CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Permits, construction documents, fees and inspections
This CEBC hub explains permit requirements, construction‑document and plan‑retention rules, fee limits, routine and special inspections, and the key sections to consult.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This part of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) governs when a written construction permit is required, what construction documents and plan-retention rules apply, how fees are set, and the inspection regime (including required and special inspections). The CEBC establishes the baseline—for example, §1.8.4.1 requires a written permit before erection, reconstruction, relocation or alteration of a building or structure .
Key administrative chapters and rules live in Division II—Part 2: Permits (Chapter 105), Construction Documents (Chapter 106), Fees (Chapter 108) and Inspections (Chapter 109). The CEBC also incorporates special‑inspection requirements (see §1704) and plan‑retention rules such as §1.8.4.3.1, so both routine inspections (footing, slab, frame, etc.) and specialized testing are covered . Practical cross‑references to State Housing Law and Health & Safety Code (e.g., fee and retroactive‑permit provisions) are included in the CEBC text and should be checked when local practice or exemptions are at issue .
The rules matter because they define the permit pathway, the documentary record the enforcing agency will use and retain, the limits on fee collection, and the inspections that protect life‑safety and structural performance (including special inspections and inspection hold points such as weather‑exposed balcony waterproofing and concealed fire‑resistance penetrations) .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 1.8.4 High relevance — show source text
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, reconstruction, 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 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 the 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.
1.8.4.3 Plan review and time limitations. Subject to other provisions of law, provisions related to plan checking, prohibition of excessive delays and contracting with or employment of private parties to perform plan checking are set forth in the State Housing Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17960.1, and for employee housing, in Health and Safety Code Section 17021.
1.8.4.3.1 Retention of plans. The building department of every city, county, or city and county shall maintain an official copy, microfilm, electronic or other type of photographic copy of the plans of every building, during the life of the building, for which the department issued a building permit.
Exceptions:
1. Single or multiple dwellings not more than two stories and basement in height. 2. Garages and other structures appurtenant to buildings listed in Exception 1. 3. Farm or ranch buildings appurtenant to buildings listed in Exception 1. 4. Any one-story building where the span between bearing walls does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm), except a steel frame or concrete building.
All plans for common interest developments as defined in Section 4100 of the California Civil Code shall be retained. For additional information regarding plan retention and reproduction of plans by an enforcing agency, see Health and Safety Code Sections 19850 through 19852.
CEBC § 108.4 High relevance — show source text
[A] 108.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee established by the code official that shall be in addition to the required permit fees.
[A] 108.5 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition of work done in connection to or concurrently with the work authorized by a permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law.
[A] 108.6 Refunds. The code official is authorized to establish a refund policy.
SECTION 109—INSPECTIONS
[A] 109.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the code official, and such construction or work shall remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes until approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes. Neither the code official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
[A] 109.2 Preliminary inspection. Before issuing a permit, the code official is authorized to examine or cause to be examined buildings and sites for which an application has been filed.
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ADMINISTRATION
[A] 109.3 Required inspections. The code official, on notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections 109.3.1 through 109.3.11.
[A] 109.3.1 Footing or foundation inspection. Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. Materials for the foundation shall be on the job, except where concrete is ready-mixed in accordance with ASTM C94, the concrete need not be on the job.
[A] 109.3.2 Concrete slab or under-floor inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are in place but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor.
[A] 109.3.3 Lowest floor elevation. For additions and substantial improvements to existing buildings in flood hazard areas, on placement of the lowest floor, including basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation documentation required in the California Building Code, or the California Residential Code, as applicable, shall be submitted to the code official.
[A] 109.3.4 Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved.
CEBC § 1.8.3.2.5 High relevance — show source text
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.
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 the 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.
1.8.4.3 Plan review and time limitations. Subject to other provisions of law, provisions related to plan checking, prohibition of exces- sive delays and contracting with or employment of private parties to perform plan checking are set forth in the State Housing Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17960.1, and for employee housing, in Health and Safety Code Section 17021.
1.8.4.3.1 Retention of plans. The building department of every city, county, or city and county shall maintain an official copy, micro- film, electronic or other type of photographic copy of the plans of every building, during the life of the building, for which the department issued a building permit.
Exceptions:
1. Single or multiple dwellings not more than two stories and basement in height. 2. Garages and other structures appurtenant to buildings listed in Exception 1. 3. Farm or ranch buildings appurtenant to buildings listed in Exception 1. 4. Any one-story building where the span between bearing walls does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm), except a steel frame or concrete building.
All plans for common interest developments as defined in Section 4100 of the California Civil Code shall be retained. For additional information regarding plan retention and reproduction of plans by an enforcing agency, see Health and Safety Code Sections 19850 through 19852.
CEBC § 109.4 High relevance — show source text
[A] 109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee established by the building official that shall be in addition to the required permit fees.
