.” Result: permit not required under §105.2 for the building exemption — but the owner must still comply with applicable setback, fire separation, foundation and other code rules and local ordinances; if the local agency enforces Section 710A or different rules, a permit could still be required .

Scenario B — Concrete driveway:

The driveway has a raised portion 36 in (3 ft) above adjacent grade and is not part of an accessible route.
Decision: §105.2 exempts sidewalks and driveways only if they are not more than 30 in above grade. At 36 in the driveway exceeds the 30 in threshold, so it does not qualify for the exemption and a permit would be required under §105.1/§105.2 .

Scenario C — Above‑ground prefabricated pool:

Depth 20 in, volume 3,500 gal, installed above ground, accessory to a Group R‑3 dwelling.
Decision: Pool is less than 24 in deep and ≤5,000 gal and installed entirely above ground — it meets the §105.2 exemption for prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R‑3 occupancy. No building permit required for the pool under §105.2, but electrical or mechanical work associated with filtration or heaters may have separate rules and may require permits if they exceed the exempt electrical/mechanical lists file.

Related provisions

§105.1 — Permits required (general requirement to obtain a permit unless exempt) .
§105.4 — Permit application (information required when a permit is required) .
§111 — Certificate of Occupancy (the code notes COs are not required for work exempt under §105.2) .
Appendix J (grading) — J103.2 lists grading exemptions (if your work involves grading, see J103.2) .
Related trade codes and Chapters (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) contain their own exempt‑work language mirroring §105.2; see the electrical/mechanical/gas exemptions summarized under §105.2 in the CBC files for discipline‑specific details .

Code references

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

CBC § 104.9.1 High relevance — show source text
ADMINISTRATION

[A] 104.9.1 Materials and equipment reuse. Materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless such elements are in good working condition and approved.

SECTION 105—PERMITS

[A] 105.1 Required. Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to repair, add to, alter, relocate, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or to repair, install, add, alter, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the code official and obtain the required permit.

[A] 105.1.1 Annual permit. Instead of an individual permit for each alteration to an already approved electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing installation, the code official is authorized to issue an annual permit on application therefor to any person, firm or corporation regularly employing one or more qualified trade persons in the building, structure, or on the premises owned or operated by the applicant for the permit.

[A] 105.1.2 Annual permit records. The person to whom an annual permit is issued shall keep a detailed record of alterations made under such annual permit. The code official shall have access to such records at all times, or such records shall be filed with the code official as designated.

[A] 105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:
1. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below and that are not part of an accessible route.
2. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
3. Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
4. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, and not including service systems.
5. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3 or Group U occupancies.
6. Nonfixed and movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
Electrical:
1. Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
2. Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for power supply, the installations of towers and antennas.
3. Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
Gas:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
CBC § 105.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 105—PERMITS

[A] 105.1 Required. Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

[A] 105.1.1 Annual permit. Instead of an individual permit for each alteration to an already approved electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing installation, the building official is authorized to issue an annual permit upon application therefor to any person, firm or corporation regularly employing one or more qualified tradespersons in the building, structure or on the premises owned or operated by the applicant for the permit.

[A] 105.1.2 Annual permit records. The person to whom an annual permit is issued shall keep a detailed record of alterations made under such annual permit. The building official shall have access to such records at all times or such records shall be filed with the building official as designated.

[A] 105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

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ADMINISTRATION

Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area does not exceed than 120 square feet (11.15 m [2] ). It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by Section 710A, despite exemption from permit.
2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1.
6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
CBC § 1.11.4.6 High 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 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.

1.11.10 Unsafe buildings, structures and equipment. See Section 115.

1.11.11 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Section 1.11 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.

SECTION 1.12—STATE LIBRARIAN

RESERVED

SECTION 1.13—DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

RESERVED

SECTION 1.14—CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION

RESERVED

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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner.

Division II is not adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development except where specifically indicated.

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Administration (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–117). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable.
CBC § 1.11.5.1 High relevance — show source text
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 that 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 Califor- nia Building Code.

