Building Safety in Modesto, CA (2026)
7 verified building safety rules for Modesto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Elevator Maintenance
Modesto requires every elevator, escalator and dumbwaiter to be maintained under national ASME A17.1 standards, with a current inspection certificate posted for public view and at least one elevator kept running whenever a building with passenger elevators is occupied.
Modesto Elevator Maintenance and Inspection Rule
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 9-8.2501, § 9-8.2502
Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall be maintained in compliance with ASME A17.1. The most current certification of inspection shall be on display at all times within the elevator or attached to the escalator or dumbwaiter, be available for public inspection in the office of the building operator, or be posted in a publicly in a conspicuous location approved by the Building Official... I...
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Modesto's Fire Code amendment requires an automatic fire sprinkler system in any new building or structure where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet, regardless of use or occupancy. Condominiums and apartment buildings up to four stories can meet this with an NFPA 13R system and full attic protection instead of full NFPA 13 coverage. The rule took effect January 8, 2026 under Ordinance No. 3802-C.S.
Modesto Fire Sprinklers Required Above 5,000 Sq Ft
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 3-1.207
1. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system is required in all new buildings and structures constructed on or after the effective date of this ordinance, notwithstanding the use and occupancy thereof, when any fire area, as defined in the California Fire Code exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet. ... e. CFC 901.4.4 may not be exercised to add fire walls to avoid the installation of fire...
Childcare Center Rules
A child day care center run out of a commercial building, not a home, is a conditional use in Modesto's residential and professional-office zones but a permitted use outright in the mixed-use, commercial and industrial zones. Parking for commercial child day care is set at one space per five children.
Modesto Zones Child Day Care Centers by District
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 10-3.204(b) (Child Day Care Facilities, Child Day Care Center); Table 3.1-1, § 10-3.101; Table 5.1-1, § 10-5.102
A child day care center provides child day care in a commercial building and not in a home is a conditional use in the residential and professional office zone and permitted use in the commercial and industrial zones. Examples of a child day care center include infant centers, preschools, extended day care facilities, and school aged child care centers.
Green Building Code
Modesto enforces the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), Title 24 Part 11, for both residential and nonresidential construction. The Building Safety Division administers energy efficiency, water efficiency, and material conservation requirements on every covered permit citywide.
Modesto Adopts 2022 California Green Building Code
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 9-1.101.3
9-1.101.3 - Adoption by Reference of the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code. That certain document, one (1) copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk at the City of Modesto, being marked and designated as the California Green Building Standards Code, 2022 edition, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11 as published by the International Code Council, regulati...
Electrical Permits
Modesto adopts the 2022 California Electrical Code by reference under Code of Ordinances § 9-3.101, and § 9-3.501 requires a permit before any electrical installation, alteration, or repair regulated by that Code. The Building Safety Division, under the Community and Economic Development Department, reviews applications and inspects the work.
Modesto Electrical Permits: 2022 CEC Adopted
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 9-3.101
That certain document, one (1) copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk of the City of Modesto, being marked and designated as the 2022 California Electrical Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 3, as published by the Building News, inc. (BNi), as now existing, or hereafter amended, regulating, governing and providing standards for the erection, installation, repa...
Plumbing Permits
Modesto adopts the 2022 California Plumbing Code by reference under Code of Ordinances § 9-2.101, and § 9-2.501 requires a permit before any plumbing or drainage installation, alteration, or repair regulated by that Code. The Building Safety Division reviews applications and inspects the work under the Building Official's authority.
Modesto Plumbing Permits: 2022 CPC Adopted
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 9-2.101
That certain document, one (1) copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk of the City of Modesto, being marked and designated as the 2022 California Plumbing Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 5, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), as now existing, or hereafter amended, regulating and governing the erection,...
Building Inspections
Modesto's Building Official runs a fixed sequence of inspections, footing and foundation, concrete slab, frame and masonry, energy efficiency, and final, before work can be covered or occupied. Owners must keep work visible for each inspection or pay a reinspection fee when work is called before it is ready.
Modesto Building Inspection Stages and Reinspection Fees
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances §§ 9-1.801, 9-1.815
9-1.801 - General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official and such construction or work shall remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes until approved... 9-1.815 - Reinspections. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called ...
Looking for Stanislaus County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Modesto city rules.
Building Safety in Stanislaus County →