CBC · California Building Code
What is the scope and application of Chapter 19 (Concrete)?
Chapter 19 of the California Building Code is the code’s rulebook for concrete in buildings: it governs concrete materials, quality control, design and construction where the CBC applies, and § 1901.1 and § 1901.1.1 specify that it covers projects regulated by DSA‑SS/CC and certain OSHPD facility types; always check the chapter for agency amendments identified by the agency acronyms.
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026
What the code requires
Chapter 19 establishes the code rules that govern the materials, quality control, design and construction of concrete used in structures — in plain English: if your building or structural component uses concrete (plain or reinforced) this chapter provides the minimum code requirements for that concrete work. The governing statement is in § 1901.1, which says the provisions of Chapter 19 “shall govern the materials, quality control, design and construction of concrete used in structures.”
The chapter’s application to projects regulated by state agencies is set out in § 1901.1.1: it explicitly identifies structures under the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA‑SS/CC) and certain OSHPD applications (hospital, skilled nursing, intermediate care and acute psychiatric-related buildings) as within the chapter’s scope.
Requirements in detail
Core scope language
- The single-sentence scope clause in § 1901.1 makes Chapter 19 the controlling text for concrete materials, quality control, design and construction for structures covered by this code.
Who the chapter applies to (agency application)
- § 1901.1.1 lists the specific agency applications where Chapter 19 applies: structures regulated by DSA‑SS/CC (see Section 1.9.2.2 for the list of those applications) and structures regulated by OSHPD for the identified facility types (see Sections 1.10.1, 1.10.2 and 1.10.5). This means when a project falls under those enforcement agencies it must follow Chapter 19 (including any agency amendments).
Agency amendments and identification
- The code notes that DSA‑SS/CC and OSHPD adopt Chapter 19 “as amended” and that agency‑specific amendments are identified in the chapter with the agency acronym. See § 1901.1.2 and § 1901.1.3 for the adoption/amendment identification scheme. (Use the chapter text to find which subsections are prefaced by [DSA‑SS/CC] or the applicable [OSHPD] tag.)
Relationship to referenced standards
- The chapter relies on established technical standards for concrete practice (the code text and chapter materials describe reliance on ACI 318 and related standards for design and construction details). Users should consult the referenced standards and any California supplements or agency amendments for final technical requirements.
Decision‑relevant summary table
| Decision or dimension | What to check / value | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Does Chapter 19 control the concrete work? | If the work is concrete in a structure covered by the CBC, Chapter 19 governs materials, QC, design and construction. | § 1901.1 |
| Is the project subject to DSA‑SS/CC or DSA‑SS/CC‑CC special rules? | If project is in the list at § 1.9.2.2, Chapter 19 applies as adopted for DSA‑SS/CC projects. | § 1901.1.1(1) |
| Is the project subject to OSHPD? | Hospitals, skilled nursing, intermediate care and acute psychiatric buildings listed in Sections 1.10.1/1.10.2/1.10.5 are covered. | § 1901.1.1(2) |
| Are agency amendments in effect? | DSA‑SS/CC and OSHPD adopt the chapter “as amended”; agency amendments are identified by acronym in the chapter. | § 1901.1.2 / § 1901.1.3 |
| Where are detailed design provisions found? | The chapter references and relies on ACI 318 and other listed standards for detailed design and construction requirements. | Chapter preface / chapter text referencing ACI 318 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Agency adoption and amendments: DSA‑SS/CC and OSHPD adopt Chapter 19 with their own amendments; those amendments appear in the chapter preceded by the agency acronym. That means you must check the chapter text for bracketed amendments (for example [DSA‑SS/CC] or [OSHPD 1R/2/5]) that apply to your project. See § 1901.1.2 and § 1901.1.3.
