CRC · California Residential Code
When is a certificate of occupancy issued and what does it require?
A certificate of occupancy is the building official’s written approval authorizing use or occupancy of a dwelling or portion thereof after inspection and no outstanding violations. The code (see § R110 and § R110.2) lists the items the certificate must show, allows temporary certificates when portions are safe to occupy, and permits suspension or revocation if issued in error.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
A certificate of occupancy is required before a building or portion of a building may be used or occupied or its occupancy changed. The building official must inspect the building and may only issue the certificate after finding no violations of this code or other laws enforced by the department — see § R110.1 and § R110.2. Exceptions include work exempt from permits under § R105.2 and accessory buildings or structures; a temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued under conditions the building official sets § R110.3.
The single most important rule: A building (or portion) cannot be occupied or have its occupancy changed until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy after inspection and finding no violations. § R110.1.
Requirements in detail
When it must be issued
- Before using or occupying a building or portion thereof, or before making a change of occupancy: § R110.1.
- Final inspections must be completed prior to occupancy; final inspection provisions are in § R109.1.6 (context for timing of issuance).
Who issues it
- The building official (or code official) is the authority to issue, suspend or revoke the certificate. § R110.1, § R110.4.
What must appear on the certificate
The code requires the certificate to contain specific items; the table below organizes the decision‑relevant elements you or the building official will use when confirming readiness for occupancy.
| Decision element / required content | Use / why it matters | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Permit number | Links the certificate to the specific permit and inspections | § R110.2 (Item 1) |
| Address of structure | Identifies the property being certified | § R110.2 (Item 2) |
| Name & address of owner or agent | Legal responsibility and contact | § R110.2 (Item 3) |
| Description of portion certified | Clarifies which parts are approved (whole building vs. portion) | § R110.2 (Item 4) |
| Statement that portion has been inspected for code compliance | Affirms inspections were completed for the described portion | § R110.2 (Item 5) |
| Name of the building official | Identifies the issuing authority | § R110.2 (Item 6) |
| Edition of code used | Records the code version under which the work was permitted | § R110.2 (Item 7) |
| Automatic sprinkler system: provided and whether required | Important life‑safety system status (installed vs. required) | § R110.2 (Item 8) |
| Special stipulations / permit conditions | Any continuing conditions, limitations or requirements | § R110.2 (Item 9) |
Temporary occupancy
- The building official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for a portion of the work before the permit work is fully complete, provided the occupied portion is safe to occupy. The building official must set the time period the temporary certificate is valid. § R110.3.
Revocation / suspension
- The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy if it was issued in error, based on incorrect information, or if the building is later found in violation of the code or local ordinances. § R110.4.
Exceptions & special cases
- No certificate is required for work exempt from permits under § R105.2 (examples: certain minor repairs, limited small structures where the code exempts permits). § R110 (Exceptions).
- Accessory buildings or structures are excepted from the certificate requirement in § R110 (see exception list). § R110 (Exceptions).
- When only part of a building is ready, a partial/temporary certificate may be used rather than waiting for the entire project — but the official decides the safe‑to‑occupy determination and the allowed time period § R110.3.
- The certificate does NOT mean the building official approved any existing code violations; issuance is not an approval of violations. § R110.1.
Common mistakes
- Assuming occupancy is allowed once utilities are connected — utilities can be connected only as authorized, and occupancy still requires the certificate: see § R111.1 and § R110.1.
- Expecting the certificate to cure post‑construction code violations — issuance is conditional on finding no violations; the certificate does not legalize violations § R110.1.
- Believing a temporary CO has a standard time limit — the code gives the building official authority to set the time period; there is no default period stated in § R110.3.
- Omitting required data on the certificate (permit number, description of portion, code edition, sprinkler status, etc.) — these items are explicitly required by § R110.2.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: Permit for a new single‑family dwelling (permit # 24‑A0123). Final inspection is requested and completed; the building official inspects and finds no outstanding violations.
