Understanding the Agency Filter

Written By Kanav Hasija

Last updated About 1 month ago

What it the ‘Agency’ filter?

The Agency Filter lets you tell Melt Code’s AI which California agency’s version of the codebook adoption you want to search within.

Each agency – like HCD, DSA, or OSHPD – adopts, amends, or excludes specific parts of the codebook based on the types of buildings they regulate.

When you select an agency, Melt Code automatically:

  1. Checks the Matrix Adoption Table to see which parts of the code that agency has officially adopted or amended.

  2. Applies those agency-specific rules and amendments to your AI search.

  3. Tailors the explanation to reflect the correct, enforceable version of the code for your project type.

Why does it matter?

Not every rule in the codebooks applies to every project. Different state agencies oversee different building types – and they modify (“amend”) the code to match their regulations.

Using the Agency Filter ensures your AI answers are:

  1. Accurate – the AI only considers sections adopted by that agency.

  2. Contextual – responses are written for the type of facility you’re working on.

  3. Compliant – code guidance aligns with the actual authority that will review your plans.

Step-by-step: How to apply the Agency Filter in AI Code Search

Step 1: Click the “Agency” filter on the AI Code Search page

Step 2: Select the agency that matches your project type (e.g., HCD 1, DSA-SS, OSHPD 1R). You may select a sub-agency where applicable.

Step 3: Type your query in the search bar and hit Search.

How it works behind the scenes

When you select an agency (for example, HCD 1):

  1. The AI looks up the Matrix Adoption Table for that chapter or section.

  2. If that agency has not adopted the section, it’s excluded from results.

  3. If it’s adopted with amendments, the AI references the embedded amendment notes

  4. The explanation you get reflects that agency’s true, enforceable version — not the generic one.

Example scenarios

Scenario

Agency Selected

What Happens

Designing a multifamily residential project

HCD 1

The AI includes HCD amendments to construction type and fire-resistance rules.

Working on a public school

DSA-SS

The AI tailors results to DSA structural and accessibility provisions, excluding irrelevant ones.

Planning a hospital renovation

OSHPD 1R

The AI references OSHPD-specific construction type requirements for health facilities.

In simple terms,

Selecting the right agency tells the AI:

“Only show me the version of the code that legally applies to my project.”

Without an agency filter, results come from the base codebook – which may not reflect your project’s actual governing rules.

With the filter on, you get agency-specific, adoption-aware answers that align with real-world plan review and enforcement.

Pro Tip

If you’re unsure which agency applies to your project:

  • Public schools → DSA

  • Hospitals and clinics → OSHPD

  • Housing → HCD

  • General commercial → BSC / SFM