CRC · California Residential Code
How are violations, stop work orders and appeals processed?
If an inspector finds unsafe or noncompliant work, the building official may issue a written notice of violation or a stop work order requiring immediate cessation and corrective action. You can appeal the official’s decision to a local board of appeals (appeal scope is limited and the board cannot waive code requirements). Appeals (except imminent-danger cases) generally stay enforcement until the hearing; penalties and fines are set by the local jurisdiction, not by the CRC.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The building official is authorized to issue a notice of violation that directs the discontinuance and abatement of illegal work (§ R113.2) and, where work is being done dangerously or contrary to the code, to issue a written stop work order that requires immediate cessation of the cited work (§ R114.1–R114.2) . Any failure to comply can lead to prosecution or penalties as prescribed by law (§ R113.3, § R113.4) and fines for continuing work after a stop work order (§ R114.4) . An appellant may take the building official’s decision to a board of appeals; appeals are limited to interpretation, applicability, or proposals for an equivalent method and the board may not waive code requirements (§ R112.1–R112.2) .
The single most important rule: stop work immediately if you are served a written stop work order; you may appeal, and except for imminent-danger notices the appeal generally stays enforcement until heard by the board of appeals.
Requirements in detail
Who can act and what actions are authorized
- Building official — authorized to serve notice(s) of violation, request legal action if not abated, issue stop work orders, and, in emergencies, stop work without prior written notice (§ R113.2–R113.3; § R114.1–R114.3) .
- Board of appeals — hears appeals of the building official’s orders or interpretations; members must be qualified and not employees of the jurisdiction; the board cannot waive code requirements (§ R112.1–R112.3; § R112.2) .
What a notice or order must do
- Notice of violation — serve on the person responsible and direct discontinuance and abatement of the violation (§ R113.2) .
- Stop work order — must be in writing (except in emergency stops), given to owner/agent or person performing the work, state the reason and conditions to resume, and require immediate cessation of the cited work (§ R114.2–R114.3) .
What happens if the order is ignored
- If the notice is not complied with, the building official may ask legal counsel to institute proceedings to restrain, correct or abate the violation or to require removal or termination of unlawful occupancy (§ R113.3) .
- Continuing work after service of a stop work order (except work required to remove the violation or unsafe condition) may subject the responsible person to fines set by the jurisdiction (§ R114.4) .
- Penalties for code violations are "as prescribed by law" — the CRC does not list dollar amounts (§ R113.4) .
Appeals: scope, timing and effect
- Scope — Appeals must claim that the code was incorrectly interpreted, does not fully apply, or that an equivalent/superior design is proposed; the board cannot waive code provisions (§ R112.2) .
- Filing & procedure — The board must adopt rules of procedure and render decisions in writing to the appellant and the building official (§ R112.1) . Appendix AA (recommended procedures) states an appeal form is filed within 20 days after notice is served (if the appendix is adopted locally) and that appeals (other than Imminent Danger notices) stay enforcement until heard (AA101.2; AA101.2.2) .
- Effect of decision — The building official must implement the board’s decision without delay (§ R112.4) .
Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference table)
| Action / Decision point | Immediate effect | Who is affected | Typical time / threshold | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notice of Violation served | Requires discontinuance and abatement | Owner / person responsible | Time to comply set by the notice (not specified in CRC) | § R113.2 |
| Failure to comply with notice | Building official may seek legal remedies | Owner / responsible person | Notified in notice; then legal action | § R113.3 |
| Stop Work Order (written) | Work must cease immediately; order states reason & resume conditions | Owner / agent / person performing work | Immediate | § R114.2 |
| Emergency stop | Written notice not required beforehand | Owner / agent / person performing work | Immediate (no advance writing required) | § R114.3 |
| Continuing work after stop | Subject to fines (local jurisdiction sets amount) | Responsible person | Ongoing until compliance | § R114.4 |
| Appeal filed to board of appeals | Board hears claim; must be within local deadline (appendix suggests 20 days) | Appellant & building official | 20 days where Appendix AA adopted | § R112.1–R112.2; AA101.2; AA101.2.2 |
| Effect of appeal on enforcement | Appeals (except Imminent Danger) stay enforcement until heard | Appellant / jurisdiction | Until board hearing/decision | AA101.2.2 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Emergency stoppage: Where an emergency exists, the building official may stop work immediately without giving written notice first (§ R114.3) .
