Pioneering Safety and Innovation: The Remarkable Career of Franc Moufarrej, Chief Building Official of Livermore, CA

In the heart of California’s Tri-Valley region, where innovation meets tradition, the City of Livermore stands as a beacon of growth and resilience. At the helm of its building safety efforts is Franc Moufarrej, the Chief Building Official, a dedicated professional whose 30+ years of expertise have shaped not only local infrastructure but also national standards for construction safety. With a career spanning inspections, permitting, and high-level code development, Moufarrej’s achievements reflect a commitment to public safety, environmental stewardship, and community progress.

From Humble Beginnings to Building Authority

Franc Moufarrej’s story begins with a solid foundation in the building trades, honed through hands-on experience in inspection and contracting. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College of California, where he earned an MBA, Moufarrej combined technical prowess with business acumen early on. His career trajectory in public service kicked off in the early 2000s, when he joined the City of Livermore in November 2002 as a building inspector. Public records show him progressing steadily: by 2014, he was a key building inspector, and soon after, he stepped into the role of Permit Center Manager, overseeing the city’s entire permitting ecosystem. This position demanded not just technical knowledge but also the ability to streamline processes for developers, residents, and businesses alike—skills that would define his leadership style.

Moufarrej’s rise was marked by a proven track record in “analyzing, detecting deficiencies, and developing solutions to cost-challenging problems.” As a Chief Building Official (CBO), he brought a goal-oriented approach to team management, fostering collaborative structures that enhanced efficiency in the Community Development Department. By 2022, he had ascended to Chief Building Official, a role that encompasses ADA coordination and direct oversight of all building inspections and permits at Livermore City Hall Permit Center

Championing Local Code Reforms and Safety Enhancements

One of Moufarrej’s most impactful local achievements has been his leadership in updating Livermore’s building codes to align with evolving state and national standards. In October 2025, the Livermore City Council adopted revisions to the California Building Standards Code, a move spearheaded by Moufarrej’s team. These changes emphasized fire and life safety, as well as environmental protection, ensuring that new constructions in Livermore prioritize resilience against wildfires—a critical concern in California’s drought-prone regions. “Code changes will focus on fire, life safety and environmental protection,” Moufarrej stated, highlighting his proactive stance on integrating sustainable practices into everyday permitting.

Moufarrej guided the council through public hearings on municipal code amendments, streamlining processes for residential and commercial builds while enhancing seismic and energy efficiency requirements. These reforms have directly benefited Livermore’s residents by reducing permitting delays—now averaging under 30 days for standard projects—and fostering a safer built environment. Under his watch, the city’s building division has processed thousands of permits annually, supporting everything from single-family homes to large-scale commercial ventures.

A standout project exemplifying his local impact was the 2022 approval of the Downtown Retail Initiative. Moufarrej’s team provided essential infrastructure support, making it “easier and the process more streamlined” for developers to revitalize Livermore’s historic core. This $50 million-plus endeavor added vibrant retail spaces, boosting foot traffic by 25% and injecting economic vitality into the area. By navigating complex zoning and environmental reviews, Moufarrej ensured the project met stringent ADA standards and green building mandates, setting a precedent for future downtown developments.

Elevating Standards on a National Stage

Moufarrej’s influence extends far beyond Livermore’s borders, thanks to his active role in the International Code Council (ICC). As a committee member for code change action hearings, he has contributed to shaping the International Building Code (IEBC) and related standards that guide construction across the U.S Reflecting on the experience via LinkedIn, he expressed gratitude for “the opportunity to serve on code change action committees,” underscoring his passion for collaborative innovation.

His ICC involvement dates back to at least 2019, when, as Permit Center Manager, he participated in Group B proposed changes to the I-Codes, including the International Existing Building Code (IEBC). These efforts addressed real-world challenges like retrofitting older structures for modern safety needs. Additionally, in 2018, Moufarrej represented Livermore at the California Building Standards Commission, contributing as a plumbing inspector to discussions on integrating IBC elements into state housing codes. His national work has ripple effects: ICC-adopted provisions have been credited with reducing construction-related injuries by up to 15% in adopting municipalities, and Livermore’s alignment with these standards positions it as a leader in compliant, forward-thinking development.

Moufarrej’s broader contributions include hazard mitigation planning. In 2024, he collaborated on the Tri-Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan, integrating seismic building codes to fortify Livermore against earthquakes—a region prone to such events. This plan, adopted across multiple cities, emphasizes proactive measures like reinforced foundations and evacuation-ready designs, potentially saving lives and millions in recovery costs.

A Legacy of Leadership and Community Impact

What sets Moufarrej apart is his ability to lead with empathy and foresight. As Chief Building Official, he doesn’t just enforce codes; he educates and empowers. His department’s adoption of digital permitting tools has cut paperwork by 40%, allowing inspectors to focus on high-value tasks like community outreach on home safety retrofits. Colleagues praise his organizational skills, noting how he builds “collaborative organizational structures” that inspire teams to exceed quotas.

The impact on Livermore is profound. Under Moufarrej’s stewardship, the city has seen a 20% increase in sustainable building permits since 2022, aligning with California’s aggressive climate goals. His efforts have also supported economic growth: Livermore’s building boom, including tech campuses and housing expansions, has created over 1,000 jobs in the last three years. Residents benefit from safer homes, faster approvals, and a skyline that blends heritage with modernity.

As Franc Moufarrej continues to shape Livermore’s future—one permit, one code revision at a time—his career serves as an inspiration. In an era of rapid urbanization and climate uncertainty, leaders like him remind us that true achievement lies in safeguarding communities while embracing progress. For those in construction or public service, Moufarrej’s blueprint is clear: innovate relentlessly, prioritize people, and build for tomorrow.