News & Updates

Post

Two Webinars. Real-World Solutions for Today’s Building Departments

Have you ever wondered how emerging tools and everyday interactions are reshaping the future of building departments?

Join these upcoming webinars designed to give you both a forward-looking perspective and practical, real-world skills you can apply immediately. From understanding how AI is transforming plan review to navigating challenging workplace interactions, these webinars are built to support today’s building professionals.

AI and Plan Review: Practical Lessons for Building Departments

TOMORROW, Wednesday, April 1, 2026
10:00 – 11:00am
ICC PP Course No: 50893 (0.1 CEU)
Registration Closes TODAY, March 31 at 5:00pm
Free Member Webinar Opportunity

AI is rapidly emerging in building permitting, but “AI-powered” can mean very different things. Some tools help applicants submit permit-ready plans, while others support reviewers by accelerating plan review without compromising code compliance. This session offers a practical look at today’s AI landscape through real-world examples—breaking down how these tools work, where they fit, and how to evaluate them for transparency, accuracy, and defensibility. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for assessing AI tools based on their department’s goals, staffing model, and compliance needs.

This webinar is brought to you by CivCheck, a Clariti Company, as part of CALBO’s Industry Spotlight series. This session provides educational insights into emerging tools and practices in building safety. While examples may feature CivCheck clients and technology, the content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by California Building Officials (CALBO).

Strategies for Managing Challenging Interactions and Strengthening Relationships in the Workplace

Thursday, April 2, 2026
10:00am – 12:00pm
ICC PP Course No. 50157 (0.2 CEUs)
Registration Closes Wednesday, April 1 at 5:00pm

Some workplace interactions escalate—others lead to productive outcomes. What makes the difference?

This live, two-hour webinar focuses on practical strategies for managing difficult conversations and strengthening communication in the workplace. From handling dissatisfied customers to navigating everyday challenges at the counter, this session provides real-world techniques you can use immediately. Topics include conflict resolution, de-escalation strategies, and communication approaches that foster stronger relationships and more effective collaboration across teams and with the public.

Seats are limited—secure your spot today and stay ahead with the tools, strategies, and insights shaping today’s building departments. Click here for more information. 

Questions about upcoming training opportunities? Contact the CALBO Office at 916-457-1103 or info@calbo.org.

Article

What’s Planned for Santa Clara
Join us next month at the ABM

We’re excited to see you at our 64th CALBO Annual Business Meeting in Santa Clara, where industry leaders, experts and professionals, like yourself, will gather for a week of knowledge-sharing, networking and learning opportunities. Can’t decide if you want to join? Check out the highlights below.

Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
Sunday, April 12 - Thursday, April 16

⏰ Reminder: Haven’t booked your room yet? Today is the LAST day to reserve within the CALBO Room Block. Limited availability remains. Click here for more information. 

Monday, April 13 Highlights

Start the week with Opening Ceremonies, Town Hall & Membership Forum, followed by a Keynote Address from Chief Michael O’Brian. Hear updates from ICC, IAPMO, and NFPA during the Model Codes Organizations Luncheon and learn from state agencies in the afternoon panel followed by a Q&A session. It’s the perfect way to kick off the week energized, informed, and connected.

Tuesday, April 14 Highlights

Begin with the Legislative Forum and Annual Business Meeting, then explore the Exhibitor Networking Luncheon to connect with top vendors and innovative solutions. In the afternoon, attend sessions on battery safety and AI in building departments, and finish the day at Hospitality Row at Clara’s Junction for casual networking.

Wednesday, April 15 Highlights

Enjoy a full day of sessions on housing challenges, wildfire preparedness, and the role of building officials. Celebrate your peers at the Leadership & Awards Luncheon, and cap the day with the unforgettable Fellowship Dinner at the Winchester Mystery House.

Thursday, April 16 Highlights

Advance your professional development with three full-day CEU courses on Advanced Legal Aspects of Code Administration for Building Officials and Inspectors, Essential Skills for Rising Leaders, and Using AI for Plan Review. Gain valuable insights to stay at the forefront of your profession.

Want to learn more about this week? Click here.

Questions about CALBO’s 64th Annual Business Meeting?
 Please contact the CALBO Office or by phone at 916.457.1103.

Post

Webinar Tomorrow: Nuances in California Accessibility Compliance

Have you ever wondered where accessibility compliance issues tend to hide in plain sight?

Join this live, two-hour webinar that takes a deeper look at the nuanced requirements within California’s accessibility regulations. Even experienced professionals can encounter challenges when interpreting and applying these detailed standards. This webinar explores commonly overlooked provisions in the 2025 California Building Code, focusing on Chapters 11A and 11B, and highlights areas where misunderstandings can lead to corrections, delays, or enforcement challenges during plan review, inspections, and design.

