§ 99.05
Los Angeles Building Code — LAMC Chapter IX · 2026-08 edition · updated 2026-09-09 · Los Angeles
SEC. 99.05.100. BASIC PROVISIONS.¶
(Amended by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.)
Chapter 5 of the California Green Building Standards Code is adopted by reference except as provided in this article.
SEC. 99.05.106. SITE DEVELOPMENT.¶
(Amended by Ord. No. 184,692, Eff. 12/30/16.)
99.05.106.5.3. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging. (Amended by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.) Construction to provide electric vehicle infrastructure and facilitate electric vehicle charging shall comply with Section 99.05.106 and shall be provided in accordance with regulations in the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code. Calculations for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
EXCEPTIONS:
- On a case-by-case basis where the local enforcing agency has determined compliance with this Section is not feasible based upon one of the following conditions:
a. Where there is no local utility power supply.
b. Where the local utility is unable to supply adequate power.
c. Where there is evidence suitable to the local enforcement agency substantiating that additional local utility infrastructure design requirements, directly related to the implementation of Los Angeles Municipal Code Subsection 99.05.106.5.3, may adversely impact the construction cost of the project.
- Parking spaces accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems are not required to comply with this code Section.
99.05.106.5.3.1. EV Capable Spaces. (Amended by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.) Thirty percent of the total number of parking spaces on a building site, but in no case less than one, provided for all types of parking facilities, shall be electric vehicle charging spaces (EV spaces) capable of supporting future Level 2 EVSE and shall meet the following requirements:
Raceways complying with the California Electrical Code and no less than 1 inch diameter shall be provided and shall originate at a service panel or a subpanel(s) serving the area, and shall terminate in close proximity to the proposed location of the EV capable space and into a suitable listed cabinet, box, enclosure or equivalent. A common raceway may be used to serve multiple EV capable spaces.
A service panel or subpanel(s) shall be provided with panel space and electrical load capacity for a dedicated 208/240 volts, 40-ampere minimum branch circuits for each EV capable space, with delivery of 30-ampere minimum to an installed EVSE at each EVCS.
The electrical system and any on-site distribution transformers shall have sufficient capacity to supply full rated amperage at each EV capable space.
The service panel or subpanel(s) circuit directory shall identify the reserved overcurrent protective device space(s) as "EV CAPABLE". The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as "EV CAPABLE".
NOTE: A parking space served by electric vehicle supply equipment or designed as a future EV charging space shall count as at least one standard automobile parking space only for the purpose of complying with any applicable minimum parking space requirements established by an enforcement agency. See Vehicle Code Section 22511.2 for further details.
99.05.106.5.3.2. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS). (Amended by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.) EV capable spaces shall be provided with EVSE to create EVCS in twenty percent of the total number of actual parking spaces. The number of EVCS shall count toward the total number of required EV capable spaces as required for the building per the Los Angeles Municipal Code Subsection 99.05.106.5.3.1. The EVCS required by this Section may be provided with EVSE in any combination of Level 2 and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC), except that at least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.
One EV charger with multiple connectors capable of charging multiple EVs simultaneously shall be permitted if the electrical load capacity required by the Los Angeles Municipal Code Subsection 99.05.106.5.3.1 for each EV capable space is accumulatively supplied to the EV charger.
The installation of each DCFC EVSE shall be permitted to reduce the minimum number of required EV capable spaces without EVSE by five and reduce proportionally the required electrical load capacity to the service panel or subpanel.
99.05.106.5.3.3. Use of Automatic Load Management Systems (ALMS). (Amended by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.) ALMS shall be permitted for EVCS. When ALMS is installed, the required electrical load capacity specified in Los Angeles Municipal Code Subsection 99.05.106.5.3.1 for each EVCS may be reduced when serviced by an EVSE controlled by an ALMS. Each EVSE controlled by an ALMS shall deliver a minimum 30 amperes to an EV when charging one vehicle and shall deliver a minimum 3.3 kW while simultaneously charging multiple EVs.
