102 Applicability — 2025 California Building Code
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · California
CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
Cite as: 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) § 102 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
[A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
[A] 102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.
[A] 102.3 Application of references. References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this code.
[A] 102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.4.1 through 102.4.4.
[A] 102.4.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
[A] 102.4.2 Provisions in referenced codes and standards. Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of this code or the California Codes specified in Section 101.4, the provisions of this code or the California Codes specified in Section 101.4, as applicable, shall take precedence over the provisions in the referenced code or standard.
102.4.3 Code references. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] All reference to International Codes or other similar codes in referenced standards shall be replaced by equivalent provisions in the California Building Standards Codes.
102.4.4 Reference in standards. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] All references listed in reference standards shall be replaced by referenced standards listed in Chapter 35 of this code, where applicable, and shall include all amendments to the reference standards in this code.
[A] 102.5 Partial invalidity. In the event that any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.
[A] 102.6 Existing structures. The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, the California Existing Building Code or the Cali- fornia Fire Code .
[A] 102.6.1 Buildings not previously occupied. A building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose in accordance with the laws in existence at the time of its completion shall comply with the provisions of this code or the California Residential Code, as applicable, for new construction or with any current permit for such occupancy.
[A] 102.6.2 Buildings previously occupied. The legal occupancy of any building existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, the California Fire Code or California Existing Building Code, or as is deemed necessary by the building official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
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