§ 8404 Authorized Construction Work Requests

Civil Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•Work on a property is allowed if the owner asks for it or agrees to it.
•Work can also be done if a contractor, architect, or project manager in charge of the work says it's okay.
•This rule applies to both big projects (like building a house) and smaller ones (like fixing a driveway).

Example

You want to add a new room to your house.

If you ask a builder to do the work and agree to it, they can legally start building. Or, if you hire a contractor to manage the project, they can also approve the work.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 8404 Authorized Construction Work Requests

Work is authorized for a work of improvement or for a site improvement in any of the following circumstances: (a) It is provided at the request of or agreed to by the owner. (b) It is provided or authorized by a direct contractor, subcontractor, architect, project manager, or other person having charge of all or part of the work of improvement or site improvement. (Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 697, Sec. 20. (SB 189) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative July 1, 2012, by Sec. 105 of Ch. 697 and by Section 8052.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

work of improvement site improvement direct contractor subcontractor architect project manager

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 8404.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References