CRC · California Residential Code
Where are service utilities and service-equipment provisions referenced in the CRC?
You can’t let a utility permanently connect electric, gas, water, sewer, or fuel to a permitted residence until the local building official approves it. The building official can also allow temporary hookups for testing and can order disconnection in emergencies or when a hookup was made without approval (see CRC §§ R111.1–R111.3) .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
A person may not make permanent connections from a utility (electric, gas, water, sewer, fuel or other energy source) to a building that requires a permit until the connection is approved by the building official — see § R111.1. The building official may authorize temporary connections for testing or temporary use (§ R111.2) and has authority to disconnect service in emergencies or when connections were made without required approval (§ R111.3) .
The single most important rule: do not connect (or allow connection of) utility services to a permitted building without the building official’s approval; temporary connections and emergency disconnections are handled by the building official under R111.
Requirements in detail
Who controls utility connections
- Building official: has the sole authority to approve permanent connections, to authorize temporary connections for testing/temporary approval, and to order disconnection when necessary. See § R111.1, § R111.2, § R111.3 .
- Person (contractor/owner/utility): prohibited from making a connection before approval (the code uses “a person shall not…” language in § R111.1) .
Decision table — what to check before making or allowing a utility action
| Action required | Who decides/authorizes | When allowed | Notification/other procedural note | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent service connection to a permitted building | Building official | Only after approval by the building official | Applicant/installer must not connect before approval | § R111.1 |
| Temporary connection for testing or temporary approval | Building official (may authorize) | For testing or under a temporary approval only | Authority rests with building official discretion | § R111.2 |
| Disconnection of services (emergency or unauthorized connection) | Building official (may authorize) | In emergencies to eliminate immediate hazard, or if connection made without required approval | Building official shall notify the serving utility and, where possible, the owner/occupant; if not before, notify in writing as soon as practical afterward | § R111.3 |
Defined / emphasized terms (first mention bolded)
- Person — the code phrase used to prohibit making connections without approval (see § R111.1) .
- Building official — the approving authority and the official empowered to authorize temporary connections and to order disconnections (see § R111.1, § R111.2, § R111.3) .
- Temporary connection — an authorized, non-permanent hookup used for testing or short-term use (authority described in § R111.2) .
Exceptions & special cases
- The CRC text in R111 does not provide technical specifications (clearances, conductor sizes, grounding, meter locations, trench depths, etc.). Those technical requirements are governed by the applicable trade codes (e.g., electrical, plumbing, gas) and the serving utility’s standards (for example, utility manuals such as PG&E’s Greenbook), not by R111 itself; the CRC simply controls authorization and municipal oversight. The CRC language of § R111.1–R111.3 sets administrative authority but does not set those technical installation details in the section text available in the retrieved file .
- Where an immediate hazard exists, the building official may disconnect even if a utility or occupant objects — notification to the utility and owner/occupant is required prior to disconnect where possible, or in writing as soon as practical afterward (§ R111.3) .
Common mistakes
- Assuming the utility company’s arrival to connect service equals code approval. The code requires approval by the building official before connecting a regulated building (§ R111.1) .
- Treating a utility authorization as an alternative to a permit inspection or building-official approval. R111 is about municipal approval; utilities and trade codes supply technical compliance — both authorities may be required.
- Forgetting to request authorization for temporary power for testing. Temporary hookups must be authorized by the building official under § R111.2; failure to obtain authorization can expose the owner/contractor to disconnection under § R111.3 .
- Not expecting emergency disconnection: during life-safety emergencies the building official has the right to disconnect service quickly; the code requires notification to utility/owner when possible and written notice afterward if not possible (§ R111.3) .
Worked example
Scenario: A contractor is finishing rough-in and requests electric service to a new 2,400 ft² single‑family home to power tools and test HVAC equipment.
Steps applying the CRC:
- The contractor obtains the building permit and schedules required inspections. Per § R111.1, the contractor must not allow the utility to make a permanent connection until the building official approves connection (approval typically follows required inspections) .
- The contractor requests a temporary connection for power and testing. The building official may authorize a temporary connection under § R111.2 (authorization is discretionary and often conditioned on safety measures such as temporary grounding and protective equipment) .
- If the building official finds an unsafe installation or an unauthorized connection is made, the official may order disconnection to eliminate the hazard under § R111.3; the official should notify the utility and owner/occupant when possible and must provide written notice afterward if prior notice was not feasible .
