CMC · California Mechanical Code
Authority & Responsibilities
This section explains the AHJ’s duties, permit and inspection procedures, and enforcement powers under the California Mechanical Code.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This part of the California Mechanical Code (CMC) defines who enforces the code, what powers they have, and the responsibilities that follow — in short, how the rules become requirements on real projects. The CMC vests authority in the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), including the power to interpret the code, appoint inspectors, and carry out enforcement actions (§103.1) .
It also covers the administrative procedures the AHJ uses to regulate mechanical work: permit requirements and plan submittals (§104.1) ; required inspections and testing (§105.1) ; and enforcement tools such as notices of correction, stop orders, utility disconnection in emergencies, condemnation, and penalties (§106.2–§106.6) . Appeals are handled by a Board of Appeals with limited authority to review technical determinations (§107.1) . Together these provisions set the AHJ’s duties, limits, and remedies on compliance and safety.
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Mechanical Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CMC § 803.2 Medium relevance — show source text
(1) Visual inspection of the equipment and installation.
(2) Review of the certification requirements.
(3) Functional tests of the systems and controls.
E 803.2 Construction Documents. Details of commissioning acceptance requirements shall be incorporated into the construction documents, including information that describes the details of the functional tests to be performed. This information shall be permitted to be integrated into the specifications for testing and air balancing, energy management and control system, equipment startup procedures or commissioning. It is possible that the work will be performed by a combination of the test and balance (TAB) contractor,
480 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
APPENDIX E
mechanical/electrical contractor, and the energy management control system (EMCS) contractor, so applicable roles and responsibilities shall be clearly called out.
E 803.2.1 Roles and Responsibilities. The roles and responsibilities of the persons involved in commissioning acceptance are included in Section E 803.2.1.1 through Section E 803.2.1.3.
E 803.2.1.1 Field Technician. The field technician shall be responsible for performing and documenting the results of the acceptance procedures on the certificate of acceptance forms. The field technician shall sign the certificate of acceptance to certify that the information he provides on the certificate of acceptance is true and correct.
E 803.2.1.2 Responsible Person. The responsible person shall be the contractor or registered design professional of record. A certificate of acceptance shall be signed by a responsible person to take responsibility for the scope of work specified by the certificate of acceptance document. The responsible person shall perform the field testing and verification work, and where this is the case, the responsible person shall complete and sign both the field technician’s signature block and the responsible person’s signature block on the certificate of acceptance form. The responsible person assumes responsibility for the acceptance testing work performed by the field technician agent or employee. E 803.2.1.3 Certificate of Acceptance. The certificate of acceptance shall be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction in order to receive the final certificate of occupancy. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall not release a final certificate of occupancy unless the submitted certificate of acceptance demonstrates that the specified systems and equipment have been shown to be performing in accordance with the applicable acceptance requirements. The Authority Having Jurisdiction has the authority to require the field technician and responsible person to demonstrate competence, to its satisfaction. Certificate of acceptance forms are located in Section E 806.0.
E 804.0 Commissioning Tests. E 804.1 General. Functional tests shall be performed on new equipment and systems installed in either new construction or retrofit applications in accordance with this section. The appropriate certificate of acceptance form along with each specific test shall be completed and submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction before a final occupancy permit can be granted.
E 804.2 Tests. Functional testing shall be performed on the devices and systems listed in this section. The functional test results are documented using the applicable certificate of acceptance forms shown in parenthesis and located in Section E 806.0. The functional tests shall be performed in accordance with Section E 805.0 using the following forms:
(1) Minimum ventilation controls for constant and variable air volume systems (Form MECH-2A).
CMC § 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.
CMC § 102.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
** Commercial HVAC systems both existing and new, and parts thereof shall be inspected and maintained in operating condition in accordance with ASHRAE/ACCA 180. The owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for maintenance of mechanical systems and equipment. To determine compliance with this subsection, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to cause a HVAC system to be reinspected. 102.3.2 Residential HVAC Systems. Residential HVAC systems both existing and new, and parts thereof shall be inspected in accordance with ACCA 4 QM. The owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for maintenance of mechanical systems and equipment. To determine compliance with this subsection, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to cause a HVAC system to be reinspected.
