If the judge is satisfied that the proper standard for issuance of the warrant has been met, he or she shall issue the warrant particularly describing each place, dwelling, structure, premises, or vehicle to be inspected and designating on the warrant the purpose and limitations of the inspection, including the limitations required by this title.
§ 1822.54.Issuance of Warrant
Title 13. Inspection Warrants · Last amended 1984 · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceSection 1822.54 requires a judge who is satisfied that the proper standard has been met to issue a warrant particularly describing each place to be inspected and spelling out the purpose and limitations of the inspection, including any limitations this title imposes.
Full Text of § 1822.54
Plain-English Summary
Once the judge is satisfied that the applicable standard for issuance, cause under Section 1822.52 in the ordinary case, has been met, this section converts that satisfaction into a signed warrant. The warrant has to particularly describe each place, dwelling, structure, premises, or vehicle to be inspected, rather than authorizing a vague or open-ended search.
The warrant also has to designate the purpose of the inspection and its limitations, including whatever limitations this title itself imposes, such as the time restrictions Section 1822.55 sets and the entry restrictions Section 1822.56 sets. That built-in specificity keeps the official executing the warrant confined to what the judge authorized, and nothing more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must the judge do once satisfied the standard for issuance has been met?
Issue the warrant, particularly describing each place to be inspected and designating the purpose and limitations of the inspection.
Does the warrant have to state limits on how the inspection is carried out?
Yes, including the limitations this title itself imposes, such as the timing and entry restrictions found elsewhere in Title 13.
Can a warrant under this section cover a vaguely described property?
No. The statute requires the warrant to particularly describe each place, dwelling, structure, premises, or vehicle to be inspected.
Amendment History
Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 476, Sec. 3.
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: issuance of inspection warrant californiawarrant must describe property and purpose