Numbers here (2,400 ft²) don’t change the R111 approval requirement; the controlling steps remain: no permanent connection before building-official approval, temporary connections only when authorized, and disconnection authority in emergencies as stated in R111 .
Related provisions in the CRC (quick links)
- § R105 — Permits (controls when a permit is required before work and therefore triggers R111 requirements)
- § R109 — Inspections (inspections that typically precede building-official approval for service connection)
- § R110 — Certificate of occupancy (permanent service connections and certificate issuance are related administratively)
- § R112 — Means of appeals (appeals of decisions by the building official under R111 would follow R112)
- § R114 — Stop work order (connected enforcement tool; a violation of R111 could lead to stop work actions)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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 § 1-10 High relevance — show source text
1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
1.12 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
1.13 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
1.14 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
DIVISION II— SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Part 1—Scope and Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
R101 Scope and General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
R102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Part 2—Administration and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
R103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
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
CRC § 08-15 Medium relevance — show source text
063928 Overhead and Underground Panel Board Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OH: Services/UG−1: Services/Greenbook . . . . . 065374
Table 1 List of Materials to be Furnished and Installed by the Customer
Table e 1 List of Materials to be Furnished and Installed by the Customer (see Figure 1 on Page 3 and Figure 3 on Page 4) Item Description 1 Service Termination Enclosure, Combination Meter Socket Panel
(see Figure 2 on Page 3 or Figure 4 on Page 4 for details)2 Square Post, 6” x 6” x 8’-0” Long, Cylindrical Post, 6” in Diameter x 8’-0” Long, Fully Treated
(see Note 4 on Page 1)3 Conduit (load side), Size and Material as Required by Building Code
(typically rigid galvanized steel or Schedule 80 PVC plastic)4 Conduit, Service Riser, Rigid Steel, Galvanized or Schedule 80 PVC Plastic, (see Note 5 on Page 3) 5 Conduit, Rigid Steel, Galvanized, With Pipe Strap (for bare ground wire, omit if armor clad wire is used) 6 Hub and Clamp, Grounding, to Suit Item 5 7 Ground Rod (see Note 6) 8 Ground Wire, Copper, Bare or Armor Clad
(size in accordance with applicable electrical codes and local requirements)9 Conduit, Plastic or Rigid Steel, for Underground Service (size as shown inDocument 063927
andDocument 063928)054712 Page 2 of 4 Rev. #09: 08-15-17
UG-1: Services Greenbook Permanent Wood Post Installation Underground Electric Service EMWP
Residential Service Only, 0−225 Amp
Notes
Poured concrete pad shall be approximately 4 inches thick. Provide 1/2-inch slope away from post to allow for drainage.
Install bend in direction of service trench. To facilitate cable installation, only one 90 ° bend is permitted in the service riser installation. If trench is shared with gas or other utilities, consult PG&E for required increased trench depth.
CRC § 105.2. Medium 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 § 11-01 Medium relevance — show source text
The developer or his contractor shall provide all necessary trenching, secondary and service conduit (when required), and shall be responsible for the location and final grade of the utility islands
The required location for the meter equipment is at the front of the mobile home (see Figure 1 on Page 4). Alternate locations for the meter pedestal are indicated by the shaded areas in Figure 1 on Page 4.
PG&E shall install the secondary and service lateral cables in accordance with current engineering standards and construction methods.
Maintain a 36-inch (minimum) work space clearance from the meter face and from any access panel to PG&E facilities on the enclosure. Maintain a 36-inch (minimum) clearance from the meter equipment to other utility equipment such as gas, water or sewer. Refer to the National Electrical Code and the Authority Having Jurisdiction for the allowed working space requirements and if the 36-inch (minimum) clearance shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 on Page 5 may be reduced to 12 inches for pedestal designs which have the meter and all access panels (both PG&E’s and customer’s) located on the same side of the pedestal.
Before PG&E has installed the cable, the developer or his contractor shall then:
A. Install the electric meter pedestal in place over the conduit. Position the pedestal so the meter socket faces toward the street as shown on Page 5 or away from mobile home. Maintain the work space and clearances as described in Note 4.
