CBC · California Building Code

How is work classified (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3)?

For homeowners: the CEBC divides alteration work into three levels. Level 1 is simple replacement/covering of materials; Level 2 is reconfiguration or system additions up to 50% of the building; Level 3 is when the work area exceeds 50%. Which level you fall into determines which CEBC chapters and upgrades apply; measure your “work area” carefully and check the § definitions and exceptions before planning.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

The California Existing Building Code requires that any work on an existing building be classified as an alteration Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 (or as an addition/change of occupancy) using the Work Area Method; the basic scope and where each level applies are set out in § 601.1, § 602.1, § 603.1 and § 604.1. The classification determines which chapter(s) of the CEBC apply (Level 1 → Chapter 7; Level 2 → Chapters 7 & 8; Level 3 → Chapters 7, 8 & 9) and therefore what upgrades or compliance measures are required. § 601.2 requires the work area be identified on the construction documents before classification.

Requirements in detail

Core definitions (plain language)

  • Level 1 — work that is essentially removal-and-replace or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose (no space reconfiguration). See § 602.1.
  • Level 2 — work that adds or removes doors/windows, reconfigures or extends building systems, or installs additional equipment, where the work area is equal to or less than 50% of the building area. See § 603.1.
  • Level 3 — applies when the work area exceeds 50% of the building area; Level 3 carries the most extensive upgrade obligations. See § 604.1.

Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference)

Classification Key triggers (what the work includes) Work-area threshold / test Chapters to follow Code Reference
Level 1 Remove & replace; or cover existing materials/elements/equipment/fixtures serving same purpose (no space reconfiguration) Any size — but scope limited to component replacement/covering Chapter 7 § 602.1; § 602.2
Level 2 Addition or elimination of any door or window; reconfiguration/extension of any system; installation of additional equipment Work area ≤ 50% of building area Chapters 7 and 8 § 603.1; § 603.2
Level 3 Any work area that exceeds 50% of the building area (more extensive reconfiguration/upgrades) Work area > 50% of building area Chapters 7, 8 and 9 § 604.1; § 604.2; see also Chapter 9 scope § 901.1–901.2

Notes on the "work area" metric: the work area is defined in Chapter 2 and must be identified on construction documents per § 601.2; correctly sizing the work area is the primary factual step for applying the thresholds in § 603.1 and § 604.1.

How the application rules are layered

  • Level 1 work follows Chapter 7 requirements (see § 602.2).
  • Level 2 work must comply with Chapter 7 requirements for Level 1 items plus Chapter 8 provisions addressing reconfiguration and system extensions (see § 603.2).
  • Level 3 work must comply with Chapters 7 and 8 as applicable and also the additional measures of Chapter 9 (see § 604.2 and § 901.1–901.2).

Exceptions & special cases

  • Movable/nonfixed items exception: the movement or addition of nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 ft 9 in (1,753 mm) in height are explicitly not considered Level 2 alterations (so they do not by themselves trigger Level 2). See the Exception to § 603.1.
  • Use-limitation exception: Chapters 6–11 (the Work Area Method) are not permitted for certain occupancies and buildings (for example some Hazardous, Institutional groups, R-2.1/R-3.1 and high-rise buildings) — verify applicability under § 601.1.
  • Accessibility-only reconfiguration: Chapter 9 includes an exception where reconfiguration that affects exits/shared egress exclusively to comply with accessibility (Section 306.7.1) need not trigger Level 3 Chapter 9 compliance — see § 901.2.

If a project may fall into one of these special cases, the code language above must be reviewed and the building official consulted; the CEBC text above is the authority.

Common mistakes

  • Measuring the wrong numerator/denominator for "work area": the code uses the Chapter 2 definition of work area and compares it to the building area — miscounting either will misclassify the level. See § 601.2 and § 603.1/§ 604.1.
  • Treating small movable partitions as Level 2 triggers — the § 603.1 exception excludes movable/nonfixed partitions under 5 ft 9 in.
  • Assuming Level 1 permits space reconfiguration or system extension — Level 1 is limited to replacement/covering of existing components; reconfiguration or added systems push the work toward Level 2 or 3. See § 602.1 and § 603.1.
  • Not following the layering rule: Level 2 work must still comply with Level 1 provisions (Chapter 7) in addition to Chapter 8; Level 3 carries Chapters 7–9 obligations. See §§ 602.2, 603.2, 604.2.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: Existing office building total area = 20,000 sq ft. The proposed work area (all spaces where construction occurs) totals 10,500 sq ft. The work includes adding a new interior stair and replacing several windows.