[A] 109.5 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition for work done in connection to or concurrently with the work authorized by a building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law.
[A] 109.6 Refunds. The building official is authorized to establish a refund policy.
SECTION 110—INSPECTIONS
[A] 110.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes until approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. It shall be the duty of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to cause the work to remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes. Neither the building official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
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ADMINISTRATION
[A] 110.2 Preliminary inspection. Before issuing a permit, the building official is authorized to examine or cause to be examined buildings, structures and sites for which an application has been filed.
[A] 110.3 Required inspections. The building official, upon notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.12.
[A] 110.3.1 Footing and foundation inspection. Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. Materials for the foundation shall be on the job, except where concrete is ready mixed in accordance with ASTM C94, the concrete need not be on the job.
[A] 110.3.2 Concrete slab and under-floor inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are in place, but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor.
[A] 110.3.3 Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation certification required in Section 1612.4 or the California Residential Code, as applicable, shall be submitted to the building official.
[A] 110.3.4 Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing, fire-blocking and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved.
CEBC § 1-22 High 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
CEBC § 1-12 High 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
CEBC § 1308.6.1 High relevance — show source text
OVER PRESSURE PROTECTION
Fuel gas piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1308.6.1, 1310.6.1
OVERHEAD HEATERS
In garages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 925.5
– P –
PENALTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106.2, 106.3
PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
LIMIT (PEL)
Definition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218.0
PERMITS
Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.3, 104.3,
302.3.1, 1402.0
Construction documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.3.1
Exempt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.2
Expiration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.4.3
Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.5, Table 104.5
For alteration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.1
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105.0
Investigation fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.5.2
Issuance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.4
Mechanical systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.0
Retention of plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.4.6
Suspension or revocation of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.4.5
To operate boiler or
pressure vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1013.2
Validity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.4.2
Work without . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.5.1
PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.0, 105.0,
302.3.1, 302.3.6
CEBC § 1.8.3.2.3 Medium 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 penalties 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 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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ADMINISTRATION
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, reconstruction, 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 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 the 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.
CEBC § 1.8.3.2.2 Medium 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.
CEBC § 1.8.3.2.5 Medium relevance — show source text
Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, com- mencing 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, com- mencing 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 plumbing system.
Exceptions:
1. Work exempt from permits as specified in Chapter 1, Administration, Division II, Section 104.2 items (1)-(2) 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 enforc- ing 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 gov- erning 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 Hous- ing 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, com- mencing with Section 6.
1.8.4.3 Plan Review and Time Limitations. Subject to other provisions of law, provisions related to plan check- ing, prohibition of excessive delays, and contracting with or employment of private parties to perform plan check- ing are set forth in the State Housing Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17960.1, and for employee housing, in Health and Safety Code Section 17021.
1.8.4.3.1 Retention of Plans. The building depart- ment of every city, county, or city and county shall maintain an official copy, microfilm, or electronic or other type of photographic copy of the plans of every building, during the life of the building, for which the department issued a building permit.
2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 9
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
CEBC § 2.3 Medium 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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need a permit for work on an existing building?
Generally yes: §1.8.4.1 requires a written construction permit before erection, reconstruction, installation, moving or alteration of a building or structure, but enumerated exceptions (minor repairs, work expressly exempted in Chapter 1, and retroactive permits under Health & Safety Code §17958.12) are included in the code .
What inspections will the enforcing agency require?
The code requires a series of inspections (see §109 and its subsections) — typical hold points include footing/foundation, concrete slab/under‑floor, framing, concealed lath/gypsum, and final inspections; the enforcing agency may also require other inspections as necessary . Special inspections required by §1704 (for specified materials or complex work) are in addition to those listed in §109 .
How are permit fees determined and limited?
Fees are prescribed by the local governing body but “shall not exceed the amount reasonably necessary” to administer and enforce the code; see §1.8.4.2 and related fee/valuation and investigation provisions (and local fee schedules) for specifics .
More in California Existing Building Code
- Administration and Definitions (Scope, enforcement, code official duties, definitions)
- Provisions for All Compliance Methods (general requirements that apply to all compliance options; Chapter 3 / 3A)
- Seismic retrofit and evaluation (Appendix A and seismic provisions/sections for evaluation and retrofit)
- Referenced Standards and Appendices (Chapter 16 and Appendices A–E, Resource A)
- Repairs (Chapter 4 — repair-specific rules for materials, means of egress, structural, MEP, etc.)
- Alterations — Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 (technical requirements for each alteration level; Chapters 7–9)
- Change of Occupancy and Additions (requirements for occupancy changes and additions; Chapters 10–11)
- Compliance Methods — Prescriptive, Work Area, Performance (Chapters 5, 6–11, 13)
- Relocated Buildings (requirements for buildings moved or relocated; Chapter 14)
- Construction Safeguards (site safety, means of egress and life-safety during construction; Chapter 15)
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