B. Install and connect a copper grounding conductor from the pedestal grounding lug to an N.E.C. approved ground electrode system. The grounding connection shall not be made to a gas piping system. The customer shall be responsible for bonding and grounding all exposed non-current-carrying metal parts in accordance with the applicable electric codes and local ordinances. PG&E prefers, but does not require, the grounding electrode conductor wire to be protected against physical damage by rigid steel conduit or armored cladding. Refer to the NEC for any required clearance distance of the ground rod away from the pedestal. The top of the ground rod may be exposed or buried as required to meet the applicable electric codes. Exposed ground rods should be placed so they are not a tripping hazard.
C. Bond the service neutral termination lug to the meter pedestal by means of a bonding screw, or by continuing the grounding conductor between the grounding lug and the neutral lug.
Rev. #06: 11-01-18 052521 Page 1 of 8
Greenbook EMWP Electrical Service Requirements for Mobile Home Developments
D. Backfill around the pedestal to provide good support, plumb and level the pedestal, and pour the concrete base support or island. The concrete surface should be no more than 1-inch above grade and 1-inch to 2-inch below the bottom of the utility section opening.
E. Backfill all trenches, and furnish any imported backfill material required.
PG&E shall connect the service lateral conductors to the termination lugs in the meter pedestal, install and seal the pull section panel, and blank off and seal the meter socket.
PG&E shall set the meter upon request for service, after required permits and inspections have been obtained from city or county inspection authorities.
See Figure 1 on Page 4 for a typical electric distribution system layout for a mobile home development.
PG&E shall design its facilities so that the short-circuit duty at the electric service entrance will not exceed 10,000 amps.
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 § 1.11.4.5 Medium relevance — show source text
1.11.4.5 Care facilities. The primary fire enforcing agency shall complete the final fire clearance inspection for a community care facility, residential care facility for the elderly, or child day-care facility within 30 days of receipt of the request for the final inspection, or as of the date the prospective facility requests the final prelicensure inspection by the State Department of Social Services, which- ever is later.
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13235, a preinspection fee equal to, but not exceeding, the actual cost of the prein- spection services may be charged for the preinspection of a facility.
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13131.5, a reasonable final inspection fee, not to exceed the actual cost of inspection services necessary to complete a final inspection may be charged for occupancies classified as residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE).
1-14 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1569.84, neither the State Fire Marshal nor any local public entity shall charge any fee for enforcing fire inspection regulations pursuant to state law or regulation or local ordinance, with respect to residential care facili- ties for the elderly (RCFE) which service six or fewer persons.
1.11.4.6 Requests of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Whenever a local authority having jurisdiction requests that the State Fire Marshal perform plan review and/or inspection services related to a building permit, the applicable fees for such shall be payable to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
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
2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 1-15
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
1-16 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
CRC § 03-25 Medium relevance — show source text
Figure 4 Steam Line
Rev. #15: 03-25-22 038193 Page 13 of 27
UG-1: General Greenbook Minimum Requirements for the Design and Installation of Electric Conduit, Insulated Cable, and Facilities
Material and Equipment Design Requirements and Restrictions
Two different 600-Amp or 200-Amp primary circuits of the same or different voltage are permitted in the same enclosure if each circuit is racked on opposite walls.
No more than one set of 600-Amp separable connectors is allowed in any one enclosure. One set means three 600-amp separable assembly. Figure 5 below shows one 600-Amp separable assembly.
No more than three 600-Amp elbows are allowed in any one 600-Amp separable assembly.
No more than one set of 200-Amp taps (piggy-backed) off of a set of 600-Amp separable assembly is allowed
A. A 200-Amp tap from a 600-Amp separable assembly must be made with a load-break reducing tap plug (RTP) and a 200-Amp load-break elbow receptacle, as shown in Document 051071, “600-Amp Separable Insulated Connectors”. See Figure 5.
B. Only one such connection is allowed between two 600-Amp main line switches.
200-Amp Elbow Receptacle
600-Amp
600-Amp
Figure 5 Allowed 600-Amp Separable Splice Assembly
200-Amp Cable
600-Amp Cable
600−Amp three-phase switching devices are required at all critical main−line intersections. Consult with the responsible electric distribution planning engineer for direction during the project’s design phase.
Only one set of 600-Amp separable assembly is allowed between two 600-Amp main-line switches. However, for all main-line junctions, three phase switching devices are required.
No more than four-ways of cable on a 600-Amp subsurface switch is allowed.
