Violation

California Code § 87305(a)Building Permits

How CCLD inspectors cite this regulation, what operators do to stay clear of it, and where it appears in the public record.

Type B, generalAffects rcfe182 facilities cited in the last 90 days

What does Type A vs Type B mean?

Type A. Serious citation. Imminent or substantial risk to residents. The regulator requires corrective action immediately and may impose a civil penalty.

Type B. Lower-severity citation. Corrective action required, no imminent risk. The regulator monitors compliance on the next visit.

Educational reference based on public CCLD inspection records. Not legal or compliance advice. Verify requirements with official sources. Full disclaimer

Regulation text

What California Code § 87305(a) actually says

California Code § 87305(a)

Prior to construction or alterations, all facilities shall obtain a building permit.

From the field

What operators tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

Do not assume your contractor pulled the right permits. Verify the approved building permit is on-site before any renovation begins. An LPA will ask for this paperwork immediately if they notice construction during an annual visit, and 163 facilities were recently cited for this oversight.

By the numbers

182^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
19^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
--^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Steady; Last 90 days vs. previous 90 days.

182 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days. See if yours is one of them.

Check a facility

What other operators do

Common practices to stay clear of Building Permits

Common practices shared by operators. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.

Common practices

Obtain permits prior to any construction or alterations.
Ensure all structural changes meet local safety codes.
Maintain approved permits on-site for LPA review.

What to avoid

Starting minor renovations without checking permit requirements.
Assuming contractor permits cover the RCFE licensing needs.
Failing to notify CCLD about facility modifications.

Regional record

Where this citation appeared in the past 90 days

Citation counts and rates by California county, drawn from CCLD inspection records.

Regional citations for Building Permits, last 90 days
County	Citations
Los Angeles	38
Contra Costa	33
Orange	19
San Mateo	13
Riverside	11
Alameda	10
Ventura	10
Santa Clara	7
Sacramento	4
San Bernardino	4

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-07-13Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.

What is a building permit violation in an assisted living facility?

A building permit violation under Title 22, Section 87305(a) occurs when a California RCFE begins construction or alterations without first obtaining the required permits. This regulation ensures that all structural changes meet local safety codes. Failing to get a permit puts residents at risk if the construction is unsafe. LPAs will review facility modification records during inspections.

How common is unpermitted construction in California assisted living?

According to California CCLD inspection records, 163 California RCFEs were cited for this Type B violation. Unpermitted construction appears most frequently in Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties. LPAs often identify these deficiencies during annual inspections or when reviewing facility complaints. This makes it a notable compliance issue for operators modifying their buildings.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for lacking a building permit?

The facility receives a Type B citation, indicating a potential risk to resident safety if the construction is flawed. CCLD requires the operator to stop work and obtain the correct permits immediately. The community must also submit a plan of correction to the licensing agency. Type B citations carry civil penalties and remain on the facility's public record.

How do I fix or prevent a building permit violation?

Before starting any renovation, contact your local city or county building department to pull the correct permits. Keep a copy of all approved permits and architectural plans on-site for LPA review. Even minor changes like adding walls or modifying egress routes require approval. Doing this ensures your community stays compliant and avoids work stoppages.

Does lacking a building permit affect my RCFE license?

Yes, failing to secure permits can jeopardize your facility license. CCLD views unpermitted construction as a serious operational failure because it bypasses fire and life safety checks. Repeated citations can lead to probation or conditional licenses. Always verify permit requirements with your local jurisdiction and CCLD before remodeling.

Related violations

Other citations in this regulation family

This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed residential care compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.

Every California assisted living facility's citation record is free to read. Browse facilities by county or look one up by name.

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