What the building official must do under the code:
- Verify final inspection is complete and that no violations remain (final inspection provisions in § R109.1.6).
- Issue a certificate of occupancy that includes: permit number (24‑A0123), address, owner/agent name, description (entire dwelling), a statement of inspection for compliance, name of building official, code edition used, whether an automatic sprinkler system was provided and whether it was required, and any special stipulations (e.g., landscaping to be completed). These content items are required by § R110.2.
If a homeowner requests occupancy of only the dwelling unit while minor exterior grading remains unfinished, the building official could issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for that portion if the dwelling is safe to occupy and the official prescribes the valid time period. The code does not establish a default time; the official sets it per § R110.3.
Related provisions
- § R110.1 — Use and change of occupancy; requirement that certificate be issued before occupancy.
- § R110.2 — Required contents of the certificate of occupancy.
- § R110.3 — Temporary certificate of occupancy authority and time period.
- § R110.4 — Authority to suspend or revoke a certificate.
- § R109.1.6 — Final inspection must be made after permitted work is complete and prior to occupancy (context for issuance).
- § R111.1–R111.3 — Service utilities connection, temporary connection, and authority to disconnect (related to readiness for occupancy).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 1.6.2 High relevance — show source text
R109.1.6.2 Operation and maintenance manual. At the time of final inspection, a manual, compact disc, web-based reference or other media acceptable to the enforcing agency shall be placed in the building in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Division 4.4.
R109.2 Inspection agencies. The building official is authorized to accept reports of approved agencies, provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
R109.3 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the building official that such work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.
R109.4 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official. The building official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit
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holder wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the building official.
SECTION R110—CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
R110.1 Use and change of occupancy. A building or structure shall not be used or occupied in whole or in part, and a change of occupancy of a building or structure or portion thereof shall not be made, until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
Exceptions:
- Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section R105.2.
- Accessory buildings or structures.
R110.2 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and does not find violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy containing the following:
The permit number.
The address of the structure.
The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code.
The name of the building official.
The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided and whether the sprinkler system is required.
Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
R110.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
California Residential Code High relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
- Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section R105.2.
- Accessory buildings or structures.
R110.2 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and does not find violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy containing the following:
The permit number.
The address of the structure.
The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code.
The name of the building official.
The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided and whether the sprinkler system is required.
Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
R110.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
R110.4 Revocation. The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy issued under the provisions of this code, in writing, wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of the provisions of this code or other ordinance of the jurisdiction.
SECTION R111—SERVICE UTILITIES
R111.1 Connection of service utilities. A person shall not make connections from a utility, a source of energy, fuel or power, or water system or sewer system to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required, until approved by the building official.
R111.2 Temporary connection. The building official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility, source of energy, fuel or power, water system or sewer system for the purpose of testing systems for use under a temporary approval.
R111.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The building official shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system regulated by this code and the referenced codes and standards in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or where such utility connection has been made without the approval required by Section R111.1 or R111.2. The building official shall notify the serving utility and where possible the owner or the owner’s authorized agent and occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to disconnection, the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in writing as soon as practical thereafter.
SECTION R112—MEANS OF APPEALS
R112.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. The board of appeals shall be appointed by the applicable governing authority and shall hold office at its pleasure. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business, and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the building official.
CRC § 109.3.11 High relevance — show source text
[A] 109.3.11 Final inspection. The final inspection shall be made after work required by the building permit is completed.
[A] 109.4 Inspection agencies. The code official is authorized to accept reports of approved inspection agencies, provided that such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
[A] 109.5 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the building permit or their duly authorized agent to notify the code official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for any inspections of such work that are required by this code.
[A] 109.6 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the code official. The code official, on notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder
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wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the code official.
SECTION 110—CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
[A] 110.1 Change of occupancy. A structure shall not be used or occupied in whole or in part, and a change of occupancy of a structure or portion thereof shall not be made until the code official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits in accordance with Section 105.2.
