text:
In addition to posting notice of the resolution and notice of the meeting when objections will be heard, the legislative body of the city or county shall direct its clerk to mail written notice of the proposed abatement to all persons owning property described in the resolution. The clerk shall cause the written notice to be mailed to each person on whom the described property is assessed in the last equalized assessment roll available on the date the resolution was adopted by the legislative body.

In cities where the county assessor performs the functions of the city assessor, the county assessor, at the request of the city clerk, shall, within 10 days thereafter, mail to the city clerk a list of the names and addresses of all of the persons owning property described in the resolution. The address of the owners shown on the assessment roll is conclusively deemed to be the proper address for the purpose of mailing the notice. The city shall reimburse the county for the actual cost of furnishing the list, and the cost shall be a part of the costs of abatement.

The notices mailed by the clerk shall be mailed at least 10 days prior to the time for hearing objections by the legislative body.

The notices mailed by the clerk shall be substantially in the form provided by Section 5499.4.


kind: section

code: BPC

text:
At the time stated in the notices, the legislative body of the city or county shall hear and consider all objections to the proposed removal of the on-premises advertising display. It may continue the hearing from time to time. By motion or resolution at the conclusion of the hearing, the legislative body shall allow or overrule any objections. At that time, the legislative body acquires jurisdiction to proceed and perform the work of removal.

The decision of the legislative body is final. If objections have not been made or after the legislative body has disposed of those made, it shall order the enforcement officer to abate the nuisance by having the display removed. The order shall be made by motion or resolution.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1281, Sec. 6.)

division: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 2.6. Ordinances Governing On-Premise Advertising Displays


text: The enforcement officer may enter private property to abate the nuisance.

chapter: 2.6. Ordinances Governing On-Premise Advertising Displays


text:
Before the enforcement officer arrives, any property owner may remove the illegal on-premises advertising display at the owner’s own expense.

Nevertheless, in any case in which an order to abate is issued, the legislative body of the city or county, by motion or resolution, may further order that a special assessment and lien shall be limited to the costs incurred by the city or county, as the case may be, in enforcing abatement upon the property, including investigation, boundary determination, measurement, clerical, and other related costs.


text:
(a) The enforcement officer shall keep an account of the cost of abatement of an illegal on-premises advertising display in front of or on each separate parcel of property where the work is done by him or her. He or she shall submit to the legislative body of the city or county for confirmation an itemized written report showing that cost.

(b) A copy of the report shall be posted for at least three days, prior to its submission to the legislative body, on or near the chamber door of the legislative body, with notice of the time of submission.

(c) At the time fixed for receiving and considering the report, the legislative body shall hear it with any objections of the property owners liable to be assessed for the abatement. It may modify the report if it is deemed necessary. The legislative body shall then confirm the report by motion or resolution.


text: Abatement of the nuisance may, in the discretion of the legislative body of the city or county, be performed by contract awarded by the legislative body on the basis of competitive bids let to the lowest responsible bidder. In that event, the contractor shall keep the account and submit the itemized written report for each separate parcel of property required by Section 5499.10.


text:
(a) The cost of abatement in front of or upon each parcel of property, and the cost incurred by the city or county, as the case may be, in enforcing abatement upon the parcels, including investigation, boundary determination, measurement, clerical, and other related costs, are a special assessment against that parcel. After the assessment is made and confirmed, a lien attaches on the parcel upon recordation of the order confirming the assessment in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the property is situated. However, if any real property to which the lien would attach has been transferred or conveyed to a bona fide purchaser for value, or if a lien of a bona fide encumbrancer for value has been created and attaches thereon, prior to the date on which the first installment of the assessment would become delinquent, the lien which would otherwise be imposed by this section shall not attach to the real property and the costs of abatement and the costs of enforcing abatement, as confirmed, relating to the property shall be transferred to the unsecured roll for collection.

(b) After confirmation of the report, a copy shall be given to the city or county assessor and the tax collector, who shall add the amount of the assessment to the next regular tax bill levied against the parcel for municipal purposes.

(c) If the county assessor and the tax collector assess property and collect taxes for the city, the city shall file a certified copy of the report with the county auditor on or before August 10. The description of the parcels reported shall be those used for the same parcels on the county assessor’s map books for the current year.

(d) The county auditor shall enter each assessment on the county tax roll opposite the parcel of land.

(e) The amount of the assessment shall be collected at the time and in the manner of ordinary municipal taxes. If delinquent, the amount is subject to the same penalties and procedures of foreclosure and sale provided for ordinary municipal taxes.

The legislative body may determine that, in lieu of collecting the entire assessment at the time and in the manner of ordinary municipal taxes, assessments of fifty dollars ($50) or more may be made in annual installments, not to exceed five, and collected one installment at a time at the time and in the manner of ordinary municipal taxes in successive years. If any installment is delinquent, the amount thereof is subject to the same penalties and procedure for foreclosure and sale provided for ordinary municipal taxes. The payment of assessments so deferred shall bear interest on the unpaid balance at a rate to be determined by the legislative body, but not to exceed 6 percent per annum.

(f) As an alternative method, the county tax collector, at his or her discretion, may collect the assessments without reference to the general taxes by issuing separate bills and receipts for the assessments.

(g) Laws relating to the levy, collection, and enforcement of county taxes apply to these special assessments.

(h) The lien of the assessment has the priority of the taxes with which it is collected.


text: The enforcement officer may receive the amount due on the abatement cost and issue receipts at any time after the confirmation of the report and until 10 days before a copy is given to the assessor and tax collector or, where a certified copy is filed with the county auditor, until August 1 following the confirmation of the report.


text: The legislative body of the city or county may order a refund of all or part of an assessment pursuant to this chapter if it finds that all or part of the assessment has been erroneously levied. An assessment, or part thereof, shall not be refunded unless a claim is filed with the clerk of the legislative body on or before November 1 after the assessment became due and payable. The claim shall be verified by the person who paid the assessment or by the person’s guardian, conservator, executor, or administrator.


text: If the legislative body finds that property damage was caused by the negligence of a city or county officer or employee in connection with the abatement of a nuisance pursuant to this chapter, a claim for those damages may be paid from the city or county general fund.


text: The proceedings provided by this chapter are an alternative to any procedure established by ordinance pursuant to any other provision of law.


text:
(a) Any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, organization, or association which prints, displays, publishes, distributes, or broadcasts or causes or permits to be advertised, printed, displayed, published, distributed, or broadcast any advertising which purports to provide legal services for obtaining workers’ compensation benefits shall include the name of at least one attorney associated with the individual, firm, corporation, partnership, organization, or association in all such advertising.

(b) As used in this section, the term “legal services” includes any service which refers potential clients to any attorney.

(c) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 120, Sec. 2.5. Effective July 16, 1993.)

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 2.7. Advertising for Workers’ Compensation Legal Services


citation: BPC § 5500

text: As used in this chapter, architect means a person who is licensed to practice architecture in this state under the authority of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 1.)

chapter: 3. Architecture

article: 1. General Provisions

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 3. Architecture > 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) The practice of architecture within the meaning and intent of this chapter is defined as offering or performing, or being in responsible control of, professional services which require the skills of an architect in the planning of sites, and the design, in whole or in part, of buildings, or groups of buildings and structures.

(b) Architects’ professional services may include any or all of the following:

(1) Investigation, evaluation, consultation, and advice.

(2) Planning, schematic and preliminary studies, designs, working drawings, and specifications.

(3) Coordination of the work of technical and special consultants.

(4) Compliance with generally applicable codes and regulations, and assistance in the governmental review process.