A. A way is a conduit run from point A to point B. It can be one, two or up to three cables.
B. It is not allowed to tap off (piggy-back) 600-Amp elbows on top of each other 600-Amp elbows on the same switch bushing at any time. See Note 9 under Cable and Equipment in Document 050859
C. It is not allowed to tap off (piggy-back) 200-Amp taps off subsurface switches.
D. Subsurface switch bushings that are rated at 600-Amps may be converted to 200-Amps by using a bushing extension and a 600/200-Amp tap/plug.
E. 200-Amp taps that utilize 600-Amp bushing extensions are not considered piggy-back.
F. SCADA installation on 600-Amp subsurface switch is exempt from requirement 7. However, whenever possible install SCADA on 600-Amp subsurface switches with no 200-Amp tap (piggy-backed ).
- No more than four-ways of cable on a 200-Amp pad-mounted or subsurface junction is allowed.
CRC § 310.13 Medium relevance — show source text
ante rooms.
310.13 [SFM] For applications listed in Section 1.11.0 regu- lated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, plastic piping shall not be exposed as a portion of the interior room finish in a build- ing or structure if the piping has a flame-spread rating exceed- ing 75 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, “Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.” 310.14 Services/Systems and Utilities. [OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] Refer to Sections 1224.4.1, 1225.2.1 and 1228.4.1.1, Cal- ifornia Building Code. 310.15 Telephone and Data Equipment Rooms.
[OSHPD 1, 4 & 5] Where telecommunications service entrance rooms, technology equipment centers, or technology distribution rooms are provided in accordance with Section 1224.5 of the California Building Code, plumbing equipment and fixtures that are not directly related to the support of the room shall not be installed in or pass through the room.
311.0 Independent Systems. 311.1 General. The drainage system of each new building and new work installed in an existing building shall be separate and independent from that of any other building, and, where available, every building shall have an independent connection with a public or private sewer.
Exception: Where one building stands in the rear of another building on an interior lot, and no public or private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining court, yard, or driveway, the building drain from the front building shall be permitted to be extended to the rear building.
Note: Accessory dwelling units are not required to have inde- pendent service utility (drainage) connections provided they meet the specific requirements in Government Code Section 65852.2.
312.0 Protection of Piping, Tubing, Materials, and Structures.
312.1 General. Piping passing under or through walls shall be protected from breakage. Piping passing through or under cinders or other corrosive materials shall be protected from external corrosion in an approved manner. Approved provisions shall be made for expansion of hot water piping. Voids around piping passing through concrete floors on the ground shall be sealed.
312.2 Installation. Piping in connection with a plumbing system shall be so installed that piping or connections will not be subject to undue strains or stresses, and provisions shall be made for expansion, contraction, and structural settlement. No plumbing piping shall be directly embedded in concrete or masonry. No structural member shall be seriously weakened or impaired by cutting, notching, or otherwise, as defined in the California Building Code or California Residential Code . 312.3 Building Sewer and Drainage Piping. No building sewer or other drainage piping or part thereof, constructed of materials other than those approved for use under or within a building, shall be installed under or within 2 feet (610 mm) of a building or structure, or less than 1 foot (305 mm) below the surface of the ground. 312.4 Corrosion, Erosion, and Mechanical Damage. Piping subject to corrosion, erosion, or mechanical damage shall be protected in an approved manner. **312.5 Protectively Coated Pipe.
CRC § 111.2 Medium 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 § 111.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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
[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.
1-30 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Who must approve the meter or service connection to my house?
The building official must approve the connection for any building regulated by the CRC that requires a permit; that approval is the trigger before a utility may make the permanent connection (§ R111.1) .
Can I get temporary power before final inspection?
Yes — the building official can authorize a temporary connection for testing or temporary use, but it must be specifically authorized under § R111.2 and is not automatic .
Can the building official turn off my utilities?
Yes. The building official may authorize disconnection of utility services in an emergency to eliminate an immediate hazard, or if a connection was made without required approval; the official will notify the utility and, when possible, the owner/occupant as required by § R111.3 .
Does R111 set technical installation rules (clearances, grounding, trench depth)?
No. § R111 establishes administrative authority (approval, temporary connection, disconnection). Technical requirements are in the applicable trade codes and utility standards (electrical, plumbing, gas codes, and utility manuals); R111 does not contain those detailed installation specs in the retrieved text .
If a utility connects without the building official’s approval, what happens?
The building official has authority to disconnect the service and is required to notify the serving utility and, if possible, the owner/occupant before disconnection or in writing afterward, per § R111.3 .
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