§ 91.2

Article 1.2 of Chapter IX of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) shall collectively be known as the Los Angeles Existing Building Code or LAEBC.

The provisions of the LAEBC shall apply to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of every existing building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the City of Los Angeles (City). Wherever the word "Code" is used in this article it shall mean the Los Angeles Existing Building Code.

DIVISION 2

[DEFINITIONS]

Section

91.2.200 Basic Provisions. 91.2.201 Definitions.

Chapter 2 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference with the following exceptions, modifications and additions.

Section 202 of the CEBC is adopted by reference, except that the following CEBC definitions are not adopted:

CODE OFFICIAL.

BUILDING OFFICIAL.

The following definitions are adopted:

CODE OFFICIAL. See Building Official.

BUILDING OFFICIAL. See Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 91.202.

DIVISION 3

[PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS]

Section 91.2.300 Basic Provisions.

(Amended by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.)

Chapter 3 of the 2022 CEBC is hereby adopted by reference except as amended herein.

91.2.302.3. Existing Materials. Materials already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the Building Official to be unsafe pursuant to CEBC Section 115.

Replacement, Retention and Extension of Original Materials. The replacement, retention and extension of original materials, and the use of original methods of construction, for any building or accessory structure may remain, provided the aggregate value of work in any 12 month period does not exceed 10% of the replacement value, and provided further that no hazardous conditions exist and provided such building or structure complied with the building code provision in effect at the time of original construction and the building or accessory structure does not become or continue to be a substandard building.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Replacement, retention and extension of unreinforced masonry wall is not permitted.

2. Alteration, repair or rehabilitation of the existing portion in excess of 10% of the replacement value of a building or structure may be made provided that all the work conforms to this Code for a new building and that no hazardous condition or substandard building is continued or created in the remainder of the building as a result of such work.

91.2.302.6. Maintenance. Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards which are required by the CBC and this Code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings and structures. To determine compliance with this subsection, the Department shall have the authority to require a building or structure to be reinspected. The requirements of this division shall not provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures. Maintenance of buildings and structures shall comply with Divisions 81 and 86 of Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC.

91.2.302.7. Compliance. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing structure shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy in the Los Angeles Fire Code, Los Angeles Mechanical Code, Los Angeles Plumbing Code, Los Angeles Residential Code and Los Angeles Electrical Code.

Where there are different requirements in this Code, the most restrictive requirement shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable.

DIVISION 4

[PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD]

(Division 4 Repealed and Replaced by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.)

Section

91.2.400 Basic Provisions.

SEC. 91.2.400. BASIC PROVISIONS.

Chapter 4 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference except as amended herein

91.2.401. Scope. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of this division. Repair to historic buildings need only comply with Chapter 12 of the CEBC. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4, & 5] repairs to historic buildings not adopted by OSHPD shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224.2, 1225.2, 1226.2, 1227.2 and 1228.2 for functional requirements. In addition to the requirements of the CEBC, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the applicable regulations of Divisions 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 91, 93, 95 and 97 of the Los Angeles Building Code (LABC) at Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC, Appendix A Chapters A1 and A2 of the LAEBC, and the voluntary earthquake hazard reduction standards of Divisions 92, 94 and 96 of Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC.

DIVISION 5

[CLASSIFICATION OF WORK]

(Division 5 Repealed and Replaced by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.)

Section

91.2.500 Basic Provisions.

SEC. 91.2.500. BASIC PROVISIONS.

Chapter 5 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference except as amended herein.

91.2.501.1. Scope. The provisions of this division shall control the alternation, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures, [BSC] including state-regulated structures in accordance with Section 501.1.2 of the CEBC. In addition to the requirements of the CEBC, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the applicable regulations of Divisions 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 91, 93, 95 and 97 of the Los Angeles Building Code (LABC) at Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC, Appendix A Chapters A1 and A2 of the LAEBC, and the voluntary earthquake hazard reduction standards of Divisions 92, 94 and 96 of Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC.

