CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

What are the provisions for certificates of completion, occupancy and utility connections?

Q: Can utilities be connected for a final system test before final occupancy?

Yes — the code official may authorize a temporary connection for testing or temporary use, but this is an explicit authorization and not a substitute for final approval — § 111.2 .

Q: Who provides the final inspection report and when?

The code official provides the owner or applicant with a copy of the final inspection report upon completion of construction and before issuance of the certificate of occupancy/certificate of completion — § 110.1 .

You cannot occupy or change use of a building in the CWUIC area until the code official issues a certificate of completion/occupancy (the official must confirm compliance and provide the final inspection report). Utilities may not be connected until the code official authorizes them; temporary occupancy and temporary utility connections are allowed only with the code official’s authorization.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

A building, structure or premises must not be used or occupied until the code official issues a certificate of completion (often implemented as a certificate of occupancy) — see § 110.1. The code official must determine the project complies with this code, provide the owner a copy of the final inspection report, and may treat a local building official’s certificate of occupancy as evidence of compliance with the CWUIC § 110.1 . Connections from utilities (power, gas, water, sewer, fuel) are prohibited until the code official authorizes them — see § 111.1 .

A building may not be used, occupied or changed in use until the code official issues the certificate showing the work complies with the CWUIC. (Plain English restatement of § 110.1)

Requirements in detail

Who decides and what the certificate means

The code official has the authority to issue, deny, suspend or revoke certificates of completion/occupancy — § 110.1 and § 110.4. Issuance does not validate violations or waive other legal requirements; certificates attempting to do so are invalid — § 110.2 .

What must happen before occupancy

Final inspection and determination of compliance with this code (including wildfire-related materials and construction measures) are required before the certificate is issued; the owner must receive the final inspection report — § 110.1 .

Temporary occupancy

The code official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for portions of the work that can be occupied safely and must set the time period the temporary certificate is valid — § 110.3 .

Utility connections and testing

No person may connect service utilities (energy, fuel, power, water, sewer) to a regulated building for which a permit is required until authorized by the code official — § 111.1 .
The code official may authorize temporary connections for testing or temporary use under an approved temporary approval — § 111.2 .
The code official has authority to disconnect utilities when unauthorized connections are made or in emergencies to remove hazards; the serving utility and owner/occupant should be notified where possible — § 111.3 .

Quick decision table

Decision / question	Key threshold / action	Who decides	Code Reference
Can the building be occupied?	Only after certificate of completion/occupancy	Code official	§ 110.1
Does certificate allow past violations?	No — issuance is not approval of violations	Code official / jurisdiction	§ 110.2
May part of the building be occupied early?	Yes, if code official issues temporary certificate and portion is safe; time-limited	Code official	§ 110.3
When may utilities be connected?	Only when authorized by code official	Code official / utility	§ 111.1
May temporary utility hookups be allowed for testing?	Yes — temporary connections may be authorized	Code official	§ 111.2
Can utilities be disconnected for safety/unauthorized connections?	Yes — code official may disconnect; notify utility/owner/occupant	Code official	§ 111.3

Exceptions & special cases

Work exempt from permits and accessory structures are exempt from certificates of occupancy per the code exceptions (i.e., if the work is exempt under the permit exemption section) — see the exceptions following § 110.2 (Exemptions referencing Section 105.3) .
A temporary certificate of occupancy is explicitly allowed for safe partial occupancy; the code official must set how long it is valid (no fixed numeric time in the CWUIC — the jurisdiction sets the period) — § 110.3 .
A local building official’s certificate of occupancy may be treated as indicating compliance with the CWUIC; check local practice for coordination between building and fire/code agencies — § 110.1 .

If you need the certificate to show additional items (owner, permit number, description, sprinkler information, etc.) consult the issuing local building official’s certificate format; the CWUIC requires the code official provide the final inspection report but defers many certificate content details to local practice and referenced building code language — see § 110.1 and cross-references to certificate issuance language in the building/residential codes cited by the CWUIC file.

Common mistakes

Occupying or using a building before the certificate of completion/occupancy is issued. The code explicitly prohibits use or occupancy until the certificate is issued — § 110.1 .
Assuming a certificate waives code violations. Issuance “shall not be construed as an approval of a violation” — § 110.2 .
Connecting utilities before authorization. The code forbids utility connections to permitted work until the code official authorizes them — § 111.1 .
Relying on a temporary utility hookup permanently. Temporary connections are for testing or temporary approval only and must be explicitly authorized — § 111.2 .
Failing to retain or request the final inspection report. The code official must provide the owner a copy of the final inspection report demonstrating compliance — § 110.1 .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A homeowner builds a new 2,400 ft² dwelling in a WUI-designated parcel. Final construction is complete and the permit holder requests final inspection.

