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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 13Pt. 1.5Ch. 1§ 17912 Existing Building Exemptions

§ 17912 Existing Building Exemptions

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 17912 Existing Building Exemptions

Key Takeaways

  • •Old buildings don’t have to follow new construction rules unless the government says so.
  • •Rules about how to use, maintain, or change a building (like turning a hotel into apartments) apply to all buildings, even old ones.
  • •If a building was already approved or started before new rules came out, the new construction rules don’t apply to it.

Example

You own an old apartment building built in 1980. In 2023, new rules say all new buildings must have sprinklers.

You don’t have to add sprinklers just because of the new rule. But if you want to turn the apartments into a hotel, you must follow the new rules about how the building is used.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 17912 Existing Building Exemptions

Rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the provisions of this part and building standards published in the State Building Standards Code, relating to the erection or construction of buildings or structures, shall not apply to existing buildings or structures or to buildings or structures as to which construction is commenced or approved prior to the effective date of the rules, regulations, or building standards, except by act of the Legislature, but rules, regulations, and building standards relating to use, maintenance, and change of occupancy shall apply to all hotels, motels, lodginghouses, apartment houses, and dwellings, or portions thereof, and buildings and structures accessory thereto, approved for construction or constructed before or after the effective date of such rules, regulations, or building standards. (Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 1152.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

regulationportlegislatureconstructionstate building standardserectionmaintenanceapartment

Related Statutes

  • § 17023 Employee Housing Building Exemptions
  • § 17001 Employee Housing Building Standards
  • § 50406.3 Multifamily Housing Loan Uses
  • § 17960 Building Code Enforcement
  • § 129775 Earthquake Risk Assessment Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 17912.
View Official Source