CBC · California Building Code

What is the scope and applicability of Chapter 30 (elevators & conveying systems)?

Chapter 30 of the CBC says elevator and conveying systems must be designed, built and maintained under the California Elevator Safety Orders and the specific ASME/ANSI standards listed in Table 3001.3, and that their structures meet wind, flood and seismic load rules in Chapter 16 (see §§ 3001.1, 3001.3, 3001.6).

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Chapter 30 governs the design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of elevators and conveying systems and their components (see § 3001.1) and requires these systems to conform to the California Elevator Safety Orders and the specific standards listed in Table 3001.3 and § 3001.6 (see § 3001.3). Structural design for all interior and exterior elevators, escalators and conveying systems must satisfy the loading criteria in Chapter 16 (wind, flood, seismic), so designers must apply Sections 1609, 1612 and 1613 to these systems (see § 3001.6).

Requirements in detail

1) Basic scope

Chapter 30 applies to design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of elevators and conveying systems and their components — that is the chapter-level scope (see § 3001.1).

2) Referenced standards and where to look

Chapter 30 mandates conformance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6 (Elevator Safety Orders) and the standards shown in Table 3001.3; Table 3001.3 explicitly lists the applicable standards by equipment type (see § 3001.3 and Table 3001.3).

Decision-relevant dimensions and values (quick reference)

Decision dimension	Typical values / options	Why it matters	Code Reference
System type	Passenger elevator; Freight elevator; Escalator; Platform lift; Conveyor; Belt manlift; Dumbwaiter	Determines which referenced standard and acceptance tests apply	Table 3001.3 — § 3001.3
Referenced standard	ASME A17.1/CSA B44 (elevators), ASME A18.1 (platform lifts), ASME B20.1 (conveyors), etc.	Sets minimum safety/performance requirements and inspection/test criteria	Table 3001.3 — § 3001.3
Emergency communication	Two‑way system with audible + visual modes, per CA Title 8 Elevator Safety Orders	Required in every elevator car to verify presence/entrapment and enable responder communication	§ 3001.2 and § 3001.3 (Title 8 reference)
Structural loading to check	Wind (§ 1609), Flood (§ 1612), Seismic (§ 1613)	Ensures elevator and support structure are designed for site loading conditions	§ 3001.6 referencing Chapter 16 (1609, 1612, 1613)

3) Structural design requirement (detail)

Every elevator, escalator and conveying system component—interior or exterior—must be structurally designed to meet the applicable Chapter 16 loading criteria (wind, flood, seismic) listed in Sections 1609, 1612 and 1613. That means elevator structural framing, hoistway supports, machine-room attachments, pits and any exposed components must be checked per those load cases (see § 3001.6).

Exceptions & special cases

The CBC text cross‑references the California Elevator Safety Orders (Title 8) for items like emergency communications and operational specifics; many operational/inspection items are regulated there rather than repeated in Chapter 30 (see § 3001.3).
Accessibility provisions for passenger elevators and platform lifts required for accessible routes are governed by § 3001.4 and the accessibility chapters (11A or 11B) depending on which enforcing agency applies — follow those cross references when accessibility is required.
Where other state agencies adopt or regulate buildings, some sections may be adopted or enforced differently (note: Office of the State Fire Marshal adoption notes and Section 1.11 cross‑references appear in the code front matter). If your installation is in a state‑regulated facility, confirm which agency’s amendments apply.

Common mistakes

Treating Chapter 30 as stand‑alone: designers often rely on Chapter 30 alone and miss the requirement to conform to the California Elevator Safety Orders (Title 8) and the specific ASME/ANSI standards listed in Table 3001.3 — § 3001.3 requires both.
Ignoring Chapter 16 loads: specifying elevator structure without running wind/seismic/flood load checks per Sections 1609/1612/1613 violates § 3001.6.
Misidentifying system type: using the wrong referenced standard (for example, designing a platform lift to elevator standards or vice versa) — always confirm the equipment type vs. Table 3001.3.

