California CodesBusiness and Professions Code - BPCDivision 3 — Professions and Vocations GenerallyChapter 3 — ArchitectureArticle 3 — Application of ChapterSection 5536.27
(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.
Notes
Exempts an architect from negligence liability for good-faith but negligent structural inspections performed voluntarily and without expected compensation within 30 days after a declared earthquake, flood, riot, or fire emergency, when requested by specified public officials. The immunity covers specified habitation or public structures but does not cover gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Use as reference
Lexinter.net | California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5536.27 | https://laws.lexinter.net/codes/california/business-and-professions-code/division-3/chapter-3/article-3/section-5536-27