- Imminent danger notices: Appeals of notices/orders that involve Imminent Danger typically do not stay enforcement; Appendix AA explicitly excludes Imminent Danger notices from the automatic stay language (appeals other than Imminent Danger stay enforcement) — consult the local adopting ordinance for exact handling (AA101.2.2) .
- No dollar penalties in CRC: The CRC sets the authority to penalize but does not set fine amounts — those come from local ordinance or other state law (§ R113.4; § R114.4) .
- Board authority limits: The board cannot waive code requirements; appeals are limited to interpretation, applicability, or equivalent proposals (§ R112.2) .
Common mistakes
- Assuming a stop work order only applies to contractors — it is served to the owner, owner’s agent, or person performing the work; all must comply (§ R114.2) .
- Failing to file the appeal in the local time period (Appendix AA suggests 20 days to file after service where adopted) — missing the deadline can forfeit the appeal right (check local rules) .
- Continuing non-emergency work after a stop order because “we can fix it later” — continuing work (other than directed corrective work) can trigger fines and prosecution (§ R114.4; § R113.3–R113.4) .
- Believing the appeals board can waive code provisions — it cannot; it may only interpret, determine applicability, or accept an equivalent solution (§ R112.2) .
- Relying on a stay for imminent-danger orders — the CRC/appendix treats imminent danger differently; do not assume a stay applies to those notices (AA101.2.2) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A contractor installs a second-story deck with rails that the inspector finds noncompliant and dangerous. The building official serves a written stop work order to the contractor and owner on June 1 stating work must cease and listing conditions to resume. The building official also issues a notice of violation directing removal/repair.
- Immediate effect: Work must cease the day the stop work order is served (§ R114.2) .
- Appeal window: The contractor files an appeal to the local board of appeals on June 15. If the jurisdiction adopted Appendix AA procedures the contractor likely met the 20-day filing window from service (June 1 → June 21 deadline) and the appeal stays enforcement until the board hears it (except if the notice was characterized as Imminent Danger) (AA101.2; AA101.2.2) .
- If the contractor had continued work on June 3 despite the stop work order, they would be subject to fines set by the jurisdiction and possible prosecution; the building official could also pursue legal action for noncompliance with the original notice (§ R114.4; § R113.3) .
- After the board issues a written decision, the building official must implement it without delay (§ R112.4) .
Note: the CRC does not set fines or criminal penalties in dollar amounts; those are established by local ordinance or other law (§ R113.4; § R114.4) .
Related provisions
- § R112.1 — Means of appeals; board creation and written decisions
- § R112.2 — Limitations on board authority (cannot waive code)
- § R112.4 — Administration: building official must act on board decisions without delay
- § R113.1–R113.4 — Violations: unlawful acts, notice of violation, prosecution, penalties
- § R114.1–R114.4 — Stop work orders: authority, issuance, emergencies, failure to comply
- Appendix AA (AA101.2; AA101.2.2) — Board of Appeals procedures, filing timeframe (20 days where adopted), and stay of enforcement language
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 1-25 High relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 1-25
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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
R112.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training on matters pertaining to the provisions of this code and are not employees of the jurisdiction.
R112.4 Administration. The building official shall take action without delay in accordance with the decision of the board.
SECTION R113—VIOLATIONS
R113.1 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.
R113.2 Notice of violation. The building official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, extension, repair, moving, removal, demolition or occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a detail statement or a plan approved thereunder, 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.
R113.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with in the time prescribed by such notice, the building 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.
R113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.
SECTION R114—STOP WORK ORDER
R114.1 Authority. Where the building official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order.
R114.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.
R114.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the building official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.
R114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.
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CRC § 112.2 High relevance — show source text
[A] 112.2 Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equivalent or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.
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ADMINISTRATION
[A] 112.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training on matters pertaining to the provisions of this code and are not employees of the jurisdiction.
[A] 112.4 Administration. The code official shall take action without delay in accordance with the decision of the board.
SECTION 113—VIOLATIONS
[A] 113.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to repair, alter, extend, add, move, remove, demolish or change the occupancy of any building 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.
