Permit and Building Code Glossary

30 terms related to building permits, code violations, enforcement, and California construction law.

After-the-Fact Permit

A building permit obtained retroactively for work already completed without proper permits.

ADU

Accessory Dwelling Unit — a secondary housing unit such as a converted garage, guest house, or backyard cottage.

Abatement

The process by which a government agency corrects a code violation, often billing the property owner.

Building Code

Rules governing construction design, construction, and maintenance. California uses Title 24.

Building Inspector

Government official who inspects construction for code compliance.

Building Permit

Government authorization to construct, modify, or demolish a structure.

BPC §7031

California law barring unlicensed contractors from collecting compensation; allows recovery of all money paid.

Certificate of Occupancy

Document confirming a building meets all codes and is safe for habitation.

Code Enforcement

Process by which local agencies investigate and resolve building code violations.

Compliance Deadline

Date by which a violation must be corrected to avoid fines.

CSLB

Contractors State License Board — California agency licensing and regulating contractors.

Egress

A path of exit from a building, required by code for safety.

Final Inspection

Last inspection before a permit is closed and work approved.

Fire Stop

Material preventing fire spread through concealed spaces.

Lien

Legal claim against property, often for unpaid code enforcement fines.

Load-Bearing Wall

A wall supporting the weight of the structure above it; modification requires permits.

Notice of Violation

Formal document informing a property owner of a specific code violation.

Open Permit

A permit that was issued but never received final inspection.

Owner-Builder

Property owner acting as their own general contractor on their primary residence.

Plan Review

Building department review of construction plans for code compliance.

Retroactive Permit

Another term for an after-the-fact permit.

Setback

Required distance between a building and property line.

Stop-Work Order

Legal directive requiring all construction to cease immediately.

Structural Engineer

Licensed professional who evaluates and designs structural systems.

Substantial Completion

Point at which construction is sufficiently complete for intended use.

Title 24

California Building Standards Code.

Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS)

California form requiring sellers to disclose material facts including unpermitted work.

Unpermitted Work

Construction performed without required building permits.

Variance

Government-granted exception to a zoning rule.

Zoning

Regulations governing how land and buildings can be used.