CBC · California Building Code

What are the requirements for existing buildings, additions and alterations?

If you alter or add to a California building you must make the altered/added area accessible and provide an accessible path of travel to it (entrance, route, toilet, drinking fountain, telephones, signs) under § 11B‑202, § 11B‑202.3 and § 11B‑202.4. The code lists many limited‑scope exceptions, a priority order for upgrades, and caps the owner’s obligation at 20% of adjusted construction cost in many projects; the enforcing agency can allow equivalent facilitation or record findings for infeasibility or hardship.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

When you alter, repair, or add to an existing building in California you must follow the accessibility scoping rules in Section § 11B‑202 and the specific alteration rules in § 11B‑202.3 and the path‑of‑travel upgrade rules in § 11B‑202.4. Additions must meet new‑construction requirements and also satisfy the path‑of‑travel provisions; altered elements and spaces must comply with the Division 2 requirements to the extent described in § 11B‑202.3 and § 11B‑202.4. These provisions include required accessible elements (entrance, route to altered area, toilet/bathing facilities, drinking fountains, telephones, signs) and limits/exceptions on scope and cost of upgrades.

Requirements in detail

Scope and basic rules

  • § 11B‑202.1 establishes that additions and alterations to existing buildings/facilities are governed by Section 11B‑202.
  • § 11B‑202.2 requires that each addition comply with the requirements for new construction and with § 11B‑202.4 (path of travel).
  • § 11B‑202.3 requires that each altered element or space comply with the applicable Division 2 requirements and with § 11B‑202.4 (with exceptions for infeasibility and limited residential circumstances).

Path of travel upgrades and what must be made accessible

When an alteration or addition is made, an accessible path of travel to the altered or added area is required. The required primary accessible path of travel must include at least:

  • A primary entrance to the building or facility (§ 11B‑202.4 item 1),
  • Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area (§ 11B‑202.4 item 2),
  • Drinking fountains serving the area (§ 11B‑202.4 item 3),
  • Public telephones serving the area (§ 11B‑202.4 item 4), and
  • Signs (§ 11B‑202.4 item 5).

Decision‑relevant dimensions and limits (quick reference table)

Decision / dimension What the code requires or limits Code Reference
Trigger for path‑of‑travel work Alterations or additions that change or affect an existing area trigger an accessible path of travel to that area § 11B‑202.3 and § 11B‑202.4
Additions standard Additions must meet new‑construction requirements AND § 11B‑202.4 § 11B‑202.2; § 11B‑202.4
Elements that must be made accessible Primary entrance, route to altered area, toilet/bathing serving the area, drinking fountains, public telephones, signs § 11B‑202.4 (items 1–5)
Cost cap for required path‑of‑travel upgrades When adjusted construction cost ≤ current valuation threshold, cost of compliance limited to 20% of adjusted construction cost; if above threshold, enforcement agency may find “unreasonable hardship” but compliance must still be at least 20% (with record of finding) Exception language to § 11B‑202.4 (cost limits)
Priority order for limited funds Give priority to: (1) accessible entrance, (2) accessible route to altered area, (3) at least one accessible restroom per sex or a unisex restroom, (4) accessible telephones, (5) accessible drinking fountains, then other elements Exception language to § 11B‑202.4 (priority list)
Technically infeasible allowance If enforcing authority determines compliance is technically infeasible, the alternative is equivalent facilitation or maximum feasible compliance; the finding must be recorded § 11B‑202.3 Exception 2 (technically infeasible)

Notes about scope: residential dwelling units that are not required to be accessible under the code are excluded from § 11B‑202.3 in certain cases. Also, certain small or limited alteration items are explicitly called out as not requiring full path‑of‑travel compliance (see Exceptions and special cases below).

Exceptions & special cases

The Code lists several important exceptions and limiting rules (exceptions are found in § 11B‑202.3 and § 11B‑202.4 and their exception paragraphs):