[A] 113.2 Notice of violation. The code official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for the repair, alteration, extension, addition, moving, removal, demolition or change in the occupancy of a building in 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] 113.3 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] 113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who repairs or alters or changes the occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.
SECTION 114—STOP WORK ORDER
[A] 114.1 Authority. Where the code official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the code official is authorized to issue a stop work order.
[A] 114.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.
[A] 114.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.
CRC § 113.1 High relevance — show source text
[A] 113.1 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.
[A] 113.2 Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equivalent or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.
[A] 113.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training on matters pertaining to the provisions of this code and who are not employees of the jurisdiction.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 1-33
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ADMINISTRATION
[A] 113.4 Administration. The building official shall take action without delay in accordance with the decision of the board.
SECTION 114—VIOLATIONS
[A] 114.1 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.
[A] 114.2 Notice of violation. The building official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, extension, repair, moving, removal, demolition or occupancy of a building or structure in 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] 114.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the building 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] 114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.
SECTION 115—STOP WORK ORDER
[A] 115.1 Authority. Where the building official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order.
CRC § 1-26 High relevance — show source text
R113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.
SECTION R114—STOP WORK ORDER
R114.1 Authority. Where the building official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order.
R114.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.
R114.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the building official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.
R114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.
1-26 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
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CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire chapter Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)X X X Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowChapter / Section R201.3 X X R201.4 X ACCESS (TO) X _ACCESSORY DWELLING CRC § 112.1 High relevance — show source text
The code official shall notify the serving utility and, where 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 disconnection, the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or the occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in writing as soon as practical thereafter.
SECTION 112—MEANS OF APPEALS
[A] 112.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the code 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 code official.
[A] 112.2 Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equivalent or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.
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ADMINISTRATION
[A] 112.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training on matters pertaining to the provisions of this code and are not employees of the jurisdiction.
[A] 112.4 Administration. The code official shall take action without delay in accordance with the decision of the board.
SECTION 113—STOP WORK ORDER
[A] 113.1 Authority. Where the code official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the code official is authorized to issue a stop work order.
[A] 113.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.
[A] 113.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.
[A] 113.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 1-25
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CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
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 § 1-25 Medium relevance — show source text
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.
R112.2 Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equivalent or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.
2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 1-25
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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
R112.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training on matters pertaining to the provisions of this code and are not employees of the jurisdiction.
R112.4 Administration. The building official shall take action without delay in accordance with the decision of the board.
SECTION R113—VIOLATIONS
R113.1 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.
R113.2 Notice of violation. The building official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, extension, repair, moving, removal, demolition or occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a detail statement or a plan approved thereunder, 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.
CRC § 1-33 Medium relevance — show source text
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
303 Assembly Group A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
304 Business Group B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
305 Educational Group E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
306 Factory Group F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
307 High-Hazard Group H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
308 Institutional Group I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
309 Mercantile Group M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
310 Residential Group R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
311 Storage Group S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
312 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
313 Laboratories Group L [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
CRC § 1-18 Medium relevance — show source text
R104 Duties and Powers of the Building Official . . . . . . . 1-18
R105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
R106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
R107 Temporary Structures and Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
R108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
R109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
R110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
