CBC · California Building Code

What does the prescriptive compliance method require?

If you pick the CEBC prescriptive method (Chapter 5) for an alteration, addition or change of occupancy, you must follow the Chapter 5 prescriptive rules (while still meeting cross‑cutting requirements like accessibility and fire resistance). The code official can require reports or tests, some buildings are excluded from certain prescriptive upgrades (tall/irregular or OSHPD matters), and structural upgrades triggered by the prescriptive path must meet new‑construction detailing or demonstrate equivalent performance.

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The prescriptive compliance method is one of three ways to put an existing building alteration, addition or change of occupancy into compliance: if you choose it you must meet the prescriptive rules in Chapter 5 of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC). Section § 301.3.1 makes clear that alterations, additions and changes of occupancy that comply with Chapter 5 will be considered compliant with the code. Chapter 5 itself sets the scope (what work it covers), basic fire‑resistance and construction requirements, and prescriptive seismic/structural triggers (including special provisions for certain seismic performance categories). § 301.3.1 § 501.1 § 501.2

Requirements in detail

1) When you may use the prescriptive method

  • The owner/applicant may select the prescriptive compliance method for an alteration, addition or change of occupancy; when selected, the work must follow the Chapter 5 prescriptive rules rather than the Work‑Area or Performance methods. The choice cannot be combined with the other methods except as explicitly permitted by the enforcement agency. § 301.3.1 § 301.3 (general)

2) Base administrative and cross‑cutting requirements

  • Chapter 3 (Provisions for all compliance methods) still applies where indicated (accessibility, means of egress, additional code coordination, dangerous conditions, etc.). The code official retains authority to require technical reports or testing. § 302, § 104.2

3) Fire‑resistance and other code coordination

  • Fire‑resistance ratings and related requirements are governed by the California Building Standards Code and remain applicable to prescriptive work. § 501.2

4) Structural triggers and seismic rules (critical to prescriptive use)

  • Chapter 5 includes prescriptive structural upgrade provisions for certain Seismic Performance Categories (SPC) and Nonstructural Performance Categories (NPC). When those provisions apply, existing Seismic Force‑Resisting System (SFRS) elements must meet detailing and load‑path expectations or demonstrate equivalent seismic performance; a continuous load path and certain site data requirements are part of the prescriptive checks. Where strengthening or new elements are required, capacities and detailing are to follow the California Building Code for new construction. See § 501A.3 and its subparts for the different SPC/NPC rules, including the requirement that seismically induced differential settlement does not exceed 1" in 40' for certain nonconforming provisions. § 501A.3, § 501A.3.1‑.3, § 501A.3.1.4

5) Special categories and limitations

  • The prescriptive chapter contains special rules (for example, SPC‑4D and hospital / OSHPD matters are handled in Chapter 5A). Some buildings (tall buildings, buildings with prohibited irregularities, unusual configurations) are excluded from certain prescriptive upgrades and must follow alternate approaches or new‑construction rules. § 501A.3.1, § 501A.3.2, exclusions (height/irregularity)

Decision‑relevant dimensions and values

Decision dimension What you must check / value Code reference
Method selection Applicant elects prescriptive method and follows Chapter 5; methods cannot be combined (unless enforcement agency permits) § 301.3.1, § 301.3
Scope of application Alterations, additions, changes of occupancy to existing buildings (see Chapter 5 scope) § 501.1
Fire‑resistance Must comply with California Building Standards Code (CBC) § 501.2
Structural upgrade triggers Prescriptive seismic provisions apply per SPC/NPC categories; existing SFRS must meet detailing or demonstrate equivalence § 501A.3, § 501A.3.1‑.3
Continuous load path / settlement Continuous load path justification required; site report for differential settlement limit of 1" in 40' where cited § 501A.3.1.3‑.4
Ineligible conditions Buildings with prohibited irregularities, taller than limits (e.g., >5 stories or >65') or unusual systems may be excluded from some prescriptive upgrades § 501A.3.1 exceptions