  • Residential units: Residential dwelling units not required to be accessible under other provisions of the code are not required to comply with § 11B‑202.3.
  • Previously‑compliant elements: If path‑of‑travel elements were constructed or altered to comply with the immediately preceding edition of the CBC, they generally do not have to be retrofitted solely because the current edition changed incrementally. (This exception refers back to one prior CBC edition only.)
  • Limited‑scope items that do NOT trigger full § 11B‑202.4 compliance: the Code lists specific items where compliance with § 11B‑202.4 is limited to the actual scope of work and full path‑of‑travel remedial work is not required. Examples include altering a single building entrance, altering one existing toilet facility, altering elevators, steps, handrails, installing ramps or curb cuts undertaken solely for ADA barrier removal, repositioning furniture, widening a door with offset hinges, installing grab bars, adding a raised toilet seat, repositioning dispensers, creating accessible parking stalls, and many small barrier‑removal items. The list in the Code is explicit and long — see the exceptions to § 11B‑202.4.
  • Small projects and parking/signs: Alterations of parking lots consisting only of resurfacing/restriping, addition/replacement of signs, and certain mechanical/roofing/electrical/cosmetic projects are limited to the actual scope of work and typically do not trigger full § 11B‑202.4.
  • Cost limits and hardship: When the adjusted construction cost is at or below the current valuation threshold, the owner’s expenditure for path‑of‑travel compliance is capped at 20% of the adjusted construction cost (excluding the cost of the path‑of‑travel elements themselves when calculating the adjusted cost). If the adjusted construction cost exceeds the valuation threshold, the enforcing agency can find an “unreasonable hardship” (documented) and require equivalent facilitation or the greatest extent of compliance short of creating the hardship — but never less than 20% of the adjusted construction cost. These findings must be recorded.

If the enforcing authority determines full compliance is technically infeasible for an alteration, the project must provide equivalent facilitation or comply to the maximum extent feasible; that finding also must be recorded in the agency files.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every small change triggers full building retrofit: the Code explicitly limits § 11B‑202.4 to the actual scope of work for many small barrier‑removal items; check the exceptions list before overdesigning.
  • Forgetting the priority order: when funds are limited, owners must prioritize entrance, route, restroom, telephone, drinking fountain in that order as stated in the exceptions to § 11B‑202.4. Skipping that sequence can lead to incorrect compliance proposals.
  • Miscomputing the 20% cost cap: the Code caps owner obligation to 20% of the adjusted construction cost for projects at or below the valuation threshold; when above, an “unreasonable hardship” finding is required to limit obligation — and findings must be recorded. Don’t treat 20% as discretionary without documentation.
  • Overlooking previously‑conforming work: if a path‑of‑travel element was built to the immediately preceding CBC edition, it may not have to be retrofitted for incremental changes — verify the edition and document it.
  • Failing to record findings: both “technically infeasible” and “unreasonable hardship” determinations must be recorded in the enforcing agency file; failing to do so risks a code enforcement appeal.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A small retail tenant is altering a sales floor and adding a 400 ft² accessory storage room in an existing storefront. The adjusted construction cost for the alteration is $35,000 and the current valuation threshold is $100,000.

Step 1 — Determine triggers:

  • This is an alteration and an addition (the 400 ft² is an addition). § 11B‑202.2 requires the addition meet new‑construction rules and § 11B‑202.4 for path of travel; § 11B‑202.3 requires the altered sales area elements to comply with Division 2 to the extent applicable.

Step 2 — Identify path‑of‑travel elements that must be provided (minimum):

  • Primary entrance, route to altered area (sales floor), toilet/bathing facilities serving the area (if provided to public), drinking fountain and signs/telephones as applicable per § 11B‑202.4. Evaluate which of these are present and whether they are accessible.

Step 3 — Apply cost limit:

  • Adjusted construction cost $35,000 ≤ valuation threshold $100,000, so the owner’s cost obligation for making the required path of travel accessible is limited to 20% of adjusted construction cost = $7,000. (The Code further instructs priority of elements.)

Step 4 — Use priority list when $7,000 won’t cover everything:

  • Prioritize accessible entrance first; then accessible route to the altered sales floor; then at least one accessible restroom serving that area; then telephones and drinking fountains. Suppose making the entrance accessible costs $4,200 and modifying a route (ramp/door swing) costs $3,800 — together $8,000, which exceeds the $7,000 cap. Under the Code you must spend the available $7,000 on the highest priority items first. That means provide the accessible entrance ($4,200) and then apply the remaining $2,800 toward the accessible route; document what is provided and, if full compliance is not achieved, the scope and cost must be clearly shown to the enforcing agency.

Step 5 — Recordkeeping and potential infeasibility/hardship:

  • If full compliance within 20% is not possible and the adjusted construction cost exceeds the valuation threshold (not the case here), the enforcing agency could authorize alternative facilitation with a recorded “unreasonable hardship” finding. For technical infeasibility, the enforcing agency can record that finding and require equivalent facilitation. Always document findings in the agency file.