[A] 110.2 Certificate issued. After the code official inspects the structure and does not find violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department, the code official shall issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:
The permit number.
The address of the structure.
The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
The name of the code official.
The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
The use and occupancy in accordance with the provisions of the California Building Code .
The type of construction as defined in the California Building Code .
The design occupant load and any impact the alteration has on the design occupant load of the area not within the scope of the work.
Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, and whether an automatic sprinkler system is required.
Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
CRC § 110.5 High relevance — show source text
[A] 110.5 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the building permit or their duly authorized agent to notify the building official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for inspections of such work that are required by this code.
[A] 110.6 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official. The building official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notify the permit holder or the permit holder’s agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the building official.
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SECTION 111—CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
[A] 111.1 Change of occupancy. A building or structure shall not be used or occupied in whole or in part, and a change of occupancy of a building or structure or portion thereof shall not be made, until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits in accordance with Section 105.2.
[A] 111.2 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and does not find violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:
The permit number.
The address of the structure.
The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code.
The name of the building official.
The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.
The design occupant load.
Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.
Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
[A] 111.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
[A] 111.4 Revocation. The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code, in writing, wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of the provisions of this code or other ordinance of the jurisdiction.
SECTION 112—SERVICE UTILITIES
CRC § 111.2 High relevance — show source text
[A] 111.2 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and does not find violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:
The permit number.
The address of the structure.
The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code.
The name of the building official.
The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.
The design occupant load.
Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.
Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
[A] 111.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
[A] 111.4 Revocation. The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code, in writing, wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of the provisions of this code or other ordinance of the jurisdiction.
SECTION 112—SERVICE UTILITIES
[A] 112.1 Connection of service utilities. A person shall not make connections from a utility, a source of energy, fuel, or power, or a water system or sewer system to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required, until approved by the building official.
[A] 112.2 Temporary connection. The building official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility, the source of energy, fuel, or power, or the water system or sewer system for the purpose of testing systems or for use under a temporary approval.
[A] 112.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The building official shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system regulated by this code and the referenced codes and standards in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or where such utility connection has been made without the approval required by Section 112.1 or 112.2. The building official shall notify the serving utility, and wherever possible the owner or the owner’s authorized agent and occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to disconnecting, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent or occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in writing, as soon as practical thereafter.
SECTION 113—MEANS OF APPEALS
CRC § 105.2. High relevance — show source text
Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits in accordance with Section 105.2.
[A] 110.2 Certificate issued. After the code official inspects the structure and does not find violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department, the code official shall issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:
The permit number.
The address of the structure.
The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
The name of the code official.
The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
The use and occupancy in accordance with the provisions of the California Building Code .
The type of construction as defined in the California Building Code .
The design occupant load and any impact the alteration has on the design occupant load of the area not within the scope of the work.
Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, and whether an automatic sprinkler system is required.
Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
[A] 110.3 Temporary occupancy. The code official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The code official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
[A] 110.4 Revocation. The code official is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code, in writing, wherever the certificate is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of the provisions of this code or other ordinance of the jurisdiction.
SECTION 111—SERVICE UTILITIES
[A] 111.1 Connection of service utilities. A person shall not make connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel, power, water system or sewer system to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required, until approved by the code official.
[A] 111.2 Temporary connection. The code official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility, source of energy, fuel, power, water system or sewer system for the purpose of testing systems or for use under a temporary approval.
[A] 111.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The code official shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system regulated by this code and the referenced codes and standards in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or where such utility connection has been made without the approval required by Section 111.1 or 111.2. The code official shall notify the serving utility and, wherever possible, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent and the occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to disconnecting, the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in writing, as soon as practical thereafter.
SECTION 112—MEANS OF APPEALS
CRC § 109.3.7.2 High relevance — show source text
109.3.7.2 Notice of violation. The code official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.
[A] 109.3.8 Abatement of violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about any premises.