Exceptions & special cases

  • Hospital and other OSHPD‑regulated buildings: Chapter 5A tailors prescriptive provisions for OSHPD scopes; some hospital removals and OSHPD‑regulated facilities are handled differently. § 301.3.1 (exception), Chapter 5A § 501A.*
  • Historic buildings and other state agency adoptions: some sections are not adopted by certain agencies; check Chapter 1 and the adopting‑agency notes. See the CEBC adopting‑agency table for adoption differences. § 1.1 / adoption notes
  • Where prescriptive provisions would require upgrades that the building configuration cannot reasonably meet (prohibited irregularities, excessive height, unusual systems), the building official may require a different compliance path (work‑area or performance). § 501A.3 exceptions

If a particular prescriptive provision or numeric threshold is not visible in the retrieved text you have, do not assume it — consult the enforcement agency or the full CEBC text for that provision. (The CEBC excerpts in the files show the scope, major triggers and examples above; specific tables or step‑by‑step checklists may be within the full Chapter 5/5A text not fully reproduced here.)

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Chapter 5 relieves you from Chapter 3 or other codes: cross‑cutting requirements (accessibility, means of egress, other codes) still apply. § 302, § 302A, § 104.2
  • Picking prescriptive without checking exclusions: owners sometimes choose prescriptive only to find their building is excluded from particular prescriptive upgrades (e.g., tall/irregular buildings). Check the exceptions in § 501A.3.1.
  • Overlooking fire‑resistance or listing standards: fire‑resistance and listed product requirements remain controlled by the California Building Standards Code and related listing requirements. § 501.2, § 104.2.1
  • Failing to provide required reports: the code official may require technical opinions, site reports, or tests (for example, settlement or load‑path justification). § 104.2.2, § 501A.3.1.4

Worked example — a concrete scenario with numbers

Scenario: You own a 3‑story office building (existing) and intend a change of occupancy that increases the building’s occupant load and requires interior alterations. You elect the prescriptive compliance method.

Step 1 — Confirm eligibility:

  • The building is not an OSHPD hospital nor taller than 5 stories or 65' (it is 3 stories), so it is not automatically excluded from the Chapter 5 prescriptive upgrades. Check § 301.3.1 and the exceptions in § 501A.3.1. § 301.3.1 § 501A.3.1

Step 2 — Apply Chapter 3 and Chapter 5 checks:

  • Verify means of egress, accessibility and other Chapter 3 items are satisfied or upgraded as required by the CEBC; coordinate with the California Building Standards Code for fire resistance. § 302, § 501.2

Step 3 — Structural and seismic checks:

  • Determine the building’s Seismic Performance Category (SPC). Suppose it’s SPC‑3 with nonstructural systems at NPC‑3. Under the prescriptive provisions (§ 501A.3.3.1) supports and attachments of nonstructural components must comply with the referenced prescriptive requirements (and allow use of an importance factor Ip = 1.5 where specified); welds, anchors and fasteners must be sized per CBC new‑construction rules. § 501A.3.3.1

Step 4 — Site and load‑path checks:

  • The prescriptive text requires justification of a continuous load path and, where invoked, a site data report that shows seismically induced differential settlement does not exceed 1" in 40'. For example, if your geotechnical report shows worst‑case differential settlement of 3/8" over 40', that meets the 1" in 40' limit; if it showed 1½" in 40' you would need mitigation or a different compliance approach. § 501A.3.1.3‑.4

Step 5 — If strengthening is required:

  • Any new structural elements or strengthened members must be detailed and have capacities in accordance with the CBC for new construction (CBC 2025 as indicated in the prescriptive rules). Design and construction then follow those new‑construction requirements. § 501A.3.1.6 (and related)

Result: By following these Chapter 5 steps, providing required technical/settlement reports, and using CBC‑level detailing where strengthening is required, the project stays within the prescriptive compliance path per § 301.3.1. § 301.3.1 § 501A.*

Related provisions

  • § 301.3.1 — Prescriptive compliance method; selecting Chapter 5 as method
  • § 501.1 — Chapter 5 scope and applicability (prescriptive chapter)
  • § 501.2 — Fire‑resistance ratings apply per California Building Standards Code
  • § 501A.3 / § 501A.3.1‑.3 — Prescriptive structural/seismic provisions, SPC/NPC rules and exceptions (Chapter 5A material)
  • § 302 / § 302A — Provisions for all compliance methods (dangerous conditions, additional codes)
  • § 104.2 — Building/code official authority to require technical reports, tests, alternative approvals; administrative controls that affect choosing prescriptive paths