1.11.7 Temporary structures and uses. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 108.

1.11.8 Service utilities. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 112.

1.11.9 Stop work order. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 115, and Title 24, Part 9, California Fire Code, Section 113.

1.11.10 Unsafe buildings, structures and equipment. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 116, and Title 24, Part 9, California Fire Code, Section 114.

1.11.11 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in Section 1.11 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.03] Scope. (a) California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall govern the use and maintenance of any building or struc- ture used or intended for use as an asylum, jail, mental hospital, hospital, sanitarium, home for aged, children’s home or institution, school or any similar occupancy of any capacity; and any theater, dance hall, skating rink, auditorium, assembly hall, meeting hall, night club, fair building or similar place of assemblage where 50 or more persons may gather together in a building, room or structure for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, instruction, deliberation, worship, drinking or

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ADMINISTRATION

dining, awaiting transportation or education, and in any building or structure which is open to the public and is used or intended to be used for the showing of motion pictures when an admission fee is charged and when such building or structure has a capacity of 10 or more persons, and shall apply to both new and existing occupancies.

Exceptions: (1) Buildings controlled by the Federal Government, provided they are not subject to the provisions of Section 15452, Education Code.

(2) Homes and institutions and day-care facilities that provide nonmedical board, room, and care for six or fewer ambulatory children.

California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall also apply to any building housing any occupancy when _such building is used as an auxiliary or accessory structure to any of the occupancies specified herein.
CBC § 1.8.3.2.2 High relevance — show source text
1.8.3.2.2 Mobilehome Parks Act. Refer to the Mobilehome Parks Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.1, commencing with Section 18200 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 2, commencing with Section 1000 for mobilehome park administrative and enforcement authority, permits, plans, fees, violations, inspections and penalties both within and outside mobilehome parks.

Exception: Mobilehome parks where the Department of Housing and Community Development is the enforcing agency.

1.8.3.2.3 Special Occupancy Parks Act. Refer to the Special Occupancy Parks Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.3, commencing with Section 18860 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 2.2, commencing with Section 2000 for special occupancy park administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections and penal- ties both within and outside of special occupancy parks.

Exception: Special occupancy parks where the Department of Housing and Community Development is the enforcing agency.

1.8.3.2.4 Employee Housing Act. Refer to the Employee Housing Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1, commencing with Section 17000 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, commencing with Section 600 for employee housing administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections and penalties.

1.8.3.2.5 Factory-Built Housing Law. Refer to the Factory-Built Housing Law, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 6 commencing with Section 19960 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1, commencing with Section 3000 for factory-built housing administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections and penalties.

SECTION 1.8.4—PERMITS, FEES, APPLICATIONS AND INSPECTIONS 1.8.4.1 Permits. A written construction permit shall be obtained from the enforcing agency prior to the erection, construction, recon- struction, installation, moving or alteration of any building or structure.

Exceptions:

1. Work exempt from permits as specified in Chapter 1, Division II, Scope and Administration, Section 105.2. 2. Changes, alterations or repairs of a minor nature not affecting structural features, egress, sanitation, safety or accessibility as determined by the enforcing agency. 3. Retroactive permits issued in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.12.

Exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in viola- tion of other provisions of law or this code.
CBC § 1.11.4.5 High relevance — show source text
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, which- ever is later.

Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13235, a pre-inspection fee equal to, but not exceeding, the actual cost of the pre- inspection services may be charged for the pre-inspection 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 facili- ties 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 110 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 that 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 Califor- nia Building Code.

1.11.7 Temporary structures and uses. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 108.

1.11.8 Service utilities. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 112.

1.11.9 Stop work order. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 115, and Title 24, Part 9, California Fire Code, Section 113.

1.11.10 Unsafe buildings, structures and equipment. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 116, and Title 24, Part 9, California Fire Code, Section 114.

1.11.11 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in Section 1.11 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.
CBC § 104.9.1 High relevance — show source text
[A] 104.9.1 Materials and equipment reuse. Materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless such elements are in good working order and approved.