(5) Technical assistance in the preparation of bid documents and agreements between clients and contractors.

(6) Contract administration.

(7) Construction observation.

(c) As a condition for licensure, architects shall demonstrate a basic level of competence in the professional services listed in subdivision (b) in examinations administered under this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 184, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) A person may apply to the board and obtain authorization to use the title “architect-in-training” once they have been identified as a candidate for licensure by the board and both of the following requirements are met:

(1) The applicant successfully passed at least one division of the examination described in Section 5550.

(2) The applicant submits to the board the name and license number of the licensed architect who will be responsible for supervising the applicant while using the title “architect-in-training”.

(b) (1) Before the board approves an authorization for an applicant to use the title “architect-in-training,” the licensed architect who will be responsible for supervising the applicant while using the title shall submit to the board a form, as determined by the board, agreeing to be responsible for the work to be performed by the applicant while using the title.

(2) (A) If a licensed architect responsible for supervising a person while using the title “architect-in-training” changes, the person using the title shall, within 30 days of the change, notify the board of the change and the name and license number of the subsequent licensed architect who will be responsible for supervising the person while using the title.

(B) (i) Notwithstanding Section 5587, a person using the title “architect-in-training” may, during any period in which the person is not under supervision of a licensed architect, request the board to place their authorization to use the title on inactive status.

(ii) The board may reactivate an authorization made inactive pursuant to clause (i) upon receipt of the name and license number of the subsequent licensed architect who will be responsible for supervising the applicant while using the title. The board shall not require a person seeking reactivation to reapply or pay an additional fee for those purposes.

(c) An abbreviation or derivative of the title “architect-in-training,” other than “AIT,” shall not be used.

(d) A person shall not use the title “architect-in-training” to independently offer or provide architectural services to the public.

(e) Notwithstanding any other law, the board may disclose a person’s authorization to use the title “architect-in-training” to a member of the public upon request.

(f) The use of the title “architect-in-training” in violation of this section may constitute unprofessional conduct and subject the user of the title to administrative action, including, but not limited to, citation, discipline, including any disciplinary action pursuant to Section 5587 or any regulation adopted by the board related to this section or Section 5587, and denial of a license.

(g) The board may charge a fee, not to exceed the reasonable cost to the board, to evaluate whether a candidate meets the requirements to use the title “architect-in-training.”

(h) (1) A person may use the title “architect-in-training” for no more than four years after approval by the board.

(2) A person may apply to the board and obtain authorization to use the title “architect-in-training” a second time if the person has passed a division of the exam described in Section 5500 in the four years immediately preceding the person’s application.

(i) A person shall not apply to the board to obtain authorization to use the title “architect-in-training” on or after January 1, 2033.

(j) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2027.

(k) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2037, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 380, Sec. 1. (AB 759) Effective January 1, 2026. Operative January 1, 2027. Repealed as of January 1, 2037, by its own provisions.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 5501

text: This chapter constitutes the chapter on professional architects. It shall be known and may be cited as the Architects Practice Act.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 566, Sec. 2.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 5502

text: As used in this chapter, board refers to the California Architects Board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1054, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 5510

text:
There is in the Department of Consumer Affairs a California Architects Board which consists of 10 members.

Any reference in law to the California Board of Architectural Examiners shall mean the California Architects Board.

This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed. Notwithstanding any other law, the repeal of this section renders the board subject to review by the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 1. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025. Repealed as of January 1, 2029, by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Administration

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 3. Architecture > 2. Administration


text: The Legislature finds and declares that it is the mandate of the board to regulate the practice of architecture in the interest and for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. For this purpose, the board shall delineate the minimum professional qualifications and performance standards for admission to and practice of the profession of architecture. The board shall establish a fair and uniform enforcement policy to deter and prosecute violations of this chapter or any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter to provide for the protection of the consumer.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 2.)

article: 2. Administration


text: Protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the California Architects Board in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions. Whenever the protection of the public is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the protection of the public shall be paramount.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 107, Sec. 24. Effective January 1, 2003.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5514

text:
The membership of the board shall be composed of 10 members, five of whom shall be architects and five of whom shall be public members.

The five professional members of the board shall be selected from architects in good standing who have been licensed and in practice in this state for at least five years at the time of appointment, all of whom shall be residents and in practice in California.

The public members of the board shall not be licensees of the board.

This section shall become operative on January 1, 1988.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 2.2) and added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1327, Sec. 2.4. Section operative January 1, 1988, by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5515

text:
(a) Every person appointed shall serve for four years and until the appointment and qualification of their successor or until one year has elapsed since the expiration of the term for which they were appointed, whichever occurs first.

(b) No person shall serve as a member of the board for more than two consecutive terms.

(c) Vacancies occurring before the expiration of the term shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.

(d) Each appointment shall expire on June 30 of the fourth year following the year in which the previous term expired.

(e) The Governor shall appoint three of the public members and the five licensed members qualified as provided in Section 5514. The Senate Rules Committee and the Speaker of the Assembly shall each appoint a public member.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 2. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 2. Administration


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 130 or 5515, the following provisions shall apply:

(1) Of the three licensed members appointed by the Governor whose terms commence on July 1, 2013, the term of two members shall expire on June 30, 2017, and the term of one member shall expire on June 30, 2019.

(2) Of the two licensed members appointed by the Governor whose terms commence on July 1, 2014, the term of one member shall expire on June 30, 2018, and the term of the other member shall expire on June 30, 2020.

(3) The term of the public member appointed by the Governor that commences on July 1, 2014, shall expire on June 30, 2019.

(4) Of the two public members appointed by the Governor whose terms commence on July 1, 2016, the term of one member shall expire on June 30, 2020, and the term of the other member shall expire on June 30, 2021.

(b) Except as provided in subdivision (a), this section shall not be construed to affect the application of Section 130 or 5515 to the terms of a current or future member of the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 317, Sec. 1. (AB 1822) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5516

text: Each member of the board shall receive a per diem and expenses as provided in Section 103.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1959, Ch. 1645.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5517

text:
The board may appoint a person exempt from civil service who shall be designated as an executive officer and who shall exercise the powers and perform the duties delegated by the board and vested in the executive officer by this chapter.

This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 3. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025. Repealed as of January 1, 2029, by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5518

text: The board shall elect from its members a president, a vice president, and a secretary to hold office for one year, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 4.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5520

text:
The board shall adopt a seal for its own use. The seal used shall have the words, “California Architects Board” inscribed thereon.

The executive officer shall have the care and custody of the seal.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 376, Sec. 4. (SB 608) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5521

text: The executive officer shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 47, Sec. 42. Effective March 21, 1984.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5522

text:
The board shall meet at least once each calendar quarter for the purpose of transacting such business as may lawfully come before it.

The board may hold meetings at such other times and at such places as it may designate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 5.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5523

text: Special meetings of the board shall be called by the executive officer upon the written notice of four members by giving each member of the board 10 days’ written notice of the time and place of the meeting.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 47, Sec. 43. Effective March 21, 1984.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5524

text: Six of the members of the board constitute a quorum of the board for the transaction of business. The concurrence of five members of the board present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be necessary to constitute an act or decision of the board, except that when all 10 members of the board are present at a meeting duly held, the concurrence of six members shall be necessary to constitute an act or decision of the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1327, Sec. 4.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5525

text: The board may prosecute all persons guilty of violating the provisions of this chapter. Except as provided in Section 159.5, the board may employ inspectors, special agents, investigators, and such clerical assistants as it may deem necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this chapter. It may also fix the compensation to be paid for such services and incur such additional expense as may be deemed necessary.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 716.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5526

text:
(a) The board shall adopt rules and regulations governing the examination of applicants for licenses to practice architecture in this state.

