California legal term
Building materials in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Building materials” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “Building materials” mean in California criminal law?
“Building materials” means lumber, construction tools, windows, and anything else used in the building or rebuilding of property. (Cal. Penal Code § 396)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.