Code references

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

  • CBC § 301 High relevance — show source text

    The IEBC is a model code in the International Code family of codes intended to provide requirements for repair and alternative approaches for alterations, changes of occupancy and additions to existing buildings. A large number of existing buildings and structures do not comply with the current building code requirements for new construction. Although many of these buildings are potentially salvageable, rehabilitation is often cost-prohibitive because compliance with all the requirements for new construction could require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of the building or the original scope of the alteration. At the same time, it is necessary to regulate construction in existing buildings that undergo additions, alterations, extensive repairs or change of occupancy. Such activity represents an opportunity to ensure that new construction complies with the current building codes and that existing conditions are maintained, at a minimum, to their current level of compliance or are improved as required to meet basic safety levels. To accomplish this objective, and to make the alteration process easier, this code allows for options for controlled departure from full compliance with the International Codes dealing with new construction, while maintaining basic levels for fire safety, structural and life safety features of the rehabilitated building.

    This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:

    Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).

    Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xi

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

    Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).

    Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.

    Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.

    ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC

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

  • CBC § 1.1 High relevance — show source text

    California Energy Commission, State Fire Marshal and DSA-AC requirements for existing structures shall be enforced by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).

    301 A .1.1 Bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating. Existing bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating shall comply with ICC 300.

    301 A .2 Repairs. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4 A .

    301 A .3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The alteration, addition or change of occupancy of all existing buildings or structures shall comply with one of the methods or categories listed in Section 301 A .3.1, 301 A .3.2 or 301 A .3.3. Section 304A.3.2 applies to all methods or categories. Sections 301 A .3.1 through 301 A .3.3 shall not be applied in combination with each other , except when permitted by the enforcement agency.

    Exception: Subject to the approval of the enforcement agency, alterations complying with the laws in existence at the time the building or the affected portion of the building was built shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code. New structural members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code .

    301 A .3.1 Prescriptive compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 A of this code for existing buildings or structures shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

    301 A .3.2 Nonconforming buildings . Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings or structures designed in accordance with the Pre-1973 building code complying with Section 304A.3.1 and the applicable requirements herein shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

    301 A .3.3 Performance- based method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings or structures complying with Sections 304A.3.4 and 304A.3.5 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

    301 A .4 Moved structures . Structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of the California Building Code for new structures.

    301A.5 Reserved.

    301A.6 Peer review requirements. Peer review requirements shall comply with California Building Code Section 1617A.1.41.

    301A.7 Earthquake monitoring instruments for existing buildings. Earthquake monitoring instrumentation of existing buildings shall comply with Section 313A.

    301A.8 Compliance alternatives for services/systems and utilities . Compliance alternatives for services/systems and utilities shall comply with Section 310A.

    301A.9 Compliance alternatives for means of egress. Means of egress through existing buildings shall comply with Section 311A.

    301A.10 Removal of hospital buildings from general acute care services. Removal of hospital buildings from General Acute Care Services shall comply with Section 312A.

  • CBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text

    **_ The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Functional service spaces shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227 and 1228.

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

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

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

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

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 3-3

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

    PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

    members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code . This exception shall not apply to the following:

    1. Alterations for accessibility required by the California Building Code, Chapter 11A.

    2. Alterations that constitute substantial improvement in flood hazard areas, which shall comply with Sections 503.2, 701.3 or 1303.1.3.

    3. Structural provisions of Section 304, Chapter 5 or to the structural provisions of Sections 706, 805 and 906.

    301.3.1 Prescriptive compliance. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 of this code in buildings complying with the California Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

    Exception: Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Refer to Chapter 3A for services, systems and utilities that serve OSHPD 1 buildings.

