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Appendix A — GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

Section A205 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2025 California Existing Building Code (Title 24, Part 10) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-27 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

[BS] A205.1 General. The seismic-resisting elements specified in this chapter shall comply with applicable provisions of Section 1613 of the California Building Code and Chapter 12 of ASCE 7, except as modified herein.

[BS] A205.2 Requirements for plans. The plans shall accurately reflect the results of the engineering investigation and design and shall show all pertinent dimensions and sizes for plan review and construction. The following shall be provided:

  1. Floor plans and roof plans shall show existing framing construction, diaphragm construction, proposed wall anchors, crossties and collectors. Existing nailing, anchors, crossties and collectors shall be shown on the plans if they are considered part of the lateral force-resisting systems.
  2. Typical wall panel details and sections with panel thickness, height, pilasters and location of anchors shall be provided.
  3. Details shall include existing and new anchors and the method of developing anchor forces into the diaphragm framing, existing and new crossties, and existing and new or improved support of roof and floor girders at pilasters or walls.
  4. The basis for design and the building code used for the design shall be stated on the plans.

[BS] A205.3 Structural observation. Structural observation, in accordance with Section 1704.6 of the California Building Code is required, regardless of seismic design category, height or other conditions. Structural observation shall include visual observation of work for conformance to the approved construction documents and confirmation of existing conditions assumed during design.

A205.3.1 Additional special inspection. In addition to the requirements of Section 1705.13 of the California Building Code, special inspection shall be required for:

  1. Installation of anchors into existing concrete or masonry walls to form part of a wall anchorage system.

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

  1. Fastening of new or existing steel deck forming part of a wall anchorage system.
  2. Installation of continuity connectors along the length of crossties, to ensure compliance with Section A206.2. This inspection may be periodic special inspection.

A205.3.2 Testing to establish adequacy of existing wall anchors. Testing shall show that the existing anchors can sustain a test load of 1.5 times the design tension load without noticeable deformation or damage to the anchor, to the masonry or concrete element, or to any part of the existing load path between the anchor and new retrofit components. Three anchors of each existing detail type shall be tested, and all three shall satisfy the requirement. Prior to testing, the design professional shall submit a test plan for code official approval identifying the expected locations of the existing anchors in question, the locations of the proposed tests, and the test procedure and criteria. After testing, the design professional shall submit a report of the satisfactory testing showing the test results, the design strengths derived from them, and the size and spacing as confirmed by investigation.

A205.4 Testing and Inspection.

Structural testing and inspection for new construction materials, submittals, reports and certificates of compliance shall be in accordance with Sections 1704 and 1705 of the California Building Code . Work done to comply with this chapter shall not be eligible for Exception 1 to Section 1704.2 of the California Building Code or Exception 2 to Section 1705.13 of the California Building Code .

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▸ Contents — 2025 California Existing Building Code (Title 24, Part 10)
2025 California Existing Building Code (Title 24, Part 10)
  1. 104.11 for consideration of alternative means of compliance.
  2. Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
  3. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  4. Chapter 3 — PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
  5. Chapter 3A — PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
  6. Chapter 4 — REPAIRS
  7. Chapter 4A — REPAIRS
  8. Chapter 5 — PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
  9. Chapter 5A — PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
  10. Chapter 6 — CLASSIFICATION OF WORK
  11. Chapter 7 — ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
  12. Chapter 8 — ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2
  13. Chapter 9 — ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3
  14. Chapter 10 — CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
  15. Chapter 11 — ADDITIONS
  16. Chapter 12 — HISTORIC BUILDINGS
  17. Chapter 13 — PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS
  18. Chapter 14 — RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS
  19. Chapter 15 — CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
  20. Chapter 16 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  21. ▸ Appendix A — GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING B…
    Overview
    1. Section A100 — APPLICATION
    2. Section A101 — PURPOSE
    3. Section A102 — SCOPE
    4. Section A103 — DEFINITIONS
    5. Section A104 — SYMBOLS AND NOTATIONS
    6. Section A105 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
    7. Section A106 — MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS
    8. Section A107 — QUALITY CONTROL
    9. Section A108 — DESIGN STRENGTHS
    10. Section A109 — ANALYSIS AND DESIGN PROCEDURE
    11. Section A110 — GENERAL PROCEDURE
    12. Section A111 — SPECIAL PROCEDURE
    13. Section A112 — ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
    14. Section A113 — DETAILED BUILDING SYSTEM DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
    15. Section A114 — WALLS OF UNBURNED CLAY, ADOBE OR STONE MASONRY
    16. Section A201 — PURPOSE
    17. Section A202 — SCOPE
    18. Section A203 — DEFINITIONS
    19. Section A204 — SYMBOLS AND NOTATIONS
    20. Section A205 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
    21. Section A206 — ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
    22. Section A207 — MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
    23. Section A301 — GENERAL
    24. Section A302 — DEFINITIONS
    25. Section A303 — STRUCTURAL WEAKNESSES
    26. Section A304 — STRENGTHENING REQUIREMENTS
    27. Section A401 — GENERAL
    28. Section A402 — DEFINITIONS
    29. Section A403 — ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
    30. Section A404 — PRESCRIPTIVE MEASURES FOR WEAK STORY
    31. Section A405 — MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
    32. Section A406 — CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
    33. Section A407 — QUALITY CONTROL
    34. Section A501 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  22. Appendix B — SUPPLEMENTARY ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXIS…
  23. Appendix C — GUIDELINES FOR THE WIND RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUIL…
  24. Appendix D — BOARD OF APPEALS
  25. Appendix E — TEMPORARY EMERGENCY USES
  26. Appendix A — GUIDELINES ON FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS A…

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