What code upgrades does a bathroom remodel trigger in California?

A bathroom remodel generally needs a permit and brings new work up to current code for GFCI receptacles, circuits, lighting, exhaust ventilation, shower valves and water-saving fixtures. Orange County Public Works' 2025 bathroom remodel guide lists these items, and notes that replacing towel bars, mirrors, paint and floor coverings does not need a permit. Moving or replacing fixtures, wiring or wallboard is where the rules kick in.

Electrical

• At least one GFCI receptacle within 3 feet of the outside edge of each sink, no more than 12 inches below the countertop.
• One or more 20-amp branch circuits for bathroom receptacles, with no other outlets on those circuits.
• Tamper-resistant receptacles.
• No hanging, cord-connected or track lights, pendants or ceiling fans with lights within 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically of the tub rim or shower threshold.
• Fixtures over the tub or shower marked for damp or wet locations.
• A GFCI-protected dedicated circuit and bonding for a hydromassage tub.

Lighting

Installed luminaires must meet the Energy Code's high-efficacy requirements (JA8), lighting controls must meet the applicable requirements, and recessed ceiling fixtures cannot have screw-base sockets and must be labeled airtight. The California Energy Commission's compliance manual adds that only altered lighting must comply; existing fixtures you keep do not have to be replaced.

Ventilation

• A bathroom with a tub or shower must have mechanical exhaust for humidity control; a window does not count for this purpose.
• The exhaust fan needs a backdraft damper, must be ENERGY STAR compliant under CALGreen, and must be ducted to the outdoors with the required clearances from property lines and openings.

Plumbing

• Pressure-balance, thermostatic or combination valves at showers and tub-showers for scald protection.
• Bathtub filler temperature limited to 120 degrees F.
• Fixture limits: 1.2 gallons per minute for lavatory faucets, 1.8 for showerheads and 1.28 gallons per flush for toilets.
• Toilet clearances of 15 inches from center to a side wall and 24 inches clear in front, and shower compartments of at least 1,024 square inches that fit a 30-inch circle.
• Replacement of noncompliant plumbing fixtures throughout homes built on or before January 1, 1994, under Civil Code sections 1101.1 to 1101.8 (SB 407), as Orange County's guide notes.

Alarms and glazing

Orange County requires smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for the dwelling before final inspection, and safety glazing near tubs and showers.

What this means for your MEP plans

A like-for-like refresh may need only a simple floor plan. If you are moving the toilet or shower, adding a circuit, or rerouting the exhaust, plumbing and electrical sheets that show drains, vents, circuits and fan ducting make plan check smoother. MEP Plans USA prepares residential MEP plans for California remodels. See plumbing plans, CALGreen plumbing fixtures and residential MEP plans. Requirements vary by city, so confirm with your building department.

Sources: pwds.oc.gov, energy.ca.gov.