99.05.106.5.3.4. Accessible EVCS. (Added by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.) When EVSE is installed, accessible EVCS shall be provided in accordance with the California Building Code Chapter 11B Sec. 11B-228.3.
NOTE: For EVCS signs, refer to Caltrans Traffic Operations Policy Directive 13-01 (Zero Emission Vehicle Signs and Pavement Markings) or its successor(s).
99.05.106.5.3.6. Number of Required Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. (Added by Ord. No. 186,485, Eff. 1/28/20.) The number of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) shall be 10% of the total number of parking spaces provided for all new nonresidential buildings. Calculations for the number of required EVCS shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. The number of EVCS can be counted towards the total number of EV spaces required for the building per Section 99.05.106.5.3.3.
99.05.106.11. Hardscape Alternatives [N]. (Amended by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.) Use one or a combination of strategies below for 50% of site hardscape.
Provide shade (mature within 15 years of occupancy);
Use light colored materials with an initial solar reflectance value of at least .30 as determined in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards E 1918 or C 1549;
Use open-grid pavement system or pervious or permeable pavement system; or
Use solar panel arrays to create a canopy shade system.
99.05.106.13. Cool Roof for Reduction of Heat Island Effect. (Added by Ord. No. 187,208, Eff. 11/5/21.) Roofing material shall comply with both LAMC Subsections 99.05.106.13.1 and 99.05.106.13.2, or comply with LAMC Subsection 99.05.106.13.3.
EXCEPTIONS:
Roof repair as defined in Section 100.1(b) of the California Energy Code; or
Roof replacement when the roof area being replaced is equal to or less than 50% of the total roof area; or
Roof replacement where solar systems are being installed; or
Additions resulting in less than 500 square feet of added roof area or less than 50% of the total roof area, whichever is greater; or
Roof construction that has a thermal mass over the roof membrane, including areas of vegetated (green) roofs, weighing at least 25 pounds per square foot.
99.05.106.13.1. Solar Reflectance. Roofing material shall have a minimum three-year aged solar reflectance equal to or greater than the values specified in LAMC Table 99.05.106.13. Solar reflectance shall be determined by testing by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM C1549, ASTM E1918 or CRRC-1. Solar reflectance values shall be based on the aged reflectance value of the roofing product or the equation in CALGreen Section A4.106.5.1 if aged solar reflectance values are not available. (Added by Ord. No. 187,208, Eff. 11/5/21.)
99.05.106.13.2. Thermal Emittance. Roofing materials shall have an emittance value equal to or greater than those specified in LAMC Table 99.05.106.13. Thermal emittance shall be determined by testing by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM C1371, ASTM E408 or CRRC-1. (Added by Ord. No. 187,208, Eff. 11/5/21.)
99.05.106.13.3. Solar Reflectance Index. Roofing materials shall have a three-year aged Solar Reflectance Index equal to or greater than those specified in LAMC Table 99.05.106.13. Aged Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) may be calculated using the SRI Calculation Worksheet (SRI-WS) developed by the California Energy Commission or in compliance with ASTM E1980-01 as specified in the 2019 California Energy Code. Solar reflectance values used in the SRI-WS shall be based on the aged reflectance value of the roofing product. Certified thermal emittance used in the SRI-WS may be either the initial value or the aged value listed by the Cool Roof Rating Council. (Added by Ord. No. 187,208, Eff. 11/5/21.)
TABLE 99.05.106.13
(Added by Ord. No. 187,208, Eff. 11/5/21.)
| ROOF SLOPE | MINIMUM 3-YEAR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE |
THERMAL EMITTANCE | 3 YEAR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE INDEX (SRI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 2:12 | 0.68 | 0.85 | 82 |
| > 2:12 | 0.28 | 0.85 | 27 |
99.05.106.14. All-Electric Buildings. (Added by Ord. No. 187,714, Eff. 1/23/23.) All newly constructed buildings shall be all-electric buildings.