- Project‑type applicability: Chapter 19A (a separate chapter) applies to some DSA/OSHPD project lists where the “A” chapters are adopted in place of the regular chapters — check the specific agency application sections (e.g., Sections 1.9.2.1, 1.10.1 and 1.10.4) to determine whether 19 or 19A applies to your project. The chapter front matter and agency application callouts will show which chapter is enforceable for that application. file
If a provision or technical requirement you need is not contained in § 1901, § 1901.1 or § 1901.1.1, consult the rest of Chapter 19 and the referenced standards (ACI 318, etc.) and any agency amendments — those details are outside the strict text of the three controlling sections cited.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Chapter 19 automatically applies uniformly to every project: you must verify whether the project falls under local jurisdiction versus DSA/OSHPD lists and check for chapter‑specific agency adoption (see § 1901.1.1).
- Overlooking agency amendments: DSA‑SS/CC or OSHPD may have modifications to the text; those amendments are identified in the chapter and take precedence for the agency’s applications. Check § 1901.1.2 and § 1901.1.3.
- Treating ACI 318 as a stand‑alone substitute for the Code: ACI 318 is a referenced standard relied on by the chapter, but the Code text and any California/agency supplements must be followed as adopted.
Worked example
Project: A new two‑story classroom building for a California community college.
Step 1 — Determine enforcing agency:
- Community college projects are listed under DSA‑SS/CC (see Section 1.9.2.2); therefore Chapter 19 applies as adopted for those applications. Reference: § 1901.1.1(1).
Step 2 — Apply the chapter scope:
- Because § 1901.1 declares Chapter 19 governs materials, quality control, design and construction of concrete used in structures, the design and construction documents for the classroom building must comply with Chapter 19 requirements and any [DSA‑SS/CC] amendments identified in the chapter. (§ 1901.1 and § 1901.1.2.)
Numerical illustration (administrative): If the contract documents call for reinforced concrete footings, the project team must follow Chapter 19 design and QC requirements for those footings and incorporate any DSA‑SS/CC amendments — the scope statement in § 1901.1 tells you those concrete elements are covered by Chapter 19.
Related provisions
- § 1901 — General statement and section heading for the chapter.
- § 1901.1 — Scope: “The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, quality control, design and construction of concrete used in structures.”
- § 1901.1.1 — Application: identifies DSA‑SS/CC and OSHPD project types to which the chapter applies.
- § 1901.1.2 — Amendments in this chapter: notes DSA‑SS/CC and OSHPD adoption “as amended.”
- § 1901.1.3 — Identification of amendments; indicates how agency amendments are flagged in the chapter.
- Chapter preface and Chapter 19 front matter — describes the chapter’s reliance on ACI 318 and the chapter contents (e.g., slabs‑on‑ground, shotcrete, etc.).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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.
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19 CONCRETE
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 19 provides minimum accepted practices for the design and construction of buildings and structural components using concrete—both plain and reinforced. Chapter 19 relies primarily on the reference to American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete. Structural concrete must be designed and constructed to comply with this code and all listed standards. There are also specific provisions addressing slabs-on-ground and shotcrete.
This chapter was extensively reorganized for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the relocations table in the Preface information of this code.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the IBC—Structural Code Development Committee during the
2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 1901—GENERAL
1901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, quality control, design and construction of concrete used in structures.
1901.1.1 Application. [DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD] The scope of application of Chapter 19 is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC), which include those applications listed in Section 1.9.2.2. 2. Structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD), which include hospital buildings removed from general acute care service, skilled nursing facility build- ings, intermediate care facility buildings and acute psychiatric hospital buildings listed in Sections 1.10.1, 1.10.2 and 1.10.5.
1901.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. [DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD] DSA-SS/CC and OSHPD adopts this chapter as amended.
1901.1.3 Identification of amendments. [DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD] 1. Division of the State Architect - Structural Safety/Community Colleges amendments appear in this chapter preceded by the appropriate acronym, as follows:
[DSA-SS/CC] – For applications listed in Section 1.9.2.2. 2. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD) amendments appear in this chapter preceded by the appropriate acronym, as follows:
[OSHPD 1R ] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.