Worked example — applying the rule with numbers

Scenario: You are installing a passenger elevator in a new 10‑story office building in a moderate seismic zone in California.

Steps to apply Chapter 30:

Confirm scope: elevator installation falls under Chapter 30 (design, construction, installation) — § 3001.1.
Determine referenced standard: passenger elevator → ASME A17.1/CSA B44 per Table 3001.3. Use that standard for safety/performance and the CA Elevator Safety Orders for operational requirements — § 3001.3 and Table 3001.3.
Structural loads: check Chapter 16 — apply seismic load procedures in § 1613. For example, if the site spectral coefficients and importance factor result in a design seismic base shear for the elevator support framing, that load must be used in connection and member sizing (this is the requirement — Chapter 30 directs you to use Sections 1609, 1612, 1613; the CBC does not itself compute the loads in § 3001.6). § 3001.6 requires the elevator and components to comply with those load provisions.
Emergency communications: provide an in‑car two‑way visual + audible system as required by Title 8 Elevator Safety Orders (per § 3001.2 and § 3001.3).

(Notes: Chapter 30 tells you which documents and code sections to use and requires compliance — the actual load numbers come from Chapter 16 calculations and the referenced standards.)

Related provisions

§ 3001.2 — Elevator emergency communication systems (see Title 8 reference).
§ 3001.3 — Referenced standards; Table 3001.3 lists standards by equipment type.
§ 3001.4 — Accessibility requirements for passenger and platform lifts (cross‑references to Chapters 11A/11B).
§ 3001.5 — Change in use of elevators (freight ↔ passenger).
§ 3002.x — Hoistway enclosures and openings (hoistway protection, opening protectives).
§ 3003.x — Emergency operations and Phase I/II recall requirements (see cross‑references to Title 8 in Chapter 30).

Code references

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

CBC § 6.1 High relevance — show source text

6.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3008.1.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3003.1.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3008.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3008.7.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3010||||||||||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 30-1

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30-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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30 ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 30 contains the provisions that regulate vertical and horizontal transportation and material-handling systems installed in buildings. This chapter also provides several elements that protect occupants and assist emergency responders during fires.

ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [F] and [BE] will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. All other code change proposals will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

SECTION 3001—GENERAL

3001.1 Scope. This chapter governs the design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of elevators and conveying systems and their components.

3001.2 Elevator emergency communication systems. An elevator emergency two-way communication system that includes both visual and audible communication modes complying with the requirements in California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chap- ter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders, shall be provided in each elevator car. The system shall provide a means to enable authorized personnel to verify:

The presence of someone in the car.
That the person(s) is trapped.

Once an entrapment is verified, the system shall enable authorized personnel to:

Determine if assistance is needed.
Communicate when help is on the way.
Communicate when help arrives on site.

3001.3 Referenced standards. The design, construction, installation, alteration, repair and maintenance of elevators and conveying systems and their components shall conform to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders, and the applicable standard specified in Table 3001.3 and Section 3001.6.

TABLE 3001.3—ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS	Col2
TYPE	STANDARD
Automotive lifts	ALI ALCTV
Belt manlifts	ASME A90.1
Conveyors and related equipment	ASME B20.1
Elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, material lifts	ASME A17.1/CSA B44, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7
Industrial scissor lifts	ANSI MH29.1
Platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, wheelchair lifts	ASME A18.1

CBC § 3001.3 High relevance — show source text
2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3001.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3001.4|||X|||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |3001.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3001.6|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3002.4a – 3002.4.6a|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3002.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3002.6.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3002.9|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3002.10 – 3002.11|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3003.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3003.1.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3003.1.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3003.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3003.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3003.2.1.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3003.2.1.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3003.4 – 3003.4.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3005.1 – 3005.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3005.4.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3006.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3006.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3007.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3007.6.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3008.1.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3003.1.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3008.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3008.7.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |3010||||||||||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 30-1

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30-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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30 ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 30 contains the provisions that regulate vertical and horizontal transportation and material-handling systems installed in buildings. This chapter also provides several elements that protect occupants and assist emergency responders during fires.

ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [F] and [BE] will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. All other code change proposals will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

SECTION 3001—GENERAL

3001.1 Scope. This chapter governs the design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of elevators and conveying systems and their components.
CBC § 29-1 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 29 PLUMBING SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29-1

CHAPTER 30 ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS. . . 30-1

3001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-3

3002 Hoistway Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-4

3003 Emergency Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-5

3004 Conveying Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-6

3005 Machine Rooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-6

3006 Elevator Lobbies and Hoistway Opening Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-7

3007 Fire Service Access Elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-8

3008 Occupant Evacuation Elevators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-10

3009 Private Residence Elevators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-12

3010 Special Requirements for Elevators in Hospitals . . . . . 30-12

CHAPTER 31 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-1

3101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-3

3102 Membrane Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-3

3103 Temporary Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-4

CONTENTS

3104 Pedestrian Walkways and Tunnels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-7

3105 Awnings and Canopies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-8

3106 Marquees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-8

3107 Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-9

3108 Telecommunication and Broadcast Towers . . . . . . 31-9

3109 Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-9
CBC § 26-10 High relevance — show source text
2609 Light-Transmitting Plastic Roof Panels . . . . . . . . . 26-10

2610 Light-Transmitting Plastic Skylight Glazing . . . . . 26-11

2611 Light-Transmitting Plastic Interior Signs. . . . . . . . 26-11

2612 Plastic Composite Decking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-12

2613 Fiber-Reinforced Polymer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-12

2614 Reflective Plastic Core Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-13

CHAPTER 27 ELECTRICAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-1

2701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-3

2702 Emergency and Standby Power Systems . . . . . . . . 27-3

2703 Lightning Protection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-4

CHAPTER 28 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-1

2801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-3

2802 Spark Arrestor [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-3

CHAPTER 29 PLUMBING SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29-1

CHAPTER 30 ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS. . . 30-1

3001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-3

3002 Hoistway Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-4

3003 Emergency Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-5

3004 Conveying Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-6

3005 Machine Rooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-6

3006 Elevator Lobbies and Hoistway Opening Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-7

3007 Fire Service Access Elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-8

3008 Occupant Evacuation Elevators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-10
CBC § 407.1 High relevance — show source text
11B-407.1, 11B-407.1.1, 11B-407.4.9, 11B-408.1, 11B-409.1, 11B-411.1, 11B-810.9, 1607.12.1, 1612.2, 1613.5

A17.1—CSA B44: the edition as referenced in: California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators 907.3.3, 911.1.6, 1009.4.1, 3001. 3, Table 3001.3, 3001.5, 3002.5, 3002.6.1, 3003.2, 3007.1, 3008.1.4, 3008.7.1

A17.7—2007/CSA B44—07(R2019): Performance-based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators Table 3001.3, 3001.5, 3002.5

A18.1—2023: Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts 1110.11, Table 3001.3

A90.1—2020: Safety Standard for Belt Manlifts

Table 3001.3

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 35-9

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

REFERENCED STANDARDS

B16.18—2023: Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings

909.13.1

B16.22—2023: Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings

909.13.1

B20.1—2024: Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment Table 3001.3, 3004.3

BPE—2009: Bio-processing Equipment Standard

B31.3 —2014: [SLC] Process Piping

415.11.6

B31.3—2022: Process Piping

415.11.7

ASSP American Society of Safety Professionals, 520 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068

ANSI/ASSP Z359.1—2020: The Fall Protection Code

1015.6, 1015.7

ASTM ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428

A6/A6M—21: Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes and Sheet Piling

1810.3.2.3, 1810.3.5.3.1, 1810.3.5.3.3

A36/A36M—19: Specification for Carbon Structural Steel

1810.3.2.3

A153/A153M—2016A: Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware

2304.10.6

A227/A227M—17: Standard Specification for Steel Wire, Cold-Drawn for Mechanical Springs

