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Appendix BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION

Section BJ101 — GENERAL

2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-27 · California

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

BJ101.1 Scope.

This appendix provides prescriptive and performance-based requirements for the use of baled straw as a building material. Other methods of strawbale construction shall be subject to approval in accordance with Section R104.2.2 of this code. Buildings using strawbale walls shall comply with this code except as otherwise stated in this appendix.

BJ101.2 Strawbale wall systems.

Strawbale wall systems include those shown in Figure BJ101.2 and approved variations.

FIGURE BJ101.2—TYPICAL STRAWBALE WALL SYSTEMS

Note: See Figures BJ105.1(1) through BJ105.1(4) for detailed views and section references. Other strawbale wall systems or variations are permitted as approved .

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

APPENDIX BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION

BJ101.3 Flood hazard areas.

In flood hazard areas established in Table R301.2, buildings using strawbale wall systems shall meet the requirements of Section R306.

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▸ Contents — 2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5)
2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5)
  1. Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — BUILDING PLANNING
  4. Chapter 4 — FOUNDATIONS
  5. Chapter 5 — FLOORS
  6. Chapter 6 — WALL CONSTRUCTION
  7. Chapter 7 — WALL COVERING
  8. Chapter 8 — ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION
  9. Chapter 9 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES
  10. Chapter 10 — CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES
  11. Chapter 44 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  12. Appendix AA — BOARD OF APPEALS
  13. Appendix AB — PERMIT FEES
  14. Appendix AC — RESERVED
  15. Appendix BA — RESERVED
  16. Appendix BB — TINY HOUSES
  17. Appendix BC — RESERVED
  18. Appendix BD — RESERVED
  19. Appendix BE — RADON CONTROL METHODS
  20. Appendix BF — PATIO COVERS
  21. Appendix BG — SOUND TRANSMISSION
  22. Appendix BH — AUTOMATIC VEHICULAR GATES
  23. Appendix BI — LIGHT STRAW-CLAY CONSTRUCTION
  24. ▸ Appendix BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
    Overview
    1. Section BJ101 — GENERAL
    2. Section BJ102 — DEFINITIONS
    3. Section BJ103 — BALES
    4. Section BJ104 — FINISHES
    5. Section BJ105 — STRAWBALE WALLS—GENERAL
    6. Section BJ106 — STRAWBALE WALLS—STRUCTURAL
    7. Section BJ107 — FIRE RESISTANCE
    8. Section BJ108 — THERMAL INSULATION
    9. Section BJ109 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  25. Appendix BK — COB CONSTRUCTION (MONOLITHIC ADOBE)
  26. Appendix BL — HEMP-LIME (HEMPCRETE) CONSTRUCTION
  27. Appendix BM — 3D-PRINTED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
  28. Appendix BN — EXTENDED PLATE WALL CONSTRUCTION
  29. Appendix BO — EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
  30. Appendix CA — RESERVED
  31. Appendix CB — RESERVED
  32. Appendix CC — RESERVED
  33. Appendix CD — RESERVED
  34. Appendix CE — RESERVED
  35. Appendix CF — RESERVED
  36. Appendix CG — NONSEWERED SANITATION SYSTEMS
  37. Appendix CH — PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL
  38. Appendix CI — SWIMMING POOL SAFETY ACT
  39. Appendix CJ — EMERGENCY HOUSING
  40. Appendix CK — AREAS PROTECTED BY THE FACILITIES OF THE CENTRAL…

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