[A] 104.10 Other agencies. When requested to do so by the code official, other officials of this jurisdiction shall assist and cooperate with the code official in the discharge of the duties required by this code.

SECTION 105—PERMITS

[A] 105.1 General. Where not otherwise provided in the requirements of the California Building Code or California Fire Code, permits are required in accordance with Sections 105.2 through 105.10.

[A] 105.2 Permits required. Unless otherwise exempted, buildings or structures regulated by this code shall not be erected, constructed, altered, repaired, moved, removed, converted, demolished or changed in use or occupancy unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the code official.

For buildings or structures erected for temporary uses, see Section A108.3.

Where required by the code official, a permit shall be obtained for the following activities, operations, practices or functions within a wildland-urban interface area:
1. Automobile wrecking yard.
2. Candles and open flames in assembly areas.
3. Explosives or blasting agents.
4. Fireworks.
5. Flammable or combustible liquids.
6. Hazardous materials.
7. Liquefied petroleum gases.
8. Lumberyards.
9. Motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations.
10. Open burning.
11. Pyrotechnical special effects material.
12. Tents, canopies and temporary membrane structures.
13. Tire storage.
14. Welding and cutting operations.
[A] 105.3 Work exempt from permit. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code or in other Parts of Title 24 shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

The code official is authorized to stipulate conditions for permits. Permits shall not be issued where public safety would be at risk, as determined by the code official.

[A] 105.4 Permit application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a form furnished by the code enforcement agency for that purpose. Every such application shall:
1. Identify and describe the work, activity, operation, practice or function to be covered by the permit for which application is made.
2. Describe the land on which the proposed work, activity, operation, practice or function is to be done by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building, work, activity, operation, practice or function.
3. Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work, activity, operation, practice or function is intended.
4. Be accompanied by plans, diagrams, computation and specifications and other data as required in Section 106 of this code.
5. State the valuation of any new building or structure or any addition, remodeling or alteration to an existing building.
6. Be signed by the applicant or the applicant’s authorized agent.
7. Give such other data and information as required by the code official.
[A] 105.4.1 Preliminary inspection. Before a permit is issued, the code official is authorized to inspect and approve the systems, equipment, buildings, devices, premises and spaces or areas to be used.
CBC § 1569.84 High relevance — show source text
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 facili- ties 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 contained in Section 107, as adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

1.11.5.1 Existing Group R occupancies. Licensed 24-hour care in a Group 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 Califor- nia Building Code.

1.11.7 Temporary Structures and Uses. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 108.

1.11.8 Service Utilities. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 112.

1.11.9 Stop Work Order. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 115.

1.11.10 Unsafe Buildings, Structures and Equipment. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 116.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.03] Scope. (a) California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall govern the use and maintenance of any building or struc- ture used or intended for use as an asylum, jail, mental hospital, hospital, sanitarium, home for aged, children’s home or institution, school or any similar occupancy of any capacity; and any theater, dance hall, skating rink, auditorium, assembly hall, meeting hall, night club, fair building or similar place of assemblage where 50 or more persons may gather together in a building, room or structure for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, instruction, deliberation, worship, drinking or

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DIVISION I—CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

dining, awaiting transportation or education, and in any building or structure which is open to the public and is used or intended to be used for the showing of motion pictures when an admission fee is charged and when such building or structure has a capacity of 10 or more persons, and shall apply to both new and existing occupancies.
CBC § 1.8.3.2.3 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Mobilehome parks where the Department of Housing and Community Development is the enforcing agency.

1.8.3.2.3 Special Occupancy Parks Act. Refer to the Special Occupancy Parks Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.3, commencing with Section 18860 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 2.2, commencing with Section 2000 for special occupancy park administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections and penal- ties both within and outside of special occupancy parks.

Exception: Special occupancy parks where the Department of Housing and Community Development is the enforcing agency.

1.8.3.2.4 Employee Housing Act. Refer to the Employee Housing Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1, commencing with Section 17000 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, commencing with Section 600 for employee housing administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections and penalties.

1.8.3.2.5 Factory-Built Housing Law. Refer to the Factory-Built Housing Law, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 6, commencing with Section 19960 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1, commencing with Section 3000 for factory-built housing administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections and penalties.