1211.1.1
CBC § 2.25 High relevance — show source text
00|2.25|0.70|DR|3.70|1.05|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|33 mil cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|16|3.85|1.45|DR|DR|3.40|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|33 mil cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|24|3.40|DR|DR|DR|2.70|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|12|3.00|1.80|DR|DR|3.00|0.65|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|16|3.00|1.00|DR|DR|2.85|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|24|2.85|DR|DR|DR|2.20|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|12|4.00|3.85|2.80|1.80|4.00|3.05|1.50|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|16|4.00|3.30|1.95|0.60|4.00|2.25|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|24|4.00|2.25|DR|DR|4.00|0.65|DR|DR| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa.
DR = Design Required, o.c. = on center.
a. Wood furring shall be spruce-pine-fir or any softwood species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or greater.
CBC § 722.1 Medium relevance — show source text
29—05: Standard Calculation Methods for Structural Fire Protection

722.1

32—01: Design and Construction of Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations

1809.5

37 — 2017: Design Loads on Structures during Construction

1617A.1.18

41—13: [OSHPD 1 SPC-2 and SPC-4D only] Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

1603A.2

41—17: [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

1603A.2

41 — 23: [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

1603A.2

49—21: Wind Tunnel Testing for Buildings and Other Structures

1609.1.1

55—16: Tensile Membrane Structures

3102.2

ASHRAE ASHRAE, 180 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

90.1—2022: Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

1202.1

170—2021: Ventilation of Health Care Facilities

1020.6

171 — 2017: Method of Testing for Rating Seismic and Wind Restraints

1705.14.2, 1705A.14.2

ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Two Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016

A17.1—2022/CSA B44—22: Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

11B-407.1, 11B-407.1.1, 11B-407.4.9, 11B-408.1, 11B-409.1, 11B-411.1, 11B-810.9, 1607.12.1, 1612.2, 1613.5

A17.1—CSA B44: the edition as referenced in: California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators 907.3.3, 911.1.6, 1009.4.1, 3001. 3, Table 3001.3, 3001.5, 3002.5, 3002.6.1, 3003.2, 3007.1, 3008.1.4, 3008.7.1

A17.7—2007/CSA B44—07(R2019): Performance-based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators Table 3001.3, 3001.5, 3002.5

A18.1—2023: Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts 1110.11, Table 3001.3

A90.1—2020: Safety Standard for Belt Manlifts

Table 3001.3

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 35-9

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CBC § 12-3 Medium relevance — show source text

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

viii 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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PART 12 CROSS REFERENCE TABLE

(Cross reference table is nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user.)

PART 12 STANDARD	SUBJECT	ADOPTING AGENCY	ASSOCIATED TITLE 24 BUILDING STANDARD
Chapter 12-3	Releasing systems for security bars in dwellings	SFM	Part 2, Sections 1031.2.1, 1031.6, 1032.7 Part 2.5, Sections R319.1.1 and R319.4.4 Part 9, Sections 1031.2.1, 1031.6, 1032.7 Appendix 4 Section 452.1.5 and Title 19 provisions 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 reprinted in Part 9 Part 10, Section 505.4
Chapter 12-4A	Laboratory animal quarters standards	DPH	Part 2, Section 1236
Chapter 12-4-1	Stage and Platforms	SFM	Part 2, Sections 410.2.7, 410.2.7.1, 410.2.7.2 Part 9, Sections 105.6.51, 4809
Chapter 12-7-1	Fire-resistive standards. Fire tests of building construction and materials.	SFM	Part 2, Section 703
Chapter 12-7-2	Reserved
Chapter 12-7-3	Fire-resistive standards. Fire testing furnaces.	SFM	Part 9, Section 3001
Chapter 12-7-4	Fire-resistive standards. Fire door assembly tests.	SFM	Part 2, Section 716
Chapter 12-7-5	Fire-resistive standards. Interior finish of decorative material.	SFM	Part 2, Chapter 8 Part 9, Chapter 8
Chapter 12-7A	Materials and construction methods for exterior wildfire exposure	SFM	Part 7, Chapter 5
Chapter 12-8-1	Fire-resistive standards for fire protection	SFM	Part 2, Sections 408.14 and 435.6.2
Appendix 12-8-1A	Calculation of the total rate of heat and carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide production	SFM
Appendix 12-8-1B	Guide to mounting techniques for wall and ceiling interior finish material	SFM
Chapter 12-10-1	Exits. Power-operated exit doors.	SFM	Part 2, Sections 408.4.2, 1010.1.4.2, 1010.1.9.1
Chapter 12-10-2	Exits. Single-point latching or locking devices.	SFM	Part 2, Section 1010.2.2 Part 9, Section 1010.2.2
Chapter 12-10-3	Exits. Emergency exit and panic hardware.