(b) The board may, by rule or regulation, adopt rules of professional conduct that are not inconsistent with state or federal law. Every person who holds a license issued by the board shall be governed and controlled by these rules.

(c) The board may adopt other rules and regulations as may be necessary and proper.

(d) The board may, from time to time, repeal, amend, or modify rules and regulations adopted under this section. No rule or regulation shall be inconsistent with this chapter.

(e) The board shall adopt, by regulation, a system as described in Section 125.9 for the issuance to a licensee of a citation and a system as described in Section 148 for the issuance of an administrative citation to an unlicensed person who is acting in the capacity of a licensee or registrant under the jurisdiction of the board.

(f) The adoption, repeal, amendment, or modification of these rules and regulations shall be made in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 759, Sec. 43. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 2. Administration


text:
(a) In addition to requesting an administrative hearing as provided for in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 125.9, the cited person may request an informal conference to review the acts shared in the citation. The cited person shall make the request for an informal conference in writing, within 30 days of the date of issuance of the citation, to the executive officer.

(b) The executive officer or their designee shall hold, within 60 days from the receipt of the request, an informal conference with the cited person. The executive officer or their designee may extend the 60-day period for good cause.

(c) Following the informal conference, the executive officer or their designee may affirm, modify, or dismiss the citation, including any fine that is levied, order of abatement, or order of correction issued. The executive officer or their designee shall state in writing the reasons for the action and transmit a copy of those findings to the cited person within 30 days after the informal conference.

(d) If the citation, including any fine that is levied or order of abatement or correction, is affirmed or modified following the informal conference, the respondent may make a request in writing to the executive officer within 30 days of the affirmed or modified citation, for a formal hearing, which shall be conducted as provided for in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 125.9.

(e) A cited person shall not request an informal conference for a citation which has been affirmed or modified following an informal conference.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 376, Sec. 5. (SB 608) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5527

text:
Whenever any person has engaged in or is about to engage in any act or practice which constitutes or which will constitute an offense against this chapter, the superior court of the county in which the offense has occurred or is about to occur, on application of the board, may issue an injunction or other appropriate order restraining such act or practice.

The proceedings authorized by this section shall be in accordance with the provisions contained in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 517, Sec. 15.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5528

text:
(a) The board may select and contract with necessary architect consultants who are licensed architects to assist it in its enforcement program on an intermittent basis. The architect consultants shall perform only those services that are necessary to carry out and enforce this chapter.

(b) For the purposes of Division 3.6 (commencing with Section 810) of Title 1 of the Government Code, any consultant under contract with the board shall be considered a public employee.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 475, Sec. 1.2. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 5535

text: As used in this chapter, the word “person” includes any individual, firm, partnership, general corporation, professional corporation, or limited liability partnership, as authorized by the Corporations Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 275, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 3. Architecture > 3. Application of Chapter


text: The phrase “responsible control” means that amount of control over the content of all architectural instruments of service during their preparation that is ordinarily exercised by architects applying the required professional standard of care.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 275, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) This chapter does not prevent an architect from forming a business entity or collaborating with persons who are not architects, provided that any architects’ professional services that are provided through that entity or collaboration are offered and provided under the responsible control of an architect, or architects, and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(b) (1) A business entity organized as a general corporation may include in its name any or all of the following:

(A) A fictitious name.

(B) The name of one or more licensed architects.

(C) The term “architect,” the term “architecture,” or a variation of the term “architect” or “architecture.”

(2) Nothing in paragraph (1) shall limit a business entity organized as a general corporation from including in its name any other word or name that is not otherwise prohibited by law.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), a business entity organized as a general corporation shall not include in its name the term “professional corporation.”

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 376, Sec. 2. (AB 830) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text: This chapter does not prevent a corporation from furnishing or supplying by contract architectural services, as long as any architects’ professional services are offered and provided under the responsible control of a licensed architect or architects.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 275, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text: As used in this chapter, the terms “business entity” and “collaboration” include employer and employee relationships, joint ventures, partnerships, general corporations, and consulting relationships formed by written agreement in which the architect provides immediate and responsible direction of architectural services. For purposes of this section, “immediate and responsible direction” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 151 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 275, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


citation: BPC § 5536

text:
(a) It is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment, for any person who is not licensed to practice architecture under this chapter to practice architecture in this state, to use any term confusingly similar to the word architect, to use the stamp of a licensed architect, as provided in Section 5536.1, or to advertise or put out any sign, card, or other device that might indicate to the public that the person is an architect, is qualified to engage in the practice of architecture, or is an architectural designer.

(b) It is a misdemeanor, punishable as specified in subdivision (a), for any person who is not licensed to practice architecture under this chapter to affix a stamp or seal that bears the legend “State of California” or words or symbols that represent or imply that the person is so licensed by the state to prepare plans, specifications, or instruments of service.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 376, Sec. 6. (SB 608) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) All persons preparing or being in responsible control of plans, specifications, and instruments of service for others shall sign those plans, specifications, and instruments of service and all contracts therefor, and, if licensed under this chapter, shall affix a stamp, which complies with subdivision (b), to those plans, specifications, and instruments of service, as evidence of the person’s responsibility for those documents. The failure of any person to comply with this subdivision is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Section 5536. This section shall not apply to employees of persons licensed under this chapter while acting within the course of their employment.

(b) For the purposes of this chapter, any stamp used by any architect licensed under this chapter shall be of a design authorized by the board, which shall at a minimum bear the licensee’s name, their license number, the legend “licensed architect” and the legend “State of California,” and which shall provide a means of indicating the renewal date of the license.

(c) The preparation of plans, specifications, or instruments of service for any building, except the buildings described in Section 5537, by any person who is not licensed to practice architecture in this state, is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Section 5536.

(d) The board may adopt regulations necessary for the implementation of this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 4. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text:
Each county or city which requires the issuance of any permit as a condition precedent to the construction, alteration, improvement, or repair of any building or structure shall also require as a condition precedent to the issuance of the permit a signed statement that the person who prepared or was in responsible control of the plans and specifications for the construction, alteration, improvement, or repair of the building or structure is licensed under this chapter to prepare the plans and specifications, or is otherwise licensed in this state to prepare the plans and specifications.

The signature and stamp, as provided for in Section 5536.1, on the plans and specifications by the person who prepared or was in responsible control of the plans and specifications shall constitute compliance with this section.

It is the responsibility of the agency that issues the permit to determine that the person who signed and stamped the plans and specifications or who submitted the signed statement required by this section is licensed under this chapter or is otherwise licensed in this state to prepare the plans and specifications.

This section shall not apply to the issuance of permits where the preparation of plans and specifications for the construction, alteration, improvement, or repair of a building or structure is exempt from this chapter, except that the person preparing the plans and specifications for others shall sign the plans and specifications as provided by Section 5536.1.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 184, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) In the event of damage to residential real property caused by a natural disaster declared by the Governor, if the damage may be covered by one or more policies of insurance, any architect or other person who has prepared plans used for the construction or remodeling of the residential real property shall release a copy of the plans to the homeowner’s insurer or the homeowner, or duly authorized agent of the insurer or the homeowner, upon request and verification that the plans will be used solely for the purpose of verifying the fact and amount of damage for insurance purposes.

(b) No homeowner or any other person shall use any copy of plans obtained pursuant to subdivision (a) to rebuild all or any part of the residential real property without the prior written consent of the architect or other person who prepared the plans.

