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GoCodebook in ChatGPT
Connect GoCodebook and ChatGPT can read California building codes and the local ordinances of 540cities and counties word for word, with the citation and a link to the full section.
Set it up
- 1
Turn on developer mode
In ChatGPT on the web, open Settings → Apps → Advanced settings and turn on Developer mode. On Business, only workspace admins and owners can; on Enterprise and Edu, an admin grants it first.
- 2
Create an app
Go to Settings → Apps → Create (admins can also use Workspace settings → Apps → Create).
- 3
Enter the server
Name it GoCodebook and enter the MCP server URL: https://gocodebook.com/api/mcp
- 4
Choose OAuth and scan the tools
Pick OAuth as the authentication, click Scan Tools, and sign in to GoCodebook when asked. Then click Create.
- 5
Use it in a chat
Start a chat, pick GoCodebook from the tools menu or mention it, and ask a code question. Workspace admins can publish it for everyone under Workspace settings → Apps.
MCP server URL:
https://gocodebook.com/api/mcpWhat it changes
- Answers you can check. ChatGPT quotes the section it read and links to it.
- Local law, not just state law. Zoning, rentals, business licenses, noise, vending — whatever the city's own code says.
- Read-only. GoCodebook's tools never change anything in your account except deducting search credits.
Try asking
- “Using GoCodebook, quote Los Angeles' sidewalk vending rules and cite the section.”
- “What business license tax does Fresno charge? Show the section text.”
- “Read CBC 1004 and summarize the occupant load factors.”
- “Which Sacramento sections set exterior noise limits?”
Tools
lookup_california_code_section
Free, no account
Returns the verbatim text of one section by its number — for example CRC R602.10.2.3, CBC 1004 or § 17.60.090 — with its citation, edition and a link to the full section.
list_california_code_documents
Free, no account
Lists the codes and local ordinances held, statewide or for one city or county, and what is not covered.
search_california_codes
Needs a GoCodebook account · 1 credit per search
Finds sections by topic when you do not have a section number — for example "minimum attic access opening" or "ADU setbacks in San Jose". Returns ranked excerpts with citations and links.
Questions
Which ChatGPT plans can connect GoCodebook?
OpenAI makes custom MCP apps available in developer mode on Business, Enterprise and Edu, and on Pro for read and fetch actions. GoCodebook's tools only read, so read access is all it needs.
Does it work in the ChatGPT mobile app?
Not today — OpenAI lists MCP apps as web only.
Does it cost anything?
Reading a section by its number and listing the codes held are free. Searching by topic uses 1 credit from your GoCodebook account per search.
ChatGPT asked me to sign in again. Why?
ChatGPT keeps access for as long as the sign-in lasts. If it expires, sign in to GoCodebook again from the app's settings; nothing else needs to change.