SECTION 110—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
[A] 110.1 General. A building, structure or premises shall not be used or occupied, and a change in the existing use or occupancy classification of a building, structure, premise or portion thereof shall not be made until the code official has issued a certificate of completion therefor as provided herein. The certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the code official has determined that the project is in compliance with this code. The code official shall, upon completion of construction, provide the owner or applicant with a copy of the final inspection report that demonstrates the building was constructed in compliance with all applicable state and local building standards, including those for materials and construction methods for wildfire exposure as described in this code. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the local building official for the proposed building shall be considered to indicate compliance with this code.
[A] 110.2 Certificate of occupancy. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other pertinent laws and ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
Exceptions:
Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section 105.3.
Accessory structures.
[A] 110.3 Temporary occupancy. The code official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The code official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
[A] 110.4 Revocation. The code official is authorized to, in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code wherever the certificate is issued in error, on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure, premise or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.
SECTION 111—SERVICE UTILITIES
[A] 111.1 Connection of service utilities. A person shall not make connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel, power, water system or sewer system to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required until authorized by the code official.
[A] 111.2 Temporary connection. The code official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility, source of energy, fuel, power, water system or sewer system for the purpose of testing systems or for use under a temporary approval.
**[A] 111.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities.
CRC § 109.3.6 High relevance — show source text
[A] 109.3.6 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the code official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.
[A] 109.3.7 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a [ SPECIFY OFFENSE ], punishable
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by a fine of not more than [ AMOUNT ] dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding [ NUMBER OF DAYS ], or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
109.3.7.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish or occupy any building, structure or equipment regulated by this code, or cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.
109.3.7.2 Notice of violation. The code official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.
[A] 109.3.8 Abatement of violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about any premises.
SECTION 110—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
[A] 110.1 General. A building, structure or premises shall not be used or occupied, and a change in the existing use or occupancy classification of a building, structure, premise or portion thereof shall not be made until the code official has issued a certificate of completion therefor as provided herein. The certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the code official has determined that the project is in compliance with this code. The code official shall, upon completion of construction, provide the owner or applicant with a copy of the final inspection report that demonstrates the building was constructed in compliance with all applicable state and local building standards, including those for materials and construction methods for wildfire exposure as described in this code. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the local building official for the proposed building shall be considered to indicate compliance with this code.
CRC § 1001.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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10 CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
User notes:
About this chapter : The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for the circumstances where an existing building is subject to a change of occupancy or a change of occupancy classification. A change of occupancy is not to be confused with a change of occupancy classification. The California Building Code defines different occupancy classifications in Chapter 3 and special occupancy requirements in Chapter 4. Within specific occupancy classifications there can be many different types of actual activities that can take place. For instance, a Group A-3 occupancy classification deals with a wide variation of different types of activities, including bowling alleys and courtrooms, indoor tennis courts and dance halls. When a facility changes use from, for example, a bowling alley to a dance hall, the occupancy classification remains A-3, but the different uses could lead to drastically different code requirements. Therefore, this chapter deals with the special circumstances that are associated with a change in the use of a building within the same occupancy classification as well as a change of occupancy classification.
SECTION 1001—GENERAL
1001.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shalle a change of occupancy occurs, as defined in Section 202.
1001.2 Certificate of occupancy. A change of occupancy or a change of occupancy within a space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9 of th apply where current California Building Code than exists in the current building or space shall not be made to any structure without the approval of the code official. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued where it has been determined that the requirements for the change of occupancy have been met.
1001.2.1 Change of use. Any work undertaken in connection with a change in use shall conform to the applicable requirements for the work as classified in Chapter 6 and to the requirements of Sections 1002 through 1010.
1001.2.2 Change of occupancy classification. Where a building undergoes a change of occupancy classification, the provisions of Sections 1002 through 1011 shall apply.