Related provisions

  • § 11B‑201 — Application (scoping and applicability of Division 2).
  • § 11B‑202.1 — General statement that additions/alterations comply with Section 11B‑202.
  • § 11B‑233.3 — Residential dwelling unit provisions for additions and alterations (where residential exceptions apply).
  • Title 24, Part 6 (Energy Code) Sections on additions/alterations for energy compliance (e.g., Sections 141.0, 150.2, 180.1) — energy requirements may apply separately to additions/alterations.
  • California Existing Building Code (for structural/other existing‑building compliance methods) — Chapter 11 and related chapters deal with additions/alterations from an existing‑building perspective.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CBC § 201.3 High relevance — show source text

    11B- 201.3 Temporary and permanent structures. These requirements shall apply to temporary and permanent buildings and facilities.

    11B-201.4 Construction support facilities. These requirements shall apply to temporary or permanent construction support facilities for uses and activities not directly associated with the actual processes of construction, including but not limited to offices, meeting rooms, plan rooms, other administrative or support functions. When provided, toilet and bathing facilities serving construction support facilities shall comply with Section 11B-213. When toilet and bathing facilities serving construction support facilities are provided by portable units, at least one of each type shall be accessible and connected to the construction support facilities it serves by an accessible route.

    Exception: During construction an accessible route shall not be required between site arrival points or the boundary of the area of construction and the entrance to the construction support facilities if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

    SECTION 11B- 202—EXISTING BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

    11B- 202.1 General. Additions and alterations to existing buildings or facilities shall comply with Section 11B- 202 .

    11B- 202.2 Additions. Each addition to an existing building or facility shall comply with the requirements for new construction and shall comply with Section 11B-202.4.

    11B- 202.3 Alterations. Where existing elements or spaces are altered, each altered element or space shall comply with the applicable requirements of Division 2, including Section 11B-202.4.

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. Technically infeasible. In alterations, where the enforcing authority determines compliance with applicable requirements is technically infeasible, the alteration shall provide equivalent facilitation or comply with the requirements to the maximum extent feasible. The details of the finding that full compliance with the requirements is technically infeasible shall be recorded and entered into the files of the enforcing agency.

    1. Residential dwelling units not required to be accessible in compliance with this code shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 202.3.

    11B- 202.3.1 Prohibited reduction in access. An alteration that decreases or has the effect of decreasing the accessibility of a building or facility below the requirements for new construction at the time of the alteration is prohibited.

    11B- 202.3.2 Extent of application. An alteration of an existing element, space or area of a building or facility shall not impose a requirement for accessibility greater than required for new construction.

    11B-202.3.3 Alteration of single elements. If alterations of single elements, when considered together, amount to an alteration of a room or space in a building or facility, the entire room or space shall be made accessible.

    11B- 202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs. When alterations or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, an accessible path of travel to the specific area of alteration or addition shall be provided. The primary accessible path of travel shall include:

    1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,

    4. Public telephones serving the area, and

  • CBC § 202.3. High relevance — show source text
    1. Residential dwelling units not required to be accessible in compliance with this code shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 202.3.

    11B- 202.3.1 Prohibited reduction in access. An alteration that decreases or has the effect of decreasing the accessibility of a building or facility below the requirements for new construction at the time of the alteration is prohibited.

    11B- 202.3.2 Extent of application. An alteration of an existing element, space or area of a building or facility shall not impose a requirement for accessibility greater than required for new construction.

    11B-202.3.3 Alteration of single elements. If alterations of single elements, when considered together, amount to an alteration of a room or space in a building or facility, the entire room or space shall be made accessible.

    11B- 202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs. When alterations or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, an accessible path of travel to the specific area of alteration or addition shall be provided. The primary accessible path of travel shall include:

    1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,

    4. Public telephones serving the area, and

    5. Signs.

    Exceptions:

    1. Residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-233.3.4.2. 2. If the following elements of a path of travel have been constructed or altered in compliance with the accessibility require- ments of the immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code, it shall not be required to retrofit such elements to reflect the incremental changes in this code solely because of an alteration to an area served by those elements of the path of travel:

    1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,

    4. Public telephones serving the area, and

    11B-8 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    5. Signs.