CBC § 605.1.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text

476 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

APPENDIX E

Col1	TABLE E 605.1.3.1 VENTILATION AIR REQUIREMENTS, (cubic foot per minute) [ASHRAE 62.2: TABLE 4-1a]	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6
FLOOR AREA (ft2)	BEDROOMS	BEDROOMS	BEDROOMS	BEDROOMS	BEDROOMS
FLOOR AREA (ft2)	1	2	3	4	5
<500	30	38	45	53	60
501-1000	45	53	60	68	75
1001-1500	60	68	75	83	90
1501-2000	75	83	90	98	105
2001-2500	90	98	105	113	120
2501-3000	105	113	120	128	135
3001-3500	120	128	135	143	150
3501-4000	135	143	150	158	165
4001-4500	150	158	165	173	180
4501-5000	165	173	180	188	195

For SI units: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m [2], 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.00047 m [3] /s

Exception: Where Qfan, calculated for unbalanced ventilation, is less than or equal to 15 CFM (7 L/s), a dwelling-unit ventilation system is not required.

[ASHRAE 62.2:4.1.2] E 605.1.3.4 Effective Annual Average Infiltra- tion Rate ( Qinf ) Using a Multipoint Envelope Leakage Test. Effective Annual Average Infiltration Rate ( Qinf ) shall be calculated using the normalized leakage calculated from measurements of envelope leakage using a multipoint test from either ASTM E779 in accordance with Section E 605.1.3.4(A) or CGSB 149.10 in accordance with Section E 605.1.3.4(B). E 605.1.3.4(A) ASTM Procedure. To calculate the effective leak area ( ELA ) from ASTM E779, the leakage area for pressurization and depressurization (using a 0.0006 psi [4 Pa] reference pressure) shall be averaged using Equation E 605.1.3.4(A):

[Equation E 605.1.3.4(A)]

ELA = ( Lpress + Ldepress )/ 2

Where:

ELA = effective leakage area, ft [2] (m [2] ) Lpress = leakage area from pressurization, ft [2 ] (m [2] ) Ldepress = leakage area from depressurization, ft [2 ] (m [2] )

For SI units: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m [2]

CBC § 1.10.5.2 Medium relevance — show source text
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.

1.10.6.1 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.

1.10.6.2 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 1.10.6.

OSHPD 6 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.

1.10.6.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.6, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 6].

Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 1275, 127010 and 129850.

References— Health and Safety Code Sections 1250.3, 129680 and 129675 through 130070.

SECTION 1.11—OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL

CBC § 101.2 Medium relevance — show source text

Code change proposals submitted for code sections that have a letter designation in front of them will be heard by the respective committee responsible for such code sections. Because different committees hold Committee Action Hearings in different years, proposals for most codes will be heard by committees in both the 2024 (Group A) and the 2025 (Group B) code development cycles. It is very important that anyone submitting code change proposals understands which code development committee is responsible for the section of the code that is the subject of the code change proposal.

