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AI plan checking for California

Catch CBC violations, Title 24 conflicts, seismic coordination issues, and accessibility errors before they delay your California permit.

  • CBC 2022
  • Title 24
  • Chapter 11B Accessibility
  • Often ~1 hr to same day turnaround
Learn how AI plan checking works

Why California projects need smarter plan checking

CBC complexity

California Building Code adopts the IBC with significant state amendments, especially for seismic, energy, and accessibility. Multiple agencies have jurisdiction (building department, fire marshal, accessibility, sometimes DSA or OSHPD). Getting through all reviews requires clean documents.

Local amendments add layers

Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and other major cities have local amendments beyond the CBC. Fire marshal requirements vary by jurisdiction. Green building requirements (CALGreen and local ordinances) add another layer.

The permit delay cost

California reality: California permit timelines are among the longest in the nation, 6+ months in many jurisdictions. Every resubmittal adds weeks. Construction cost inflation while you wait can add 5 to 10% to project costs.

California-specific checks

AI validates your drawings against California's unique requirements.

  • Seismic detailing

    California's seismic requirements are among the most stringent in the nation. AI checks structural-to-architectural coordination, bracing details, and equipment anchorage.

  • Title 24 energy

    California Energy Code (Title 24 Part 6) requires specific insulation, glazing, and HVAC specifications. AI catches spec-to-drawing mismatches.

  • Accessibility (CBC Ch. 11B)

    California accessibility requirements exceed federal ADA in many areas. AI checks clearances, turning radii, and grab bar placements.

  • Fire/life safety

    California Fire Code has state-specific amendments. AI validates fire ratings, egress widths, and sprinkler coordination.

Local amendment coverage

AI includes jurisdiction-specific requirements for major California cities.

  • Los Angeles

    LADBS has extensive local amendments. Long permit timelines make pre-submittal QA/QC critical. AI catches issues before the 4 to 6 month permit queue.

  • San Francisco

    DBI reviews with SF-specific amendments. Multifamily and mixed-use projects face particular scrutiny. AI helps reduce resubmittal cycles.

  • San Diego

    Development Services Department follows CBC with local amendments. High-growth area means permit backlogs; cleaner submittals get through faster.

  • San Jose / Bay Area

    Tech campus and housing development drive demand. Multiple jurisdictions with varying interpretations. AI provides consistent QA across projects.

Common California project types

  • Multifamily housing

    California's housing crisis drives massive multifamily development. Common issues: ADA unit requirements, fire separation between units, parking structure coordination.

    Common issues caught

    • ADA unit clearances
    • Fire/smoke separations
    • Balcony structural coordination

  • Commercial & office

    Tech campuses, creative offices, and adaptive reuse projects. Title 24 compliance, seismic bracing, and tenant improvement coordination.

    Common issues caught

    • Title 24 envelope details
    • Seismic equipment bracing
    • MEP coordination in open ceilings

Trusted by California construction teams

Frequently asked questions

How does InspectMind know which California codes apply?
You provide the project location (city/county) and building type. We retrieve applicable codes including California Building Code (CBC), Title 24 Energy Code, California Fire Code, and local amendments for major jurisdictions like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
Does this replace our California plan check consultant?
No. AI augments your QA process by catching issues before formal submittal. It's particularly valuable for pre-permit cleanup to reduce city comments and resubmittals, which are especially costly given California's long permit timelines.
How do you stay current with CBC updates?
We update code databases regularly with CBC cycle changes. California adopts new codes on a 3-year cycle (currently 2022 CBC based on 2021 IBC). Enterprise customers can request specific code versions.
Can you check Los Angeles local amendments?
Yes. Los Angeles has significant local amendments to the CBC. We maintain databases for major California jurisdictions including LA, San Francisco, San Diego, and others. Coverage expands regularly.
What about Title 24 energy compliance?
We check for obvious Title 24 conflicts visible in construction documents: like insulation details, window specifications, and HVAC sizing notes. Full Title 24 energy calculations require specialized modeling software; we catch coordination issues.
Do you check DSA requirements for schools?
We apply California accessibility requirements (CBC Chapter 11B, based on ADA) and flag common issues. DSA plan check for public schools has specific procedural requirements beyond our scope, but catching issues early reduces DSA cycles.

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