    Note: The language in this exception, which refers to the “immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code,” shall permit a reference back to one CBC edition only and is not accumulative to prior editions. 3. Additions or alterations to meet accessibility requirements consisting of one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4: 1. Altering one building entrance. 2. Altering one existing toilet facility. 3. Altering existing elevators. 4. Altering existing steps. 5. Altering existing handrails. 4. Alterations solely for the purpose of barrier removal undertaken pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabil- _ities Act (Public Law 101-336, 28 C.F.R. Section 36.

  • CBC § 11B-8 High relevance — show source text

    1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,

    4. Public telephones serving the area, and

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    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    5. Signs.

    Note: The language in this exception, which refers to the “immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code,” shall permit a reference back to one CBC edition only and is not accumulative to prior editions. 3. Additions or alterations to meet accessibility requirements consisting of one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4: 1. Altering one building entrance. 2. Altering one existing toilet facility. 3. Altering existing elevators. 4. Altering existing steps. 5. Altering existing handrails. 4. Alterations solely for the purpose of barrier removal undertaken pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabil- ities Act (Public Law 101-336, 28 C.F.R. Section 36.304) or the accessibility requirements of this code as those requirements or regulations now exist or are hereafter amended including, but not limited to, one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4: 1. Installing ramps. 2. Making curb cuts in sidewalks and entrance. 3. Repositioning shelves. 4. Rearranging tables, chairs, vending machines, display racks and other furniture. 5. Repositioning telephones. 6. Adding raised markings on elevator control buttons. 7. Installing flashing alarm lights. 8. Widening doors. 9. Installing offset hinges to widen doorways. 10. Eliminating a turnstile or providing an alternative accessible route. 11. Installing accessible door hardware. 12. Installing grab bars in toilet stalls. 13. Rearranging toilet partitions to increase maneuvering space. 14. Insulating lavatory pipes under sinks to prevent burns. 15. Installing a raised toilet seat. 16. Installing a full-length bathroom mirror. 17. Repositioning the paper towel dispenser in a bathroom. 18. Creating designated accessible parking spaces. 19. Removing high-pile, low-density carpeting. 5. Alterations of existing parking lots by resurfacing and/or restriping shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4. 6. The addition or replacement of signs and/or identification devices shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4. 7. _Projects consisting only of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, reroofing,

  • CBC § 170.1 High relevance — show source text

    b. Either:

    (i) Performance approach: Section 170.1; or (ii) Prescriptive approach: Section 170.2(a) through (f).

    F. Covered processes.

    i. Sections applicable. Sections 110.2, 120.3, 120.6, 140.9, and 141.1 apply to covered processes. ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, covered processes must meet the requirements of: a. The applicable mandatory measures in Sections 110.2, 120.3 and 120.6; and

    b. Either:

    (i) The performance approach requirements of Section 140.1; or (ii) The prescriptive approach requirements of Section 140.9. 3. New construction in existing buildings (additions, alterations and repairs). A. Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings. Section 141.0 applies to new construction in existing nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 141.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specify which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 141.0 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. B. Single-family buildings. Section 150.2 applies to new construction in existing single-family buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 150.2 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specifies which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 150.2 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. C. Multifamily buildings. Section 180.0 applies to new construction in existing multifamily buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 180.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specifies which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 180.0 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. 4. Installation of insulation in existing buildings. Section 110.8(d) applies to buildings in which insulation is being installed in existing attics, or on existing water heaters or existing space conditioning ducts. 5. Outdoor lighting. Sections 110.9, 130.0, 130.2, 130.4, 140.7, and 150.0 apply to newly constructed outdoor lighting systems, and Section 141.0 applies to outdoor lighting that is either added or altered. 6. Signs. Sections 130.0, 130.3 and 140.8 apply to newly constructed signs located either indoors or outdoors, and Section 141.0 applies to sign alterations located either indoors or outdoors.

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    ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS

    (f) Mixed occupancy. When a building is designed and constructed for more than one type of occupancy (residential and nonresidential), the space for each occupancy shall meet the provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy.

  • CBC § 11B-107 High relevance — show source text

    VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN (VMS)

    VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN (VMS) CHARACTERS

    VEHICULAR WAY

    WALK

    WET BAR

    WHEELCHAIR

    WHEELCHAIR SPACE

    WORKSTATION

    WORK AREA EQUIPMENT

    11B-107 Special conditions appeals action. See Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.5.