  • CRC § 301 High relevance — show source text

    This change expands the current process from two independent 1-year cycles to a single continuous 3year cycle. There will be two groups of code development committees and they will meet in separate years. The current groups will be reworked. With the energy provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code ® (IECC®) and Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code ® (IRC®) now moved to the Code Council’s Standards Development Process, the reduced volume of code changes will be distributed between Groups A and B.

    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 EXISTING BUILDING CODE

    The IEBC establishes minimum requirements for existing buildings using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles intended to encourage the use and reuse of existing buildings while requiring reasonable upgrades and improvements.

    The IEBC is a model code in the International Code family of codes intended to provide requirements for repair and alternative approaches for alterations, changes of occupancy and additions to existing buildings. A large number of existing buildings and structures do not comply with the current building code requirements for new construction. Although many of these buildings are potentially salvageable, rehabilitation is often cost-prohibitive because compliance with all the requirements for new construction could require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of the building or the original scope of the alteration. At the same time, it is necessary to regulate construction in existing buildings that undergo additions, alterations, extensive repairs or change of occupancy. Such activity represents an opportunity to ensure that new construction complies with the current building codes and that existing conditions are maintained, at a minimum, to their current level of compliance or are improved as required to meet basic safety levels. To accomplish this objective, and to make the alteration process easier, this code allows for options for controlled departure from full compliance with the International Codes dealing with new construction, while maintaining basic levels for fire safety, structural and life safety features of the rehabilitated building.

    This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:

    Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).

    Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area C

  • 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xiii

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

    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 § 3-3 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 3-3

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

    PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

    members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code . This exception shall not apply to the following:

    1. Alterations for accessibility required by the California Building Code, Chapter 11A.

    2. Alterations that constitute substantial improvement in flood hazard areas, which shall comply with Sections 503.2, 701.3 or 1303.1.3.

    3. Structural provisions of Section 304, Chapter 5 or to the structural provisions of Sections 706, 805 and 906.

    301.3.1 Prescriptive compliance. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 of this code in buildings complying with the California Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

    Exception: Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Refer to Chapter 3A for services, systems and utilities that serve OSHPD 1 buildings.

    301.3.2 Work area compliance method. A lterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with the applicable requirements of Chapters 6 through 12 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

    301.3.3 Performance compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 13 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

    Note: [HCD 1 & HCD 2] The provisions contained in Chapter 13 are not adopted by HCD, but may be available for adoption by a local ordinance. (See Section 1.1.11.)

    301.4 Relocated or moved buildings. Relocated or moved buildings shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 14.

    SECTION 302—GENERAL PROVISIONS

    302.1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.

    302.1.1 Dangerous conditions. [BSC] Regardless of the extent of structural or nonstructural damage, the code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.

    302.2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in this code and the California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Residential Code and California Electrical Code . Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall take precedence.

  • CBC § 301 High relevance — show source text

    This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:

    Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).

    Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xi

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

    Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).

    Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.

    Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.

    ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC

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

    CHAPTER TOPICS Col2
    CHAPTER SUBJECTS
    1, 2 Administrative Requirements and Definitions
    3 Provisions for all Compliance Methods
    4 Repairs
    5 Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings
    6–11 Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings
    13 Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings
    14 Relocated Buildings
    15 Construction Safeguards
    16 Referenced Standards
    Appendix A Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings
    Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings
    Appendix C Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings
    Appendix D Board of Appeals
    Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses
    Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies

    CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS

    The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:

    CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3
    CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT
    Chapter 15 Chapter 33 Construction safeguards

    Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

    Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

    Chapter 2 Definitions.

  • CBC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text

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

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 5A-1

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

    5A-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

    5 A PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD

    User notes:

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

    SECTION 501 A —GENERAL

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

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

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

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

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

  • CBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text

    xii 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

    Chapter 3 Provisions for All Compliance Methods.

    Chapter 3 guides the use of the three compliance methods of the CEBC and provides requirements that apply globally. The globally applicable requirement include general requirements related to buildings materials and other applicable codes, storm shelters, structural loads, in-situ load tests, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection and exterior wall coverings.

    Chapter 3A Provisions for All Compliance Methods.

    Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing 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 4 Repairs.

    Chapter 4, a chapter independent of the three compliance methods, governs the repair of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.

    Chapter 4A Repairs.

    Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated 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).

    Chapter 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method.

    Chapter 5 provides one of the three main options of compliance available in the CEBC for buildings and structures undergoing alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The base requirements are more administrative in nature. The structural triggers for upgrades are consistent with the Work Area Method.

    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.

  • CBC § 1617A.1.10. High relevance — show source text

    The most critical load effect may_ be deemed to be satisfied if members and their foundations are evaluated for 100 percent of the forces for one direction plus 30 percent of the forces for the perpendicular direction, whereby the combination produces the maximum effect. Exceptions: The following buildings (with structural irregularities or unusual configuration/system) shall not be eligible for the SPC-4D upgrade using the prescriptive provisions in this section: 1. Buildings with prohibited irregularities in accordance with California Building Code 2022 Section 1617A.1.10.

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 5A-3

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

    PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD

    2. Buildings taller than 5 stories or 65' height above the base having horizontal or vertical irregularities in accordance with ASCE 7-10 Tables 12.3-1 Items #1a, 1b and 3 or 12.3-2 Items #1a, 1b, 5a and 5b.

    3. Buildings with unusual configuration or structural system, as determined by the building official.

    501A.3.2 Prescriptive compliance provisions for SPC-4D using the new building design requirements of this code. Structures satisfying the requirements of the California Building Code for new general acute care hospital buildings design shall be deemed to satisfy the SPC-4D requirements of Table 2.5.3, Chapter 6 of the California Administrative Code.

    All existing structural elements of a Seismic Force-Resisting System (SFRS) shall satisfy the detailing requirements of the California Building Code for new construction or demonstrate that the level of seismic performance is equivalent, as determined by the building official. A demonstration of equivalence shall consider the regularity, overstrength, redundancy and ductility of the structure.

    Elements not part of the Seismic Force-Resisting System (SFRS), including those identified in the California Administrative Code Chapter 6, Article 10, shall be evaluated using seismic forces and the requirements of this code for new general acute care hospital buildings.

    501A.3.3 Prescriptive compliance provisions for NPC 2, NPC 3, NPC 4 or NPC 4D and NPC 5.

    501A.3.3.1 Supports and attachments of nonstructural components, except those listed in Section 501A.3.3.2 below, in buildings in seismic performance categories SPC 1 or SPC 2 with a performance level of NPC 3 or higher, and SPC 3, SPC 4 or SPC-4D, shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of Section 1630B of the 1998 California Building Code using an importance factor I p =1.5. The capacity of welds, anchors and fasteners shall be determined in accordance with requirements of the California Building Code for new construction.

    501A.3.3.2 Supports and attachments for systems listed under NPC-2 and NPC-5 (excluding those specifically listed for NPC-3 and NPC-4 or NPC-4D) in the California Administrative Code, Chapter 6, Table 11.1 shall satisfy the requirements of the California Build- ing Code for new construction and Section 501A.3.3.1 above shall not be applicable.

  • CBC § 104.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 104—DUTIES AND POWERS OF CODE OFFICIAL

    [A] 104.1 General. The code official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this code.

    [A] 104.2 Determination of compliance. The code official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of this code’s provisions. Such interpretations, policies, and procedures:

    1. Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.
    2. Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.

    [A] 104.2.1 Listed compliance. Where this code or a referenced standard requires equipment, materials, products or services to be listed and a listing standard is specified, the listing shall be based on the specified standard. Where a listing standard is not specified, the listing shall be based on an approved listing criteria. Listings shall be germane to the provision requiring the listing. Installation shall be in accordance with the listing and the manufacturer’s instructions, and where required to verify compliance, the listing standard and manufacturer’s instructions shall be made available to the code official.

    [A] 104.2.2 Technical assistance. To determine compliance with this code, the code official is authorized to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide a technical opinion and report.

    [A] 104.2.2.1 Cost. A technical opinion and report shall be provided without charge to the jurisdiction.

    [A] 104.2.2.2 Preparer qualifications. The technical opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or fire safety specialty organization acceptable to the code official. The code official is authorized to require design submittals to be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, a registered design professional.