91.2.502.5. Existing Structural Elements Carrying Lateral Load. (Amended by Ord. No. 188,739, Eff. 9/23/25.) Where the addition is structurally independent of the existing structure, existing lateral load-carrying structural elements shall be permitted to remain unaltered. Where the addition is not structurally independent of the existing structure, the existing structure and its addition acting together as a single structure shall be shown to meet the requirements of Sections 1609 and 1613 of the California Building Code using full seismic forces. For purposes of CEBC Section 502, compliance with ASCE 41, using a Tier 3 procedure and the two-level performance objective in CEBC Table 304.3.1 for the applicable risk category, shall be deemed to meet the requirements of CBC Section 1613, with procedures established by the Department.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Except for Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Buildings: Any existing lateral load-carrying structural element whose demand-capacity ratio with the addition considered is no more than 10% greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the addition ignored shall be permitted to remain unaltered. For purposes of calculating demand-capacity ratios, the demand shall consider applicable load combinations with design lateral loads or forces in accordance with CBC Sections 1609 and 1613. For purposes of this exception, comparisons of demand-capacity ratios and calculations of design lateral loads, forces and capacities shall account for the cumulative effects of additions and alterations since original construction.

This exception shall not apply if the addition creates a structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7 or makes an existing structural irregularity more severe.

2. Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Buildings: Any existing lateral load-carrying structural element on an unreinforced masonry building whose demand-capacity ratio with the addition considered is less than 10% greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the addition ignored shall comply with CEBC Appendix Chapter A1. When the demand-capacity ratio with the addition considered is 10% or greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the addition ignored, the addition shall be designed in accordance with Division 16, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC (Chapter 16 of the Building Code).

3. Buildings of Group R occupancy with not more than five dwelling or sleeping units used solely for residential purposes where the existing building and the addition together comply with the conventional light-frame construction methods of the California Building Code or the provisions of the California Residential Code.

91.2.503.4. Existing Structural Elements Carrying Lateral Load. (Amended by Ord. No. 188,739, Eff. 9/23/25.) Except as permitted by CEBC Section 503.13, where the alteration increases design lateral loads in accordance with CBC Sections 1609 or 1613, or where the alteration results in a prohibited structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7, or where the alteration decreases the capacity of any existing lateral load-carrying structural element, the structure of the altered building or structure shall be shown to meet the requirements of CBC Sections 1609 and 1613. Reduced seismic loads shall be permitted providing the reduced seismic load is not less than the original building permitted seismic loads. For purposes of CEBC Section 503, compliance with ASCE 41, using the performance objective in CEBC Table

304.3.1 for the applicable risk category, shall be deemed to meet the requirements of CBC Section 1613. Also, for purposes of CEBC Section 503, compliance with ASCE 41, using the performance objective in CEBC Table 304.3.2 for the applicable risk category, shall be deemed to meet the requirements of reduced seismic loads, with procedures established by the Department.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Except for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings (URM): Any existing lateral load-carrying structural element whose demand-capacity ratio with the alteration considered is no more than 10% greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the alteration ignored shall be permitted to remain unaltered. For purposes of calculating demand-capacity ratios, the demand shall consider applicable load combinations with design lateral loads or forces in accordance with CBC Sections 1609 and 1613. Reduced seismic forces shall be permitted. For purposes of this exception, comparisons of demand-capacity ratios and calculations of design lateral loads, forces and capacities shall account for the cumulative effects of additions and alterations since original construction.

This exception shall not apply if the alternation creates structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7 or makes an existing structural irregularity more severe.

2. Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Buildings: Any existing lateral load-carrying structural element on an URM building whose demand-capacity ratio with the alteration considered is less than 10% greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the alteration ignored shall comply with CEBC Appendix Chapter A1. When the demand-capacity ratio with the alteration considered is 10% or greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the alteration ignored, the entire building shall be designed in accordance with Division 16, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC (Chapter 16 of the Building Code.). Reduced seismic loads shall be permitted.

A structural analysis per CEBC Appendix Chapter A1 is required for any alterations to crosswalls or diaphragms.

3. Buildings in which the increase in the demand-capacity ratio is due entirely to the addition of rooftop-supported mechanical equipment individually having an operating weight less than 400 pounds (181.4 kg) and where the total additional weight of all rooftop equipment placed after initial construction of the building is less than 10 percent of the roof dead load. For purposes of this exception, roof shall mean the roof level above a particular story.

91.2.506.5.3. Seismic Loads (seismic force-resisting system). (Amended by Ord. No. 188,739, Eff. 9/23/25.) Where a change of occupancy results in a building being assigned to a higher risk category, or where the change is from a Group S or U occupancy to an occupancy other than Group S or Group U, the building shall satisfy the requirements of Section 1613 of the California Building Code for the new risk category using full seismic forces. For purposes of this section, compliance with ASCE 41, using a Tier 3 procedure and the two-level performance objective in CEBC Table 304.3.1 for the applicable risk category, shall be deemed to meet the requirements of CBC Section 1613, with procedures established by the Department.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Where the area of the new occupancy is less than 10% of the building area, the occupancy is not changing from a Group S or Group U, and the new occupancy is not assigned to Risk Category IV, compliance with this Section is not required. The cumulative effect of occupancy changes over time shall be considered.