Final inspection is performed; the code official inspects wildfire-related assemblies and other required elements. Before the dwelling is occupied, the code official must issue a certificate of completion/occupancy indicating the project is in compliance — § 110.1 .
The owner receives the code official’s final inspection report showing compliance as required by § 110.1 .
The utility provider receives authorization from the code official to make permanent connections and then connects service — utilities must not be connected until that authorization is given (no interim energizing without approval) — § 111.1 .
If the builder needs the kitchen or a unit occupied earlier for a limited time while minor finishes are completed, the code official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for that safely occupiable portion and set the valid time period — § 110.3 .
If a contractor energizes systems without authorization, the code official may order disconnection and notify the utility, owner and occupant as required — § 111.3 .

Note: The CWUIC does not specify a numeric time limit for a temporary certificate — the time period is set by the code official per § 110.3 .

Related provisions

§ 105.3 — Permit exemptions (relevant to when certificates are not required)
§ 109 — Inspection and enforcement (final inspection requirements and inspection process)
§ 110.3 — Temporary occupancy (time-limited partial occupancy)
§ 110.4 — Revocation of certificates (suspend/revoke when issued in error or violations discovered)
§ 111.1–111.3 — Service utilities: connection, temporary connection, authority to disconnect
§ 112 — Means of appeals (appeals of code official decisions)
§ 113 — Stop work orders (used where occupancy or work violates code)

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CWUIC § 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:
1. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section 105.3.
2. 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.
CWUIC § 105.3. High relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
1. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section 105.3.
2. 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. 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 Sections 111.1 and 111.2. 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.

1-24 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

ADMINISTRATION
CWUIC § 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

2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 1-23

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

�

ADMINISTRATION

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.
CWUIC § 1-4 High relevance — show source text
1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

1.12 Board of Forestry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

101 Scope and General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

104 Duties and Powers of the Code Official . . . . . . . . . 1-17

105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . 1-21

108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

109 Inspection and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

110 Certificate of Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

112 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

113 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

CHAPTER 3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS . . . . 3-3
CWUIC § 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:
1. The permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
3. The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5. 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.
6. The name of the code official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. The use and occupancy in accordance with the provisions of the California Building Code .
9. The type of construction as defined in the California Building Code .
10. 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.
11. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, and whether an automatic sprinkler system is required.
12. 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
CWUIC § 1-21 High relevance — show source text
107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . 1-21

108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

109 Inspection and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

110 Certificate of Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

112 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

113 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

CHAPTER 3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS . . . . 3-3

301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

302 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designations . . . . . .3-3

CHAPTER 4 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA

REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

402 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

403 Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

404 Water Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7

CHAPTER 5 SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
CWUIC § 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:
1. The permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
3. The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code.
6. The name of the building official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
9. The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.
10. The design occupant load.
11. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.
12. 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

CWUIC § 111.1 High relevance — show source text

8|Abatement of
violation|N||||||||| |110|Certificate of
occupancy|Y||111.1||||||| |110.1|General|Y||701A.4 #2||||||| |110.2|Certificate of
occupancy|Y||||||||| |110.3|Temporary
occupancy|Y||||||||| |110.4|Revocation|Y||||||||| |111|Service utilities|Y||||||||| |111.1|Connection of service
utilities|Y||||||||| |111.2|Temporary
connection|Y||||||||| |111.3|Authority to discon-
nect service utilities|Y||||||||| |112|Means of appeals|N||||||||| |112.1|General|N||||||||| |112.2|Limitations on
authority|N||||||||| |112.3|Qualifications|N||||||||| |112.4|Administration|N||||||||| |113|Stop work order|Y||||||||| |113.1|Authority|Y||||||||| |113.2|Issuance|Y||||||||| |113.3|Emergencies|Y||||||||| |113.4|Failure to comply|Y|||||||||

APPENDIX H-24 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

2025 CWUIC—continued	Col2	Adopted Yes/No	IWUIC Section	CBC Section	CFC Section	Title 14, Division 1.5 Section	Title 19, Division 1 Section	Gov Code Section	PRC Section	HSC Section
Section	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title
Chapter 2	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions
201	General	Y
201.1	Scope	Y
201.2	Interchangeability	Y
201.3	Terms defined in other codes	Y		201.3
201.4	Terms not defined	Y
202	Definitions	Y
	Accessory structure	Y
	Agriculture (T14)	Y				1270.01(1)
	Applicable building	Y		702A
	Approved	Y
	Approved agency	Y
	Building	Y				1270.01(c)
	Building (T14)	Y
	Building official	Y
	Certificate of completion	Y
	Code official	Y
	Critical fire weather	Y
	Dead-end road (T14)	Y				1270.01(e)
	Defensible space (T14)	Y
	Driveway (T14)	Y
	Dwelling	Y		702A		1270.

