📋 California Permit Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| NEC Edition | 2023 (California Electrical Code) |
| IRC Edition | 2024 (California Residential Code) |
| Permit Authority | Statewide minimum — local jurisdictions can be MORE restrictive |
| Statewide Code | Yes |
| Licensing Board | https://www.cslb.ca.gov |
⚠️ Key Things to Know About Permitting in California
- LA and San Francisco have amended state code — stricter in many areas
- Title 24 energy code applies to all work — HVAC replacements must meet efficiency minimums
- Seismic strapping mandatory for water heaters statewide
- HVAC: C-20 license | Electrical: C-10 | Plumbing: C-36 | Roofing: C-39 | Solar: C-46
- Wildfire (WUI) zones require Class A fire-rated roofing materials
- Cool roof requirements in Title 24 climate zones — check before ordering roofing
- Many cities use SolarAPP+ for instant solar permits
- SoCal air districts may require CARB-compliant generator certification
- Deck additions require seismic-appropriate hardware (stainless in coastal zones)
📍 Cities in California — Permit Guides
📍 Los Angeles
LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
📍 San Jose
City of San Jose Building Division
📍 San Diego
City of San Diego Development Services Department
📍 Sacramento
City of Sacramento Community Development / Building Division
📍 San Francisco
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
🔨 Permit Guides by Trade — California
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