Legal and compliance
Codes, Standards and Compliance
Every project we build is governed by a stack of codes and standards, most of which a homeowner never sees but all of which affect cost, schedule and what is actually possible. These are the ones that come up most often on Orange County residential work.
California Building Standards Code
Residential work in California is governed by Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which includes the California Residential Code, Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Green Building Standards Code and Energy Code. Cities adopt these on a statewide cycle and may add local amendments, which is one reason permit requirements differ between neighboring Orange County cities.
Energy standards
Title 24 Part 6 sets energy efficiency requirements that apply to new construction and to many alterations. Depending on scope, a project may need documented compliance calculations, HERS field verification of ducts or equipment, and specific efficiency ratings for windows, insulation and HVAC. We identify these during design rather than discovering them at plan check.
Accessibility standards
Private homes are generally not subject to the ADA, which is a commercial standard. Universal design principles are what apply to residential accessibility work, and they are guidance rather than code. Commercial and tenant improvement projects are different: alterations there trigger path of travel obligations, and we plan for them in the budget from the start.
Lead and asbestos
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead based paint, and work disturbing it is subject to federal Renovation, Repair and Painting requirements. Materials in homes built before roughly 1980, including popcorn ceilings, flooring and some insulation, may contain asbestos. Testing comes before demolition, and any abatement required is performed by appropriately licensed specialists rather than by our crews.
Worker safety and site conduct
Our sites operate under Cal/OSHA requirements. Practically, that means fall protection, guarded openings, safe electrical practice and controlled dust. It also means our crews carry workers compensation coverage, which is what prevents an injury on your property from becoming your liability.
Waste and recycling
CALGreen sets construction and demolition waste diversion requirements, and many Orange County cities require a waste management plan and documentation of recycling rates for larger projects. We handle that paperwork as part of the permit process.
Last reviewed August 2026.