An inspection warrant is an order, in writing, in the name of the people, signed by a judge of a court of record, directed to a state or local official, commanding him to conduct any inspection required or authorized by state or local law or regulation relating to building, fire, safety, plumbing, electrical, health, labor, or zoning.
§ 1822.50.Defined
Title 13. Inspection Warrants · Last amended 1980 · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceSection 1822.50 defines an inspection warrant as a written court order, signed by a judge and directed to a state or local official, authorizing a regulatory inspection of property for building, fire, safety, plumbing, electrical, health, labor, or zoning compliance.
Full Text of § 1822.50
Plain-English Summary
This section opens Title 13 by naming and describing its central tool. An inspection warrant is a written order, issued in the name of the people and signed by a judge of a court of record, directed to a state or local official and commanding that official to carry out an inspection required or authorized by state or local law or regulation.
The subjects that warrant can reach are specific: building, fire, safety, plumbing, electrical, health, labor, or zoning compliance. That list marks the warrant as a regulatory-inspection tool rather than a criminal-search device, aimed at code enforcement rather than at gathering evidence of a crime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an inspection warrant?
A written order, signed by a judge of a court of record, directing a state or local official to conduct a regulatory inspection.
What kinds of inspections can this warrant authorize?
Inspections relating to building, fire, safety, plumbing, electrical, health, labor, or zoning laws and regulations.
Is an inspection warrant the same thing as a criminal search warrant?
No. It's a distinct tool aimed at regulatory compliance inspections, with its own standard for issuance set out later in this title.
Amendment History
Amended by Stats. 1980, Ch. 230, Sec. 1.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 29, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: what is an inspection warrant californiaregulatory inspection warrant definition