Building Codes

The purpose of the building related codes is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the City.

The codes used by the City of Arcata are mandated by the State of California and were adopted by ordinance.

Adopted Codes


  • 2019 California Administrative Code, Title 24, Part1 - Section 8000
  • 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
  • 2019 California Referenced Standards Code, Title 24, Part 12, including Appendix - Section 8110
  • 2019 California Existing Building Code - Section 8130
  • 2019 California Historical Building Code, Title 24, Part 1 - Section 8150
  • 2019 California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6 - Section 8160
  • 2019 California Electrical Code, Title 24, Part 3 - Section 8030
  • 2019 California Building Code, Title 24, Part 2, Volumes 1 & 2 including:
    • Appendix B (Board of Appeals)
    • Appendix H (Signs)
    • Appendix I (Patio Covers)
    • Appendix J (Grading) - Section 8000
  • 2019 California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4 - Section 8040
  • 2019 California Plumbing Code, Title 24, Part 5 - Section 8050
  • 2019 California Residential Code, Title 24, Part 2.5
California State Building Codes