Chapter 3 — PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
Section 319 — [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—SEISMIC CRITERIA SELECTION FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
2025 California Existing Building Code (Title 24, Part 10) · 2025 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · California
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319.1 Basis for evaluation and design. ¶
319.1 Basis for evaluation and design. This section determines what technical approach is to be used for the seismic evaluation and design for existing buildings. For those buildings or portions of buildings for which Section 317 requires action, the procedures and limitations for the evaluation of existing buildings and design of retrofit systems and/or repair thereof shall be implemented in accordance with this section. One of the following approaches must be used: 1. Method A of Section 320; 2. Method B of Section 321, with independent review of a peer reviewer as required in Section 322;…
319.2 Existing conditions. ¶
319.2 Existing conditions. The existing condition and properties of the entire structure must be determined and documented by thorough inspection of the structure and site, review of all available related construction documents, review of geotechnical and engineering geologic reports, and performance of necessary testing and investigation. Where samples from the existing structure are taken or in situ tests are performed, they shall be selected and interpreted in a statistically appropriate manner to ensure that the properties determined and used in the evaluation or design are representative…
319.3 Site geology and soil characteristics. ¶
319.3 Site geology and soil characteristics. Soil profile shall be assigned in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18 of the California Building Code.
319.4 Risk categories. ¶
319.4 Risk categories. Each structure shall be placed in one of the Risk Categories in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code.
319.5 Configuration requirements. ¶
319.5 Configuration requirements. Each structure shall be designated structurally regular or irregular. If the evaluation and retrofit is in accordance with Table 317.5, Footnote 2 or 3, the building shall be classified by application of ASCE 7, Section 12.3.2. If the evaluation and retrofit is in accordance with ASCE 41, the building shall be classified as irregular when an irregularity defined in ASCE 41, Sections 7.3.1.1.1 through 7.3.1.1.4 exists.
319.6 General selection of the design method. ¶
319.6 General selection of the design method. The requirements of Method B (Section 321) may be used for any existing building.
319.7 Prescriptive selection of the design method. ¶
319.7 Prescriptive selection of the design method. The requirements of Method A per Section 320 or the specific procedures for applicable building types given in Section 319.1.1 are permitted to be used except if the building has one or more characteristics described in Sections 319.7.1 through 319.7.7, in which case Method B shall be used. 319.7.1 A building with prestressed or post- tensioned structural components (beams, columns, walls or slabs) or precast structural components (beams, columns, walls or flooring systems). 319.7.2 A building classified as irregular per Section 319.5.…
319.8 Strength requirements. ¶
319.8 Strength requirements. All components of the lateral-force-resisting system must have the strength to meet the acceptance criteria prescribed in ASCE 41, Chapter 7 or as prescribed in the applicable Appendix A chapter of this code if a specific procedure in Section 319.1.1 is used. Any component not having this strength shall have its capacity increased by modifying or supplementing its strength so that it exceeds the demand, or the demand is reduced to less than the existing strength by making other modifications to the structural system. Exception: A component’s strength is permitted…
319.9 Nonstructural component requirements. ¶
319.9 Nonstructural component requirements. Where the nonstructural performance levels required by Section 317, Table 317.5 are N-D or higher, mechanical, electrical and plumbing components shall comply with the provisions of ASCE 41, Chapter 13, Section 13.2. Exception: Modifications to the procedures and criteria may be made subject to approval by the building official, and concurrence of the peer reviewer if applicable. All reports and correspondence shall also be forwarded to the building official.
319.10 Structural observation, testing and inspection. ¶
319.10 Structural observation, testing and inspection. Structural observation, testing and inspection as used in this section shall mean meeting the requirements of Chapter 17 of the California Building Code, with a minimum allowable level of investigation corresponding to seismic design category (SDC) D. Structural observation visits shall occur at significant construction stages and at the completion of the structural retrofit. Structural observation shall be provided for all structures. Additional requirements: [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] For public schools and community colleges, construction…
319.11 Temporary actions. ¶
319.11 Temporary actions. When compatible with the building use, and the time phasing for both use and the retrofit program, temporary shoring or other structural support is permitted to be considered. Temporary bracing, shoring and prevention of falling hazards are permitted to be used to qualify for Item 1 in Section 319.12 that allows inadequate capability in some existing components, as long as the required performance levels given in Section 317 can be provided by the permanent structure. The consideration for such temporary actions shall be noted in the design documents.
319.12 Voluntary modifications to the lateral-force resisting system. ¶
319.12 Voluntary modifications to the lateral-force resisting system. Where modifications of existing structural components and additions of new structural components are initiated for the purpose of improving the lateral-force resisting strength or stiffness of an existing structure and they are not required by other sections of this code, then they are permitted to be designed to meet an approved seismic performance criteria provided that an engineering analysis is submitted that follows: 1. The capacity of existing structural components required to resist forces is not reduced, unless it…