Step 1 — compute percentage: 10,500 ÷ 20,000 = 0.525 → 52.5%. Because the work area exceeds 50%, the project meets the threshold for a Level 3 alteration per § 604.1.

Step 2 — classify by scope: the work includes adding an interior stair (means-of-egress change) and replacing windows (replacement + reconfiguration). Even if it had been ≤ 50% it might have been Level 2 because of reconfiguration and new means (see § 603.1), but the >50% result makes it Level 3.

Step 3 — apply chapters: As a Level 3 alteration the work must comply with Chapters 7 and 8 for Level 1/2 items and the additional Chapter 9 requirements (see § 604.2 and Chapter 9 § 901.1–901.2). Expect upgrades required by Chapter 9 (fire protection, egress, structural/other systems) in addition to Chapters 7 & 8 items.

Worked alternative (movable partitions): if the only change had been moving freestanding display racks 4 ft high across a single tenant space that covered 30% of the building, those changes are excluded from Level 2 by the § 603.1 exception and could remain Level 1 in scope (component replacement/covering), provided no doors/windows/systems are added.

Related provisions (quick list)

  • § 601.1 — General scope; applicability of Chapters 6–11 and limits on their use for certain occupancies/buildings.
  • § 601.2 — Work area must be identified on construction documents (Chapter 2 definition controls).
  • § 602.1 — Scope of Alteration — Level 1.
  • § 602.2 — Application: Level 1 work shall comply with Chapter 7.
  • § 603.1 — Scope of Alteration — Level 2 (includes exception for movable fixtures).
  • § 603.2 — Application: Level 2 must comply with Chapters 7 and 8.
  • § 604.1 — Scope of Alteration — Level 3 (work area exceeds 50%).
  • § 604.2 — Application: Level 3 must comply with Chapters 7, 8 and 9.
  • § 901.1–901.2 (Chapter 9) — Level 3 chapter scope and an exception for accessibility-only reconfiguration affecting exits/shared egress.

Code references

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

  • CBC § 601.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    601.1.1 Compliance with other alternatives. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 through 11 or with one of the alternatives provided in Section 301.3.

    601.2 Work area. The work area, as defined in Chapter 2, shall be identified on the construction documents.

    SECTION 602—ALTERATION—LEVEL 1

    602.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.

    602.2 Application. Level 1 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7.

    SECTION 603—ALTERATION—LEVEL 2

    603.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations include the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment, and shall apply where the work area is equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area.

    Exception: The movement or addition of nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height shall not be considered a Level 2 alteration.

    603.2 Application. Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 8.

    SECTION 604—ALTERATION—LEVEL 3

    604.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations apply where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area.

    604.2 Application. Level 3 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 and 8 for Level 1 and 2 alterations, respectively, as well as the provisions of Chapter 9.

    SECTION 605—CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

    605.1 Scope. Change of occupancy provisions apply where the activity is classified as a change of occupancy as defined in Chapter 2.

    605.2 Application. Changes of occupancy shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10.

    SECTION 606—ADDITIONS

    606.1 Scope. Provisions for additions shall apply where work is classified as an addition as defined in Chapter 2.

    606.2 Application. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 11.

    SECTION 607—HISTORIC BUILDINGS

    607.1 Scope. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code (Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R) shall apply to qualified historical buildings or properties.

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    CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 7 – ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

  • CBC § 902.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 902—SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY

    902.1 Reserved.

    902.2 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall be classified in accordance with Section 308.2 of the California Build- ing Code .

    902.2.1 Smoke barriers in Group R-2.1 . In Group R-2.1 occupancies where the work area is on a story used for sleeping rooms for more than 30 care recipients, the story shall be divided into not fewer than two compartments by smoke barrier walls in accordance with Section 420.6 of the California Building Code .