Please visit the ICC website at iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/code-development/current-code-development-cycle for further information on the Code Development Committee responsibilities as it becomes available.

Coordination of the I-Codes

The coordination of technical provisions allows the I-Codes to be used as a complete set of complementary documents. Individual codes can also be used in subsets or as stand-alone documents. Some technical provisions that are relevant to more than one subject area are duplicated in multiple model codes.

INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

The International Building Code establishes minimum requirements for building systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs.

The IBC is a model code that provides minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. It addresses structural strength, means of egress, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, accessibility, energy conservation and life safety in regard to new and existing buildings, facilities and systems.

The IBC applies to all occupancies, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are not within the scope of the IRC . The IRC is referenced for coverage of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses as defined in the exception to Section 101.2 and the definition for “ Townhouse ” in Chapter 2. The IRC can also be used for the construction of live/work units (as

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xi

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defined in Section 508.5) and small bed and breakfast-style hotels where there are five or fewer guestrooms and the hotel is owneroccupied. The IBC applies to all types of buildings and structures unless exempted. Work exempted from permits is listed in Section 105.2.

ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CBC

The format of the CBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CBC is divided. The subsequent tables show CBC requirements that are correlated with other Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CBC.

CHAPTER TOPICS	Col2
CHAPTERS	SUBJECTS
1, 2	Administration and Definitions
3	Use and Occupancy Classifications
4, 31,_ 31A–31F_	Special Requirements for Specific Occupancies or Elements
5–6	Height and Area Limitations Based on Type of Construction
7–9	Fire Resistance and Protection Requirements
10	Requirements for Evacuation
11A, 11B	Specific Requirements to Allow Use and Access to a Building for Persons with Disabilities
12, 27,_28,_30	Building Systems, Such as Lighting, HVAC, Elevators
13	_This chapter is not adopted in California.

CBC § 503.7.1 Medium relevance — show source text
** Heat pumps equipped with internal electric resistance heaters shall have controls that prevent supplemental heater operation where the heating load is capable of being met by the heat pump alone during both steady-state operation and setback recovery. Supplemental heater operation shall be permitted during outdoor coil defrost cycles. Exception: Heat pumps whose minimum efficiency is regulated by U.S. National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) and whose ratings are in accordance with the requirements shown in Table E 503.7.1(2) and includes the use of an internal electric resistance heating. [ASHRAE 90.1:6.4.3.5] E 503.4.6.7 Humidification and Dehumidifica- tion Control. Humidification and dehumidification

control shall be in accordance with Section E 503.4.6.7.1 through Section E 503.4.6.7.3. E 503.4.6.7.1 Dehumidification. Humidistatic controls shall not use mechanical cooling to reduce the humidity below the lower of a dew point of 55°F (12.8°C) or relative humidity of 60 percent in the coldest zone served by the system. Exceptions: (1) Lower humidity shall be permitted when operating mechanical cooling for temperature control.

(2) Systems serving zones where specific humidity levels are required, such as museums and hospitals, and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or required by accreditation standards, and where humidistatic controls are capable of and configured to maintain a dead band of at least 10 percent relative humidity where no active humidification or dehumidification takes place.

(3) Systems serving zones where humidity levels are required to be maintained with precision of not more than ±5 percent relative humidity to comply with applicable codes or accreditation standards or as approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

[ASHRAE 90.1:6.4.3.6.1]

E 503.4.6.7.2 Humidification. Humidistatic controls shall not use fossil fuel or electricity to produce relative humidity above 30 percent in the warmest zone served by the system.

Exceptions:

(1) Systems serving zones where specific humidity levels are required, such as museums and hospitals, and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or required by accreditation standards, and where humidistatic controls are capable of and configured to maintain a dead band of at least 10 percent relative humidity where no active humidification or dehumidification takes place.

