Section R401 — GENERAL
2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5) · 2025 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · California
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R401.1 Application. ¶
R401.1 Application. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for buildings. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in flood hazard areas as established by Table R301.2 shall meet the provisions of Section R306. Wood foundations shall be designed and installed in accordance with AWC PWF. Exception: The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be used for wood foundations only in the following situations: 1. In buildings that have not more than two floors and a…
R401.2 Requirements. ¶
R401.2 Requirements. Foundation construction shall be capable of accommodating all loads in accordance with Section R301 and of transmitting the resulting loads to the supporting soil. Fill soils that support footings and foundations shall be designed, installed and tested in accordance with accepted engineering practice. Note: See Section R301.1.1.1 for limited-density owner-built rural dwellings.
R401.3 Drainage. ¶
R401.3 Drainage. Surface drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer conveyance or other approved point of collection that does not create a hazard. Lots shall be graded to drain surface water away from foundation walls. The grade shall fall not fewer than 6 inches (152 mm) within the first 10 feet (3048 mm). Exception: Where lot lines, walls, slopes or other physical barriers prohibit 6 inches (152 mm) of fall within 10 feet (3048 mm), drains or swales shall be constructed to ensure drainage away from the structure. Impervious surfaces within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the building foundation…
R401.4 Soil tests. ¶
R401.4 Soil tests. Where quantifiable data created by accepted soil science methodologies indicate expansive soils, compressible soils, shifting soils or other questionable soil characteristics are likely to be present, the building official shall determine whether to require a soil test to determine the soil’s characteristics at a particular location. This test shall be done by an approved agency using an approved method. Where the seismic design category in accordance with Section R301.2.2.1 is C or greater and where soil testing is performed, the geotechnical report shall include the…