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California Construction Compliance Guide

Document Type: Reference Guide
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: All California Operations

Purpose​

Summarize key California-specific construction compliance requirements.

California Mechanics Lien Law​

Key Deadlines:​

ActionDeadline
Preliminary NoticeWithin 20 days of first work
Mechanics LienWithin 90 days of completion
Notice of Completion (owner)Within 15 days of completion
Shortened lien deadline60 days if NOC recorded
Lien foreclosure90 days from recording lien

Preliminary Notice Required By:​

  • Direct contractors (over $400 to same owner in 12 months)
  • Subcontractors
  • Material suppliers
  • Equipment lessors

Preliminary Notice Must Include:​

  • Claimant name and address
  • Owner name and address
  • General contractor name
  • Description of work/materials
  • Estimated price
  • Property description

Contractor Licensing​

CSLB Requirements:​

License Required:

  • Any work over $500 (including labor and materials)
  • Penalty for unlicensed work: criminal and civil

License Types:

  • A - General Engineering
  • B - General Building
  • C - Specialty (numerous)

Renewal:

  • Every 2 years
  • Continuing education required

Workers' Compensation:

  • Must have WC or exemption certificate
  • Displayed on license

Bond:

  • $25,000 contractor's bond required
  • $100,000 for C-39 roofing

Prevailing Wage​

When Required:​

  • Public works projects
  • Private projects with public funding
  • Charter school construction
  • Certain affordable housing

Requirements:​

  • Pay DIR prevailing wage rates
  • Submit certified payroll
  • Register with DIR
  • Post wage rates at jobsite

Certified Payroll:​

  • Weekly submission
  • Include: name, address, SSN (last 4), classification, hours, rate
  • Submit to awarding body
  • Maintain records 3 years

DIR Registration:​

  • All contractors and subs must register
  • Annual fee
  • Before bidding public work

Cal/OSHA Requirements​

Key Differences from Federal OSHA:​

  • State plan (often stricter)
  • Cal/OSHA Division of Occupational Safety and Health
  • Additional requirements in many areas

California-Specific:​

Heat Illness Prevention:

  • Required program at 80°F+
  • Water, shade, rest
  • Training required
  • Written procedures

Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP):

  • Written program required
  • 8 elements mandated
  • Annual review

Permits:

  • Certain work requires Cal/OSHA permit
  • Carcinogen work
  • Certain trenching/shoring
  • Demolition

Employment Law​

Meal and Rest Breaks:​

RequirementCalifornia Rule
First meal breakBy 5th hour
Second meal breakBy 10th hour
Rest breaks10 min per 4 hours
Penalty1 hour pay if missed

Overtime:​

  • Over 8 hours/day = 1.5x
  • Over 12 hours/day = 2x
  • 7th consecutive day = 1.5x (first 8 hrs), 2x (over 8)

Final Pay:​

  • Termination: Immediate
  • Resignation (no notice): Within 72 hours
  • Resignation (72 hr notice): On last day
  • Penalty: 1 day pay per day late, up to 30 days

Paystubs:​

  • Detailed requirements
  • Gross/net wages
  • Hours worked
  • Piece rate (if applicable)
  • Deductions itemized

Environmental​

SWPPP (Stormwater):​

  • Required for sites > 1 acre
  • Filed with State Water Board
  • Best Management Practices (BMPs)
  • Inspections required

Air Quality:​

  • Dust control required
  • AQMD permits for certain equipment
  • Idling restrictions

Hazardous Materials:​

  • Proper handling required
  • DTSC oversight
  • Lead, asbestos abatement licenses

Accessibility (ADA/State)​

California Specific:​

  • Often stricter than federal ADA
  • CASp inspection program
  • Construction-related accessibility standards

Requirements:​

  • Meet Title 24 accessibility
  • Path of travel requirements for alterations
  • 20% rule for tenant improvements

Prompt Payment​

Public Works (Civil Code 9200):​

  • Progress payments within 30 days
  • 2% per month interest on late
  • Retention release within 60 days

Private Works:​

  • Per contract
  • Mechanics lien available for non-payment

Key California Agencies​

AgencyJurisdiction
CSLBContractor licensing
DIRPrevailing wage, apprenticeship
Cal/OSHAWorkplace safety
SWRCBStormwater
AQMDAir quality
DSAPublic school construction
OSHPDHospital construction

Resources​

  • Preliminary Notice Procedure
  • Mechanics Lien Filing
  • Prevailing Wage Compliance
  • Heat Illness Prevention
  • IIPP Program

In-Depth California Compliance Guides​

For comprehensive coverage of each topic summarized above, see the California Compliance Hub:

Template provided by support.construction. Laws change - verify current requirements.