San Jose Municipal Code Part 8 Gypsum Board, Gypsum Lath, and Cement Plaster (CBC Chapters 23 & 25)

The amendment set forth in Parts 1 and 8 of this chapter is reasonably necessary because of the following local geological and topographical conditions:

A. San José is within a very active seismic area.

B. Gypsum wallboard and exterior Portland cement plaster have performed poorly during recent California seismic events.

C. The shear values for gypsum wallboard and Portland cement stucco contained in the code are based on monodirectional testing.

D. The limitation on the use of these systems as set forth in the amendment until cyclic loading testing are performed and evaluated is a more restrictive standard which will better prevent damage which can result from local conditions.

(Ords. 28166, 28838.)

CBC Section 2302.1, method 4 is amended to read as follows:

2302.1 General. The design of structural elements or systems, constructed partially or wholly of wood or wood-based products, shall be in accordance with one of the following methods:

1. Allowable stress design in accordance with Sections 2304, 2305 and 2306.

2. Load and resistance factor design in accordance with Sections 2304, 2305 and 2307.

3. Conventional light-frame construction in accordance with Sections 2304 and 2308.

4. Reserved.

5. The design and construction of log structures in accordance with the provisions of ICC 400.

(30326.)

Editor's note— Ord. 30326, § 37, adopted Nov. 5, 2019, repealed § 24.03.830, which pertained to General CBC Section 2308.1 and derived from Ord. 28166 and 28838.

CBC Section 2308.10.3 is amended to read as follows:

2308.10.3 Braced Wall Panel Method. Construction of braced wall panels shall be by one or a combination of the methods in Table 2308.10.3(1). Braced wall length shall be in accordance with Section 2308.10.4 or 2308.10.5.

TABLE 2308.10.1(1) - BRACING METHODS

[Figure]

(Ord. 31256.)

Editor's note— Ord. 31256, § 30, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended § 24.03.835 in its entirety, in effect repealing and reenacting said § 24.03.835 to read as set out herein. The former § 24.03.835 pertained to Braced wall panel method (CBC Section 2308.6.3) and derived from Ords. 28166, 28838, 29334, 29806.

Editor's note— Section 24.03.840, pertaining to Table 2305.3.4, was repealed by Ordinance 29334, adopted November 5, 2013.

Editor's note— Ord. 30326, § 38, adopted Nov. 5, 2019, repealed § 24.03.842, which pertained to CBC Section 2306.3 and derived from Ord. 29334.

Editor's note— Section 24.03.845, pertaining to Section 2305.3.9, was repealed by Ordinance 29334, adopted November 5, 2013.

CBC Section 2308.10.4 is amended to read as follows:

2308.10.4 Braced Wall Panel Construction. For Methods DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP and HPS, each panel must be not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) in length, covering three stud spaces where studs are spaced at 16 inches (406 mm) on center and covering two stud spaces where studs are spaced at 24 inches (610 mm) on center. Braced wall panels less than 48 inches (1219 mm) in length shall not contribute toward the amount of required bracing.

Vertical joints of panel sheathing shall occur over studs and adjacent panel joints shall be nailed to common framing members. Horizontal joints shall occur over blocking or other framing equal in size to the studding except where waived by the installation requirements for the specific sheathing materials. Sole plates shall be nailed to the floor framing in accordance with Section 2308.10.7 and top plates shall be connected to the framing above in accordance with Section 2308.10.7.2. Where joists are perpendicular to braced wall lines above, blocking shall be provided under and in line with the braced wall panels.

(Ord. 31256.)

Editor's note— Ord. 31256, § 31, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended § 24.03.850 in its entirety, in effect repealing and reenacting said § 24.03.850 to read as set out herein. The former § 24.03.850 pertained to Section 2308.6.4 and derived from Ords. 28166, 28838, 29806.

CBC Section 2308.10.5 is amended to read as follows:

2308.10.5 Alternative bracing. An alternate braced wall (ABW) or a portal frame with hold-downs (PFH) described in this section is permitted to substitute for a 48 inch (1219 mm) braced wall panel of Methods DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP or HPS.

CBC Sections 2308.10.5.1 and 2308.10.5.2 are adopted without amendments.

(Ord. 31256.)

Editor's note— Ord. 31256, § 32, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended § 24.03.858 in its entirety, in effect repealing and reenacting said § 24.03.858 to read as set out herein. The former § 24.03.858 pertained to Section 2308.6.5 and derived from Ords. 28166, 28838, 29806.

CBC Table 2308.10.1 to be deleted and replaced with the following:

[Figure]

(Ord. 31256.)

Editor's note— Ord. 31256, § 33, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended § 24.03.860 in its entirety, in effect repealing and reenacting said § 24.03.860 to read as set out herein. The former § 24.03.860 pertained to CBC Table 2308.6.1 and derived from Ords. 28166, 28838, 29334, 29806.

CBC Section 2308.10.9 is amended to read as follows:

2308.10.9 Attachment of sheathing. Fastening of braced wall panel sheathing shall not be less than that prescribed in Table 2308.10.1 or 2304.10.2. Wall sheathing shall not be attached to framing members by adhesives.

All braced wall panels shall extend to the roof sheathing and shall be attached to parallel roof rafters or blocking above with framing clips (eighteen-gauge minimum) spaced at maximum twenty-four inches (6,096 mm) on center with four 8d nails per leg (total eight 8d nails per clip). Braced wall panels shall be laterally braced at each top corner and at maximum twenty-four-inch (6,096 mm) intervals along the top plate of discontinuous vertical framing.

(Ord. 31256.)

Editor's note— Ord. 31256, § 34, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended § 24.03.870 in its entirety, in effect repealing and reenacting said § 24.03.870 to read as set out herein. The former § 24.03.870 pertained to Section 2308.6.9 and derived from Ords. 28166, 28838, 29806.