    11B-108 Maintenance of accessible features. Features, facilities and equipment required by Chapter 11B to be accessible to and useable by persons with disabilities shall be maintained in operable working condition. Isolated or temporary interruptions in service or accessibility due to maintenance or repairs shall be permitted.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-7

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    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    DIVISION 2: SCOPING REQUIREMENTS

    SECTION 11B- 201—APPLICATION

    11B- 201.1 Scope. All areas of newly designed and newly constructed buildings and facilities and altered portions of existing buildings and facilities shall comply with these requirements.

    11B- 201.2 Application based on building or facility use. Where a site, building, facility, room or space contains more than one use, each portion shall comply with the applicable requirements for that use.

    11B- 201.3 Temporary and permanent structures. These requirements shall apply to temporary and permanent buildings and facilities.

    11B-201.4 Construction support facilities. These requirements shall apply to temporary or permanent construction support facilities for uses and activities not directly associated with the actual processes of construction, including but not limited to offices, meeting rooms, plan rooms, other administrative or support functions. When provided, toilet and bathing facilities serving construction support facilities shall comply with Section 11B-213. When toilet and bathing facilities serving construction support facilities are provided by portable units, at least one of each type shall be accessible and connected to the construction support facilities it serves by an accessible route.

    Exception: During construction an accessible route shall not be required between site arrival points or the boundary of the area of construction and the entrance to the construction support facilities if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

    SECTION 11B- 202—EXISTING BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

    11B- 202.1 General. Additions and alterations to existing buildings or facilities shall comply with Section 11B- 202 .

    11B- 202.2 Additions. Each addition to an existing building or facility shall comply with the requirements for new construction and shall comply with Section 11B-202.4.

    11B- 202.3 Alterations. Where existing elements or spaces are altered, each altered element or space shall comply with the applicable requirements of Division 2, including Section 11B-202.4.

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

  • CBC § 141.0 High relevance — show source text

    ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS

    SECTION 141.0—ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/ MOTEL BUILDINGS, TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS

    Additions, alterations, and repairs to existing nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings, existing outdoor lighting for these occupancies, and internally and externally illuminated signs, shall meet the requirements specified in Sections 100.0 through 110.12, and 120.0 through 130.5 that are applicable to the building project, and either the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) in Section 141.0(a)2 (for additions) or 141.0(b) 3 (for alterations), or the prescriptive compliance approach in Section 141.0(a)1 (for additions) or 141.0(b)2 (for alterations), for the Climate Zone in which the building is located. Climate zones are shown in Figure 100.1-A.

    Covered process requirements for additions, alterations and repairs to existing nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings are specified in Section 141.1.

    Exception to Section 141.0: Alterations to healthcare facilities are not required to comply with this Section.

    NOTES:

    1. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 141.0(b) apply to the occupancy after the alterations.
    2. Relocation or moving of a relocatable public school building is not, by itself, considered an alteration for the purposes of Title 24, Part 6.

    (a) Additions. Additions shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below.

    1. Prescriptive approach. The envelope and lighting of the addition, any newly installed space-conditioning system, electrical power distribution system, or water-heating system; any addition to an outdoor lighting system; and any new sign installed in conjunction with an indoor or outdoor addition shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 120.7, 120.9 through 130.5 and 140.2 through 140.9.
    2. Performance approach. A. The envelope and indoor lighting in the conditioned space of the addition, and any newly installed space-conditioning system, electrical power distribution system, or water-heating system, shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 120.7, 120.9 through 130.5; and

    B. Either:

    i. The addition alone shall comply with Section 140.1; or ii. Existing plus addition plus alteration. The standard design for existing plus addition, plus alteration energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered components to remain, existing building altered components that are the more efficient, in LSC, of either the existing conditions, or the requirements of Section 141.0(b)2, plus the proposed addition’s energy use meeting the requirements of Section 140.1. The proposed design energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered components to remain and the altered component’s energy features, plus the proposed energy features of the addition.

    Exception 1 to Section 141.0(a): When heating, cooling or service water heating to an addition are provided by expanding existing systems, the existing systems and equipment need not comply with Sections 110.0 through 120.9 or Sections 140.4 through 140.5.

  • CBC § 1.1.11. High relevance — show source text

    Chapter 10 Change of Occupancy.

    The purpose of Chapter 10 is to address existing buildings that are subject to a change of occupancy. This chapter is an assembly of requirements to upgrade safety without having to comply fully as a new building. A change of occupancy classification is considered a change of occupancy, however, it will involve a higher level of regulation since the use of the building has made a more significant change.

