News & Updates

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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!

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Last Chance for Costa Mesa!

CALBO is headed your way and registration for Costa Mesa closes TODAYThursday, 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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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

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Fall Training That Fits Your Schedule — and Your CEUs

CALBO’s 2025 Education Weeks are bringing top-tier training to Northern and Southern California — and your screen. This year’s courses are designed to help you grow, stay current, and lead with confidence — all while earning 0.6 CEUs per course, per day.

With offerings tailored to the current code cycle, there’s something for everyone — no matter your role or specialty.

Here’s what’s on the schedule:

- The Latest in 2025 California Code Changes
- Emerging Trends Impacting the Industry
- Career-Building Courses for Every Role

Pick your path:

Education Week Burlingame
September 29 – October 2, 2025
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport

Education Week Costa Mesa
October 27 – 30, 2025
Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa

Prefer to attend from home or office? Join us virtually — yes, even in fuzzy socks. We won’t judge.

Want to learn more:

Visit the CALBO Education Week Registration Page to explore all available courses and details.

Already registered:

- Download the In Person Checklist
- Download the Virtual Checklist

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CALBO Legislative Briefing – Summer 2025
On Demand Video Presentation

The 2025 Legislative Session is shaping up to be a pivotal year for housing legislation. With the State Legislature currently in summer recess, join CALBO’s Executive Director, Dr. Matthew Wheeler, for an on demand update covering key bills CALBO is tracking — including some wins, ongoing challenges, and what to expect next — in the Summer Legislative Briefing video.

A special thank you to the Legislative Committee for their dedication in navigating this year’s high volume of legislation.

What’s Covered: 

- AB 306 / AB 130: Freezes local residential building amendments for six years unless filed by September 30, 2025; exceptions for wildfire and emergency standards. CALBO is developing implementation guidance.
- AB 750: Requires annual homeless shelter inspections and reporting; now law as part of AB 130.
- AB 253: Allows applicants to hire third-party plan checkers if local reviews exceed 30 days. CALBO opposes; stalled in Senate Appropriations.
- AB 1206: Requires posting pre-approved residential plans with expedited 30-day approvals. CALBO opposes due to safety and CEQA concerns.
- AB 1308: Mandates residential inspections be completed within 10 days of notice. CALBO supported amendments to maintain local inspections.
- AB 557: Would remove local oversight of factory-built housing. CALBO pushed for a study; bill stalled as a two-year measure.
- AB 339: Requires labor notification on RFPs (excluding construction work). Strong opposition; stalled in Senate Appropriations.
- AB 6: Creates a working group to study multifamily definitions for fast-tracking. CALBO opposes due to safety concerns.

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

Want to dive deeper into how legislation affects local building departments? Consider attending the State Laws Enforced by Building Departments for 2024-2025 course, offered this fall in Burlingame or Costa Mesa as part of CALBO Education Weeks. Click here for more information. 

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Accessibility Topics Created With You in Mind!
Join us for these upcoming trainings

Are you preparing for an exam or renewing your CAB license or CASp certification? These courses are newly updated to help you understand the most complex California Access Standards.

Are you renewing your architect license with CAB?*
Architects must complete 5 hours of coursework on disability access requirements within the previous two years. Click here for more information.

Are you renewing your CASp certification with DSA?*
CASp renewals must complete 15 continuing education units (CEUs) during each 3 year certification period, including a minimum of 5 CEUs must address regulatory updates to the CBC accessibility provisions. One CEU equals one hour of instructional time. Click here for more information.

Looking for training opportunities? Check out these upcoming courses! 

Education Weeks (Virtual and In Person Available)

  • 2025 CBC Chapter 11B Accessibility in Public Buildings, Public Accommodations and Commercial Buildings
    Tuesday, September 30 & October 28 from 8:00am – 3:30pm (0.6 CEUs)
     
  • California Electric Vehicle Charging Codes and Regulations
    Wednesday, October 1 & October 29 from 8:00am – 3:30pm (0.6 CEUs)
     
  • Understanding Scoping and Technical Provisions of the California Building Code, Chapter 11A Housing Accessibility
    Thursday, October 2 & October 30 from 8:00am – 3:30pm (0.6 CEUs)

For more information on Education Weeks, click here

*CALBO is listed as a training provider on the CAB website and DSA website, but it is the architect’s/CASp’s responsibility to determine that a course meets the renewal requirements according to the published criteria and to document and retain records of attendance.

For questions about upcoming courses, please email the CALBO Office or call 916-457-1103.

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AB 306 Provisions Signed by Governor Newsom via State Budget Process
Local California Jurisdictions Have Certainty on Local Amendments to Residential Codes

SACRAMENTO – Local California jurisdictions have certainty when it comes to local amendments relative to residential housing and construction post-September 30, 2025.  Last night, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the $321 billion-dollar state budget for the 2025-26 which included a series of “trailer bills” necessary for the enactment of the overall state budget.  Included in one of these trailer bills – 

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CALBO Legislative Briefing – June 2025
On Demand Video Presentation

From housing reform to permitting deadlines, the 2025 legislative session is in full swing. CALBO’s Executive Director Dr. Matthew Wheeler, walks you through the most significant bills currently under consideration in this month’s Legislative On Demand video briefing. 

What’s Covered: 

- AB 306 → AB 130: The most significant bill this session, now part of a housing budget trailer bill.