California § 21551 - All contracts for the construction of any unit of work estimated to cost over ten
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 21551 — All contracts for the construction of any unit of work estimated to cost over ten, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21551. All contracts for the construction of any unit of work estimated to cost over ten
(a) All contracts for the construction of any unit of work estimated to cost over ten thousand dollars ($10,000) shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 20120) of Chapter 1.5. If cost of the project or service will not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000), the district may have the work done by force account. The district may purchase in the open market, without advertising for bid, materials and supplies for use in any work either under contract or by force account. (b) The board of directors may, by ordinance, resolution, or board order, authorize the county engineer or other county officer to order changes or additions in work being performed under construction contract. When so authorized, any change or addition in the work shall be ordered in writing by the county engineer, or other designated officer, and the extra cost for any change or addition to the work so ordered shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) when the total amount of the original contract does not exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), nor 10 percent of the amount of any original contract that exceeds fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), but does not exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000). (c) For contracts whose original cost exceeds two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), the extra cost for any change or addition to the work so ordered shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), plus 5 percent of the amount of the original contract costs in excess of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000). In no event shall any such change or alteration exceed one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000).
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 21551
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 21551 cover?
Section 21551 ("All contracts for the construction of any unit of work estimated to cost over ten") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 21551?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 21551" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 21551 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.