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    Chapter 11 Additions.

    Chapter 11 provides the requirements for additions, which are considered new construction. The requirements focus on safely integrating the addition with the existing building. This includes issues such as limiting the overall height and area of the building where the addition is not separated by a fire wall.

    Chapter 12 Historic Buildings —Reserved

    Chapter 12 is not adopted by the State of California. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, California Code of Regulations.

    Chapter 13 Performance Compliance Methods.

    Chapter 13 allows for existing buildings to be evaluated to show that alterations or a change of occupancy, while not meeting new construction requirements, will provide a level of safety to demonstrate compliance. Provisions are based on a numerical scoring system involving 21 safety parameters where, when evaluated, such buildings must meet a minimum overall safety score.

    Chapter 13 is not adopted by the State of California but may be available for adoption by local ordinance, see Section 1.1.11. See Section 104.11 for consideration of alternative means of compliance.

    Chapter 14 Relocated or Moved Buildings.

    Chapter 14 is applicable to any building that is moved or relocated. This chapter is independent of any of the three compliance methods and focuses on the structural loads where the building is being relocated.

    Chapter 15 Construction Safeguards.

    Chapter 15 establishes specific regulations in order to minimize the risk to the public and adjacent property during construction. Additionally, this chapter addresses fire and life safety and means of egress during the construction process. This includes requirements for a site safety plan. This chapter is also consistent with Chapter 33 of the CBC and Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code (CFC).

    Chapter 16 Referenced Standards.

    Chapter 16 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 15 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.

    Appendix A Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings.

    Appendix A provides guidelines for upgrading the seismic resistance capacity of different types of existing buildings. It is organized into separate chapters which deal with buildings of different types, including unreinforced masonry buildings, reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry wall buildings, and lightframe wood buildings. This appendix includes its own referenced standards.

    Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities.

    Chapters 11A and 11B of the CBC contain provisions that set forth requirements for accessibility to buildings and their associated sites and facilities for people with physical disabilities. Appendix B was added to address accessibility in construction for items that are not typically enforceable through the traditional building code enforcement process.

    Appendix C Guidelines for the Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings.

  • CBC § 180.0 High relevance — show source text

    AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS

    SECTION 180.0—GENERAL

    Additions, alterations and repairs to existing attached dwelling units and common use areas in multifamily buildings, existing outdoor lighting for these occupancies, and internally and externally illuminated signs shall meet the requirements specified in Sections 100.0 through 110.10, 160.1, and 160.3 through 170.2 that are applicable to the building project, and either the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) in Section 180.1(b) (for additions) or 180.2(c) (for alterations), or the prescriptive compliance approach in Section 180.1(a) (for additions) or 180.2(b) (for alterations), for the climate zone in which the building is located. Climate zones are shown in Figure 100.1-A.

    Covered process requirements for additions, alterations and repairs to existing multifamily buildings are specified in Section 141.1.

    Nonresidential occupancies in mixed occupancy buildings shall comply with nonresidential requirements in Sections 120.0 through 141.1.

    NOTE: For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 180.2 apply to the occupancy after the alterations.

    NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .

    SECTION 180.1—ADDITIONS

    Additions to existing multifamily buildings shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9; Sections 160.0, 160.1, and 160.2(c) and (d); Sections 160.3 through 160.7; and either Section 180.1(a) or 180.1(b).

    Exception 2 to Section 180.1: Additions of 300 square feet or less are not required to comply with the roofing product requirements of Section 170.2(a)1A.

    Exception 3 to Section 180.1: Existing inaccessible piping shall not require insulation as defined under Section 160.4(e).

    Exception 4 to Section 180.1: Space-conditioning system. When heating or cooling will be extended to an addition from the existing system(s), the existing heating and cooling equipment need not comply with Part 6. The heating system capacity must be adequate to meet the minimum requirements of CBC Section 1204.1.

    Exception 5 to Section 180.1: Space-conditioning system ducts. When any length of ducts are extended from an existing duct system to serve the addition, the existing duct system and the extended ducts shall meet the applicable requirements specified in Sections 180.2(b)2Ai and 180.2(b)2Aii.

    Exception 6 to Section 180.1: Photovoltaic and BESS, as specified in Sections 170.2(f) through 170.2(h), are not required for additions.