(c) In the event prior written consent is not provided pursuant to subdivision (b), no architect or other person who has prepared plans who releases a copy of plans pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be liable to any person if the plans are subsequently used by the homeowner or any other person to rebuild all or any part of the residential real property.

(d) The architect or other person may charge a reasonable fee to cover the reproduction costs of providing a copy of the plans.

(e) As used in this section, “residential real property” means a single family structure, whether or not owner-occupied.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 859, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) No person may use an architect’s instruments of service, as those professional services are described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 5500.1, without the consent of the architect in a written contract, written agreement, or written license specifically authorizing that use.

(b) An architect shall not unreasonably withhold consent to use their instruments of service from a person for whom the architect provided the services. An architect may reasonably withhold consent to use the instruments of service for cause, including, but not limited to, lack of full payment for services provided or failure to fulfill the conditions of a written contract.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 6. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text: Any person who violates subdivision (a) of Section 5536 in connection with the offer or performance of architectural services for the repair of damage to a residential or nonresidential structure caused by a natural disaster for which a state of emergency is proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to Section 8625 of the Government Code, or for which an emergency or major disaster is declared by the President of the United States, shall be punished by a fine up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code for 16 months, or for two or three years, or by both the fine and imprisonment, or by a fine up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both the fine and imprisonment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 14. (AB 109) Effective April 4, 2011. Operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) An architect shall use a written contract when contracting to provide professional services to a client pursuant to this chapter. That written contract shall be executed by the architect and the client, or the client’s representative, prior to the architect commencing work, unless the client knowingly states in writing that work may be commenced before the contract is executed. The written contract shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following items:

(1) A description of the project for which the client is seeking services.

(2) A description of the services to be provided by the architect to the client.

(3) A description of any basis of compensation applicable to the contract and the method of payment agreed upon by both parties.

(4) The name, address, and license number of the architect, the name and address of the client, and the project address.

(5) A description of the procedure that the architect and the client will use to accommodate additional services and contract changes, including, but not limited to, changes in the description of the project, in the description of the services, or in the description of the compensation and method of payment.

(6) A description of the procedure to be used by either party to terminate the contract.

(7) A statement identifying the ownership and use of instruments of service prepared by the architect.

(8) A statement in at least 12-point type that reads: “Architects are licensed and regulated by the California Architects Board located at 2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105, Sacramento, CA 95834.”

(b) This section shall not apply to any of the following:

(1) Professional services rendered by an architect for which the client will not pay compensation.

(2) An arrangement as to the basis for compensation and manner of providing professional services implied by the fact that the architect’s services are of the same general kind which the architect has previously rendered to and received payment from the same client.

(3) If the client knowingly states in writing after full disclosure of this section that a writing which complies with the requirements of this section is not required.

(4) Professional services rendered by an architect to a professional engineer registered to practice engineering under Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700), or to a land surveyor licensed under Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 8700).

(5) Professional services rendered by an architect to a public agency when using that public agency’s written contract.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 376, Sec. 7. (SB 608) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) A licensed architect who signs and stamps plans, specifications, reports, or documents shall not be responsible for damage caused by subsequent changes to or uses of those plans, specifications, reports, or documents, where the subsequent changes or uses, including changes or uses made by state or local governmental agencies, are not authorized or approved in writing by the licensed architect who originally signed the plans, specifications, reports, or documents, provided that the written authorization or approval was not unreasonably withheld by the architect and the architectural service rendered by the architect who signed and stamped the plans, specifications, reports, or documents was not also a proximate cause of the damage.

(b) The signing and stamping of plans, specifications, reports, or documents which relate to the design of fixed works shall not impose a legal duty or responsibility upon the person signing the plans, specifications, reports, or documents to observe the construction of the fixed works that are the subject of the plans, specifications, reports, or documents. However, this section shall not preclude an architect and a client from entering into a contractual agreement that includes a mutually acceptable arrangement for the provision of construction observation services. This subdivision shall not modify the liability of an architect who undertakes, contractually or otherwise, the provision of construction observation services for rendering those services.

(c) (1) For purposes of this section, “construction observation services” means periodic observation of completed work to determine general compliance with the plans, specifications, reports, or other contract documents. However, “construction observation services” does not mean the superintendence of construction processes, site conditions, operations, equipment, or personnel, or the maintenance of a safe place to work or any safety in, on, or about the site.

(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “periodic observation” means visits by an architect, or their agent, to the site of a work of improvement.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 5. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text: The use of the words “certify” or “certification” by a licensed architect in the practice of architecture constitutes an expression of professional opinion regarding those facts or findings that are the subject of the certification, and does not constitute a warranty or guarantee, either expressed or implied. Nothing in this section is intended to alter the standard of care ordinarily exercised by a licensed architect.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 728, Sec. 51. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) An architect who voluntarily, without compensation or expectation of compensation, provides structural inspection services at the scene of a declared national, state, or local emergency caused by a major earthquake, flood, riot, or fire at the request of a public official, public safety officer, or city or county building inspector acting in an official capacity shall not be liable in negligence for any personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage caused by the architect’s good faith but negligent inspection of a structure used for human habitation or a structure owned by a public entity for structural integrity or nonstructural elements affecting life and safety.

The immunity provided by this section shall apply only for an inspection that occurs within 30 days of the declared emergency.

Nothing in this section shall provide immunity for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(b) As used in this section:

(1) “Architect” has the meaning given by Section 5500.

(2) “Public safety officer” has the meaning given in Section 3301 of the Government Code.

(3) “Public official” means a state or local elected officer.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 759, Sec. 44. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


citation: BPC § 5537

text:
(a) This chapter does not prohibit any person from preparing plans, drawings, or specifications for any of the following:

(1) Single-family dwellings of woodframe construction not more than two stories and basement in height.

(2) Multiple dwellings containing no more than four dwelling units of woodframe construction not more than two stories and basement in height. However, this paragraph shall not be construed as allowing an unlicensed person to design multiple clusters of up to four dwelling units each to form apartment or condominium complexes where the total exceeds four units on any lawfully divided lot.

(3) Garages or other structures appurtenant to buildings described under subdivision (a), of woodframe construction not more than two stories and basement in height.

(4) Agricultural and ranch buildings of woodframe construction, unless the building official having jurisdiction deems that an undue risk to the public health, safety, or welfare is involved.

(b) If any portion of any structure exempted by this section deviates from substantial compliance with conventional framing requirements for woodframe construction found in the most recent edition of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations or tables of limitation for woodframe construction, as defined by the applicable building code duly adopted by the local jurisdiction or the state, the building official having jurisdiction shall require the preparation of plans, drawings, specifications, or calculations for that portion by, or under the responsible control of, a licensed architect or registered engineer. The documents for that portion shall bear the stamp and signature of the licensee who is responsible for their preparation. Substantial compliance for purposes of this section is not intended to restrict the ability of the building officials to approve plans pursuant to existing law and is only intended to clarify the intent of Chapter 405 of the Statutes of 1985.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 184, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text: A structural engineer, defined as a registered civil engineer who has been authorized to use the title structural engineer under the provisions of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700), insofar as he or she practices the profession for which he or she is registered, is exempt from the provisions of this chapter, except that a structural engineer may not use the title “architect,” unless he or she holds a license as required in this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 566, Sec. 5.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text:
This chapter shall not be construed as authorizing a licensed contractor to perform design services beyond those described in Section 5537 or in Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000), unless those services are performed by or under the direct supervision of a person licensed to practice architecture under this chapter, or a professional or civil engineer licensed pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of Division 3, insofar as the professional or civil engineer practices the profession for which he or she is registered under that chapter.