    902.3 Ambulatory care facilities. Where a Level 3 work area includes an existing ambulatory care facility, the following shall be provided:

    1. A smoke compartment in accordance with Section 422.3 of the California Building Code, where the alteration results in an ambulatory care facility greater than 10,000 square feet on one story.
    2. Separation from adjacent spaces in accordance with Section 422.2 of the California Building Code, where any such facility has the potential for four or more care recipients incapable of self-preservation at any time.

    SECTION 903—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS

    903.1 Existing shafts and vertical openings. Existing stairways that are part of the means of egress shall be enclosed in accordance with Section 802.2.1 from the highest work area floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge and all floors below.

    903.2 Fire partitions in Group R-3. Fire separation in Group R-3 occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 903.2.1.

    903.2.1 Separation required. Where the work area is in any attached dwelling unit in Group R-3 or any multiple single-family dwelling (townhouse), walls separating the dwelling units that are not continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing shall be constructed to provide a continuous fire separation using construction materials consistent with the existing wall or complying with the requirements for new structures. Work shall be performed on the side of the dwelling unit wall that is part of the work area.

    Exception: Where alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, walls are not required to be continuous through concealed floor spaces.

    903.3 Interior finish. Interior finish in exits serving the work area shall comply with Section 802.4 between the highest floor on which there is a work area to the floor of exit discharge.

    903.4 Enhanced classroom acoustics. In Group E occupancies, where the work area is a Level 3 alteration, enhanced classroom acoustics shall be provided in all classrooms with a volume of 20,000 cubic feet (565 m [3] ) or less. Enhanced classroom acoustics shall comply with the reverberation time in Section 808 of ICC A117.1.

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    ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3

    SECTION 904—FIRE PROTECTION

    904.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with Section 903 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.

  • CBC § 901.1 High relevance — show source text

    In contrast, Level 1 alterations do not involve space reconfiguration, and Level 2 alterations involve extensive space reconfiguration that does not exceed 50 percent of the building area. Depending on the nature of alteration work, its location within the building, and whether it encompasses one or more tenants, improvements and upgrades could be required for the open floor penetrations, sprinkler system or the installation of additional means of egress such as stairs or fire escapes. At times and under certain situations, this chapter also is intended to improve the safety of certain building features beyond the work area and in other parts of the building where no alteration work might be taking place.

    SECTION 901—GENERAL

    901.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations as described in Section 604 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

    901.2 Compliance. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, work shall comply with all of the requirements of Chapters 7 and 8. The requirements of Sections 802, 803, 804 and 805 shall apply within all work areas whether or not they include exits and corridors shared by more than one tenant and regardless of the occupant load.

    Exception: Buildings in which the reconfiguration of space affecting exits or shared egress access is exclusively the result of compliance with the accessibility requirements of Section 306.7.1 shall not be required to comply with this chapter.

    SECTION 902—SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY

    902.1 Reserved.

    902.2 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall be classified in accordance with Section 308.2 of the California Build- ing Code .

    902.2.1 Smoke barriers in Group R-2.1 . In Group R-2.1 occupancies where the work area is on a story used for sleeping rooms for more than 30 care recipients, the story shall be divided into not fewer than two compartments by smoke barrier walls in accordance with Section 420.6 of the California Building Code .

    902.3 Ambulatory care facilities. Where a Level 3 work area includes an existing ambulatory care facility, the following shall be provided:

    1. A smoke compartment in accordance with Section 422.3 of the California Building Code, where the alteration results in an ambulatory care facility greater than 10,000 square feet on one story.
    2. Separation from adjacent spaces in accordance with Section 422.2 of the California Building Code, where any such facility has the potential for four or more care recipients incapable of self-preservation at any time.

    SECTION 903—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS

    903.1 Existing shafts and vertical openings. Existing stairways that are part of the means of egress shall be enclosed in accordance with Section 802.2.1 from the highest work area floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge and all floors below.

    903.2 Fire partitions in Group R-3. Fire separation in Group R-3 occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 903.2.1.