SECTION 1.8.4—PERMITS, FEES, APPLICATIONS AND INSPECTIONS

1.8.4.1 Permits. A written construction permit shall be obtained from the enforcing agency prior to the erection, construction, recon- struction, installation, moving or alteration of any building or structure.

Exceptions: 1. Work exempt from permits as specified in Chapter 1, Scope and Application, Division II, Administration, Section R105.2. 2. Changes, alterations or repairs of a minor nature not affecting structural features, egress, sanitation, safety or accessibility as determined by the enforcing agency. 3. Retroactive permits issued in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.12.

Exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of other provisions of law or this code.

1.8.4.2 Fees. Subject to other provisions of law, the governing body of any city, county, or city and county may prescribe fees to defray the cost of enforcement of rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The amount of the fees shall not exceed the amount reasonably necessary to administer or process permits, certificates, forms or other documents, or to defray the costs of enforcement. For additional information, see State Housing Law, Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1.5, Section 17951 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, Article 3, commencing with Section 6.
CBC § 105.3 High relevance — show source text
BENCH. A relatively level step excavated into earth material on which fill is to be placed.

COMPACTION. The densification of a fill by mechanical means.

CUT. See “Excavation.”

DOWN DRAIN. A device for collecting water from a swale or ditch located on or above a slope, and safely delivering it to an approved drainage facility.

EROSION. The wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement of wind, water or ice.

EXCAVATION. The removal of earth material by artificial means, also referred to as a cut.

FILL. Deposition of earth materials by artificial means.

GRADE. The vertical location of the ground surface.

GRADE, EXISTING. The grade prior to grading.

GRADE, FINISHED. The grade of the site at the conclusion of all grading efforts.

GRADING. An excavation or fill or combination thereof.

KEY. A compacted fill placed in a trench excavated in earth material beneath the toe of a slope.

SLOPE. An inclined surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.

TERRACE. A relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope for drainage and maintenance purposes.

SECTION J103—PERMITS REQUIRED

J103.1 Permits required. Except as exempted in Section J103.2, grading shall not be performed without first having obtained a permit therefor from the building official. A grading permit does not include the construction of retaining walls or other structures.

J103.2 Exemptions. A grading permit shall not be required for the following:
1. Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided that the public is not endangered and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties.
2. Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code.
3. Cemetery graves.
4. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
5. Excavations for wells, or trenches for utilities.
APPENDIX J-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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APPENDIX J—GRADING
1. Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing or stock-piling rock, sand, gravel, aggregate or clay controlled by other regulations, provided that such operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly increase stresses in, soil on adjoining properties.
2. Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered design professional.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this appendix shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

SECTION J104—PERMIT APPLICATION AND SUBMITTALS

J104.1 Submittal requirements. In addition to the provisions of Section 105.3 and 1.8.4, as applicable, the applicant shall state the estimated quantities of excavation and fill.

J104.2 Site plan requirements. In addition to the provisions of Section 107, a grading plan shall show the existing grade and finished grade in contour intervals of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work and show in detail that it complies with the requirements of this code. The plans shall show the existing grade on adjoining properties in sufficient detail to identify how grade changes will conform to the requirements of this code.
CBC § 2.3 High relevance — show source text
**_ Refer to the Special Occupancy Parks Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.3, commencing with Section 18860 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 2.2, commencing with Section 2000 for special occupancy park administra- tive and enforcement authority, permits, fees, viola- tions, inspections, and penalties both within and outside of special occupancy parks. Exception: Special occupancy parks where the Department of Housing and Community Develop- ment is the enforcing agency. 1.8.3.2.4 Employee Housing Act. Refer to the Employee Housing Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1, commencing with Section 17000 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, commencing with Section 600 for employee housing administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections, and penalties. 1.8.3.2.5 Factory-Built Housing Law. Refer to the Factory-Built Housing Law, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 6, commencing with Section 19960 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1, commencing with Section 3000 for factory-built housing administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections, and penalties. 1.8.4 Permits, Fees, Applications, and Inspections. 1.8.4.1 Permits. A written construction permit shall be obtained from the enforcing agency prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, installation, relocation, or alteration of any mechanical system. Exceptions: (1) Work exempt from permits as specified in Chapter 1, Scope and Administration, Division II, Section 104.2 Items (1) through (5) of this code. (2) Changes, alterations, or repairs of a minor nature not affecting structural features, egress, sanitation, safety, or accessibility as determined by the enforcing agency.