EXCEPTIONS:
Application for a building permit is submitted, accepted by the Department of Building and Safety, and building permit application fees are paid prior to April 1, 2023.
Cooking equipment contained within kitchens located in a public use area, as defined in the California Building Code Chapter 2, such as restaurants, commissaries, and cafeterias provided the electrical infrastructure is installed in accordance with Section 99.05.106.14.1.
Gas-powered emergency life-safety systems, including emergency backup.
Gas-powered process equipment in I-2, F and L Occupancy Groups provided the electrical infrastructure is installed in accordance with Section 99.05.106.14.1.
99.05.106.14.1. Requirements for Combustion Equipment. (Added by Ord. No. 187,714, Eff. 1/23/23.) Where required by Section 99.05.106.14, the electrical infrastructure shall be installed to accommodate the future installation of an electrical heating or cooking appliance/equipment in the following ways:
Branch circuit wiring, electrically isolated and designed to serve all electrical heating appliances in accordance with manufacturer requirements and the California Electrical Code, including the appropriate voltage, phase, minimum amperage, and an electrical receptacle or junction box within 5 feet of the appliance that is accessible with no obstructions. Appropriately sized conduit may be installed in lieu of conductors; and
Labeling of both ends of the unused conductors or conduit shall be with "For Future Electrical Appliance"; and
Reserved circuit breakers in the electrical panel for each branch circuit, appropriately labeled (e.g., "Reserved for Future Electric Range/Equipment"), and positioned on the opposite end of the panel supply conductor connection; and
Connected subpanels, panelboards, switchboards, busbars, and transformers shall be sized to serve the future electrical heating appliances. The electrical capacity requirements shall be adjusted for demand factors in accordance with the California Electric Code.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SEC. 99.05.201. GENERAL.
99.05.201.1.¶
SEC. 99.05.211. RENEWABLE ENERGY.¶
(Amended by Ord. No. 184,692, Eff. 12/30/16.)
- 99.05.211.1. Solar Ready Buildings. Comply with California Energy Code Section 110.10.
EXCEPTIONS:
Additions having less than 2,000 sq. ft. of new roof area;
Alterations.
SEC. 99.05.303. INDOOR WATER USE.¶
(Amended by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.)
- 99.05.303.1.1. New Buildings or Additions in Excess of 50,000 Square Feet. Separate submeters or meters shall be installed as follows:
For each individual leased, rented, or other tenant space within the building projected to consume more than 100 gallons per day (380 L/day).
Where potable water is used for industrial/process uses, for water supplied to the following subsystems:
a. Makeup water for cooling towers where flow through is greater than 500 gpm (30 L/s).
b. Makeup water for evaporative coolers greater than 6 gpm (0.04 L/s).
c. Steam and hot-water boilers with energy input more than 500,000 Btu/h (147 kW).
- For each building that uses more than 100 gallons per day on a parcel containing multiple buildings.
- 99.05.303.2. Water Use Reduction. Each building shall demonstrate a 20% overall reduction in potable water use. The reduction shall be based on the maximum allowable water use per plumbing fixture and fittings as required by the LAMC. To comply with this subsection, a calculation demonstrating a 20% reduction in the building "water use baseline", as established in LAMC Table 99.05.303.2.2, shall be provided.
EXCEPTIONS:
Projects with plumbing systems having fixtures and fittings that comply with the maximum flow rate values shown in LAMC Table 99.05.303.2.3.
Additions and alterations to buildings with fixtures and fittings complying with the maximum flow rate values shown in LAMC Table 99.05.303.2.3. This provision shall apply only to new fixtures.
Buildings utilizing recycled water in accordance with LAMC Subsection 99.05.305.2.
Replacement of plumbing fixtures and fittings.