  • CBC § 5A-3 High relevance — show source text

    METHOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-3

    501A General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-3

    502A Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-4

    503A Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-5

    504A Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7

    505A Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7

    506A Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7

    CHAPTER 6 CLASSIFICATION OF WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    602 Alteration—Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    603 Alteration—Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    604 Alteration—Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    605 Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    606 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    607 Historic Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    CHAPTER 7 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

    701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

    702 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

  • CBC § 604.1 High relevance — show source text

    604.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations apply where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area.

    604.2 Application. Level 3 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 and 8 for Level 1 and 2 alterations, respectively, as well as the provisions of Chapter 9.

    SECTION 605—CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

    605.1 Scope. Change of occupancy provisions apply where the activity is classified as a change of occupancy as defined in Chapter 2.

    605.2 Application. Changes of occupancy shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10.

    SECTION 606—ADDITIONS

    606.1 Scope. Provisions for additions shall apply where work is classified as an addition as defined in Chapter 2.

    606.2 Application. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 11.

    SECTION 607—HISTORIC BUILDINGS

    607.1 Scope. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code (Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R) shall apply to qualified historical buildings or properties.

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    CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 7 – ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 Col17 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
    Adopt Entire Chapter X X
    Adopt Entire Chapter as
    amended (amended
    sections listed below)    		 X
    Adopt only those sections
    that are listed below
    Chapter / Section
    701.1 X
    702.7 X
    703.2 X
    703.2.1 X
    _703.2.
  • CBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text

    Chapter 5A Prescriptive Compliance Method.

    Chapter 5A provides details for the prescriptive compliance method for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing build- ings 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 Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).

    Chapter 6 Classification of Work.

    Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method and defines the different classifications of work including alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in subsequent Chapters 7 through 11.

    Chapter 7 Alterations—Level 1.

    Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by only involving replacement of building components with new components with no reconfiguration of space.

    Chapter 8 Alterations—Level 2.

    A Level 2 alteration is an alteration involving space reconfiguration that could be up to and including 50 percent of the area of the building or addition of a new building system. Level 2 alterations also include the extension or addition of any system or equipment. The purpose of Chapter 8 is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, means of egress, fire protection, structural systems, energy efficiency, and other building systems include electrical, mechanical and plumbing when a building is being altered.

    Chapter 9 Alterations—Level 3.

    Chapter 9 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 3 alterations. Level 3 alterations are those involving alterations that cover 50 percent of the aggregate area of the building. Under certain situations, this chapter also intends to improve the safety of certain building features beyond the work area and in other parts of the building where no alteration work might be taking place.

    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.

  • CBC § 902.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    2 Exception||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |902.1_Reserved_|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |902.2 – 902.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |902.2 – 902.3||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |903.4||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |904.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |904.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |904.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |908||||†|†||||||||||||||||||||

    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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    9 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3

    User notes:

    About this chapter : Chapter 9 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 3 alterations. The purpose of this chapter is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, building spaces and building structural system. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 7 and 8 by involving alterations that cover 50 percent or more of the aggregate area of the building. In contrast, Level 1 alterations do not involve space reconfiguration, and Level 2 alterations involve extensive space reconfiguration that does not exceed 50 percent of the building area. Depending on the nature of alteration work, its location within the building, and whether it encompasses one or more tenants, improvements and upgrades could be required for the open floor penetrations, sprinkler system or the installation of additional means of egress such as stairs or fire escapes. At times and under certain situations, this chapter also is intended to improve the safety of certain building features beyond the work area and in other parts of the building where no alteration work might be taking place.

    SECTION 901—GENERAL

    901.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations as described in Section 604 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

    901.2 Compliance. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, work shall comply with all of the requirements of Chapters 7 and 8. The requirements of Sections 802, 803, 804 and 805 shall apply within all work areas whether or not they include exits and corridors shared by more than one tenant and regardless of the occupant load.

    Exception: Buildings in which the reconfiguration of space affecting exits or shared egress access is exclusively the result of compliance with the accessibility requirements of Section 306.7.1 shall not be required to comply with this chapter.

