WHAT REQUIRES SIGNATURE OF A CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEER OR CALIFORNIA REGISTERED ARCHITECT?
All plans submitted for permit are required to be signed by either a California
Professional Engineer or California Registered Architect, as specified in Sections 5537
and 6737 of the California Business & Professions Code with the following
exceptions for exempt structures:
• Single family dwellings of conventional woodframe construction not more than two
stories and basement in height.
• Multiple dwellings containing not more than four dwelling units (total of existing plus
new) of woodframe construction on any lawfully divided lot. Total of four dwelling
units in clusters such as apartments or condominiums,
• Garages or other structures appurtenant to single-family dwelling or multiple
dwellings not more than two stories and basement in height.
• Agricultural and ranch buildings unless the building official deems that an undue risk
to the public health, safety or welfare is involved.
However, if any portion of any structure exempted by these sections, deviates from the
requirements for conventional light wood-frame construction or tables of limitation for
wood frame construction found in Division IV of Chapter 23 (Section 2320) of the
Building Code as adopted by local jurisdiction, then the building official may require the
preparation of plans, drawings, specifications or calculations for that portion a
Professional Engineer or Registered Architect. The documents for that portion shall
bear the stamp and signature of the licensee who is responsible for their preparation.
Sections 5538 and 6745 of the California Business & Professions
Code:
These Sections of the California Business & Professions Code do not prohibit any
person from furnishing plans for any of the following:
• Nonstructural store fronts, interior alterations, fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, or
other appliances or equipment.
• Any nonstructural work necessary to provide for their installation. However, an
unlicensed person may not prepare plans for those alterations that will change or
affect any components of the structural system or safety of the building or its
occupants. Safety of the building includes such items as exiting, fire, structural, and
other code requirements.
Except as specifically noted above, here are some examples of projects that require
plans to be prepared, signed and stamped by a California Professional Engineer or
California Registered Architect:
• New non-exempt buildings and additions to existing non-exempt buildings,
• Projects with interior or exterior structural alterations,