CWUIC § 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.

1-32 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

ADMINISTRATION

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:
1. The permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
3. The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code.
6. The name of the building official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
9. The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.
10. The design occupant load.
11. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.
12. 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
CWUIC § 403.2 High relevance — show source text
APPENDIX I-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

Access Applicability 402 Driveways 403.2 Fire apparatus access roads 403.3 Grade 403.7

Individual structures 402.2 Marking of roads 402.3, 403.4 Restricted 403.1

Subdivisions 402.1 Accessory Buildings and Miscellaneous Structures

Defined 202

Detached 504.11 Exempt from permit 105.3 Additions or Alterations 101.5

Address Markers 402.3 Agriculture 202 Alternative Materials or Methods 104.2.2

Appeals 112 Appendices 101.2.1 Applicable Building 202 Applicability 102 Approved 202 Approved Agency 104.2.2.6.1, 202 Authority of Code Official 104

Building 202 Building Official 202

Certificate of Completion 111 Certificate of occupancy 111.2 Revocation 111.4

Temporary occupancy 111.3

Code Official 202 Code Official, Authority 104 Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Appendix C Compliance Alternatives 105 Construction Documents 106

Amended 106.10

Examination of 106.9 Information on plans and specifications 106.2 Phased 106.12

Previous approval 106.11 Retention of 106.8 Site plan 106.3 Vegetation management plans 106.4 Control of Storage Appendix A, A105 Critical Fire Weather 202

Dead-end Road 202 Defensible Space 403, 601.3 Vegetation Plan 603 Definitions 202 Designation of Wildland-Urban Interface Area 302.1

Director 202 Driveway 202 Dumping Appendix A, A106 Dwelling 202

Exterior Covering 202

INDEX

Fees 109 Findings of Fact Appendix E Fire Chief 202 Fire Danger Rating System Appendix D Fire Flow Calculation Area Application 404.5 Defined 202 Fire Hazard Severity Zones 1.1.2, 202, 302.1, 302.2, Appendix D, Appendix H Fire Protection Plans 602

Fire Weather 202

Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction 501.3 Fire-Resistive Vegetation Appendix F Fire-Retardant-Treated Lumber or

Wood 503.2, 504.5, 504.7, 504.11 Flame Spread Index 202 Flashing 504.2.1, 504.5.1 Fuel Break 202, 609 Fuel Models Appendix D Fuel Modification 202

Fuel Modification Distance 603.2

Fuel Mosaic 202 Fuel-Loading 202

General Requirements Appendix A Green Belt 202

Greenways 202
CWUIC § 1.6.2 Medium 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

1-24 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

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:
1. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section R105.2.
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:
1. The permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
3. The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code.
6. The name of the building official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided and whether the sprinkler system is required.
9. 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.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a certificate of occupancy for a small accessory building?

If the accessory building and the work are exempt under the permit exemption provisions, a certificate of occupancy is not required; the CWUIC notes exceptions for work exempt from permits and accessory structures — § 110.2 .

Can utilities be connected for a final system test before final occupancy?

Yes — the code official may authorize a temporary connection for testing or temporary use, but this is an explicit authorization and not a substitute for final approval — § 111.2 .

Who provides the final inspection report and when?

The code official provides the owner or applicant with a copy of the final inspection report upon completion of construction and before issuance of the certificate of occupancy/certificate of completion — § 110.1 .

Can a certificate of occupancy be revoked?

Yes — the code official may suspend or revoke a certificate issued in error, on incorrect information, or where the building is found in violation — § 110.4 .

What happens if utilities are connected without approval?

The code official may disconnect the service to eliminate an immediate hazard or where connections were made without required approval and should notify the serving utility and owner/occupant — § 111.3 .

Ask about the CWUIC

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the CWUIC

When is a permit required and what are permit application rules?

What must construction documents include and what are approvals/phased submittals?

Permits, Construction Documents and Certificates

California Wildland-Urban Interface Code