[OSHPD 2] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.2.
[OSHPD 5] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.5.
CBC § 1.9.2.1 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 17 Special Inspections and Tests.
Chapter 17 provides a variety of procedures and criteria for testing materials and assemblies, labeling materials and assemblies and special inspection of structural assemblies. This chapter expands on the inspections of Chapter 1 by requiring special inspection where indicated and, in some cases, structural observation.
Chapter 17A Special Inspections and Tests.
Chapter 17A provides a variety of procedures and criteria for testing materials and assemblies, labeling materials and assemblies, and special inspection of structural assemblies. Chapter 17A is applicable to structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect— Structural Safety, which include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essen- tial services buildings (applications listed in Sections 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS) and 1.9.2.2 (DSA-SS/CC)), and 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 Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1) and 1.10.4 (OSHPD 4)).
Chapter 18 Soils and Foundations.
Chapter 18 provides criteria for geotechnical and structural considerations in the selection, design and installation of foundation systems to support the loads from the structure above.
Chapter 18A Soils and Foundations.
Chapter 18A provides criteria for geotechnical and structural considerations in the selection, design and installation of foundation systems to support the loads from the structure above. Chapter 18A is applicable to structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety, which include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state- leased essential services buildings (applications listed in Sections 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS) and 1.9.2.2 (DSA-SS/CC)), and 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 Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1) and 1.10.4 (OSHPD 4)).
Chapter 19 Concrete.
Chapter 19 provides minimum accepted practices for the design and construction of buildings and structural components using concrete, both plain and reinforced. This chapter relies primarily on the reference to American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete .
Chapter 19A Concrete.
Chapter 19A provides minimum accepted practices for the design and construction of buildings and structural components using concrete, both plain and reinforced. Chapter 19A is applicable to structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety, which include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings (applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS)), and by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1) and 1.10.4 (OSHPD 4)).
Chapter 20 Aluminum.
CBC § 1901A.1.1 High relevance — show source text
1901A.1.1 Application. The scope of application of Chapter 19A is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (DSA-SS), which include those applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. These applications include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state- owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 and 1.10.4, regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). These applications include hospitals and correctional treatment centers.
1901A.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. DSA-SS and OSHPD adopt this chapter and all amendments.
Exception: Amendments adopted by only one agency appear in this chapter preceded with the appropriate acronym of the adopt- ing agency, as follows: 1. Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety:
[DSA-SS] For applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. 2. Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development.
[OSHPD 1] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.
[OSHPD 4] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.4.
1901 A .2 R einforced concrete. Structural concrete shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and ACI 318 as supplemented in Section 1905 A of this code, except that plain concrete is not permitted.
1901 A .3 Anchoring to concrete. Anchoring to concrete shall be in accordance with ACI 318 as supplemented in Section 1905 A, and applies to cast-in (headed bolts, headed studs and hooked J- or L-bolts), post-installed expansion (torque-controlled and displacement-controlled), undercut, screw, and adhesive anchors.
1901 A .4 Composite structural steel and concrete structures. Systems of structural steel acting compositely with reinforced concrete shall be designed in accordance with Section 2206 A of this code.
1901 A .5 Construction documents. The construction documents for structural concrete construction shall include:
- The specified compressive strength of concrete at the stated ages or stages of construction for which each concrete element is designed.
- The specified strength or grade of reinforcement.
- The size and location of structural elements, reinforcement and anchors.
- Provision for dimensional changes resulting from creep, shrinkage and temperature.
- The magnitude and location of prestressing forces.
- Anchorage length of reinforcement and location and length of lap splices.
- Type and location of mechanical and welded splices of reinforcement.
- Details and location of contraction or isolation joints.
- Minimum concrete compressive strength at time of posttensioning.
- Stressing sequence for posttensioning tendons.
