Purpose

Policy and Procedure No.: B-26-46

This handout applies to bathroom remodeling projects in single-family dwellings and is intended to serve as a general reference guide. It applies when the scope of work is limited to the removal and replacement of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical fixtures, replacement of existing windows, and minor modifications to non-load-bearing walls.

Submittal Requirements

A completed Application for Permit

To apply for a permit, please submit one set of plans depicting the proposed bathroom layout, including a detailed description of the scope of work. It is important that your plans clearly show all the work proposed to avoid delays in processing. Once a permit has been issued, it will be limited to the scope defined and illustrated in the documents filed.

Additional information will be required for a complete plan review if the work includes the removal and/or replacement of structural features such as load-bearing walls, posts, and new window or door openings.

Plan Submittal and Permit Processing

For plan submittal and permit processing information, please visit our Minor Residential Building Permits webpage. 

Building Requirements - CA Residential Code

The following items are required and are subject to field inspection: 

  • Showers and tub/shower walls to be covered with a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surface (i.e., ceramic tile or fiberglass) installed over a moisture resistant underlayment (water-resistant gypsum board) to a height of 72” above drain inlet [R327.2]
  • No water closet or bidet shall be set closer than fifteen inches from its center to any side wall or obstruction or closer than 30 inches center to center to any similar fixture. The clear space in front of any water closed lavatory or bidet shall be not less than 21 inches. [CPC 402.5] 
  • Safety glazing (tempered) required in the following locations:
    • Any portion of a wall enclosing a shower or bathtub enclosure where the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60” above a standing surface and drain inlet
    • Door enclosures for hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas, bathtubs, and showers [R324.4.5 CRC]

Electrical Requirements - CA Electric Code

The following items are required and are subject to field inspection: 

  • At least one 120 volt, 20-amp branch circuit to supply the bathroom receptacle(s). [210- 23.2.3(A)(1) and (A)(2)]
  • At least one receptacle shall be adjacent to and within 36” of each sink [210-52(D)]
  • All bathroom receptacles to be GFCI protected [210-8(A)(1)]
  • The following locations are prohibited:
    • Cord-connected fixtures, lighting tracks or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans within 3’ of horizontal edge of tub and 8’ vertical above top of tub or shower dam [410.10(D)]
    • Receptacles shall not be installed within or over a bathtub or shower stall, or within 3' horizontally from the inside of the shower stall, even if enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure [406.9(2)(C)]
  • Light fixtures in tub or shower enclosure shall be labeled “suitable for wet locations” [410.10(A)]

Plumbing and Mechanical Requirements - CA Plumbing and Mechanical Codes

The following items are required and are subject to field inspection: 

  • Maximum 1.28 gallons per flush for toilet fixture [Section 4.303.1 GBSC]
  • Regardless of shape, shower compartments shall have a min. 1,024 in² interior floor area, be capable of encompassing a 30” circle, and have min. 22” hinged doors to swing out [CPC 408.6] Shower walls shall be finished with a hard, non-absorbent surface to a height of not less than 72” [CRC R327.2]
  • Individual control valves of the pressure balance or the thermostatic mixing valve type for showers and tub-shower combination with a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi. [CPC 408.4 and 408.3]
  • Environmental air duct for bathroom exhaust shall terminate 3’ from property lines, 10 feet from a forced air inlet and 3’ from any opening into the building. [CMC 502.2]
  • Each bathroom shall be mechanically ventilated [GBSC 4.506.1] Exhaust ducts shall provide 50 cfm minimum

Residential Lighting Requirements (CA Energy Code)

The following items are required and are subject to field inspection: 

All installed luminaires shall be high efficacy in accordance with table 150.0-A. In bathrooms at least one luminaire shall be controlled by an occupancy or vacancy sensor – Energy Code 150 (k) 1, 2

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