Building Codes & Standards 2016

The Building Services Division uses several model codes to evaluate building plans and permit applications before granting building permits. The Division uses the codes, along with a series of on-site inspections, to help assure that buildings in Placer County are built safely and meet current generally accepted construction standards.

Chapter 15, Article 15.04 of the Placer County Code provides more information on the codes used by the Division to set building standards, including details on snow load requirements. You can either use the Code Table of Contents or search on "building" to find further information.

2016 Building Construction Code Changes

Other Building Codes

Other building codes the Division uses which are available online include:

More information about the codes are available at the California State Building Standards Commission website or the International Code Council site for California.

Energy Standards

The State of California has all of the manuals and forms for compliance with California’s Energy Efficiency Standards on their site. View the 2016 Residential Compliance Single Forms.

For assistance or questions regarding the Energy Standards, contact the Energy Hotline at 800-772-3300.

Contact Us

For further Building Code related questions, contact a Building Inspector in Auburn or a Building Inspector in Tahoe.

You can email the Planning Division with questions regarding:

  • Design guidelines
  • Home-to-lot size ratio
  • Residential fence heights and locations
  • Setbacks
  • Signs
  • Other zoning related topics

Answers will generally be returned within one business day.