However, this section does not prohibit a licensed contractor from performing any of the services permitted by Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 within the classification for which the license is issued. Those services may include the preparation of shop and field drawings for work which he or she has contracted or offered to perform, and designing systems and facilities which are necessary to the completion of contracting services which he or she has contracted or offered to perform.

However, a licensed contractor may not use the title “architect,” unless he or she holds a license as required in this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1327, Sec. 6.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text: A professional engineer registered to practice engineering under the provisions of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700), insofar as he or she practices the profession for which he or she is registered, is exempt from the provisions of this chapter, except that a professional engineer may not use the title “architect,” unless he or she holds a license as required in this chapter.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 5537.3 by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1327, Sec. 7.5.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text: A civil engineer authorized to use that title under the provisions of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700), insofar as he or she practices the profession for which he or she is registered, is exempt from the provisions of this chapter, except that a civil engineer may not use the title “architect,” unless he or she holds a license as required in this chapter.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 5537.4 by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1327, Sec. 8.5.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text: A landscape architect registered under the provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 5615), insofar as he or she practices the profession for which he or she is registered, is exempt from the provisions of this chapter, except that a landscape architect may not use the title “architect,” exclusive of the word “landscape,” unless he or she holds a license as required in this chapter.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 5537.5 by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1327, Sec. 9.5.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


text: A land surveyor licensed under the provisions of Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 8700) of Division 3, insofar as he or she practices the profession for which he or she is licensed under Chapter 15 of Division 3, is exempt from the provisions of this chapter, except that a land surveyor may not use the title “architect,” unless he or she holds a license as required in this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1327, Sec. 11.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


citation: BPC § 5538

text:
This chapter does not prohibit any person from furnishing either alone or with contractors, if required by Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3, labor and materials, with or without plans, drawings, specifications, instruments of service, or other data covering such labor and materials to be used for any of the following:

(a) For nonstructural or nonseismic storefronts, interior alterations or additions, fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, or other appliances or equipment.

(b) For any nonstructural or nonseismic work necessary to provide for their installation.

(c) For any nonstructural or nonseismic alterations or additions to any building necessary to or attendant upon the installation of those storefronts, interior alterations or additions, fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, appliances, or equipment, provided those alterations do not change or affect the structural system or safety of the building.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 396, Sec. 2.)

article: 3. Application of Chapter


citation: BPC § 5550

text: Subject to the rules and regulations governing examinations, any person who meets the qualifications set forth in this article shall be entitled to an examination for a license to practice architecture. Before taking the examination, the person shall file their application for examination with the board and pay the application fee fixed by this chapter. The fee shall be retained by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 7. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 3. Architecture > 4. Issuance of Certificates


text:
(a) An applicant for a license to practice architecture shall be required, as part of the examination for licensure, to demonstrate to the board’s satisfaction their knowledge and understanding of and proficiency in exterior and interior barrier free design.

(b) The board shall include questions regarding exterior and interior barrier free design as part of the examination. Those questions shall periodically be reviewed by the board to ensure that the examination reflects current regulations and the latest developments in barrier free design.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 8. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


text: Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 5552, the board may grant eligibility to take the licensure examination to a candidate enrolled in a degree program accepted by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards that integrates the licensure degree experience and examination components required under this chapter. The eligibility point shall be determined by that degree program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 634, Sec. 3. (SB 1479) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 111, the board may adopt guidelines for the delegation of its authority to grade the examinations of applicants for licensure to any vendor under contract to the board for provision of an architect’s registration examination. The guidelines shall be within the board’s legal authority to establish the standards for registration in this state, and shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Goals for the appropriate content, development, grading, and administration of an examination, against which the vendor’s rules and procedures can be judged.

(2) Procedures through which the board can reasonably assure itself that the vendor adequately meets the goals established by the board.

(b) The board shall not delegate its authority to grade the examinations of candidates for registration in this state to any vendor or any party not in compliance with Section 111 or with the guidelines established in subdivision (a).

(c) A candidate who received full credit for all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) prior to May 1, 2023, shall be deemed to have passed the ARE.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 510, Sec. 87. (SB 887) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


text: Notwithstanding Section 30 of this code or Section 17520 of the Family Code, the board may accept for processing an application from an individual for an original or renewed license to practice architecture containing an individual tax identification number, or other appropriate identification number as determined by the board, in lieu of a social security number, if the individual is not eligible for a social security account number at the time of application and is not in noncompliance with a judgment or order for support pursuant to Section 17520 of the Family Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 317, Sec. 2. (AB 1822) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


citation: BPC § 5551

text: If the applicant’s examination is satisfactory, and if no charges of having resorted to deception in obtaining the license, or any other violation of the provisions of this chapter have been filed with the board, upon the payment of the license fee fixed by this chapter, the board shall issue a license to the applicant showing that the person named therein is entitled to practice architecture in this state, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 14.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


citation: BPC § 5552

text:
The applicant for a license to practice architecture shall:

(a) Not have committed acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of a license under Section 480.

(b) Furnish evidence of having completed eight years of training and educational experience in architectural work. A five-year degree from a school of architecture approved by the board shall be deemed equivalent to five years of training and educational experience in architectural work.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 15.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


text:
(a) Pursuant to Section 144, beginning January 1, 2021, the board has the authority to obtain and receive criminal history information. The information obtained as a result of the fingerprinting shall be used in accordance with Section 11105 of the Penal Code and to determine whether the applicant is subject to denial of a license pursuant to Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475) or Sections 5560 and 5577.

(b) As a condition of application for a license, each applicant shall furnish to the Department of Justice a full set of fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a criminal history record check and to undergo a state and federal level criminal offender record information search conducted through the Department of Justice.

(c) The board shall request from the Department of Justice subsequent arrest notification service, pursuant to Section 11105 of the Penal Code.

(d) The applicant shall pay for the reasonable regulatory costs for furnishing the fingerprints and conducting the searches.

(e) The applicant shall certify, under penalty of perjury, when applying for a license, whether the applicant’s fingerprints have been furnished to the Department of Justice in compliance with this section.

(f) Failure to comply with the requirements of this section renders the application for a license incomplete, and the application shall not be considered until the applicant demonstrates compliance with all of the requirements of this section.

(g) Notwithstanding any other law, the results of any criminal offender record information request by either state or federal law enforcement authorities shall not be released by the board except in accordance with state and federal requirements.

(h) This section applies to all applicants subject to this chapter and subdivision (i).

(i) As used in this section, the term “applicant” is limited to an initial applicant who has never been registered or licensed by the board or to an applicant for a new licensure or registration category.

(j) As a condition of petitioning the board for reinstatement of a revoked or surrendered license, an applicant shall comply with subdivision (a).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 370, Sec. 6. (SB 1371) Effective January 1, 2021.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


text:
(a) The board may request that a licensee identify their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. The data may be requested when an initial license is issued or at the time of license renewal.

(b) The board shall maintain the confidentiality of the information it receives from a licensee under this section and shall only release the information in an aggregate form that cannot be used to identify an individual.

(c) A licensee shall not be required to provide the information specified in subdivision (a) as a condition of licensure or license renewal, and a licensee shall not be subject to discipline for not providing the information specified in subdivision (a).

(d) The board may publish the aggregate demographic data that it collects pursuant to this section on its internet website.

