Confirm the Title 24 edition that applies to the permit application date and the city’s local amendments, then trace the code analysis through the plans, sections, schedules, accessibility sheets, and specifications. AI can flag conflicts; the design professional and building official decide compliance.
What does the California Building Code cover?
The California Building Code is Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. It is published in two volumes and is used with the other Title 24 parts, including the Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Fire, Existing Building, and Green Building codes.
The California Building Standards Commission states that the 2025 edition of Title 24 was published July 1, 2025, with an effective date of January 1, 2026, and lists errata for Part 2 effective January 1, 2026. Checked October 1, 2026. Cities adopt local amendments, and the applicable edition depends on the application date the city sets.
Some building types are reviewed by state agencies rather than, or in addition to, the city. Hospitals go through HCAI (formerly OSHPD) and public schools through DSA. Fire requirements follow the California Fire Code.
Collect the Title 24 code analysis and the sheets it governs
Collect the code analysis sheet, life safety plans, floor plans, sections, wall types and rated details, door schedule, accessibility sheets, structural general notes, and the Title 24 energy compliance documents and CALGreen checklist where they apply. Add the city’s local amendments and any standard correction lists the city publishes.
Check the cover sheet names the same Title 24 edition on every discipline’s sheets. Projects that straddle an edition change often carry mixed references.
Trace Title 24 references through the set
| Review question | Sources to compare | Decision to record |
|---|---|---|
| Edition and amendments | Cover sheets, code analysis, city amendments | Resolve mixed Title 24 editions across disciplines. |
| Code analysis | Occupancy, construction type, area, sprinkler basis | Match the analysis to the current plans and sections. |
| Egress and life safety | Life safety plan, floor plans, door schedule | Trace each route through current plans and openings. |
| Accessibility | Accessibility sheets, enlarged plans, details | Reconcile accessible routes, clearances, and fixtures across sheets. |
| Energy and CALGreen | Energy compliance forms, CALGreen checklist, specifications | Match glazing, insulation, equipment, and mandatory measures to the drawings. |
| Agency jurisdiction | Building type, project description | Confirm whether a state agency reviews the project. |
City-specific submittal practice is in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose plan check guides, and the IBC guide covers the model code checks.
Example: mixed Title 24 editions across disciplines
Hypothetical example. The architectural cover sheet cites the 2025 California Building Code, while the structural general notes and the energy compliance forms still cite the 2022 edition from an earlier submittal.
The architectural cover sheet cites the 2025 CBC, while the structural general notes and energy forms cite the 2022 edition. Please confirm the edition that applies to this application and coordinate the references.
The design team confirms the applicable edition with the city and updates each discipline’s references. The conflict is a coordination question; the building official decides the code basis.
Review California drawings with Groundbook
Upload the current drawings and specifications to Groundbook, and state the code edition, amendments, and review scope in your instructions. Add the applicable California Building Code from a copy you are licensed to use, where the license permits uploading it, and add the jurisdiction’s published amendments. See how Groundbook works with local and licensed codes.
Compare the code analysis and every discipline’s code references with the current plans, sections, accessibility sheets, energy compliance documents, and CALGreen checklist. Flag mixed editions and conflicting code analysis. Use the supplied California Building Code and local amendments where applicable and cite both sources.
Groundbook links each potential finding to the sheets and references involved. Verify the edition and city amendments before sending a comment.
Document review does not certify Title 24 compliance, sign energy compliance documents, or replace the design professional, plan checker, or state agency review.