Building Safety in Imperial County, CA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Imperial County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Green Building Code
Imperial County's California Green Building Standards Code chapter requires 65 percent of construction and demolition waste to be recycled or salvaged on every covered project.
Imperial County Green Building Waste Rule
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 91012.13
Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of sixty-five (65) percent of the nonhazardous construction and demolition waste in accordance with either CalGreen Code Sections 4.408.2, 4.408.3 or 4.408.4, or meet a more stringent local construction and demolition waste management ordinance. Exceptions: 1.Excavated soil and land-clearing debris.2.Alternate waste reduction methods developed by...
Building Permits
Imperial County requires a permit from the Building Official before constructing, altering, moving or demolishing any building or structure in the unincorporated area.
Imperial County Building Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 91002.06
Unless otherwise provided herein, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation including local government to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building, structure or facility or to install, alter, move, repair, or replace or cause to be installed any plumbing, gas or drainage work or any fixtures or water heating equipment or el...
Electrical Permits
Imperial County requires a separate electrical permit for each building before any regulated electrical system is installed, altered or replaced, under its adopted 2022 electrical code.
Imperial County Electrical Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 91005.10
A.Permits Required. Except as specified in subsection (B) of this section, no electrical system regulated by this Code shall be installed, altered, repaired, replaced or remodeled unless a separate electrical permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the Building Official.
Plumbing Permits
Imperial County runs plumbing work under its adopted 2022 California Plumbing Code, exempting only minor leak repairs and stoppage clearing from a permit.
Imperial County Plumbing Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 91004.02
No permit shall be required for the following kinds of work: The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipe, provided however, that should any trap, drain pipe, soil, waste, or vent pipe be or become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material in any part or parts, the same shall be considered new work and a permit shall be procured and inspec...
Building Inspections
Imperial County's Building Official inspects every permitted building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical job before signing off, and a certificate of occupancy only issues once the work passes.
Imperial County Building Inspection Process
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 91002.03(C)-(D)
C.Administer and fully enforce the provisions of this Division in a manner consistent with accepted public protection practice and inspect all work authorized by any permit to assure full compliance with the provisions of this Division or amendments thereto, approving or disapproving said work in whole or in part as conditions require.D.Issue a "Certificate of Occupancy" for work approved by th...
All Imperial County ordinances
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