- For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, a statement if slab on grade is designed as a structural diaphragm. 12. Openings larger than 12 inches (305 mm) in any dimension shall be detailed on the structural drawings.
CBC § 1.1 High relevance — show source text
1.1_|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1901.1.2|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1901.1.3|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1901.1.4|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |1901.1.5|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |1901.3.1 – 1901.3.4.5|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1903.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1903.3|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1903.4|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1903.5|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1905.1.8||||||||||||||||||||||||| |1905.5|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1905.6|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1906|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1907.4.1||||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1908.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1909|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |1910|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1911|||||||||||X|X|||X||||||||||
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 BUILDING CODE 19-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
19-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
19 CONCRETE
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 19 provides minimum accepted practices for the design and construction of buildings and structural components using concrete—both plain and reinforced. Chapter 19 relies primarily on the reference to American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete. Structural concrete must be designed and constructed to comply with this code and all listed standards. There are also specific provisions addressing slabs-on-ground and shotcrete.
This chapter was extensively reorganized for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the relocations table in the Preface information of this code.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the IBC—Structural Code Development Committee during the
2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 1901—GENERAL
1901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, quality control, design and construction of concrete used in structures.
CBC § 18A-11 Medium relevance — show source text
1808A Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-11
1809A Shallow Foundations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-14
1810A Deep Foundations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-15
1811A Prestressed Rock and Soil Foundation
Anchors [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-25
1812A Earth Retaining Shoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-26
1813A Vibro Stone Columns for Ground
Improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-29
CHAPTER 19 CONCRETE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1
1901 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-3
1902 Coordination of Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-5
1903 Specifications for Tests and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . 19-5
1904 Durability Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-6
1905 Seismic Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-6
1906 Footings for Light-Frame Construction . . . . . . . . . . 19-8
1907 Slabs-on-Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-8
1908 Shotcrete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-8
1909 Additional Requirements for Community Colleges
[DSA-SS/CC]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19-8
1910 Additional Requirements for Skilled Nursing Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities, Acute Psychiatric and Non-GAC Buildings
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19-12
1911 Existing Concrete Structures [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]. . . . . . .19-13
CBC § 1.10.4.3 Medium relevance — show source text
1.10.4.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.4, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 4], unless the entire chapter is applicable.
1.10.4.4 Reference to other chapters. Where reference is made within this code to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22, the respective sections in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A shall apply instead.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015 and 129790.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.5 OSHPD 5. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Acute psychiatric hospital buildings.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall also enforce the California Energy Commission—Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility type.
1.10.5.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter I, Division II.
1.10.5.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provision of Title 24, Part 2, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.5.
OSHPD 5 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 2:
Chapters 2 through 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 35.
1.10.5.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.5, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 5].
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 129680, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.6 OSHPD 6. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application —Chemical dependency recovery hospital not within an acute care hospital building or an acute psychiatric facility.
Enforcing agency —Local building department.
CBC § 1.10.1.4 Medium relevance — show source text
1.10.1.4 Reference to other chapters. Where reference is made within this code to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22, the respective sections in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A shall apply instead for hospital buildings under OSHPD 1.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 19958, 127010, 127015, 129680, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.2 OSHPD 2. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Skilled nursing facility and intermediate care facility buildings.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall also enforce the California Energy Commission—Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility type.
1.10.2.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
1.10.2.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provisions of Title 24, Part 2, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.2.
OSHPD 2 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 2:
Chapters 2 through 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 35.
1.10.2.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.2, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 2].
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129680.
1.10.3 OSHPD 3. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Licensed clinics and any freestanding building under a hospital license where outpatient clinical services are provided.
Enforcing agency— Local building department.