1001.2.2.1 Partial change of occupancy. Where a portion of an existing building undergoes a change of occupancy classification, Section 1011 shall apply.
1001.3 Certificate of occupancy required. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued where a change of occupancy occurs that results in a different occupancy classification as determined by the California Building Code .
SECTION 1002—SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY
1002.1 Compliance with the building code. Where an existing building or part of an existing building undergoes a change of occupancy to one of the special use or occupancy categories as described in Chapter 4 in the California Building Code, the building shall comply with all of the requirements of Chapter 4 of the California Building Code applicable to the special use or occupancy.
1002.2 Incidental uses. Where a portion of a building undergoes a change of occupancy to one of the incidental uses listed in Table 509.1 of the California Building Code, the incidental use shall comply with Section 509 of the California Building Code applicable to the incidental use.
SECTION 1003—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
1003.1 General. Building elements and materials in portions of buildings undergoing a change of occupancy classification shall comply with Section 1011.
SECTION 1004—FIRE PROTECTION
CRC § 1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception: The building need not be made to comply with Chapter 16 A of the California Building Code unless required by Section 506 A .5.
506 A .1.1 Change in function . A change in function shall require compliance with all the functional requirements for new construc- tion in the California Building Code, including requirements in California Building Code Section 1224. Compliance shall be only as necessary to meet the specific provisions and is not intended to require the entire building be brought into compliance.
Exception: Minimum room clearances, areas and dimensions may meet the requirements of the 2001 California Building Code for existing rooms re-used for a similar purpose, subject to the approval of OSHPD.
506 A .2 Certificate of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued where it has been determined that the requirements for the new occupancy classification have been met.
506 A .3 Stairways. An existing stairway shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 1011 of the California Build- ing Code where the existing space and construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope.
506 A .4 Existing emergency escape and rescue openings. Where a change of occupancy would require an emergency escape and rescue opening in accordance with Section 1031.1 of the California Building Code, operable windows serving as the emergency escape and rescue opening shall comply with the following:
- An existing operable window shall provide a minimum net clear opening of 4 square feet (0.38 m [2] ) with a minimum net clear opening height of 22 inches (559 mm) and a minimum net clear opening width of 20 inches (508 mm).
- A replacement window where such window complies with both of the following: 2.1. The replacement window meets the size requirements in Item 1. 2.2. The replacement window is the manufacturer’s largest standard size window that will fit within the existing frame or existing rough opening. The replacement window shall be permitted to be of the same operating style as the existing window or a style that provides for an equal or greater window opening area than the existing window.
506 A .5 Structural. Any building undergoing a change of occupancy shall satisfy the requirements of this section.
506 A .5.1 Live loads. Structural elements carrying tributary live loads from an area with a change of occupancy shall satisfy the requirements of Section 1607 A of the California Building Code . Design live loads for areas of new occupancy shall be based on Section 1607 A of the California Building Code . Design live loads for other areas shall be permitted to use previously approved design live loads.
Exception: Structural elements whose demand-capacity ratio considering the change of occupancy is not more than 5 percent greater than the demand-capacity ratio based on previously approved live loads need not comply with this section.
506 A .5.2 Snow and wind loads. Where a change of occupancy results in a structure being assigned to a higher risk category, the structure shall satisfy the requirements of Sections 1608 A and 1609 A of the California Building Code for the new risk category.
Exception: Where the area of the new occupancy is less than 10 percent of the building area, compliance with this section is not required. The cumulative effect of occupancy changes over time shall be considered.
CRC § 1.11.5 Medium relevance — show source text
1.11.5 Inspections. Work performed subject to the provisions of this code shall comply with the inspection requirements of Sections R109.1 through R109.1.6.
1.11.5.1 Existing Group I -1 or R occupancies. Licensed 24-hour care in a Group I-1 or R occupancy in existence and originally classi- fied under previously adopted state codes shall be reinspected under the appropriate previous code, provided there is no change in the use or character which would place the facility in a different occupancy group.