102.4 Additions, Alterations, Renovations, or Repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to that required for a new system without requiring the existing mechanical system to be in accordance with the requirements of this code. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall not cause an existing system to become unsafe, insanitary or overloaded.
Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs to existing mechanical system installations shall comply with the provisions for new construction, unless such deviations are found to be necessary and are first approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. 102.5 Health and Safety. Where compliance with the provisions of this code fails to eliminate or alleviate a nuisance, or other dangerous or insanitary condition that involves health or safety hazards, the owner or the owner’s agent shall install such additional mechanical system facilities or shall make such repairs or alterations as ordered by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. 102.6 Changes in Building Occupancy. Mechanical systems that are a part of a building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy, as defined in the building code, shall be in accordance with the requirements of this code that are applicable to the new use or occupancy. 102.7 Moved Structures. Parts of the mechanical system of a building and part thereof that is moved from one foundation to another, or from one location to another, shall be in accordance with the provisions of this code for new installations and completely tested as prescribed elsewhere in this section for new work, except that walls or floors need not be removed during such test where equivalent means of inspection acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction are provided. 102.8 Appendices. The provisions in the appendices are intended to supplement the requirements of this code and shall not be considered part of this code unless formally adopted as such.
2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 21
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
103.0 Duties and Powers of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
103.1 General. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be the Authority duly appointed to enforce this code. For such purposes, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the power to render interpretations of this code and to adopt and enforce rules and regulations supplemental to this code as deemed necessary in order to clarify the application of the provisions of this code. Such interpretations, rules, and regulations shall comply with the intent and purpose of this code.
CMC § 105.0 Medium relevance — show source text
(2) Refunding of not more than a percentage, as determined by this jurisdiction where no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall not authorize refunding of a fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee not to exceed 180 days after the date of fee payment.
105.0 Inspections and Testing. 105.1 General. Mechanical systems for which a permit is required by this code shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
No mechanical system or portion thereof shall be covered, concealed, or put into use until inspected and approved as prescribed in this code. Neither the Authority Having Jurisdiction nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of material required to permit inspection. Mechanical systems regulated by this code shall not be connected to the energy fuel supply lines until authorized by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
105.2 Required Inspections. New mechanical system work and such portions of existing systems as affected by new work, or changes, shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the requirements of this code and to ensure that the installation and construction of the mechanical system are in accordance with approved plans. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall make the following inspections and other such inspections as necessary. The permittee or the permittee’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections as follows:
(1) Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before backfill is put in place.
(2) Rough-in inspection shall be made prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
(3) Final inspection shall be made upon completion of the installation.
105.2.1 Uncovering. Where a mechanical system, or part thereof, which is installed, altered, or repaired, is covered or concealed before being inspected, tested, and approved as prescribed in this code, it shall be uncovered for inspection after notice to uncover the work has been issued to the responsible person by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The requirements of this section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of mechanical systems installed to replace existing equipment serving
24 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
an occupied portion of the building in the event a request for inspection of such equipment has been filed with the Authority Having Jurisdiction not more than 72 hours after such replacement work is completed, and before a portion of such mechanical system is concealed by a permanent portion of the building. 105.2.2 Other Inspections. In addition to the inspections required by this code, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require other inspections to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws that are enforced by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
105.2.3 Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction that such work is ready for inspection. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require that a request for inspection be filed not less than 1 working day before such inspection is desired. Such request shall be permitted to be made in writing or by telephone, at the option of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
It shall be the duty of the person requesting inspections in accordance with this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.
CMC § 103.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
The issuance of a permit upon construction documents shall not prevent the Authority Having Jurisdiction from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said construction documents or from preventing construction operations being carried on thereunder where in violation of this code or of other pertinent ordinance or from revoking a certificate of approval where issued in error.