Beyond the Basics: Nuances in California Accessibility Compliance

TOMORROW, Thursday, March 26, 2026
10:00am – 12:00pm
***New Webinar - ICC PP Course No. 50177 (0.2 CEUs)***
***New Webinar - AIA Course No. 2: 2026 (2 LU | HSWs)***

Seats are limited and registration closes TODAY at 5:00pm sharp. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared.

Ready to Register? Click Here

Questions about upcoming training opportunities? Contact the CALBO Office at 916-457-1103 or info@calbo.org.

Article

Are you joining us in Santa Clara?

CALBO is heading to Santa Clara for our 64th Annual Business Meeting!

Join California’s building professionals, industry leaders, and innovators for a week of learning, networking, and collaboration. With the event just around the corner, now is the time to plan ahead and mark these important upcoming deadlines.

Event Details:
Sunday, April 12 - Thursday, April 16
Hyatt Regency Santa Clara

Key Deadlines:

- CALBO Awards Nominations: THIS Friday, March 13
- Hotel Room Block: Friday, March 27 (or when the room block reaches capacity, whichever comes first)
- Exhibitor & Sponsorship Registration: Wednesday, April 1 (ONLY 6 booths left!)
- CALBO’s Annual Challenge Cup Golf Tournament Registration: Thursday, April 2 (Limited spots available)
- Attendee Registration: Thursday, April 2

Have questions about CALBO’s 64th Annual Business Meeting?
 Please contact the CALBO Office or call 916-457-1103.

Post

Upcoming March Webinars
Topics for all in Building Safety!

Take a moment this spring to brush up on key topics with our latest lineup of webinars designed for building department professionals.

Join us this month for a series of webinars designed to get you up to speed before the fall Education Weeks. Click any title below for full details and to register.

2025 California Energy Code: What’s Changed for Multifamily Standards
Wednesday, March 11 | 0.2 CEUs

Contractor Licensing in California: A Guide for Counter Staff and Building Departments
Thursday, March 12  | 0.2 CEUs

Beyond the Basics: Nuances in California Accessibility Compliance
Thursday, March 26 | 0.2 CEUs

Registration is first-come, first-served, so don’t wait! Register Today – Click Here. 

Free Bonus Training – AI and Plan Review: Practical Lessons for Building Departments

CALBO is proud to partner with CivCheck, a Clariti Company, to offer a free, one-hour webinar for CALBO members, focused on the AI in Plan Review

AI and Plan Review: Practical Lessons for Building Departments
Wednesday, April 1 | 0.1 CEUs

For any questions regarding the information provided above, please contact the CALBO Office or by phone at 916-457-1103.

Post

Webinar Tomorrow: Code Enforcement Fundamentals for Permit Technicians

Have you ever wondered how your daily permit tasks connect to the bigger picture of code enforcement?

Join this live, two-hour webinar designed to give permit technicians a practical overview of code enforcement fundamentals and how their role supports enforcement within building departments. Topics include unpermitted construction, public nuisances, hazard abatement, notices of violation, and how enforcement connects to permits, plan review, inspections, and documentation.

Understanding Code Enforcement Fundamentals for Permit Technicians

TOMORROW, Thursday, February 19, 2026
10:00am – 12:00pm
***NEW ICC PP Course No. 50016 (0.2 CEUs)***

Seats are limited and registration closes TODAY at 5:00pm sharp. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared.

Ready to Register? Click Here

Questions about upcoming training opportunities? Contact the CALBO Office at 916-457-1103 or info@calbo.org.

Post

Webinar Tomorrow: Accessibility Updates in the 2025 California Codes

Are you prepared for the 2025 California Code changes in Accessibility?

Join our live, two-hour webinar on key accessibility updates in the 2025 California Building Code (CBC) and California Residential Code (CRC), effective January 1, 2026. We’ll cover major changes to DSA Chapter 11B, HCD Chapter 11A, and CRC Section 327, and what they mean for plan review, inspection, and enforcement. Space is limited and registration is first-come, first-served.

Accessibility Updates in the 2025 California Codes: Key Changes for the New Code Cycle

TOMORROW, Thursday, February 12, 2026
10:00am – 12:00pm
***New Webinar - ICC PP Course No. 50014 (0.2 CEUs)***
***New Webinar - AIA Course No. 1: 2026 (2 LUs | HSW)***

Seats are limited and registration closes TODAY at 5:00pm sharp. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared.

Ready to Register? Click Here

Questions about upcoming training opportunities? Contact the CALBO Office at 916-457-1103 or info@calbo.org.

Post

Webinar Tomorrow: 2025 California Energy Code Updates for Single-Family Standards

Are you ready for the 2025 California Energy Code changes?

Join us for a live, two-hour online webinar that provides an overview of the major updates to the 2025 California Energy Code requirements for single-family buildings, which went into effect on January 1, 2026. This session is designed to help professionals confidently understand and apply the new standards.