2. When a change of use results in a structure being reclassified from Risk Category I or II to Risk Category III and the structure is located where the seismic coefficient, SDS, is less than 0.33, compliance with the seismic requirements of CBC Section 1613 is not required.

3. Unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings assigned to Risk Category III and to Seismic Design Category A or B shall be permitted to use Appendix Chapter A1 of this code.

4. Where the change is from a Group S or Group U occupancy and there is no change of risk category, use of reduced seismic forces shall be permitted.

For a change of occupancy of an existing commercial or industrial building to residential use, all existing buildings shall be analyzed for 75% of the design earthquake ground motion, as defined in CBC Section 1613, but in no event shall there be a reduction in the capacity of the seismic force resisting system where that system provides a greater level of protection than the minimum requirements established by this Code.

For an existing URM building, structural analysis per CBC Chapter 16 is required if the risk category is changed to III or IV. Structural analysis per CEBC Appendix A1 is required if the rating classification per LABC Division 88, Table 88-A is changed to I or II.

For URM buildings with an approved occupant load greater than 100, the occupant load may be increased by a maximum of 10% without changing the rating class or risk category.

The most restrictive requirement of CEBC Sections 502 (Addition), 503 (Alternation), 405 (Repair) and 506 (Change of Occupancy) shall apply.

DIVISION 6

[REPAIRS]

Section 91.2.600 Basic Provisions.

Chapter 6 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

DIVISION 7

[ALTERATIONS – LEVEL 1]

Section 91.2.700 Basic Provisions.

Chapter 7 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

DIVISION 8

[ALTERATIONS – LEVEL 2]

Section 91.2.800 Basic Provisions.

SEC. 91.2.800. BASIC PROVISIONS.

Chapter 8 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

DIVISION 9

[ALTERATIONS – LEVEL 3]

Section 91.2.900 Basic Provisions.

SEC. 91.2.900. BASIC PROVISIONS.

Chapter 9 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

DIVISION 10

[CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY]

Section

91.2.1000 Basic Provisions.

Chapter 10 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

DIVISION 11

[ADDITIONS]

Section 91.2.1100 Basic Provisions.

Chapter 11 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

DIVISION 12

[HISTORIC BUILDINGS]

Section 91.2.1200 Basic Provisions.

Chapter 12 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

DIVISION 13

[RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS]

Section

91.2.1300 Basic Provisions.

Chapter 13 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

DIVISION 14

[PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS]

Section

91.2.1400 Basic Provisions.

(Amended by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.)

Chapter 14 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference except CEBC Section 1401.2 is not adopted and in lieu, LAMC Subsection 91.2.1401.2 is added.

91.2.1401.2. Conformance. Structures moved into or within the City shall comply with the provisions of Division 83, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC.

DIVISION 15

[CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS]

Section 91.2.1500 Basic Provisions.

Chapter 15 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

DIVISION 16

[REFERENCED STANDARDS]

Section

91.2.1600 Basic Provisions.

Chapter 16 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

APPENDIX A, CHAPTER A1

Section

91.2.1700 Basic Provisions.

Appendix A, Chapter A1 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

APPENDIX A, CHAPTER A2

Section

91.2.1800 Basic Provisions.

Appendix A, Chapter A2 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

APPENDIX A, CHAPTER A3

Section

91.2.1900 Basic Provisions.

SEC. 91.2.1900. BASIC PROVISIONS.

Appendix A, Chapter A3 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

APPENDIX A, CHAPTER A4

Section 91.2.2000 Basic Provisions. 91.2.2100 Reserved.

SEC. 91.2.2000. BASIC PROVISIONS.

Appendix A, Chapter A4 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

SEC. 91.2.2100. RESERVED.

APPENDIX A, CHAPTER A5

Section

91.2.2200 Referenced Standards. 91.2.2300 Reserved. 91.2.2400 Reserved.

(Amended by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.)

Appendix A, Chapter A5 of the CEBC is hereby adopted by reference.

RESOURCE A

Section 91.2.2500 Basic Provisions.

SEC. 91.2.2500. BASIC PROVISIONS.

Resource A of the International Existing Building Code is hereby adopted by reference.