103.3.1 Licensing. Provision for licensing shall be determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. 103.4 Right of Entry. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or where the Authority Having Jurisdiction has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a building or upon a premises a condition or violation of this code that makes the building or premises
unsafe, insanitary, dangerous, or hazardous, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to enter the building or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed upon the Authority Having Jurisdiction by this code, provided that where such building or premises is occupied, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall present credentials to the occupant and request entry. Where such building or premises is unoccupied, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. Where entry is refused, the Authority Having Jurisdiction has recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
Where the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have first obtained an inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner, occupant, or person having charge, care or control of a building or premises shall fail or neglect, after a request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry herein by the Authority Having Jurisdiction for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this code.
104.0 Permits.
104.1 Permits Required. It shall be unlawful for a person, firm, or corporation to make an installation, alteration, repair, replacement, or remodel a mechanical system regulated by this code except as permitted in Section 104.2, or to cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate mechanical permit for each separate building or structure.
104.2 Exempt Work. A permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) A portable heating appliance, portable ventilating equipment, a portable cooling unit, or a portable evaporative cooler.
(2) A closed system of steam, hot, or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
(3) Replacement of a component part that does not alter its original approval and is in accordance with other applicable requirements of this code.
(4) Refrigerating equipment that is part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of this code.
(5) A unit refrigerating system.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in violation of the provisions of the code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
104.3 Application for Permit. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application therefore in writing on a form furnished by the Authority Having Jurisdiction for that purpose. Such application shall:
(1) Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made.
22 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
CMC § 106.2 Medium relevance — show source text
106.2 Notices of Correction or Violation. Notices of correction or violation shall be written by the Authority Having Jurisdiction and shall be permitted to be posted at the site of the work or mailed or delivered to the permittee or their authorized representative.
2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 25
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
Refusal, failure, or neglect to comply with such notice or order within 10 days of receipt thereof, shall be considered a violation of this code and shall be subject to the penalties set forth by the governing laws of the jurisdiction.
106.3 Penalties. A person, firm, or corporation violating a provision of this code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both set forth by the governing laws of the jurisdiction. Each separate day or a portion thereof, during which a violation of this code occurs or continues, shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense.
106.4 Stop Orders. Where work is being done contrary to the provisions of this code, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to order the work stopped by notice in writing served on persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and such persons shall forthwith stop work until authorized by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to proceed with the work.
106.5 Authority to Disconnect Utilities in Emergen- cies. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to disconnect a mechanical system to a building, structure, or equipment regulated by this code in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property. 106.6 Authority to Condemn. Where the Authority Having Jurisdiction ascertains that a mechanical system or portion thereof, regulated by this code, has become hazardous to life, health, or property, or has become insanitary, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall order in writing that such mechanical system either be removed or placed in a safe or sanitary condition. The order shall fix a reasonable time limit for compliance. No person shall use or maintain a defective mechanical system after receiving such notice.
Where such mechanical system is to be disconnected, written notice shall be given. In cases of immediate danger to life or property, such disconnection shall be permitted to be made immediately without such notice.
107.0 Board of Appeals.
107.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Authority Having Jurisdiction relative to the application and interpretations of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a Board of Appeals consisting of members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to mechanical system design, construction, and maintenance and the public health aspects of mechanical systems and who are not employees of the jurisdiction. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be an ex-officio member and shall act as secretary to said board but shall have no vote upon a matter before the board. The Board of Appeals shall be appointed by the governing body and shall hold office at its pleasure. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
107.2 Limitations of Authority. The Board of Appeals shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this code, nor shall the board be empowered to waive requirements of this code.
CMC § 302.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
302.1.2 Standards. Standards listed or referred to in this chapter or other chapters cover materials that will conform to the requirements of this code, where used in accordance with the limitations imposed in this or other chapters thereof and their listing. Where a standard covers materials of various grades, weights, quality, or configurations, the portion of the listed standard that is applicable shall be used. Design and materials for special conditions or materials not provided for herein shall be permitted to be used by special permission of the Authority Having Jurisdiction after the Authority Having Jurisdiction has been satisfied as to their adequacy. A list of mechanical standards that appear in specific sections of this code is referenced in Table 1801.1. Standards referenced in Table 1801.1 shall be applied as indicated in the applicable referenced section. A list of additional approved standards, publications, practices and guides that are not referenced in specific sections of this code appear in Table 1801.2.