R111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
R112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
R113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
R114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Part II—Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
R201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
R202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Part III—Building Planning and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
CHAPTER 3 BUILDING PLANNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
R300 Site Drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
R301 Design Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
R302 Fire-Resistant Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
CRC § 5.1 Medium relevance — show source text
General 1.1 Dept. of Housing and Community Development 1.8 Office of the State Fire Marshal 1.11 Administration, Division II Chapter 1 Applicability R102 Certificate of occupancy R110 Construction documents R106 Department of building safety R103 Duties and Powers R104
Fees R106
Inspections R109 Means of appeals R112 Permits R105, R105.5.1 Purpose R101.3 Service utilities R111 Stop work order R114 Temporary structures and uses R107 Violations R113 Aging-in-place Design and Fall Prevention R327
Doorbell buttons R327.1.4 Electrical receptacle outlet, switch and control heights R327.1.2 Interior doors R327.1.3 Reinforcement for grab bars R327.1.1 Allowable Spans Of floor joists R502.3, R505.3.2 Of headers R602.7, R603.6 Of rafters and ceiling joists R802.4, R802.5, R804.3.1, R804.3.2 Alternate Materials (see Materials) R104.11 Alterations (see Existing Buildings) Anchor Bolts R403.1.6
Appeal Board of 1.8.8, Appendix AA Means of 1.8.8, R112 Appliance Flue area R1003.14
Seismic constraint R301.2.2.10
Area Flue (appliances) R1003.14 Flue masonry R1003.15 Mezzanines R314.3
Room, minimum R312 Sleeping lofts R315.1, R315.2, R315.4 Area Wells R319.4
INDEX
Attic
Access R807
Habitable R316 Height R313.1.2 Ventilation R806 Automatic Sprinkler Systems R101.2, R309 Automotive Lifts R317.7
Backfill
Placement R404.1.7, R404.2.3, R404.2.4, R406.3.3, R406.3.4
Basements
Alterations R319.7 Ceiling height R313 Egress R318.4 Emergency escape and rescue openings R319.6 Bathroom R313.1, R326, R327 Exhaust fan R325.2.1
Bathtub R326.1, R327 Enclosure R324.3.1, R324.4.5, R325.2 Finish R327.2 Space required R327.1 Board of Appeals (see Means of Appeal) Building Official Duties and powers R104 Built-Up Roofing (see Roofing)
Carbon Monoxide Alarms R311
Care Facilities R101.2, R322.3 Carports R317.2, R317.3 Ceiling Finishes R302.9, R805 Height R313 Certificate of Occupancy R110 Change of Occupancy R110.1 Emergency escape and rescue openings R319.5, R319.7.1 Chases R606.8
CRC § 1-22 Medium relevance — show source text
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
104 Duties and Powers of Code Official. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . 1-28
108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
115 Unsafe Structures and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
116 Emergency Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
117 Demolition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
202 General Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
CHAPTER 3 PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE
METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
301 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
CRC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Adopting agency BSC BSC
-CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC
-CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire chapter Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowChapter / Section 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE APPENDIX AA-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX AA-2 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
AA BOARD OF APPEALS
The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically adopted by a state agency or referenced in the adopting ordinance.
User notes:
About this appendix: Appendix AA provides criteria for Board of Appeals members. Also provided are procedures by which the Board of Appeals should conduct its business.
SECTION AA101—GENERAL
AA101.1 Scope. A board of appeals shall be established within the jurisdiction for the purpose of hearing applications for modification of the requirements of this code pursuant to the provisions of Section R112. The board shall be established and operated in accordance with this section, and shall be authorized to hear evidence from appellants and the building official pertaining to the application and intent of this code for the purpose of issuing orders pursuant to these provisions.
AA101.2 Application for appeal. Any person shall have the right to appeal a decision of the building official to the board. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the intent of this code or the rules legally adopted hereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The application shall be filed on a form obtained from the building official within 20 days after the notice was served.
AA101.2.1 Limitation of authority. The board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code or interpret the administration of this code.
AA101.2.2 Stays of enforcement. Appeals of notice and orders, other than Imminent Danger notices, shall stay the enforcement of the notice and order until the appeal is heard by the board.
Frequently asked questions
Who can I appeal to if I disagree with a stop work order?
Appeals go to the local board of appeals established under § R112.1; the board hears written appeals and issues a written decision. Where Appendix AA is adopted it prescribes filing procedures and timelines (for example, a 20‑day filing window) .
Does an appeal automatically let me keep working?
No — appeals of notices/orders generally stay enforcement until the board hears the appeal except for Imminent Danger notices; check whether your notice was characterized as Imminent Danger because that could prevent a stay (AA101.2.2) .
What if the building official stops work in an emergency?
In an emergency the building official may stop work immediately and is not required to give written notice beforehand; a written stop work order may follow (§ R114.3) .
Are fine amounts listed in the CRC?
No. The CRC authorizes penalties and fines for violations and for continuing work after a stop work order, but does not specify dollar amounts — fines are set by the local authority or other law (§ R113.4; § R114.4) .
Can the board of appeals waive the code requirement I was cited under?
No. The board does not have authority to waive code requirements; appeals must be for incorrect interpretation, non-applicability, or approval of an equivalent solution (§ R112.2) .
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