1.11.6 Certificate of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued as specified in Section R110.
1.11.7 Temporary structures and uses. See Section R107.
1.11.8 Service utilities. See Section R111.
1.11.9 Stop work order. See Section R114.
1.11.10 Unsafe buildings, structures and equipment. See Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 115.
1.11.11 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Section 1.11 will be identi- fied in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.
SECTION 1.12—RESERVED
SECTION 1.13—RESERVED
SECTION 1.14—RESERVED
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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 1 Division II establishes the limits of applicability of this code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 Division II is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Application (Sections R101–R102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections R103–R114). Section R101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable. Standards and codes are scoped to the extent referenced (see Section R102.4).
The one- and two-family dwelling code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document, and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the building official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Division II is not adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development except where specifically indicated. Note: Specific sections of Chapter 1, Division II adopted by the State Fire Marshal will be indicated in the Matrix Adoption Table.
PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION
SECTION R101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
R101.1 Title. These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One- and Two-family Dwellings of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
CRC § 66323 Medium relevance — show source text
Any questions regarding the application of State ADU Law may be submitted to HCD via the online ADU Portal. Please provide as much detail as possible in the online form. HCD may request additional information, including, but not limited to denials and communications from the local agency.
Local agencies seeking assistance or submitting an ADU ordinance to HCD, must also use the online portal.
For those experiencing technical issues with the ADU Portal, please email: ADUPortal@hcd.ca.gov.
Questions beyond what this Handbook provides are encouraged to contact their local permitting agency (e.g., city or county) or private attorney.
Enforcement of State ADU Law Since 2016, HCD has had statutory authority to review local agencies’ ADU ordinances, and as of January 1, 2024, HCD also has the authority to enforce all State ADU Laws. HCD’s ADU team reviews local ordinances for compliance with State ADU Law and sends
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findings letters and, when necessary, may escalate its enforcement. To ensure consistency, the HAU works closely with other HCD divisions.
The ADU team is committed to supporting the public, local agencies, and partner agencies with understanding and complying with State ADU Law.
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Glossary
66323 Units One of the four delineated types of ADUs (and JADUs) that must be permitted pursuant to Government Code section 66323. Source: Government Code section 66323
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is, or will be, situated.
An ADU also includes the following: (A) An efficiency unit. (B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (a)
Accessory Structure A structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling located on the same lot. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (b)
Applicant The person or party responsible for the submittal of an application seeking a permit.
Application A formal request to perform work, which includes all information as required.
Certificate of Occupancy A document issued by local California Building and Safety departments which certifies that a commercial space or newly constructed residential building has been inspected for compliance with the California Building Standards Code and local ordinances which govern construction and occupancy. Source: 2022 California Residential Code section R110
Common Interest Development Any of the following:
(a) A community apartment project. (b) A condominium project. (c) A planned development. (d) A stock cooperative. Source: Civil Code section 4100
Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) A set of rules governing the use of a certain piece of real estate in each community. “Governing documents” includes declarations, bylaws, operating rules, articles of incorporation, or articles of association, which govern the operation of the common interest
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development or association. Source: Civil Code section 4150
Frequently asked questions
Can I occupy my house as soon as the contractor finishes work?
No. Occupancy or a change of occupancy is not allowed until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy after inspection and finding no violations § R110.1.
What if only part of the building is ready?
The building official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for the safe portion and set the period it's valid § R110.3. There is no code‑specified default time period.
Does the certificate list whether sprinklers are required?
Yes. The certificate must state where an automatic sprinkler system is provided and whether the sprinkler system is required. § R110.2 (Item 8).
What if the certificate contains incorrect information?
The building official may suspend or revoke a certificate issued in error or based on incorrect information § R110.4.
Are accessory buildings required to have a certificate of occupancy?
Accessory buildings or structures are listed as an exception and are not required to have a certificate under the exception to § R110.
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