Who We Are

The California Building Officials (CALBO) is a nonprofit 501(c)6 organization dedicated to promoting public health and safety in building construction through responsible legislation, education and building code development. Founded in 1962, CALBO brings together over 600 members who lead efforts in public safety, sustainability, planning and code enforcement in their communities. 

Our members are Building Officials, along with other leaders in building, planning, and code enforcement departments. Together, they play a vital role each day in ensuring California’s built environment is safe, resilient and ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. 

CALBO’s Leadership

Raj Patel, P.E., C.B.O. – President
Building Official, City of Pico Rivera

Mike Brinkman, C.B.O. – Vice President
Chief Building Official, City of Newman

Sara Retmier, C.B.O. – Secretary/Treasurer
Chief Building Official, City of Beaumont

Jeff Janes, C.B.O. – Immediate Past President
Building Official, JAS Pacific

Doug Hughes, C.B.O. – Director
Chief Building Official, Town of Windsor

Ian Livingston, CASp, C.B.O. – Director
Building Official, City of Guadalupe

John Weight – Director
Executive Officer, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety

Chris Ochoa, Esq. - Advisory Council
Senior Council for Codes, Regulatory & Legislative Affairs, California Building Industry Association (CBIA)

Addison Smith – Advisory Council
Chief Executive Officer, JAS Pacific

Our Mission

CALBO is dedicated to promoting public health and safety in building construction by: 

• Supporting responsible legislation that enhances safety
• Providing continuing education through expert-led training programs
• Contributing to the development of practical and enforceable building codes
• Collaborating with state agencies to guide the regulatory process

Above all, our top priority is to ensure that California’s buildings are safe, resilient and habitable. 

What is a Building Official?

A Building Official oversees safety in building design, construction and occupancy. Key duties include: 

• Reviewing building plans
• Issuing permits
• Conducting inspections
• Enforcing building codes

They ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations – and help to adapt to evolving practices. Most Building Officials have advanced education, professional certifications, along with at least four-to-five years of supervisory experience. 

California Law (AB 717, Ducheny 1995) mandates that officials, inspectors, and plan examiners complete forty-five hours of continuing education every three years, plus maintains certification by a recognized state, national or international association of building officials or construction examiners, as determined by the local agency.  

Our Code of Ethics

The protections of life, health and property is a solemn responsibility of the highest order. Recognizing the public’s trust bestowed upon individuals engaged in the administration and enforcement of building regulatory codes, the California Building Officials advocates commitment to a standard of professional behavior that exemplifies the highest ideals and principles of ethical conduct. The governing concepts embodied in this philosophy are characterized herein below, for the benefit and guidance of those so engaged, and for the enlightenment of the public so served.  

The Building Official Shall:

• Place the public’s welfare above all other interests and recognize that the chief function of government is to serve the best interests of all the people
• Demonstrate integrity, honesty and fairness in all transactions and constantly strive for excellence in all matters of ethical conduct
• Recognize the continuing need for developing improved safety standards for the protection of life, health, and property, and acknowledge a professional obligation to contribute time and expertise in the development of such improvements
• Maintain professional competence in all areas of employment responsibility and encourage the same in associates at all levels

How Are Building Departments Funded? 

Building departments are fee-funded, primarily through charges collected from building permits. 

CALBO and the Regulatory Process

CALBO supports the creation, adoption, and implementation of building codes through the state’s regulatory process. When CALBO and other stakeholders are able to collaborate with the State of California’s regulatory bodies the result is practical, prudent and enforceable codes — serving the public’s best interest to ensure consistent, and safe construction standards statewide. 

CALBO Training Institute

The CALBO Training Institute (CTI) is CALBO’s education and training division, offering year-round courses and leadership academies.  CTI equips building officials and department staff with the tools to: 

• Stay up to date on the latest building codes 
• Learn current safety standards and emerging technologies
• Build additional career and technical skills
• Enhance professional development for both personal and career growth