TABLE 99.05.303.2.2
WATER USE BASELINE3
| FIXTURE TYPE | BASELINE FLOW RATE | DURATION | DAILY USES | OCCUPANTS2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Showerheads | 1.8 gpm @ 80 psi | 5 min. | 1 | X2a |
| Lavatory Faucets, Non-Residential | 0.5 gpm @ 60 psi | .25 min. | 3 | X |
| Kitchen Faucets | 1.8 gpm @ 60 psi | 4 min. | 1 | X2b |
| Metering Faucets | 0.20 gallons/cycle | .25 min. | 3 | X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Closets | 1.28 gallons/flush | 1 flush | 1 male1 3 female |
X |
| Urinals | 0.125 gallons/flush | 1 flush | 2 male | X |
Fixture "Water Use" = Flow rate X Duration X Occupants X Daily uses
The daily use number shall be increased to three if urinals are not installed in the room.
Refer to Table A, Chapter 4 of the California Plumbing Code, for occupant load factors.
- a. Shower use by occupants depends on the type of use of a building or portion of a building. For example, the total occupant load for a health club, but only a fraction of the occupants in an office building as determined by the anticipated number of users.
b. Kitchen faucet use is determined by the occupant load of the area served by the fixture.
- Use Worksheet WS-1 of the 2016 CALGreen Code to calculate baseline water use.
TABLE 99.05.303.2.3
WATER REDUCTION FIXTURE FLOW RATES
| FIXTURE TYPE | MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE FLOW RATE |
|---|---|
| Lavatory Faucets, | 0.4 gpm @ 60 psi |
| Non-Residential* | 0.20 gallons/cycle |
| Kitchen Faucets** | 1.50 gpm @ 60 psi |
| Dishwashers | ENERGY-STAR certified |
| Clothes Washers | ENERGY-STAR certified |
- Not required if using nonwater or hybrid urinals throughout the project.
** Kitchen faucets may temporarily increase the flow to 2.2 gpm at 60 psi, and must default to 1.5 gpm at 60 psi. This requirement does not apply to a faucet in commercial kitchens.
99.05.303.6. Standards for Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings. Plumbing fixtures and fittings shall be installed in accordance with the Los Angeles Plumbing Code, and shall meet the applicable standards referenced in California Plumbing Code Table 1701.1 and in Chapter 6 of CALGreen. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,198, Eff. 11/22/17.)
SEC. 99.05.304. OUTDOOR WATER USE¶
(Amended by Ord. No. 184,692, Eff. 12/30/16.)
99.05.304.7. Exterior Faucets. Locks shall be installed on all publicly accessible exterior faucets and hose bibs.
SEC. 99.05.305. WATER REUSE SYSTEMS.¶
(Amended by Ord. No. 184,692, Eff. 12/30/16.)
99.05.305.1. Recycled Water Supply to Fixtures. (Amended by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.) When City-recycled water is available within 200 feet of the property line, 100 percent of water for water closets, urinals, floor drains, and process cooling and heating in that building shall come from City-recycled water. Recycled water systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the Los Angeles Plumbing Code.
EXCEPTIONS:
Additions that use any part of the existing plumbing system.
Alterations that do not include replacing all of the potable water piping.
Where City-recycled water quality has been deemed non-suitable for a particular fixture or equipment, connection to the City is not required. The fixture and/or equipment shall be dual-plumbed to allow for future connection.
99.05.305.2. Graywater Ready. (Amended by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.) Waste piping shall be arranged to permit the discharge from the clothes washer, bathtub, showers and bathroom/restroom washbasins to be used for a future graywater irrigation system(s). The flow from the fixtures shall be piped separately, and shall, at a minimum, be adequate to supply the irrigation demand as determined by the California Department of Water Resources' Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The point(s) of connection between graywater piping and other waste piping shall be accessible (as defined in LAMC Section 99.02.202) and provided with signage that is satisfactory to the Department.
EXCEPTIONS:
Buildings with a graywater, rainwater harvesting, or other water reuse system.
Sites with landscape areas not exceeding 500 square feet (46.45 m2 ).