    [A] 104.2.2.3 Content. The technical opinion and report shall analyze the properties of the design, operation or use of the building or premises and the facilities and appurtenances situated thereon to identify and propose necessary recommendations.

    [A] 104.2.2.4 Tests. Where there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, the code official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance. Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized test standards, the code official shall approve the testing procedures. Such tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the code official.

    1-22 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

    ADMINISTRATION

    [A] 104.2.3 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction, and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative is not specifically prohibited by this code and has been approved.

    Exception: Performance-based alternative materials, designs or methods of construction and equipment complying with the ICC Performance Code. This exception shall not apply to alternative structural materials or to alternative structural designs.

    [A] 104.2.3.1 Approval authority. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the code official finds that the proposed alternative is satisfactory and complies with Sections 104.2.3.2 through 104.2.3.7, as applicable.

  • CBC § 104.2.2.3 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 104.2.2.3 Content. The technical opinion and report shall analyze the properties of the design, operation or use of the building or premises and the facilities and appurtenances situated thereon to identify and propose necessary recommendations.

    [A] 104.2.2.4 Tests. Where there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, the building official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance. Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized test standards, the building official shall approve the testing procedures. Such tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the building official.

    [A] 104.2.3 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved.

    Exception: Performance-based alternative materials, designs or methods of construction and equipment complying with the International Code Council Performance Code . This exception shall not apply to alternative structural materials or to alternative structural designs. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The International Code Council Performance Code is not permitted by DSA.

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC & OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Alternative system shall satisfy ASCE 7 Section 1.3, unless more restrictive require- ments are established by this code for an equivalent system.

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Alternative systems shall also satisfy the California Administrative Code, Section 4-304.

    [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Alternative systems shall also satisfy the California Administrative Code, Section 7-104.

    [A] 104.2.3.1 Approval authority. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed alternative is satisfactory and complies with Sections 104.2.3 through 104.2.3.7, as applicable.

    [A] 104.2.3.2 Application and disposition. Where required, a request to use an alternative material, design or method of construction shall be submitted in writing to the building official for approval. Where the alternative material, design or method of construction is not approved, the building official shall respond in writing, stating the reasons the alternative was not approved.

    [A] 104.2.3.3 Compliance with code intent. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall comply with the intent of the provisions of this code.

    [A] 104.2.3.4 Equivalency criteria. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall, for the purpose intended, be not less than the equivalent of that prescribed in this code with respect to all of the following, as applicable:

    1. Quality.

    2. Strength.

    3. Effectiveness.

    4. Durability.

    5. Safety, other than fire safety.

    6. Fire safety.

    [A] 104.2.3.5 Tests. Tests conducted to demonstrate equivalency in support of an alternative material, design or method of construction application shall be of a scale that is sufficient to predict performance of the end use configuration. Tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the building official.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 1-25

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether I can use the prescriptive method?

The applicant chooses the prescriptive method but the code official enforces eligibility and may require evidence (reports/tests); some exclusions (e.g., certain hospital/OSHPD cases or buildings with prohibited irregularities) can prevent use. § 301.3.1, § 104.2

Do I still need to meet accessibility and egress requirements?

Yes. Chapter 3 provisions for all compliance methods (accessibility, means of egress, etc.) still apply even when using the prescriptive Chapter 5. § 302, § 302A

If my building needs seismic strengthening, can I use prescriptive rules instead of a full structural retrofit?

Possibly — Chapter 5 includes prescriptive seismic/structural provisions for specific SPC/NPC categories; however, some buildings (e.g., very tall, irregular, or unusual systems) are excluded and must follow alternate paths. § 501A.3 and exceptions

Are separate fire‑resistance or listing requirements still required?

Yes. Fire‑resistance and listed product/install requirements remain governed by the California Building Standards Code and listing standards; Chapter 5 does not waive those requirements. § 501.2, § 104.2.1

What paperwork or reports should I expect to need?

Expect to supply technical opinions/reports, geotechnical/site reports (for settlement), load‑path justification, and possibly design calculations stamped by a registered design professional where the code official requires them. § 104.2.2, § 501A.3.1.4

More in California Building Code

Ask about the CBC

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Building Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the CBC