    SECTION 902—SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY

    902.1 Reserved.

    902.2 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall be classified in accordance with Section 308.2 of the California Build- ing Code .

  • CBC § 31F-7 Medium relevance — show source text

    s

    where:

    A h = total area of transverse reinforcement, parallel to direction of applied shear cut by an inclined shear crack Shear strength from axial mechanism, V p (see Figure 31F-7-8): Equation 7-20 V p = Φ (N u + F p ) tan α

    where:

    N u = external axial compression on pile including seismic load. Compression is taken as positive; tension as negative F p = prestress compressive force in pile α = angle between line joining centers of flexural compression in the deck/pile and in-ground hinges, and the pile axis

    Φ = 1.0 for existing structures, and 0.85 for new design

    FIGURE 31F-7-8 — AXIAL FORCE SHEAR MECHANISM

    3107F.2.6 Steel piles.

    3107F.2.6.1 General. The capacity of steel piles is based on allowable strains corresponding to the desired performance criteria and design earthquake.

    3107F.2.6.2 Stability. Section 3107F.2.5.2 applies to steel piles.

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    MARINE OIL TERMINALS

    3107F.2.6.3 Plastic hinge length. The plastic hinge length, L p (above ground), for steel piles may be computed from Table 31F-7-6 for pile-to-deck connections.

    When the plastic hinge forms in-ground, the plastic hinge length may be determined using Equation (7-21) [7.5]: Equation 7-21 L p = 2D where:

    D = pile diameter

    TABLE 31F-7-6—PLASTIC HINGE LENGTH FOR STEEL PILES [7.5] Col2
    CONNECTION TYPE Lp AT DECK (in.)
    Embedded Pile 0.5D
    Concrete Plug 0.30fyedb
    Isolated Shell 0.30fyedb+g
    Welded Embed 0.5D
    db = diameter of the dowel (in.)
    fye = design yield strength of dowel (ksi)
    D = pile diameter (in.)
    g = gap distance from bottom of the deck to edge of pipe pile or external confinement (in.)    		 db = diameter of the dowel (in.)
    fye = design yield strength of dowel (ksi)
    D = pile diameter (in.)
    g = gap distance from bottom of the deck to edge of pipe pile or external confinement (in.)

    3107F.2.6.4 Ultimate flexural strain capacity. The following limiting value applies:

    Strain at extreme-fiber, ε u ≤ 0.035

  • CBC § 508.5.8 Medium relevance — show source text

    508.5.8 Structural. Floors within a live/work unit shall be designed for the live loads in Table 1607.1, based on the function within the space.

    Exception: Residential areas of live/work units constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code shall not be required to comply with Table 1607.1.

    [BE] 508.5.9 Accessibility. Accessibility shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 11A and/or 11B, when applicable, for the function served.

    508.5.10 Ventilation. The applicable ventilation requirements of the California Mechanical Code shall apply to each area within the live/work unit for the function within that space.

    508.5.11 Plumbing facilities. The nonresidential area of the live/work unit shall be provided with minimum plumbing facilities as specified by the California Plumbing Code, based on the function of the nonresidential area. Where the nonresidential area of the live/work unit is required to be accessible, the plumbing fixtures specified by the California Plumbing Code shall be accessible.

    SECTION 509—INCIDENTAL USES

    509.1 General Incidental uses located within single occupancy or mixed occupancy buildings shall comply with the provisions of this section. Incidental uses are ancillary functions associated with a given occupancy that generally pose a greater level of risk to that occupancy and are limited to those uses specified in Table 509.1.

    Exception: Incidental uses within and serving a dwelling unit are not required to comply with this section.

