CMC · California Mechanical Code
Permits, Plans & Fees
This hub explains when mechanical permits are required, what plans and plan-review fees apply, and how fees and inspections are administered under the CMC.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This section of the California Mechanical Code (CMC) sets out when mechanical permits are required, what construction documents and plans must be submitted for review, and how plan-review and permit fees are assessed and collected. The CMC makes clear that a written construction permit is required before installing, altering, relocating, or repairing mechanical systems (see §1.8.4.1) and describes limited exceptions to that requirement.
It also establishes requirements for construction documents, who must prepare them, and the process and timing for plan review (see §104.3.1 and §104.3.2), including plan-review fees that are separate from permit fees. The code gives the Authority Having Jurisdiction discretion to require registered design professionals for certain submittals and explains time limits and retention of approved plans.
Finally, the CMC consolidates the permit-fee framework (including permit valuation, investigation fees, and the referenced Table 104.5 for typical fee calculations) and ties inspections, permit issuance, expiration, suspension/revocation, and penalties into the same administrative chapter (see §§104.4–104.5, Table 104.5, and 105.0). Local jurisdictions adopt specific fee schedules within that framework.
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Mechanical Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CMC § 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.
CMC § 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.
CMC § 1.11.0. High relevance — show source text
SS/CC**|1|1R|2|3|4|5|6|6|6|6|6|6|6|6|6| |Adopting Agency
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amended (amended sections
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amended (amended sections
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Chapter/Section||||||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopting Agency
Adopt Entire Chapter
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amended (amended sections
listed below)
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Chapter/Section||||||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopting Agency
Adopt Entire Chapter
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amended (amended sections
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Adopt only those sections
that are listed below
Chapter/Section|||||||||||||||||||||||||This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: † The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.0.
2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 333
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334 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
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CHAPTER 14
PROCESS PIPING
1401.0 General.
1401.1 Applicability. Except as otherwise addressed in this code, this chapter shall govern the installation of process piping in or in conjunction with a building or structure located upon the premises.
1402.0 Permit.
1402.1 General. It shall be unlawful to install, alter, or repair or cause to be installed, altered, or repaired process material piping without first obtaining a permit.
Permits for process piping shall show the total number of outlets to be provided for on each system and such other information as required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Fees for process piping permits are included in Table 104.5.
1403.0 Plans Required.
1403.1 General. Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams, and other data shall be submitted in one or more sets with each application for a permit. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require plans, computations, and specifications to be prepared and designed by a registered design professional.
Where plans or other data are submitted for review, a plan review fee shall be paid, as provided in Section 104.3.2.
1404.0 Workmanship.
1404.1 General. Process piping shall not be strained or bent, nor shall tanks, vessels, vats, appliances, or cabinets be supported by or develop strain or stress on the piping.
CMC § 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.
CMC § 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
CMC § 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.
CMC § 104.1 High relevance — show source text
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
PHARMACIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505.12, 505.12.1
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUND EXHAUST
DISCHARGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507.7
PILOT
Boilers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1006.1, 1007.1, C 106.0, C 107.0
Continuous, definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205.0
Definition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218.0
Intermittent, definition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211.0
Interrupted, definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211.0
PIPE INSULATION REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . 1217.10.1
PIPING
Fuel gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1308.0, 1310.0
Hangers, supports and anchors . . . . . . . 313.0, 1105.2,
1109.6, 1210.3,
CMC § 1.8.3.2 High relevance — show source text
For additional requirements regarding additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings and appurtenant structures, see the Cali- fornia Existing Building Code.
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 stat- ute 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 erec- tion, 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 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
CMC § 1-24 Medium relevance — show source text
102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Part 2—Administration and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
104 Duties and Powers of Building Official. . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
106 Floor and Roof Design Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
107 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
108 Temporary Structures, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
109 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
110 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
111 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
113 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . .3-1
301 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
302 Occupancy Classification and Use Designation . . . . 3-3
CMC § 1-4 Medium relevance — show source text
1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.12 Board of Forestry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
101 Scope and General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
104 Duties and Powers of the Code Official . . . . . . . . . 1-17
105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . 1-21
108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
109 Inspection and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
110 Certificate of Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
112 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
113 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
CHAPTER 3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS . . . . 3-3
CMC § 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I always need a permit for mechanical work?
Generally yes — a written construction permit is required before erection, installation, alteration, relocation, or repair of mechanical systems per §1.8.4.1, although the code lists narrow exemptions (for example, certain minor repairs) and refers to the local enforcement agency’s rules for specific determinations.
What plans and documents must I submit for plan review?
When plans are required, the CMC requires construction documents, calculations and other supporting data to be submitted (see §104.3.1). The Authority Having Jurisdiction may require work to be designed by a registered design professional and will collect a plan-review fee at submittal as specified in §104.3.2.
How are fees determined and where do I find the amounts?
The code establishes the fee framework (permit fees, plan-review fees, investigation fees, etc.) and references Table 104.5 for common fee items; however, actual dollar amounts and schedules are adopted by each jurisdiction under §104.5 and related provisions. Check your local building department for the adopted fee schedule.
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