CBC § 2205.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Cold-Formed Steel 2204
Cold-formed Stainless Steel 2205.1 Cutting and notching 2206.3 Light-frame construction 2206 Special inspection 1705.12.2, 1705.13.3, 1705.2.3, 1705.2.7 Combustible Dusts 307.4, 414.5.1, 426.1 Combustible Liquids 307.1, 307.4, 307.5, 414.2.5, 414.5.3, 415.9.2, 415.10.1, 418.6
Combustible Material
Concealed spaces 413.2, 718.5 Exterior side of exterior wall 1405 High-pile stock or rack storage 413.1, 910.2.2 Type I and Type II 603, 805 Combustible Projections 705.2, 705.2.3.1 Combustible Storage 413, 910.2.2 Common Path of Egress Travel 1006.2.1 Compartmentation Ambulatory care facilities 422.2, 422.3 Group I-2 407.5, 407.6 Group I-3 408.6 Laboratory suites 428.3 Underground buildings 405.4, 405.5.2 Compressed Gas 307.2, 415.11.8 Concealed Spaces 413.2, 718 Concrete Chapters 19 and 19A Anchorage 1901.3 Calculated fire resistance 722.2
Cellular 721.2
Construction documents 1603.1,
1901.5 Durability 1904 Footings 1809, 1906 Foundation walls 1807.1.5, 1808.8 Materials 1705.3.2, 1901, 1903 Plain, structural 1906 Reinforced gypsum concrete 2514 Rodentproofing Appendix F Roof tile 1504.3, 1507.3, 1513 Shotcrete 1908 Slabs-on-ground 1907 Special inspections 1705.3, Table 1705.3 Specifications 1903 Strength testing 1705.3.2 Structural concrete with GFRP
reinforcement 1901.2.1 Wood support 2304.13 Concrete Masonry Calculated fire resistance 722.3
Construction 2104
Design 2101.2, 2108, 2109 Materials 2103.1 Surface bonding 2103.2.2, 2109.2 Wood support 2304.13 Concrete Roof Tile 1504.3, 1507.3, 1513 Wind Resistance 1504.3, 1609.6.3.1 Condominium (see Apartment Houses) Conduit, Penetration Protection 713.3,
1023.5 Conflicts in Code 102, 104.2.4.1 Congregate Living Facilities 310.2, 310.3, 310.4
Construction (See Safeguards During Construction) Construction Documents 107, 1603 Alarms and detection 907.1.1
Balconies 107.2.5
CBC § 110.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Compliance with the cooling-only perfor-
mance is required as defined in Notes b and c of Table 110.2-I.
h. Water-to-water heat pumps with a capacity less than 135,000 Btu/h are included in Table 110.2-B, Heat Pumps—Minimum Efficiency Requirements.
i. Source leaving liquid temperature.
1. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate used for the heating rating for a reverse cycle air-to-water heat pump shall be the flow rate determined during the full-load cool-
ing rating.
2. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate for the simultaneous cooling and heating and heat recovery liquid cooled chilling packages rating shall be the liquid flow rates
from the cooling operation full-load rating.
3. For heating-only fluid-to-fluid chiller packages, the evaporator flow rate obtained with an entering liquid temperature of 54°F and a leaving liquid temperature of 44°F
shall be used.
j. NA means the requirements are not applicable.|a. The size category is the full-load net refrigeration cooling mode capacity, which is the capacity of the evaporator available for cooling of the thermal load external to the chill-
ing package.
b. For air source heat pumps, compliance with both the 47°F and 17°F heating source outdoor air temperature (OAT) rating efficiency is required for heating.
c. Heating full-load rating conditions are at standard rating conditions defined in AHRI 550/590 (I-P), Table 4, which includes the impact of defrost for air source heating ratings.
d. For units that operate in both cooling and heating, compliance with both the cooling and heating efficiency is required.
e. For heat recovery heating chilling package applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the heating performance heat recover COPHR is
only required at one of the four heating AHRI 550/590 (I-P) standard ratings conditions of Low, Medium, Hot-Water 1 or Hot-Water 2. Compliance with the cooling-only perfor-
mance is required as defined in Notes b and c of Table 110.2-I.
