Building Safety in Alameda County, CA (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Alameda County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Alameda County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Lead Paint

Alameda County enforces California H&S Code 17920.10 treating deteriorated lead paint in pre-1978 housing as substandard. Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda have old housing stocks with strict abatement rules.

Lead Paint Rules in Alameda County

Heavy Restrictions

California Health & Safety Code § 17920.10(a)

(a) Any building or portion thereof including any dwelling unit, guestroom, or suite of rooms, or portion thereof, or the premises on which it is located, is deemed to be in violation of this part as to any portion that contains lead hazards. For purposes of this part, "lead hazards" means deteriorated lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust, lead-contaminated soil, or disturbing lead-based pa...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Elevator Maintenance

Alameda County elevators are regulated by Cal/OSHA Elevator Unit under Title 8 CCR 3000-3137. Annual inspections and permits are required, with enforcement by state inspectors.

Elevator Maintenance in Alameda County

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed

Scaffolding in Alameda County must comply with California Labor Code 7150-7157 and Cal/OSHA Title 8 CCR 1635-1670. Cal/OSHA permits required over 36 feet; encroachment permits for public right-of-way.

Scaffold Rules in Alameda County

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Pest Control

Pest control in Alameda County is regulated by CA DPR and county Environmental Health. Landlords must provide pest-free housing under Civil Code 1941.1 and SB 655.

Pest Control Rules in Alameda County

Some Restrictions

California Civil Code § 1941.1(a)(6)–(7)

(a) A dwelling shall be deemed untenantable for purposes of Section 1941 if it substantially lacks any of the following affirmative standard characteristics or is a residential unit described in Section 17920.3 or 17920.10 of the Health and Safety Code: ... (6) Building, grounds, and appurtenances at the time of the commencement of the lease or rental agreement, and all areas under control of t...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