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    [F] TABLE 509.1—INCIDENTAL USES Col2
    ROOM OR AREA SEPARATION AND/OR PROTECTION
    Furnace room where any piece of equipment is over 400,000 Btu per
    hour input    		 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
    Rooms with boilers where the largest piece of equipment is over 15 psi
    and 10 horsepower    		 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
    Refrigerant machinery room 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
    Hydrogen fuel gas rooms, not classified as Group H 1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies; 2 hours in Group A, E, I
    and R occupancies.
    Incinerator rooms 2 hours and provide automatic sprinkler system
    Paint shops, not classified as Group H, located in occupancies other
    than Group F    		 2 hours; or 1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system
    In Group E occupancies, laboratories and vocational shops not classi-
    fied as Group H    		 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
    [SFM]Rooms or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, voca-
    tional shops and other such areas not classified as Group H, located in
    Group E occupancies where hazardous materials in quantities not
    exceeding the maximum allowable quantity are used or stored.    		 1 hour
    In Group I-2 occupancies, laboratories not classified as Group H 1 hour_a_
    In ambulatory care facilities, laboratories not classified as Group H 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
    Laundry rooms over 100 square feet 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
    In Group I-2, laundry rooms over 100 square feet 1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system_a_
    Group I-3 cells and Group I-2 patient rooms equipped with padded
    surfaces    		 1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system_a_
    In Group I-2,
  • CBC § 1006.2.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    Exits 1006.2.2.1

    Bolts

    Anchor rods 1901.3 Bonding, Masonry 1805.2.2, 2103.2.2, 2113.3.1, 2510.7 Bottle-Filling Stations 202 Braced Wall Line 202

    Bracing 2308.10 Seismic requirements 2308.10.10.2, 2308.10.6.2, 2308.10.8 Sill anchorage 2308.10.7.3 Spacing 2308.10.1 Support 2308.10.8 Temporary 3103.5 Braced Wall Panel 202 Alternative bracing 2308.10.5.1, 2308.10.5.2

    Connections 2308.10.7 Length 2308.10.4 Location 2308.10.2

    Method 2308.10.3 Brick (see Masonry) Building Area (see Area, Building) 502.1, 503, 505, 506, 507, 508, 510 Demolition 3303

    Existing 101.4.7 Fire walls 706.1 Height (see Height, Building) 502.1, 503, 504, 505, 508, 510 Occupancy classification Chapter 3 Party walls 706.1.1 Relocatable 3113

    Replicable Appendix N Building, Existing 202 Building Department 103 Building Official Duties and powers 103, 104 Qualifications Appendix A Records 104.7

    Termination A101.4 Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) (see Photovoltaic) Built-Up Roof 1507.10 Business Occupancy (Group B) 303.1.1, 303.1.2, 304 Alarms and detection 907.2.2 Ambulatory care facilities 304, 422 Area 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Height 503, 504, 505, 508, 510 Higher education laboratories 428, 2702.2

    Incidental uses 509 Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1 Means of egress Aisles 1018.3

    Stairway, exit access 1019 Travel distance 1006.3, 1017.2,

    1006.2.1

    Mixed occupancies 508.2, 508.3, 508.4 Accessory 303.1.2, 508.2 Ambulatory care facilities 422 Assembly 303.1.2

    Assembly spaces 1030 Exit signs 1013.1 Guards 1015.2, 1030.17 Main exit 1030.3

  • CBC § 5703.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    5703.1.1 Classified locations for flammable liquids. Areas where flammable liquids are stored, handled, dispensed or mixed shall be in accordance with Table 5703.1.1. A classified area shall not extend beyond an unpierced floor, roof or other solid partition.

    The extent of the classified area is allowed to be reduced, or eliminated, where sufficient technical justification is provided to the fire code official that a concentration in the area in excess of 25 percent of the lower flammable limit (LFL) cannot be generated.

    TABLE 5703.1.1—CLASS I ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT LOCATIONSa Col2 Col3
    LOCATION GROUP D
    DIVISION    		 EXTENT OF CLASSIFIED AREA
    Underground tank fill opening 1 Pits, boxes or spaces below grade level, any part of which is within the
    Division 1 or 2 classified area.
    Underground tank fill opening 2 Up to 18 inches above grade level within a horizontal radius of 10 feet
    from a loose-fill connection and within a horizontal radius of 5 feet from
    a tight-fill connection.
    Vent—Discharging upward 1 Within 3 feet of open end of vent, extending in all directions.
    Vent—Discharging upward 2 Area between 3 feet and 5 feet of open end of vent, extending in all
    directions.
    Drum and container filling Drum and container filling Drum and container filling
    Outdoor or indoor with adequate ventilation 1 Within 3 feet of vent and fill opening, extending in all directions.
    Outdoor or indoor with adequate ventilation 2 Area between 3 feet and 5 feet from vent of fill opening, extending in all
    directions. Also up to 18 inches above floor or grade level within a hori-
    zontal radius of 10 feet from vent or fill opening.

