Congratulations Butte County Building Department!
The County of Butte Building Division is the 2025-2026 recipient of the Building Department of the Year Award, recognized for its unwavering commitment to serving its local communities. The county’s innovation in service delivery, support of recovery efforts, and community engagement has set a standard of excellence for California jurisdictions.
During this past year, the department fundamentally redefined its operations through a transition to a 100% digital workflow, improving accessibility and efficiency for residents navigating building safety requirements. This transformation included implementation of a new Accela permitting system, deployment of Starlink connectivity for rural field operations, and the introduction of concurrent plan review processes that significantly reduced turnaround times. The department maintained high service levels throughout, offering next-business-day inspections, fast-track review options, and streamlined customer service.
Serving a community shaped by resilience through a decade of disasters, Butte County’s commitment to recovery extends well beyond its operational responsibilities. Through innovative programs such as free pre-approved small home master plans, permit fee assistance grants, and a dedicated Rebuild Advocate through the Hazard Mitigation grant, the department has removed barriers for residents working to rebuild their homes and lives. Their code enforcement team further supports community growth through proactive outreach, achieving high voluntary compliance rates and integrating enforcement with social services to assist vulnerable populations.
The department also stands out for its staff’s extensive community engagement, such as participating in and leading workshops, community meetings, cleanup events, and public education initiatives throughout the year. Staff further demonstrate leadership through CALBO, County Building Officials Association of California and ICC regional chapter participation, mentorship of future building safety professionals, and contributions to statewide code development efforts.
CALBO commends the County of Butte Building Division for its thoughtful approach and commitment to its communities, reflected in its efficient operations and consistent delivery of high-quality public service. Congratulations to the department and its staff on this well-deserved recognition!