Building Code Development & Adoption
HCD's State Housing Law Program continuously refines building standards to make sure they are in compliance with new or changing laws and regulations, and develops statewide building standards for new construction of hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, and buildings accessory thereto.
The State Housing Law Program also develops building standards necessary to provide accessibility in the design and construction of all housing other than publicly-funded housing. The building standards are published in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, known as the California Building Standards Code.
For affected codes and timing of changes, go to Current Rulemaking Activities below.
The California Code of Regulations, Title 24 is available for purchase.
HCD’s mandatory building standards for recycled water systems for outdoor landscape irrigation in new residential construction are now invalidated. These regulations were developed during the 2016 Intervening Code Adoption Cycle and approved by the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) for inclusion into the 2016 California Plumbing Code and California Green Building Standards Code and became effective July 1, 2018.
These regulations have been declared invalid and are vacated. Please see the Peremptory Writ of Mandate (PDF) (Southern California District Council of Laborers vs. HCD et al.; Case No. BS171958) which includes Exhibit 1 identifying invalidated sections of the California Code of Regulations Title 24, 2016 California Plumbing Code (Part 5); and Exhibit 2 identifying invalidated sections in the California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11).
Additional information
Stakeholder Input
Stakeholder input and participation is necessary to assist HCD in developing building standards. Sign up to stay informed on activities and ways to get involved in the process.
Meeting Notices and Agendas
Department of Housing and Community Development
Complete the Email Sign-Up form and select the notifications you wish to receive to stay up to date on HCD’s Division of Codes and Standards rulemaking activities.
California Building Standards Commission
Please visit the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) Calendar of Events to check for upcoming building code development and adoption meetings.
Related Links
- International Code Council (ICC)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
- CBSC Calendar of Events
- California Building Standards Commission (CBSC)
- Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM)
- Division of the State Architect (DSA)
- Division of the State Architect – Access Compliance
- California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) formerly OSHPD
- California Energy Commission (CEC)
- Department of Water Resources (DWR)