f. For liquid source heat recovery chilling packages that have capabilities for heat rejection to a heat recovery condenser and a tower condenser, the COPHR applies to operation
at full load with 100 percent heat recovery (no tower rejection). Units that only have capabilities for partial heat recovery shall meet the requirements of Table 110.2-D, Water
Chilling Packages—Minimum Efficiency Requirements.
g. For heat recovery heating chilling package applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the heating performance heat recover COPHR is
only required at one of the four heating AHRI 550/590 (I-P) standard ratings conditions of Low, Medium, Hot-Water 1 or Hot-Water 2. Compliance with the cooling-only perfor-
mance is required as defined in Notes b and c of Table 110.2-I.
h. Water-to-water heat pumps with a capacity less than 135,000 Btu/h are included in Table 110.2-B, Heat Pumps—Minimum Efficiency Requirements.
i. Source leaving liquid temperature.
1. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate used for the heating rating for a reverse cycle air-to-water heat pump shall be the flow rate determined during the full-load cool-
ing rating.
2. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate for the simultaneous cooling and heating and heat recovery liquid cooled chilling packages rating shall be the liquid flow rates
from the cooling operation full-load rating.
3.CBC § 3106.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Roof construction 3106.3 Masonry Chapter 21A Adhered veneer 1404.11
Adobe 2109 Anchorage 1604.8.2 Anchored veneer 1404.7
Architectural cast stone 2103.1
Calculated fire resistance 722.4 Chimneys 2113 Construction 2104 Dampproofing 1805.2.2 Design, methods 2101.2, 2107, 2108, 2109
Fire resistance, calculated 722.3.2,
722.3.4
Fireplaces 2111 Floor anchorage 1604.8.2 Foundation walls 1807.1.5
Foundations, adobe 2109.2.4.5 Glass unit 2110
Heaters 2112
Inspection, special 1705.4 Joint reinforcement 2103.4
Materials 603.1, 2103 Penetrations 714 Quality assurance 2105 Rodentproofing Appendix F Roof anchorage 1604.8.1 Seismic provisions 2106 Serviceability 1604.3.4 Supported by wood 2104.1.1, 2304.13 Surface bonding 2103.2.2 Veneer 1404.11, 1404.7, 2101.2.1,
2308.10.10 Wall anchorage 1604.8.2 Waterproofing 1805.3.2 Mass Notification Systems 917 Mass Timber 508, 509, 602, 703, 718, 722 Materials
Alternates 104.2.3
Aluminum Chapter 20 Concrete Chapter 19, Chapter 19A Glass and glazing Chapter 24 Gypsum Chapter 25 Masonry Chapter 21, Chapter 21A Noncombustible 703.4
Plastic Chapter 26 Steel Chapter 22, Chapter 22A Testing (see Testing) 1707 Wood Chapter 23 Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Exposure Chapter 7A Means of Appeals 113, Appendix B Means of Egress Chapter 10, 202 Accessible 1009, 2702.2 Aircraft related 412.2.2, 412.2.5.1, 412.4.2, 412.6.1, 412.7.3 Alternating tread device 412.7.3, 1006.2.2.1, 1006.2.2.2, 1011.14 Ambulatory care facilities 422.3.1, 422.3.3 Assembly 1009.1, 1030 Atrium 404.9, 404.11, 707.3.6 Capacity 1005.3
Laboratories
Classification of 304.1, 307.1.1 Hazardous materials 414, 415 Higher education laboratories 304.4, 428 Incidental uses Table 509.1
Ladders
Boiler, incinerator and furnace
rooms 1006.2.2.1
Construction 1011.15, 1011.16, 1014.2, 1014.7, 1015.3, 1015.4 Emergency escape window wells 1031.5.2
CBC § 19A-3 Medium relevance — show source text
1901 A .3 Anchoring to concrete. Anchoring to concrete shall be in accordance with ACI 318 as supplemented in Section 1905 A, and applies to cast-in (headed bolts, headed studs and hooked J- or L-bolts), post-installed expansion (torque-controlled and displacement-controlled), undercut, screw, and adhesive anchors.
