In most cases, this advice is incorrect. Compliance with the building code typically requires a complete structural engineering design. While Chapter 23 of the California Building Code allows certain single-story buildings to be designed using prescriptive provisions, the applicability of those provisions is extremely limited.
Many local jurisdictions, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, publish a document commonly referred to as a Type V Sheet, which outlines these prescriptive requirements. The scope of the Type V Sheet is intentionally narrow: it applies only to single-story residential buildings that meet very specific configuration and detailing criteria.
Some designers mistakenly assume that attaching a Type V Sheet to architectural drawings is sufficient to satisfy the structural requirements. In practice, this is rarely the case. In our 25 years of experience, we have seen this approach attempted several times, and it has consistently required revision during plan review. The Type V Sheet is appropriate only for simple, uniform “box-type” structures. Any building that deviates from this configuration generally requires a complete structural design prepared in accordance with the applicable building code.
Building departments are also a valuable resource for property owners. You can contact them with questions about your project, and they can help clarify the requirements for code compliance.