TABLE E 503.4.6.4.2 MAXIMUM DAMPER LEAKAGE [1, 2]

(cubic foot per minute per square foot) at 1.0 inch water gauge

[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.4.3.4.3]
CBC § 6-4 High relevance — show source text
6-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

SECTION 604—ELEVATOR OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND FIRE SERVICE KEYS

604.1 General. Where elevators and conveying systems are installed, they shall comply with Chapter 30 of the California Building Code and Sections 604.2 through 604.7 of this code.

604.2 Emergency operation. Existing elevators with a travel distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) or more shall comply with the requirements in Chapter 11. New elevators shall be provided with Phase I emergency recall operation and Phase II emergency in-car operation in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

604.3 Standby power. In buildings and structures where standby power is required or furnished to operate an elevator, standby power shall be provided in accordance with Section 1203 of this code and Chapter 30 of the California Building Code . Operation of the system shall be in accordance with Sections 604.3.1 through 604.3.5.

604.3.1 Manual transfer. Standby power shall be manually transferable to all elevators in each bank.

604.3.2 One elevator. Where only one elevator is installed, the elevator shall automatically transfer to standby power within 60 seconds after failure of normal power.

604.3.3 Two or more elevators. Where two or more elevators are controlled by a common operating system, all elevators shall automatically transfer to standby power within 60 seconds after failure of normal power where the standby power source is of sufficient capacity to operate all elevators at the same time. Where the standby power source is not of sufficient capacity to operate all elevators at the same time, all elevators shall transfer to standby power in sequence, return to the designated landing and disconnect from the standby power source. After all elevators have been returned to the designated level, not less than one elevator shall remain operable from the standby power source.

604.3.4 Temperature and humidity control. Where standby power is connected to elevators, the machine room , machine space, control room and control space ventilation or air conditioning shall be connected to the standby power source.

604.3.5 Emergency hoistway venting. Where standby power is connected to elevators, the emergency hoistway ventilation system, if required, shall be connected to the standby power source.

[BE] 604.4 Emergency signs. An approved pictorial sign of a standardized design shall be posted adjacent to each elevator call station on all floors instructing occupants to use the exit stairways and not to use the elevators in case of fire. Where elevators are not a component of the accessible means of egress, the sign shall read: “IN CASE OF FIRE, ELEVATORS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. USE EXIT.”

Exception: The emergency sign shall not be required for elevators that are used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code .

604.5 Maintenance of elevators. Elevator features and lobbies required by Section 3006 of the California Building Code shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with Sections 604.5.1 through 604.5.4.

CBC § 3001.2 Medium relevance — show source text

3001.2 Elevator emergency communication systems. An elevator emergency two-way communication system that includes both visual and audible communication modes complying with the requirements in California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chap- ter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders, shall be provided in each elevator car. The system shall provide a means to enable authorized personnel to verify:

The presence of someone in the car.
That the person(s) is trapped.

Once an entrapment is verified, the system shall enable authorized personnel to:

Determine if assistance is needed.
Communicate when help is on the way.
Communicate when help arrives on site.

3001.3 Referenced standards. The design, construction, installation, alteration, repair and maintenance of elevators and conveying systems and their components shall conform to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders, and the applicable standard specified in Table 3001.3 and Section 3001.6.

TABLE 3001.3—ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS	Col2
TYPE	STANDARD
Automotive lifts	ALI ALCTV
Belt manlifts	ASME A90.1
Conveyors and related equipment	ASME B20.1
Elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, material lifts	ASME A17.1/CSA B44, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7
Industrial scissor lifts	ANSI MH29.1
Platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, wheelchair lifts	ASME A18.1

[BE] 3001.4 Accessibility. Passenger elevators and platform (wheelchair) lifts required to be accessible or to serve as part of an accessible means of egress shall comply with Sections 1009 and either Chapter 11A for applications listed in Section 1.8.2.1.2 regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development or Chapter 11B for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Divi- sion of the State Architect—Access Compliance.