302.1.3 Existing Buildings. In existing buildings or premises in which mechanical installations are to be altered, repaired, or renovated, the Authority Having Jurisdiction has discretionary powers to permit deviation from the provisions of this code, provided that such proposal to deviate is first submitted for proper determination in order that health and safety requirements, as they pertain to mechanical systems, shall be observed.
302.2 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construc- tion Equivalency. Nothing in this code is intended to pre
2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 51
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
vent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this code. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to approve or disapprove the system, method, or device for the intended purpose.
However, the exercise of this discretionary approval by the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have no effect beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of said Authority Having Jurisdiction. An alternate material or method of construction so approved shall not be considered as in accordance with the requirements, intent, or both of this code for a purpose other than that granted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction where the submitted data does not prove equivalency.
302.2.1 Testing. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have authority to require tests, as proof of equivalency.
302.2.1.1 Tests. Tests shall be made in accordance with approved testing standards, by an approved testing agency at the expense of the applicant. In the absence of such standards, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to specify the test procedure.
302.2.1.2 Request by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to require tests to be made or repeated where there is reason to believe that a material or device no longer is in accordance with the requirements on which its approval was based.
302.3 Alternative Engineered Design. An alternative engineered design shall comply with the intent of the provisions of this code and shall provide an equivalent level of quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety. Material, equipment, or components shall be designed and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installa tion instructions.
CMC § 1.8.3.2.5 Medium 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.
CMC § 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.
CMC § 1.8.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1.8.3.1 Duties and powers. The building department of every city, county, or city and county shall enforce all the provisions of law, this code, and the other rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Housing and Community Development pertaining to the installation, erection, construction, reconstruction, movement, enlargement, conversion, alteration, repair, removal, demolition or arrangement of apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels, lodging houses and dwellings, including accessory buildings, facilities and uses thereto.
For additional information regarding the use and occupancy of existing buildings and appurtenant structures, see California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, commencing with Article 1, Section 1.
1.8.3.2 Laws, rules and regulations. Other than the building standards contained in this code, and notwithstanding other provisions of law, the statutory authority and location of the laws, rules and regulations to be enforced by local enforcing agencies are listed by statute in Sections 1.8.3.2.1 through 1.8.3.2.5 below:
1.8.3.2.1 State Housing Law. Refer to the State Housing Law, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1.5, commencing with Section 17910 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, commencing with Section 1, for the erection, construction, reconstruction, movement, enlargement, conversion, alteration, repair, removal, demolition or arrangement of apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels, lodging houses and dwellings, including accessory buildings, facilities and uses thereto.
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 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
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CMC § 102.6 Medium relevance — show source text
102.6 Changes in Building Occupancy. Mechanical systems that are a part of a building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy, as defined in the building code, shall be in accordance with the requirements of this code that are applicable to the new use or occupancy. 102.7 Moved Structures. Parts of the mechanical system of a building and part thereof that is moved from one foundation to another, or from one location to another, shall be in accordance with the provisions of this code for new installations and completely tested as prescribed elsewhere in this section for new work, except that walls or floors need not be removed during such test where equivalent means of inspection acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction are provided. 102.8 Appendices. The provisions in the appendices are intended to supplement the requirements of this code and shall not be considered part of this code unless formally adopted as such.
2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 21
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
103.0 Duties and Powers of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
103.1 General. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be the Authority duly appointed to enforce this code. For such purposes, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the power to render interpretations of this code and to adopt and enforce rules and regulations supplemental to this code as deemed necessary in order to clarify the application of the provisions of this code. Such interpretations, rules, and regulations shall comply with the intent and purpose of this code.
In accordance with the prescribed procedures and with the approval of the appointing authority, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to appoint such number of technical officers, inspectors, and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to deputize such inspectors or employees as necessary to carry out the functions of the code enforcement agency.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to request the assistance and cooperation of other officials of this jurisdiction so far as required in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordi nance.