Projects where graywater systems are not permitted due to geological conditions.
Additions and alterations that use the existing building drain.
99.05.305.3. Cooling Towers [N]. Cooling towers shall comply with one of the following:
Cooling towers shall have a minimum of 6 cycles of concentration (blowdown); or
A minimum of 50 percent of makeup water supply shall come from non-potable water sources, including treated backwash.
99.05.305.4. Groundwater Discharge [N]. Where groundwater is being extracted and discharged, a system for onsite reuse of the groundwater, shall be developed and constructed. Alternatively, the groundwater may be discharged to the sewer.
SEC. 99.05.408. CONSTRUCTION WASTE REDUCTION, DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING.¶
(Amended by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.)
99.05.408.1. Construction Waste Diversion. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) Comply with LAMC Section 66.32 et seq.
SEC. 99.05.504.
(Amended by Ord. No. 186,486, Eff. 1/28/20.)
Tables 5.504.4.1, 5.504.4.2, and 5.504.4.3 of the California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11 are not adopted. The following tables shall apply instead:
TABLE 5.504.4.1
ADHESIVE VOC LIMIT1, 2
Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds in Grams per Liter
| ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATIONS | VOC LIMIT |
|---|---|
| Indoor carpet adhesives | 50 |
| Carpet pad adhesives | 50 |
| Outdoor carpet adhesives | 150 |
| Wood flooring adhesives | 100 |
| Rubber floor adhesives | 60 |
| Subfloor adhesives | 50 |
| Ceramic tile adhesives | 65 |
| VCT and asphalt tile adhesives | 50 |
| Drywall and panel adhesives | 50 |
| Cove base adhesives | 50 |
| Multipurpose construction adhesives | 70 |
| Structural glazing adhesives | 100 |
| Single-ply roof membrane adhesives | 250 |
|---|---|
| Other adhesives not specifically listed | 250 |
| SPECIALTY APPLICATIONS | |
| PVC welding | 510 |
| CPVC welding | 490 |
| ABS welding | 325 |
| Plastic cement welding | 100 |
| Adhesive primer for plastic | 550 |
| Contact adhesive | 80 |
| Special purpose contact adhesive | 250 |
| Structural wood member adhesive | 140 |
| Top and trim adhesive | 540 |
| SUBSTRATE SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS | |
| Metal to metal | 30 |
| Plastic foams | 50 |
| Porous material (except wood) | 50 |
| Wood | 30 |
| Fiberglass | 80 |
If an adhesive is used to bond dissimilar substrates together, the adhesive with the highest VOC content shall be allowed.
For additional information regarding methods to measure the VOC content specified in this table, see South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1168.
TABLE 5.504.4.2 SEALANT VOC LIMIT
Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds in Grams per Liter
| SEALANTS | VOC LIMIT |
|---|---|
| Architectural | 50 |
| Marine deck | 760 |
| Non-membrane roof | 300 |
| Roadway | 250 |
| Single-ply roof membrane | 450 |
| Other | 420 |
| SEALANT PRIMERS | |
| Architectural Nonporous Porous |
250 775 |
| Modified bituminous | 500 |
| Marine deck | 760 |
| Other | 750 |
TABLE 5.504.4.3
VOC CONTENT LIMITS FOR ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS2, 3 Grams of VOC per Liter of Coating Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds
| COATING CATEGORY | VOC LIMIT |
|---|---|
| Flat coatings | 50 |
| Nonflat coatings | 50 |
| Nonflat-high gloss coatings | 50 |
| SPECIALTY COATINGS | |
| Aluminum roof coatings | 100 |
| Basement specialty coatings | 400 |
| Bituminous roof coatings | 50 |
| Bituminous roof primers | 350 |
|---|---|
| Bond breakers | 350 |