1901 A .4 Composite structural steel and concrete structures. Systems of structural steel acting compositely with reinforced concrete shall be designed in accordance with Section 2206 A of this code.
1901 A .5 Construction documents. The construction documents for structural concrete construction shall include:
- The specified compressive strength of concrete at the stated ages or stages of construction for which each concrete element is designed.
- The specified strength or grade of reinforcement.
- The size and location of structural elements, reinforcement and anchors.
- Provision for dimensional changes resulting from creep, shrinkage and temperature.
- The magnitude and location of prestressing forces.
- Anchorage length of reinforcement and location and length of lap splices.
- Type and location of mechanical and welded splices of reinforcement.
- Details and location of contraction or isolation joints.
- Minimum concrete compressive strength at time of posttensioning.
- Stressing sequence for posttensioning tendons.
- For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, a statement if slab on grade is designed as a structural diaphragm. 12. Openings larger than 12 inches (305 mm) in any dimension shall be detailed on the structural drawings.
1901 A .6 Special inspections and tests. S pecial inspections and tests of concrete elements of buildings and structures and concreting operations shall be as required by Chapter 17A and Section 1910A.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 19A-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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CONCRETE
1901 A .7 Tolerances for structural concrete. Where not indicated in construction documents, structural tolerances for concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with this section.
1901 A .7.1 Cast-in-place concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for cast-in-place concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI 117.
Exceptions:
- Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.
- Shotcrete is not required to comply with this section. [DSA-SS] Tolerances for shotcrete construction shall be defined by the construction documents.
1901 A .7.2 Precast concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for precast concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI ITG-7.
Exception: Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.
SECTION 1902 A —COORDINATION OF TERMINOLOGY
1902 A .1 General. Coordination of terminology used in ACI 318 and ASCE 7 shall be in accordance with Section 1902 A .1.1.
Frequently asked questions
Who must follow Chapter 19?
If your project’s concrete materials, quality control, design or construction are regulated by the CBC, Chapter 19 controls. For projects under DSA‑SS/CC or the OSHPD applications listed, § 1901.1.1 confirms Chapter 19 applies to those agency projects.
Does Chapter 19 replace ACI 318?
No. Chapter 19 relies on referenced standards like ACI 318 for technical design and construction detail, but the Code text and any California or agency amendments must also be followed.
Where do I find agency amendments to Chapter 19?
Agency amendments are shown in the chapter text preceded by the agency acronym (for example [DSA‑SS/CC] or [OSHPD …]) as described in § 1901.1.2 and § 1901.1.3.
If my project is a hospital, does Chapter 19 apply?
For hospital‑related buildings listed in Sections 1.10.1, 1.10.2 and 1.10.5 (e.g., certain hospital, skilled nursing, intermediate care and acute psychiatric buildings), § 1901.1.1 names those OSHPD applications as within Chapter 19’s scope; confirm the specific OSHPD adoption notation in the chapter.
What if a required technical detail is not in § 1901.1?
§ 1901.1 is a scope statement. Detailed technical requirements appear elsewhere in Chapter 19 and in the referenced standards (ACI 318) and in any agency amendments; consult those sections for technical rules.
More in California Building Code
- Administration & Permits
- Energy Efficiency
- Existing Buildings
- Occupancy Classification & Use
- Hazardous Materials & Occupancies
- Types of Construction
- Fire-Resistance & Fire Safety
- Interior Finishes
- Means of Egress
- Accessibility
- Exterior Walls
- Roofing & Roof Assemblies
- Structural Design
- Special Inspections & Tests
- Foundations & Soils
- Concrete
- Masonry
- Steel
- Wood
- Elevators & Conveying Systems
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