    Exception 7 to Section 180.1 : Dwelling unit space heating system. New or replacement space heating systems serving an addition may be a heat pump or gas heating system.

  • CBC § 11B-202.4. High relevance — show source text

    4:_ 1. Installing ramps. 2. Making curb cuts in sidewalks and entrance. 3. Repositioning shelves. 4. Rearranging tables, chairs, vending machines, display racks and other furniture. 5. Repositioning telephones. 6. Adding raised markings on elevator control buttons. 7. Installing flashing alarm lights. 8. Widening doors. 9. Installing offset hinges to widen doorways. 10. Eliminating a turnstile or providing an alternative accessible route. 11. Installing accessible door hardware. 12. Installing grab bars in toilet stalls. 13. Rearranging toilet partitions to increase maneuvering space. 14. Insulating lavatory pipes under sinks to prevent burns. 15. Installing a raised toilet seat. 16. Installing a full-length bathroom mirror. 17. Repositioning the paper towel dispenser in a bathroom. 18. Creating designated accessible parking spaces. 19. Removing high-pile, low-density carpeting. 5. Alterations of existing parking lots by resurfacing and/or restriping shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4. 6. The addition or replacement of signs and/or identification devices shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4. 7. Projects consisting only of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, reroofing, electrical work not involving placement of switches and receptacles, cosmetic work that does not affect items regulated by this code, such as painting, equipment not considered to be a part of the architecture of the building or area, such as computer terminals and office equipment shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4 unless they affect the usability of the building or facility. 8. When the adjusted construction cost, as defined, is less than or equal to the current valuation threshold, as defined, the cost of compliance with Section 11B-202.4 shall be limited to 20 percent of the adjusted construction cost of alterations, struc- tural repairs or additions. When the cost of full compliance with Section 11B-202.4 would exceed 20 percent, compliance shall be provided to the greatest extent possible without exceeding 20 percent. When the adjusted construction cost, as defined, exceeds the current valuation threshold, as defined, and the enforcing agency determines the cost of compliance with Section 11B-202.4 is an unreasonable hardship, as defined, full compliance with Section 11B-202.4 shall not be required. Compliance shall be provided by equivalent facilitation or to the greatest extent possible without creating an unreasonable hardship; but in no case shall the cost of compliance be less than 20 _percent of the adjusted construction cost of alterations, structural repairs or additions.

  • CBC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text

    The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 5A-1

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

    5A-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

    5 A PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 5A provides details for the prescriptive compliance method for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers [applications listed in Section 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1)].

    SECTION 501 A —GENERAL

    501 A .1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1 [OSHPD 1] regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).

    501 A .1.1 Compliance with other methods. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this chapter or with one of the methods or procedures provided in Section 301 A .3.

    501 A .2 Fire-resistance ratings. Fire-resistance ratings shall comply with the California Building Standards Code.

    501A.3 Prescriptive compliance provisions. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to the following categories of existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this section.

    501A.3.1 Prescriptive compliance provisions for SPC-4D using the California Building Code, 1980 (CBC 1980). Nonconforming buildings shall satisfy the following requirements: 1. The California Building Code, 1980 (CBC 1980), as used in this chapter, consists of the Uniform Building Code, 1979 (UBC 1979) along with requirements contained in: a) California Code of Regulations, Title 24- Building Standards, dated February 2, 1980 (Revision record for Register 80, No. 5). b) California Code of Regulations, Title 22 – Social Security, dated October 13, 1979 (Revision Record for Register 79, No 41). c) California Code of Regulations, Title 17 – Public Health, dated October 13, 1979 (Revision Record for Register 79, No 41-B). 2. All existing structural elements of Seismic Force Resisting System (SFRS) shall satisfy the detailing requirements in the CBC 1980 or demonstrate that the level of seismic performance is equivalent to that given in the CBC 1980, as determined by the building official. 3. A continuous load path or paths with adequate strength and stiffness to transfer all the forces from the point of origin to final point of resistance shall be justified by analysis. _4.

  • CBC § 9.3. High relevance — show source text

    9.3._

    11B- 233.3.1.3 Residential dwelling units with communication features. In public housing facilities with residential dwelling units, at least 2 percent, but no fewer than one unit, of the total number of residential dwelling units shall provide communication features complying with Section 11B- 809.5.

    11B- 233.3.2 Residential dwelling units for sale. Residential dwelling units designed and constructed or altered by public entities that will be offered for sale to individuals shall provide accessible features to the extent required by this chapter.