(e) Beginning January 1, 2025, the board shall submit the aggregate demographic data that it collects pursuant to this section to the department. The department shall post the information provided by the board on the department’s website.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 200, Sec. 1. (AB 342) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


text: The board may, by regulation, implement an architectural education and training experience or internship program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 376, Sec. 9. (SB 608) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


text:
(a) The board may extend a candidate’s application or examination process beyond the five-year period described in Section 109 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations if a state of emergency is proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) Any extension granted under subdivision (a) shall be an amount of time sufficient to supplement the time lost due to the state of emergency.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 9. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


citation: BPC § 5553

text: Issuance of a license may be denied if evidence is received by the board of the commission or doing by the applicant of any act which, if committed or done by the holder of a license, would be grounds for the suspension or revocation of that license. The proceedings under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 16.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


citation: BPC § 5554

text: The certificate shall contain the name of the person to whom issued. Proper index and record of each certificate shall be kept by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1405, Sec. 16.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


citation: BPC § 5555

text: Licenses to practice architecture remain in full force until revoked or suspended for cause, or until they expire, as provided in this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 17.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


citation: BPC § 5557

text: A duplicate license to practice architecture, replacing one which has been lost, destroyed, or mutilated, may be issued subject to the rules and regulations of the board. The duplicate license fee fixed by this chapter shall be charged for that issuance.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 18.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


citation: BPC § 5558

text:
(a) Each person holding a license to practice architecture under this chapter shall file with the board their current mailing address, email address, and the proper and current name and address of the entity or entities through which they provide architectural services. For purposes of this section, “entity” means any individual, firm, corporation, or limited liability partnership.

(b) (1) The board shall post the information obtained in subdivision (a) to its internet website, pursuant to Section 5559, except for email addresses.

(2) To protect the privacy of licensees, the email addresses provided to the board pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not be considered a public record and shall not be disclosed pursuant to Section 27 or pursuant to a request under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code), unless required by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 10. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


citation: BPC § 5559

text:
(a) Each applicant for examination or licensure who has a valid email address shall report to the board that email address at the time of application.

(b) A licensee who has a valid email address shall report that email address to the board at the time of renewal.

(c) Each applicant or licensee shall notify the board within 30 days of any change to their email address on file with the board.

(d) To protect the privacy of applicants and licensees, the email addresses provided to the board pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) shall not be considered a public record and shall not be disclosed pursuant to Section 27 or pursuant to a request under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code), unless required by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(e) Information sent from an email account of the board to a valid email address provided by an applicant or licensee is presumed to have been delivered to the email address provided.

(f) For the purposes of this section, “valid email address” means an email address at which the applicant or licensee is currently receiving email at the time the application or license renewal is submitted to the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 11. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Issuance of Certificates


citation: BPC § 5560

text: The board may upon its own motion, and shall upon the verified complaint in writing of any person, investigate the actions of any architect and may temporarily suspend or permanently revoke, the license of any architect who is guilty of, or commits one or more of, the acts or omissions constituting grounds for disciplinary action under this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 184, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 3. Architecture > 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5561

text: All accusations against licensees charging the holder of a license issued under this chapter with the commission of any act constituting a cause for disciplinary action shall be filed with the board within five years after the board discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the act or omission alleged as the ground for disciplinary action, whichever occurs first, but not more than 10 years after the act or omission alleged as the ground for disciplinary action. However, with respect to an accusation alleging a violation of Section 5579, the accusation may be filed within three years after the discovery by the board of the alleged facts constituting the fraud or misrepresentation prohibited by Section 5579.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 20.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


text: The proceedings for the suspension or revocation of licenses under this article shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the board shall have all the powers granted therein.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 21.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5565

text:
The board’s decision may do the following:

(a) Provide for the immediate complete suspension by the holder of the license of all operations as an architect during the period fixed by the decision.

(b) Permit the holder of the license to complete any or all contracts for the performance of architectural services shown by evidence taken at the hearing to be then unfinished.

(c) Impose upon the holder of the license compliance with any specific conditions as may be just in connection with their operations as an architect disclosed at the hearing, and may further provide that until those conditions are complied with no application for restoration of the suspended or revoked license shall be accepted by the board.

(d) Assess a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) against the holder of a license for any of the causes specified in Section 5577. A fine may be assessed in lieu of, or in addition to, a suspension or revocation. All fines collected pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited to the credit of the California Architects Board Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 12. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5570

text: In any proceeding for review by a court, the court may permit, in its discretion, upon the filing of a proper bond by the holder of the license in an amount to be fixed by the court, guaranteeing the compliance by the holder of the license with specific conditions imposed upon them by the board’s decision, if any, the holder of the license to continue to practice as an architect pending entry of judgment by the court in the case. There shall be no stay of the board’s decision pending an appeal or review of any proceeding, unless the appellant or applicant for review files a bond in all respects conditioned as, and similar to, the bond required to stay the effect of the board’s decision in the first instance.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 13. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5571

text:
A judgment of suspension or cancellation of a certificate by the superior court shall be subject to appeal or review in accordance with the provisions of law as to appeal from or review of judgments of superior courts.

There shall be no stay of execution or enforcement of the judgment pending any proceedings on appeal or review unless the appellant or applicant for review shall file a bond in all respects conditioned as, and similar to, the bond required to stay the effect of the board’s decision in the first instance.

The clerk of the court whose judgment has become final shall, within 10 days after its entry, transmit, by regular United States mail, to the executive officer of the board a notice containing information as to the affirmance, modification, or reversal of the judgment of the superior court in the matter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 47, Sec. 47. Effective March 21, 1984.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5573

text:
After suspension of a license upon any of the grounds set forth in this chapter, the board may reinstate the license upon proof of compliance by the architect with all provisions of the decision as to reinstatement or, in the absence of that decision or any provisions therein as to reinstatement, in the sound discretion of the board. A license which has been suspended is subject to expiration and shall be renewed as provided in this chapter, but that renewal does not entitle the holder of the license, while the license remains suspended and until it is reinstated, to practice architecture, or to engage in any other activity or conduct in violation of the order or judgment by which the license was suspended.

A revoked license is subject to expiration as provided in this chapter, but it may not be renewed. If it is reinstated after its expiration, the holder of the license, as a condition precedent to its reinstatement, shall pay a reinstatement fee in an amount equal to the renewal fee in effect on the last regular renewal date before the date on which it is reinstated, plus the delinquency fee, if any, accrued at the time of its revocation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 25.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5577

text:
The conviction of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of an architect by the holder of a license constitutes a ground for disciplinary action. The record of conviction, or a certified copy thereof certified by the clerk of the court or by the judge in whose court the conviction is obtained, is conclusive evidence of the conviction.

A plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere is deemed to be a conviction within the meaning of this section. The board may order the license suspended or revoked, or may decline to issue a license, when the time for appeal has elapsed, the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal, or an order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of sentence, irrespective of a subsequent order under the provisions of Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code allowing the person to withdraw his or her plea of guilty and to enter a plea of not guilty, or setting aside the verdict of guilty, or dismissing the accusation, information, or indictment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 26.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5578

text: The fact that the holder of a license is practicing in violation of the provisions of this chapter constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 27.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5579

text: The fact that the holder of a license has obtained the license by fraud or misrepresentation, or that the person named in the license has obtained it by fraud or misrepresentation constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 28.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5580

text: The fact that the holder of a license is impersonating an architect or former architect of the same or similar name, or is practicing under an assumed, fictitious, or corporate name, constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 184, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5582

text: The fact that the holder of a license has aided or abetted in the practice of architecture any person not authorized to practice architecture under the provisions of this chapter, constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 30.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


text:
(a) The fact that the holder of a license has affixed their signature to plans, drawings, specifications, or other instruments of service which have not been prepared by them, or under their responsible control, constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

(b) The fact that the holder of a license has permitted their name to be used for the purpose of assisting any person to evade the provisions of this chapter constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 14. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5583

text: The fact that, in the practice of architecture, the holder of a license has been guilty of fraud or deceit constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 32.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5584

text: The fact that, in the practice of architecture, the holder of a license has been guilty of negligence or willful misconduct constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 33.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5585

text: The fact that in the practice of architecture the holder of a license has been guilty of incompetency or recklessness constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 184, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5586

text: The fact that the holder of a license has had disciplinary action taken by any public agency for any act substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties as an architect constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 258, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


text: The fact that the holder of a license who serves as a qualified professional certifier, as defined in Section 66345.1 of the Government Code, makes any false statement in a certification submission pursuant to Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 66345) of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code constitutes grounds for disciplinary action.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 470, Sec. 1. (AB 671) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5587

text:
(a) The board may, upon its own initiative or upon the receipt of a complaint, investigate the actions of any person using the title “architect-in-training” pursuant to Section 5500.2, and make findings for those purposes.

(b) The board may suspend or revoke an active authorization to use the title “architect-in-training” approved pursuant to Section 5500.2 for any of the following reasons:

(1) There is no longer a licensed architect responsible for supervising the person using the title “architect-in-training,” regardless of who ended the supervisory arrangement.

(2) The person using the title “architect-in-training” committed any act of fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in obtaining the authorization to use that title.

(3) The person using the title “architect-in-training” violated any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted by the board related to this chapter, or aids or abets any person in the violation of this chapter or those regulations.

(c) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2027.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2037, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 380, Sec. 2. (AB 759) Effective January 1, 2026. Operative January 1, 2027. Repealed as of January 1, 2037, by its own provisions.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


text:
(a) A licensed architect who is responsible for supervising a person using the title “architect-in-training” pursuant to Section 5500.2 shall be subject to disciplinary actions for any violations of this chapter committed by the person using that title within the course and scope of their employment.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2027.

(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2037, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 380, Sec. 3. (AB 759) Effective January 1, 2026. Operative January 1, 2027. Repealed as of January 1, 2037, by its own provisions.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5588

text:
(a) A licensee shall report to the board in writing within 30 days of the date the licensee has knowledge of any civil action judgment, settlement, arbitration award, or administrative action resulting in a judgment, settlement, or arbitration award against the licensee in any action alleging fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetence, or recklessness by the licensee in the practice of architecture if the amount or value of the judgment, settlement, or arbitration award is five thousand dollars ($5,000) or greater.

(b) The report required by subdivision (a) shall be signed by the licensee and shall set forth the facts that constitute the reportable event. If the reportable event involves the action of an administrative agency or court, the report shall set forth all of the following:

(1) The title of the matter.

(2) The court or agency name.

(3) The docket number.

(4) The claim or file number.

(5) The date on which the reportable event occurred.

(c) A licensee shall promptly respond to oral or written inquiries from the board concerning the reportable events, including inquiries made by the board in conjunction with license renewal.

(d) Failure of a licensee to report to the board in the time and manner required by this section shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

(e) Any licensee who fails to comply with this section may be subject to a civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) as an additional intermediate sanction imposed by the board in lieu of revoking the licensee’s license. Any licensee who knowingly and intentionally fails to comply with this section may be subject to a civil penalty of up to twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) as an additional intermediate sanction imposed by the board in lieu of revoking the licensee’s license.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 564, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


text:
(a) Within 30 days of payment of all or any portion of a civil action judgment, settlement, or arbitration award described in Section 5588 against a licensee of the board in which the amount or value of the judgment, settlement, or arbitration award is five thousand dollars ($5,000) or greater, any insurer providing professional liability insurance to that licensee or architectural entity shall report to the board all of the following:

(1) The name of the licensee.

(2) The claim or file number.

(3) The amount or value of the judgment, settlement, or arbitration award.

(4) The amount paid by the insurer.

(5) The identity of the payee.

(b) Within 30 days of payment of all or any portion of any civil action judgment, settlement, or arbitration award described in Section 5588 against a licensee of the board in which the amount or value of the judgment, settlement, or arbitration award is five thousand dollars ($5,000) or greater, any state or local governmental agency that self insures that licensee shall report to the board all of the following:

(1) The name of the licensee.

(2) The claim or file number.

(3) The amount or value of the judgment, settlement, or arbitration award.

(4) The amount paid.

(5) The identity of the payee.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 506, Sec. 21. Effective October 4, 2005.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


text: The requirements of Section 5588 and 5588.1 shall apply if a party to the civil action, settlement, arbitration award, or administrative action is or was a sole proprietorship, partnership, firm, corporation, or state or local governmental agency in which a licensee is or was an owner, partner, member, officer, or employee and is or was a licensee in responsible control of that portion of the project that was the subject of the civil judgment, settlement, arbitration award, or administrative action.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 506, Sec. 22. Effective October 4, 2005.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a licensee shall not be considered to have violated a confidential settlement agreement or other confidential agreement by providing a report to the board as required by this article.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 506, Sec. 23. Effective October 4, 2005.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


text: The board may adopt regulations to further define the reporting requirements of Sections 5588 and 5588.1.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 506, Sec. 24. Effective October 4, 2005.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5590

text: Within 10 days after a judgment by a court of this state that a license holder has committed a crime or is liable for any death, personal or property injury, or loss caused by the license holder’s fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetency, or recklessness in practice, the clerk of the court which rendered the judgment shall report that fact to the board. However, if the judge who tried the matter finds that it does not relate to the defendant’s professional competence or integrity, the judge may, by order, dispense with the requirement that the report be sent.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1223, Sec. 37.)

article: 5. Disciplinary Proceedings


citation: BPC § 5600

text:
(a) All licenses issued or renewed under this chapter shall expire two years from the last day of the month in which the license was issued or two years from the date on which the renewed license last expired.

(b) To renew an unexpired license, the licenseholder shall, before the time at which the license would otherwise expire, apply for renewal on a form prescribed by the board and pay the renewal fee prescribed by this chapter.

(c) The renewal form shall include a statement specifying whether the licensee was convicted of a crime or disciplined by another public agency during the preceding renewal period and that the licensee’s representations on the renewal form are true, correct, and contain no material omissions of fact, to the best knowledge and belief of the licensee.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 15. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 6. Revenue

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 3. Architecture > 6. Revenue


text:
(a) The board shall give written notice to a licensee 30 days in advance of the regular renewal date and shall give written notice 90 days in advance of the expiration of the fifth year that a renewal fee has not been paid.

(b) The board shall also notify licensees of the availability of abstract and other informational materials on requirements for interior and exterior barrier-free design to permit access to and use of the architectural environment by the physically handicapped.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 16. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 6. Revenue


text: Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a license which has expired may be renewed at any time within five years after its expiration on filing of application for renewal on a form prescribed by the board, and payment of all accrued and unpaid renewal fees. If a license is renewed more than 30 days after its expiration, the licenseholder, as a condition precedent to renewal, shall also pay the delinquency fee prescribed by this chapter. Renewal under this section shall be effective on the date on which the application is filed, on the date on which the renewal fee is paid, or on the date on which the delinquency fee, if any, is paid, whichever last occurs. If so renewed, the license shall continue in effect through the expiration date provided in this chapter which next occurs after the effective date of the renewal, when it shall expire if it is not again renewed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 566, Sec. 10.)

article: 6. Revenue


text:
A license which is not renewed within five years after its expiration may not be renewed, restored, reissued, or reinstated thereafter. The holder of the expired license may apply for and obtain a new license only if they pay all of the fees, and meet all of the requirements set forth in this chapter for obtaining an original license, except as follows:

(a) An examination shall not be required if the expired license was issued without an examination.