2025 California Energy Code: What’s Changed for Single-Family Standards

TOMORROW, Wednesday, February 4, 2026
10:00am – 12:00pm
New Webinar - ICC PP Course No. 50213 (0.2 CEUs)
New Webinar - AIA Course No. 5: 2026 (2 LUs)

Seats are limited and registration closes TODAY at 5:00pm sharp. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared.

Ready to Register? Click Here

Questions about upcoming training opportunities? Contact the CALBO Office at 916-457-1103 or info@calbo.org.

Post

Make February Count – Register for CALBO Trainings

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed with valuable opportunities to stay informed and to earn CEUs. Join CALBO for a lineup of expert-led trainings designed to keep you ahead of key changes impacting building safety.

2025 Code Breaker – Embodied Carbon & CALGreen​ – Tuesday, February 3, 2026
*CALBO Industry Spotlight Series – Free CALBO Member Webinar

2025 California Energy Code: What’s Changed for Single-Family Standards – Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Accessibility Updates in the 2025 California Codes: Key Changes for the New Code Cycle – Thursday, February 12, 2026

Understanding Code Enforcement Fundamentals for Permit Technicians – Thursday, February 19, 2026

Sessions fill up quickly, and additional trainings are available on the CALBO website. Register today to secure your spot and make the most of February’s training opportunities.

Click Here to register. 

E-mail blast

Fit CALBO On Demand into Your February Calendar

CALBO’s newest online training platform, CALBO On Demand, is self-paced and designed to fit your schedule, allowing access to courses when it works for you, with no set dates or live class times.

CALBO On Demand Launches Next Month.
Keep a look out for these on demand courses!

*On Demand Code Courses Include:

  • 2025 California Building Code: Highlighting Significant Changes
  • 2025 California Residential Code: Highlighting Significant Changes
  • 2023 National Electrical Code: Significant Changes
  • Accessible Circulation Paths at Vehicular Traffic Areas CBC Chapter 11B
  • Residential PV and Energy Storage Systems: Fundamentals and Code Requirements
  • Building Confidence: A Permit Technician’s Guide to Plan Review
  • Code Enforcement Essentials for Building Departments

*On Demand Professional Development Courses Include:

  • Ethical Considerations in the Workplace
  • Communicating with Clarity
  • Coaching and Managing for Impact
  • Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce
  • The Power of Influence
  • Navigating Workplace Conflict and Difficult Conversations

Post

New Trainings for the New Year

Whether your preference is a live webinar or self-paced on demand content, CALBO has it all for you. Plan your 2026 training calendar with CALBO!

Accessibility – Live Webinars

E-mail blast

CALBO On Demand Launching Soon
A New Training Platform that Fits Your Schedule and Training Needs

CALBO’s newest online training platform, CALBO On Demand, is self-paced and designed to fit your schedule, allowing access to courses when it works for you, with no set dates or live class times.

- In a pinch and need CEUs? Log into CALBO On Demand!

- Can’t make it to a live webinar or pre-scheduled trainings? Log into CALBO On Demand!

- Need more time with a code topic and want to rewatch content explained? Log into CALBO On Demand!

CALBO On Demand Launches February 2026.
Keep a look out for these on demand courses!

*On Demand Code Courses Include:

  • 2025 California Building Code: Highlighting Significant Changes
  • 2025 California Residential Code: Highlighting Significant Changes
  • 2023 National Electrical Code: Significant Changes
  • Accessible Circulation Paths at Vehicular Traffic Areas CBC Chapter 11B
  • Residential PV and Energy Storage Systems: Fundamentals and Code Requirements
  • Building Confidence: A Permit Technician’s Guide to Plan Review
  • Code Enforcement Essentials for Building Departments

*On Demand Professional Development Courses Include:

  • Ethical Considerations in the Workplace
  • Communicating with Clarity
  • Coaching and Managing for Impact
  • Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce
  • The Power of Influence
  • Navigating Workplace Conflict and Difficult Conversations

E-mail blast

Join Us in Santa Clara – April 12–16, 2026
CALBO's 64th Annual Business Meeting

Join us in Santa Clara for CALBO’s 64th Annual Business Meeting! This year’s theme, “We are California Building Officials: Building Back the Mission,” highlights the evolving challenges and innovations shaping our profession. Explore sessions on legislation, human-AI partnerships, wildfire safety, lithium-ion batteries, and housing goals, while connecting with colleagues in the Expo Hall, Hospitality Row, and Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner at the iconic Winchester Mystery House. Learn, collaborate, and celebrate together this April!

Post

CALBO Legislative Briefing – Final Actions of 2025
On Demand Video Presentation

As California’s 2025 legislative session concludes, catch the on demand Legislative Briefing. CALBO’s Executive Director Dr. Matthew Wheeler reviews the year’s major legislative outcomes, highlights advocacy victories, and shares what these developments mean for local building departments across the state.