3001.5 Change in use. A change in use of an elevator from freight to passenger, passenger to freight, or from one freight class to another freight class shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

3001.6 Structural design. All interior and exterior elevators, escalators and other conveying systems and their components shall comply with all applicable design loading criteria in Chapter 16, including wind, flood and seismic loads established in Sections 1609, 1612 and 1613.

3001.7 Elevators utilized to transport hazardous materials. Elevators utilized to transport hazardous materials shall also comply with the California Fire Code Sections 5003.10.2.2, 5003.10.4 through 5003.10.7.

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ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

SECTION 3002—HOISTWAY ENCLOSURES

CBC § 6-2021 Medium relevance — show source text
ANSI/NEMA WD 6-2021 Wiring Devices—Dimensional Specifications

ANSI Z21.40.4a-1998 (R2022)/CGA 2.94a-M98 (R2022) Performance Testing and Rating of Gas-Fired, Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Appliances

ANSI Z21.47-2021/CSA 2.3:21 Gas-Fired Central Furnaces

288 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

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STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE

ANSI Z83.8-2016/CSA 2.6-2016 (R2021)

Gas Unit Heaters, Gas Packaged Heaters, Gas Utility Heaters and Gas-Fired Duct Furnaces (2016)

Available from:

American National Standards Institute 25 West 43rd Street, 4th floor New York, NY 10036 (212) 642-4900

ANSI/APSP/ICC-5-2011 American National Standard For Residential Inground Swimming Pools (2011 w/Addendum A)

Available from: Association of Pool & Spa Professionals 2111 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 838-0083

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, REFRIGERATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING ENGINEERS (NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS)

ASHRAE GUIDELINE 36-2021 High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2017

Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2023

Thermal Environment Conditions for Human Occupancy

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2022

Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 84-2020 Method of Testing Air-to-Air Heat/Energy Exchangers

ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standards 90.1-2022 Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 154-2022 Ventilation for Commercial Cooking Operations

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 193-2010 (RA2014) Method of Test for Determining the Airtightness of HVAC Equipment

ASHRAE Handbooks

2023 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Applications Inch-Pound Edition

2020 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment I-P Edition

2021 ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals I-P Edition

Available from: American Society of Heating,
```
                         Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers
```
(ASHRAE) 1791 Tullie Circle N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.ashrae.org

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, REFRIGERATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING ENGINEERS (REGIONAL PUBLICATION)

ASHRAE Climatic Data for Region X Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Publication SPCDX, 1982, ISBN #20002196 and Supplement, 1994, ISBN #20002596

Available from: Order Desk Building News 10801 National Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90064 (800) 873-6397 or (310) 474-7771 www.bnibooks.com/

Frequently asked questions

Who enforces the safety and operational rules that Chapter 30 references?

Chapter 30 requires conformance with the California Elevator Safety Orders (California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6) for operation and emergency communications; enforcement and inspection details in many cases are handled under those Elevator Safety Orders in addition to the local building department (see § 3001.3).

Do I design elevator structural elements using Chapter 30 or Chapter 16?

You design structural elements using the load and design procedures in Chapter 16 (Sections 1609, 1612, 1613). Chapter 30 requires that elevator and conveying systems comply with those Chapter 16 loading criteria (see § 3001.6).

Which standard applies to a wheelchair platform (vertical platform lift)?

Platform lifts and stairway chairlifts are covered by ASME A18.1 per Table 3001.3; Chapter 30 requires use of the applicable listed standard (see § 3001.3 and Table 3001.3).

If I change an elevator from freight to passenger, what must I do?

A change in use (freight ↔ passenger or freight class change) must comply with the California Elevator Safety Orders as required by § 3001.5.

Do exterior escalators need wind load checks?

Yes — § 3001.6 requires interior and exterior conveying systems to comply with the applicable Chapter 16 loading criteria (wind in § 1609), so exterior escalators must be designed for wind loads per Chapter 16.

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Related in the CBC

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General & Referenced Standards

California Building Code