    11B-233.3.2.1 Buyer identified residential dwelling units for sale. The requirements of Section 11B-233.3.2 also apply to hous- ing programs that are operated by public entities where design and construction of particular residential dwelling units take place only after a specific buyer has been identified. In such programs, the covered entity must provide the units that comply with the requirements for accessible features to those pre-identified buyers with disabilities who have requested such a unit.

    11B- 233.3.3 Additions. Where an addition to an existing building results in an increase in the number of residential dwelling units, the requirements of Section 11B- 233.3.1 shall apply only to the residential dwelling units that are added until the total number of residential dwelling units complies with the minimum number required by Section 11B- 233.3.1. Residential dwelling units required to comply with Sections 11B- 233.3.1.1 and 11B-233.3.1.2 shall be on an accessible route as required by Section 11B- 206 .

    11B- 233.3.4 Alterations. Alterations shall comply with Section 11B- 233.3.4.

    Exception: Where compliance with Section 11B- 809.2, 11B- 809.3 or 11B- 809.4 is technically infeasible, or where it is technically infeasible to provide an accessible route to a residential dwelling unit, the entity shall be permitted to alter or construct a comparable residential dwelling unit to comply with Sections 11B- 809.2 through 11B- 809.4 provided that the minimum number of residential dwelling units required by Sections 11B- 233.3.1.1 and 11B-233.3.1.3, as applicable, is satisfied.

    11B- 233.3.4.1 Alterations to vacated buildings. Where a building is vacated for the purposes of alteration, and the altered building contains more than 15 residential dwelling units, at least 5 percent of the residential dwelling units shall comply with Sections 11B- 809.2 through 11B- 809.4 and shall be on an accessible route as required by Section 11B- 206. In addition, at least 2 percent of the residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B- 809.5.

  • CBC § 9.2.2 High relevance — show source text

    _ Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as community college buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC, refer to Section 1.9.2.2) where required by Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code. The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing community college buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS/CC. 4. _[HCD 1]**_ In addition to the requirements in this chapter, maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures under the authority of the Department of Housing and Community Development, as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.1, shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.

    Exceptions: 1. [HCD 2] For moved buildings and maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.3, see California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapters 2 and 2.2. 2. [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings, as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Residential Code. 5. Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute-psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Functional service spaces shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227 and 1228.

    301.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.

    301.2 Repairs. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4.

    301.3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The alteration, addition or change of occupancy of all existing buildings shall comply with one of the methods listed in Section 301.3.1, 301.3.2 or 301.3.3 as selected by the applicant. Sections 301.3.1 through 301.3.3 shall not be applied in combination with each other. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Sections 301.3.2 and 301.3.3, not adopted by OSHPD.

    Exception: Subject to the approval of the code official, alterations complying with the laws in existence at the time the building or the affected portion of the building was built shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code. New structural

Frequently asked questions

When does an alteration require work on the path of travel?

If the project alters or adds an element or space, § 11B‑202.3 and § 11B‑202.4 require an accessible path of travel to the altered or added area (entrance, route, toilet/bathing, drinking fountain, telephones, signs), subject to the exceptions and cost limits.

Does every small repair trigger full accessibility upgrades?

No. The Code lists many limited‑scope items (e.g., installing grab bars, repositioning dispensers, widening a door with offset hinges, resurfacing parking) where compliance with § 11B‑202.4 is limited to the actual scope of the work. Check the exception list in § 11B‑202.4.

What is the 20% rule and when does it apply?

When the adjusted construction cost is less than or equal to the current valuation threshold, the cost of required path‑of‑travel compliance is limited to 20% of the adjusted construction cost. If above the threshold, the enforcing agency may find an “unreasonable hardship” (documented) but not require less than 20% compliance without equivalent facilitation.

Can an enforcing agency accept “equivalent facilitation” instead of strict compliance?

Yes. If full compliance is technically infeasible (§ 11B‑202.3 Exception 2) or an unreasonable hardship is documented, the enforcing agency may allow equivalent facilitation or require the maximum feasible compliance and must record the finding.

If a path‑of‑travel element was built under the last CBC edition, do I need to change it to the new CBC?

Not necessarily. If that element was constructed or altered in compliance with the immediately preceding CBC edition, it generally does not have to be retrofitted solely because of incremental code changes—see the exception in § 11B‑202.4.

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