103.2 Liability. The Authority Having Jurisdiction charged with the enforcement of this code, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the Authority Having Jurisdiction’s duties, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable for damage that accrues to persons or property as a result of an act or by reason of an act or omission in the discharge of such duties. A suit brought against the Authority Having Jurisdiction or employee because of such act or omission performed in the enforcement of provisions of this code shall be defended by legal counsel provided by this jurisdiction until final termination of such proceedings.
103.3 Applications and Permits. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require the submission of plans, specifications, drawings, and such other information in accordance with the Authority Having Jurisdiction, prior to the commencement of, and at a time during the progress of, work regulated by this code.
The issuance of a permit upon construction documents shall not prevent the Authority Having Jurisdiction from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said construction documents or from preventing construction operations being carried on thereunder where in violation of this code or of other pertinent ordinance or from revoking a certificate of approval where issued in error.
CMC § 802.6 Medium relevance — show source text
E 802.6 Post Construction Documentation and Train- ing. A system manual and systems operations training are required.
E 802.6.1 Systems Manual. Documentation of the operational aspects of the HVAC system shall be completed within the systems manual and delivered to the building owner and facilities operator. The systems manual shall include not less than the following:
(1) Site information, including facility description, history, and current requirements.
(2) Site contact information.
(3) Basic O&M, including general site operating procedures, basic troubleshooting, recommended maintenance requirements, and site events log.
(4) Major systems.
(5) Site equipment inventory and maintenance notes.
(6) Equipment/system warranty documentation and information.
(7) “As-Built” design drawings.
(8) Other resources and documentation.
E 802.6.2 Systems Operations Training. The training of the appropriate maintenance staff for each equipment type or system shall include not less than the following:
(1) System/Equipment overview (what it is, what it does, and what other systems or equipment it interfaces with).
(2) Review of the information in the systems manual.
(3) Review of the record drawings on the system/equip ment.
E 802.7 Commissioning Report. A complete report of commissioning process activities undertaken through the design, construction, and post-construction phases of the building project shall be completed and provided to the
owner.
Part II
E 803.0 Commissioning Acceptance.
E 803.1 General. Part II of this appendix provides a means of verifying the commissioning requirements of Section E 802.1. The activities specified in Part II of this appendix includes three aspects, as described as follows:
(1) Visual inspection of the equipment and installation.
(2) Review of the certification requirements.
(3) Functional tests of the systems and controls.
E 803.2 Construction Documents. Details of commissioning acceptance requirements shall be incorporated into the construction documents, including information that describes the details of the functional tests to be performed. This information shall be permitted to be integrated into the specifications for testing and air balancing, energy management and control system, equipment startup procedures or commissioning. It is possible that the work will be performed by a combination of the test and balance (TAB) contractor,
480 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
APPENDIX E
mechanical/electrical contractor, and the energy management control system (EMCS) contractor, so applicable roles and responsibilities shall be clearly called out.
E 803.2.1 Roles and Responsibilities. The roles and responsibilities of the persons involved in commissioning acceptance are included in Section E 803.2.1.1 through Section E 803.2.1.3.
E 803.2.1.1 Field Technician. The field technician shall be responsible for performing and documenting the results of the acceptance procedures on the certificate of acceptance forms. The field technician shall sign the certificate of acceptance to certify that the information he provides on the certificate of acceptance is true and correct.
E 803.2.1.2 Responsible Person. The responsible person shall be the contractor or registered design professional of record. A certificate of acceptance shall be signed by a responsible person to take responsibility for the scope of work specified by the certificate of acceptance document.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the "Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ)?
The AHJ is the local official or agency appointed to enforce the CMC; it may interpret the code, hire or deputize inspectors, and require plans or testing as part of enforcement (§103.1) .
When is a mechanical permit required?
A written mechanical permit is required before erecting, installing, altering, relocating, or repairing mechanical systems except for limited exempt items listed in the code (§104.1) .
What enforcement actions can the AHJ take if work violates the code?
The AHJ can issue notices of correction or violation, impose penalties, issue stop orders, disconnect utilities in emergencies, and order unsafe systems removed or made safe; failure to comply can be a misdemeanor under applicable law (§106.2–§106.6) .
More in California Mechanical Code
Ask about the CMC
Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Mechanical Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.
Start Free Trial