    57-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

    TABLE 5703.1.1—CLASS I ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT LOCATIONSa—continued Col2 Col3
    LOCATION GROUP D
    DIVISION    		 EXTENT OF CLASSIFIED AREA
    Pumps, bleeders, withdrawal fittings, meters and similar devices Pumps, bleeders, withdrawal fittings, meters and similar devices Pumps, bleeders, withdrawal fittings, meters and similar devices
    Indoor 2 Within 5 feet of any edge of such devices, extending in all directions, and
    up to 3 feet above floor or grade level within 25 feet horizontally from
    any edge of such devices.
    Outdoor 2 Within 3 feet of any edge of such devices, extending in all directions, and
    up to 18 inches above floor or grade level within 10 feet horizontally from
    an edge of such devices.
    Pits Pits Pits
    Without mechanical ventilation 1 Entire area within pit if any part is within a Division 1 or 2 classified area.
    With mechanical ventilation 2 Entire area within pit if any part is within a Division 1 or 2 classified area.
    Containing valves, fittings or piping,
  • CBC § 601.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |601.1.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |607.1|||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 EXISTING BUILDING CODE 6-1

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

    6-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

    6 CLASSIFICATION OF WORK

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method available as an option for rehabilitation of a building. The chapter defines the different classifications of alterations and provides general requirements for alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in Chapters 7 through 11.

    SECTION 601—GENERAL

    601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall be used in conjunction with Chapters 7 through 11 and shall apply to the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing structures, as referenced in Section 301.3.2. The work performed on an existing building shall be classified in accordance with this chapter. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.

    Exceptions: 1. [SFM] Use of Chapters 6-11 is not permitted in H, I and L, R-2.1, R-3.1 occupancies and high-rise buildings. 2. [BSC] Use of Chapters 6-11 is not permitted in occupancies, buildings and applications regulated by Building Standards Commission and listed in Section 1.2.

    601.1.1 Compliance with other alternatives. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 through 11 or with one of the alternatives provided in Section 301.3.

    601.2 Work area. The work area, as defined in Chapter 2, shall be identified on the construction documents.

    SECTION 602—ALTERATION—LEVEL 1

    602.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.

    602.2 Application. Level 1 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7.

    SECTION 603—ALTERATION—LEVEL 2

    603.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations include the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment, and shall apply where the work area is equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area.

    Exception: The movement or addition of nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height shall not be considered a Level 2 alteration.

    603.2 Application. Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 8.

    SECTION 604—ALTERATION—LEVEL 3

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure "work area" for the 50% test?

Work area is the term defined in Chapter 2 and must be shown on the construction documents (see § 601.2). Measure the aggregate area where work is performed and compare it to the building area to determine ≤50% or >50% per §§ 603.1 and 604.1.

If I add a new mechanical system but only in 20% of the building, what level is it?

Adding or extending a system is a trigger for Level 2 if the work area is ≤50% — so that example would normally be Level 2 and must meet Chapters 7 and 8 requirements (see § 603.1–603.2).

Are movable retail fixtures ever treated as Level 2 work?

No — nonfixed/movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 ft 9 in (1,753 mm) high are not considered Level 2 alterations per the exception in § 603.1.

Do Level 2 and Level 3 work still have to meet Level 1 rules?

Yes — the code layers requirements. Level 2 must comply with Chapter 7 (Level 1) and Chapter 8; Level 3 must comply with Chapters 7 and 8 as applicable and the additional Chapter 9 requirements. See §§ 602.2, 603.2 and 604.2.

Can I use Chapters 6–11 for any building?

No — § 601.1 lists occupancies and building types where the Work Area Method (Chapters 6–11) is not permitted (for example certain Hazardous/Institutional occupancies and high-rise buildings); confirm applicability before using these chapters.

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