(b) Examination may be waived by the board if it finds that with due regard for the public interest, the holder of the expired license is qualified to practice architecture.

(c) The holder of the expired license shall not be required to meet the qualifications set forth in this chapter relating to education.

The board may, by regulation, authorize the waiver or refund of all or any part of the application fee paid by a person to whom a license is issued without an examination under this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 17. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 6. Revenue


text:
(a) The board shall issue, upon application and payment of the fee fixed by this chapter, a retired license to an architect who holds a license that is current and active or capable of being renewed pursuant to Section 5600.2 and whose license is not suspended, revoked, or otherwise punitively restricted by the board or subject to disciplinary action under this chapter.

(b) The holder of a retired license issued pursuant to this section shall not engage in any activity for which an active architect’s license is required. An architect holding a retired license shall be permitted to use the title “architect retired” or “retired architect.”

(c) The holder of a retired license shall not be required to renew that license.

(d) In order for the holder of a retired license issued pursuant to this section to restore their license to active status, the holder of a retired license shall comply with Section 5600.2 or 5600.3, as applicable.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 312, Sec. 44. (SB 1474) Effective January 1, 2021.)

article: 6. Revenue


text:
(a) (1) As a condition of license renewal, a licensee shall complete continuing education coursework pursuant to paragraph (2).

(2) (A) Five hours of coursework regarding disability access requirements. The coursework shall include information and practical guidance concerning requirements imposed by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336; 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), state laws that govern access to public facilities, and federal and state regulations adopted pursuant to those laws. Coursework provided pursuant to this subparagraph shall be presented by trainers or educators with knowledge and expertise in these requirements. The board shall promulgate regulations to establish qualifications for courses and course providers by January 1, 2023.

(B) Five hours of coursework regarding zero net carbon design for all renewals occurring on or after January 1, 2023. The coursework shall be presented by trainers or educators with knowledge and expertise in these design requirements. The board shall adopt regulations to establish qualifications for courses and course providers by July 1, 2024.

(b) The board may audit the records of a licensee to verify the completion of the coursework requirements of subdivision (a). A licensee shall maintain records of completion of the required coursework for two years from the date of license renewal, containing the following information: course title, subjects covered, name of provider and trainer or educator, date of completion, number of hours completed, and a statement about the trainer’s or educator’s knowledge and experience background. A licensee shall make those records available to the board for auditing upon request. A licensee who provides false or misleading information as it relates specifically to the requirements of this subdivision shall be subject to an administrative citation, which may include an administrative fine pursuant to Section 125.9, or to disciplinary action by the board.

(c) The board shall audit at least 3 percent of the license renewals received each year to verify the completion of the continuing education requirements of this section.

(d) A continuing education provider may submit evidence of coursework to the board directly.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 176, Sec. 1. (AB 1010) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 6. Revenue


citation: BPC § 5601

text: Within 10 days after the beginning of every month, all fees collected by the department for the month preceding, under the provisions of this chapter, shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of the California Architects Board Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1054, Sec. 14. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 6. Revenue


citation: BPC § 5602

text: The money paid into the California Architects Board Fund, which is hereby continued in existence, shall be used in the manner prescribed by law to defray the expenses of the board in carrying out and enforcing the provisions of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1054, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 6. Revenue


citation: BPC § 5603

text: The board shall make available to local building departments, and others upon request, an official roster listing the name, license number, and address of all its licensees issued licenses pursuant to this chapter and who are in good standing. The roster shall be open to inspection by the public during office hours of the board. Except for local building departments, the board may charge a fee for the maintenance, publication, and distribution of the roster, not to exceed the actual cost. All fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the California Architects Board Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1054, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 6. Revenue


citation: BPC § 5604

text:
The fees prescribed by this chapter for architect applicants or architect licenseholders shall be fixed by the board as follows:

(a) The application fee for reviewing a candidate’s eligibility to take any section of the examination shall be one hundred dollars ($100). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

(b) The fee for any section of the examination administered by the board shall be one hundred dollars ($100). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

(c) The fee for an original license at an amount equal to the renewal fee in effect at the time the license is issued, except that, if the license is issued less than one year before the date on which it will expire, then the fee shall be fixed at an amount equal to 50 percent of the renewal fee in effect at the time the license is issued. The board may, by appropriate regulation, provide for the waiver or refund of the fee for an original license if the license is issued less than 45 days before the date on which it will expire.

(d) The fee for an application for reciprocity shall be one hundred dollars ($100). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

(e) The fee for a duplicate license shall be twenty-five dollars ($25). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of fifty dollars ($50).

(f) The renewal fee shall be four hundred dollars ($400). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of six hundred dollars ($600).

(g) The delinquency fee may not exceed 50 percent of the renewal fee.

(h) The fee for a retired license shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150) and shall not exceed the fee prescribed in subdivision (c).

(i) The fee for a license certification shall not exceed forty dollars ($40).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 18. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 6. Revenue


citation: BPC § 5610

text: A professional architectural corporation is a corporation which is authorized to render professional services, as defined in Section 13401 of the Corporations Code, so long as that corporation and its shareholders, officers, directors, and employees rendering professional services who are licensed architects, are in compliance with the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (Part 4 (commencing with Section 13400) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code), this article, and all other statutes and regulations pertaining to the corporation and the conduct of its affairs. With respect to an architectural corporation, the governmental agency referred to in the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act is the California Architects Board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1054, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 7. Architectural Corporations

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 3. Architecture > 7. Architectural Corporations


text: It is unprofessional conduct and a violation of this chapter, punishable as specified in Section 5560, for any person licensed under this chapter to violate, attempt to violate, directly or indirectly, or assist in or abet the violation of, or conspire to violate, the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act, this article, or any regulation adopted pursuant to those provisions.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 571, Sec. 4.)

article: 7. Architectural Corporations


text: The name of a professional architectural corporation and any name or names under which it may be rendering professional services shall contain and be restricted to the name or the last name of one or more of the present, prospective, or former shareholders, or of persons who were associated with a predecessor person, partnership, or other organization and whose name or names appeared in the name of the predecessor organization, and shall include either (1) the words “architectural corporation” or (2) the word “architect” or “architects” and wording or abbreviations denoting corporate existence.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 566, Sec. 15.)

article: 7. Architectural Corporations


text: Except as provided in Section 13403 of the Corporations Code, each director, shareholder, and officer of a professional architectural corporation shall be a licensed person as defined in the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 566, Sec. 16.)

article: 7. Architectural Corporations


text: The income of a professional architectural corporation attributable to professional services rendered while a shareholder is a disqualified person, as defined in the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (Part 4 (commencing with Section 13400) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code), shall not in any manner accrue to the benefit of that shareholder or their shares in the professional architectural corporation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 482, Sec. 19. (SB 1452) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 7. Architectural Corporations


text: A professional architectural corporation shall not do or fail to do any act the doing of which or the failure to do which would constitute unprofessional conduct under any statute, rule, or regulation now or hereafter in effect. In the conduct of its practice, it shall observe and be bound by those statutes, rules, and regulations to the same extent as a person holding a license under Section 5551.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 566, Sec. 18.)

article: 7. Architectural Corporations