(3) Retroactive permits issued in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.12.

Exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of other provisions of law or this code. 1.8.4.2 Fees. Subject to other provisions of law, the governing body of any city, county, or city and county may prescribe fees to defray the cost of enforcement of rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The amount of the fees shall not exceed the amount reasonably neces- sary to administer or process permits, certificates, forms, or other documents, or to defray the costs of enforcement. For additional information, see State Housing Law, Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1.5, Section 17951 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Divi- sion 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, Article 3, commencing with Section 6.

_**1.8.4.3 Plan Review and Time Limitations.
CBC § 1901.7.1 High relevance — show source text
1901.7.1 Cast-in-place concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for cast-in-place concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI 117.

Exceptions:
1. Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.
2. Shotcrete is not required to comply with this section.
1901.7.2 Precast concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for precast concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI ITG-7.

Exception: Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.

SECTION 1902—COORDINATION OF TERMINOLOGY

1902.1 General. Coordination of terminology used in ACI 318 and ASCE 7 shall be in accordance with Section 1902.1.1.

1902.1.1 Design displacement. Design displacement shall be the Design Earthquake Displacement, δ DE, defined in ASCE 7 Section 12.8.6.3. For diaphragms that can be idealized as rigid in accordance with ASCE 7 Section 12.3.1.2, δ di, displacement due to diaphragm deformation corresponding to the design earthquake, is permitted to be taken as zero.

SECTION 1903—SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTS AND MATERIALS

1903.1 General. Materials used to produce concrete, concrete itself and testing thereof shall comply with the applicable standards listed in ACI 318.

Exception: The following standards as referenced in Chapter 35 shall be permitted to be used.

1. ASTM C150

2. ASTM C595

3. ASTM C1157

1903.2 Glass fiber-reinforced concrete. Glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) and the materials used in such concrete shall be in accordance with the PCI 128.

1903.3 Flat wall insulating concrete form (ICF) systems. Insulating concrete form material used for forming flat concrete walls shall conform to ASTM E2634. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not Permitted by OSHPD.

1903.4 Steel fiber reinforcement - [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 19-5

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

�

CONCRETE

1903.5 Welding of reinforcing bars - [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Modify ACI 318 Section 26.6.4.1(b) by adding the following:

Frequently asked questions

Do exempt items still need to comply with structural, fire, or accessibility rules?

Yes. §105.2 states exemptions do not authorize work done in violation of this code or other laws — exempt work must still comply with all applicable code provisions and local ordinances .

If my shed is 121 sq ft, is a permit required?

Yes. The CBC exemption for one‑story detached accessory structures applies only when the floor area does not exceed 120 sq ft. Exceeding that threshold removes the exemption and a permit is required under §105.1/§105.2 .

Are portable heaters always exempt from permits?

The CBC lists “portable heating appliance” among gas/mechanical exemptions, but fixed fuel‑burning appliances or changes that alter equipment approval or create unsafe conditions are not exempt and may require permits; check the specific listing in §105.2 for the trade and consult the enforcing agency .

Can the local building official require a permit for work listed as exempt?

Yes. Specialty chapters, local amendments, or conditions set by the code official can change permit requirements; always verify with the local enforcing agency before assuming an exemption applies .

Does an exempt prefabricated pool still require an electrical permit for its filter or pump?

Possibly. The pool itself may be exempt if it meets the depth and capacity limits, but associated electrical or mechanical installations can fall outside the exemptions (or exceed trade thresholds) and may require their own permits under the electrical or mechanical rules referenced in §105.2 file.

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