Inside this briefing:

Key Outcomes from the 2025 Legislative Year

Learn how key bills affect local jurisdictions, the impact on building departments statewide, and what these changes mean for local government operations moving forward.

Major Bills and Updates

  • AB 253 – Allows permittee-selected third-party plan review if local plan checks exceed 30 days.
  • AB 671 – Expands the Permit Streamlining Act, potentially fast-tracking restaurant tenant improvement approvals.
  • AB 130 / AB 306 –Signed into law, freezes local residential code amendments for six years unless filed by September 30, 2025, with limited exceptions for wildfire mitigation and emergencies.

CALBO Legislative Victories

Several high-impact proposals were stalled or amended thanks to the Legislative Committee’s advocacy, preserving local control and protecting public safety across California.

Looking Ahead

Sneak peek into what’s next for the 2026 legislative year, including returning two-year bills and emerging state priorities that will affect local jurisdictions.

Catch this month’s Legislative On Demand video for detailed insights and legislative context:

Watch Now: 
– Recording: Click Here
- PDF Handout: Click Here

Post

Stay Ahead of the 2025 Energy Code – Free Webinars from CALBO and Energy Code Ace
Industry Spotlight Webinar Series

As part of CALBO’s Industry Spotlight Series, we are proud to partner with Energy Code Ace to offer a series of informative webinars focused on the 2025 Energy Code changes. These sessions are designed to help building department professionals understand and prepare for key updates coming to California’s Energy Code and related standards.

Each free webinar highlights a different area of focus—from ADUs to embodied carbon in CALGreen—delivering essential insights for both seasoned code officials and those new to energy compliance.

All webinars are complimentary for CALBO members. Click on the titles below to learn more and register. We look forward to seeing you there!

2025 Code Breaker – Embodied Carbon & CALGreen
February 3, 2026 from 10:00am – 11:00am

Stay informed, stay compliant, and stay connected—register today through CALBO’s Industry Spotlight Series!

Post

Last Chance for Costa Mesa!

CALBO is headed your way and registration for Costa Mesa closes TODAY, Thursday, October 16 at 5:00pm!

Don’t miss this annual training event — offered both in person and virtually — featuring a curriculum tailored specifically for building safety professionals. Classes are filling quickly, including virtual courses.

This is your final opportunity for live courses in the 2025 year. We hope to “see” you there!

Register Online - Click Here*

*Deadline Reminder: Registration closes TODAY, Thursday, October 16 at 5:00pm — no exceptions and no on-site registrations will be accepted.

Planning Your Attendance?

- Download the Education Weeks Training Catalog
- What to Expect from Your Virtual Attendance?
- What to Expect from Your In Person Attendance?

Attending in person? Check out the list of exhibitors who will be showcasing their products and services throughout the event. 

Post

Meet Our Exhibitors in Costa Mesa!

Get ready for an exciting week at CALBO Education Week: Costa Mesa! Our exhibitor hall is the place to be – packed with innovation, networking opportunities, and the newest products and services shaping our profession. 

Post

CALBO Legislative Briefing – September 2025
On Demand Video Presentation

As California’s 2025 legislative session closes September 12, don’t miss this month’s on demand legislative briefing. CALBO’s Executive Director Dr. Matthew Wheeler shares the latest from Sacramento, with updates on active legislation impacting California building departments.

Inside this briefing:

  • Pertinent Deadlines & What They Mean: With the first year of the 2025-26 legislative session coming to a close, what does that mean in the big picture? 
     
  • Active Bills Still in Play:
    • AB 253 – Would allow permittee self-selected third-party plan review if local plan checks exceed 30 days.
    • AB 671 – Expands the Permit Streamlining Act, potentially fast-tracking restaurant TI approvals.

  • Legislative Victories: Several policy proposals stalled or were amended due to CALBO’s vigilant advocacy efforts. 

  • AB 130/AB 306: Signed into state law — freezes local residential code amendments for six years unless filed by September 30, 2025 (with wildfire/emergency exceptions).

  • Looking Ahead: Some two-year bills will likely return in 2026, what will that likely mean for the CALBO community?

Catch the full update in Dr. Wheeler’s on demand video—complete with detailed explanations and context for key bills.

Watch Now: 
- Zoom Recording: Click Here
- PDF Handout: Click Here

Want to go deeper? Join the State Laws Enforced by Building Departments for 2024-2025 course this fall in Burlingame or Costa Mesa as part of CALBO Education Weeks. Click here for more information. 

E-mail blast

Your CALBO News: Summer 2025 is Here

CALBO News: Summer 2025 is here! Packed with updates, training, and resources, this issue is designed to support California code officials and industry colleagues as you protect the built environment in the Golden State.

Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:

Leadership & Advocacy