The Building Department administers a program of construction regulation that is mandated by the state of California to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all structures within the City. The department ensures public safety by providing thorough, accurate plan reviews and inspection of all structures.

The department provides an integrated approach to code enforcement to promote a clean, safe and healthy environment for all residents by enforcing the City's Health and Safety Code and Uniform Housing Code. Staff receives and responds to citizen complaints regarding substandard housing, nuisance abatement, zoning violations and building use violations.

The department also provides information to the public through interpretations of federal, state, and local regulations; permit activity contained in address files; and interpretations of California Title 24 disabled access regulations.