| Concrete curing compounds | 100 |
| Concrete curing compounds, Roadways & Bridges | 350 |
| Concrete/masonry sealers | 100 |
| Driveway sealers | 50 |
| Dry fog coatings | 50 |
| Faux finishing coatings |
|
| Clear Top Coat Decorative Coatings |
100 350 |
| Glazes Japan |
350 350 |
| Trowel Applied Coatings | 50 |
| Fire resistive coatings | 150 |
| Floor coatings | 50 |
| Form-release compounds | 100 |
| Graphic arts coatings (sign paints) | 200 |
| High temperature coatings | 420 |
| Industrial maintenance coatings | 100 |
| Low solids coatings1 | 120 |
| Magnesite cement coatings | 450 |
| Mastic texture coatings | 100 |
| Metallic pigmented coatings | 150 |
| Multicolor coatings | 250 |
| Pretreatment wash primers | 420 |
| Primers, sealers, and undercoaters | 100 |
| Reactive penetrating sealers | 350 |
| Recycled coatings | 250 |
| Roof coatings | 50 |
| Roof coatings, aluminum | 100 |
| Rust preventative coatings | 100 |
| Shellacs Clear |
730 |
| Opaque | 550 |
| Specialty primers, sealers and undercoaters | 100 |
| Stains | 100 |
| Stains, Interior | 250 |
| Stone consolidants | 450 |
| Swimming pool coatings | 340 |
| Traffic marking coatings | 100 |
| Tub and tile refinish coatings | 420 |
| Waterproofing membranes | 100 |
| Wood coatings | 275 |
| Wood preservatives | 350 |
| Zinc-rich primers | 100 |
Grams of VOC per liter of coating, including water and including exempt compounds.
The specified limits remain in effect unless revised limits are listed in subsequent columns in the table.
Values in this table are derived from those specified by the South Coast Air Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113. More information is available from the SCAQMD.
DIVISION 6
REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS
Section 99.06.601 General.
SEC. 99.06.601. GENERAL.
(Amended by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.)
99.06.601.1. General. Chapter 6 of the California Green Building Standards Code is adopted in its entirety.
DIVISION 7
INSTALLER AND SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
(Amended by Ord. No. 184,692, Eff. 12/30/16.)
Section
99.07.100 Basic Provisions.
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Los Angeles Building Code — LAMC Chapter IX
- Chapter IX
- Chapter IX — BUILDING REGULATIONS
- Division 1
- Division 2
- Division 3
- Division 4
- Division 5
- Division 6
- Division 7
- Division 8
- Division 9
- Division 10
- Division 11
- Division 12
- Division 13
- Division 14
- Division 15
- Division 16
- Division 17
- Division 18
- Division 19
- Division 20
- Division 21
- Division 22
- Division 23
- Division 24
- Division 25
- Division 26
- Division 27
- Division 28
- Division 29
- Division 30
- Division 31
- Division 32
- Division 33
- Division 34
- Division 35
- Division 61
- Division 62
- Division 63
- Division 67
- Division 70
- Division 71
- Division 72
- Division 82
- Division 83
- Division 85
- Division 88
- Division 89
- Division 90
- Division 91
- Division 92
- Division 93
- Division 94
- Division 95
- Division 96
- Division 5 — REGISTRATION
- Division 16A
- Division 17
- Division 18
- Division 19
- Division 20
- Division 21
- Division 17
- Division 18
- Division C
▸Division D
Overview- SEC. 96.300. INTENT.
- SEC. 96.301. DEFINITIONS.
- SEC. 96.302. REPORTS REQUIRED.
- SEC. 96.303. APPLICATION.
- SEC. 96.304. CONTENTS OF REPORTS.
- SEC. 96.305. FEE FOR REPORTS.
- SEC. 96.306. EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF REPORT.
- SEC. 96.307. DELIVERY OF THE REPORT.
- SEC. 96.308. EXCEPTIONS.
- SEC. 96.309. NON-COMPLIANCE NOT TO INVALIDATE SALE OR EXCHANGE…
- SEC. 96.310. EFFECTIVE DATE.
- Article 7
- Article 8