CBC · California Building Code

When does the Existing Buildings code apply?

If you’re repairing, modifying, adding to, moving, or changing the use of an existing building, the California Existing Building Code applies — except for certain detached 1‑ and 2‑family homes/townhouses (≤3 stories), and except where appendices aren’t adopted or fire‑code Chapter 11 also applies; see § 101.2 and related subsections for the detailed rules .

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

The California Existing Building Code (CEBC) applies when you repair, alter, change the occupancy of, add to, or relocate an existing building — in other words, most work done on an existing building that is not “new construction” falls under the CEBC (§ 101.2) . There are a few important limits: detached one- and two‑family dwellings and townhouses (≤ 3 stories above grade plane) may follow either the CEBC or the California Residential Code (§ 101.2, Exception) . Appendices do not apply unless adopted (§ 101.2.1) and work that is also regulated by Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code must meet both codes where they overlap (§ 101.2.2) .

Requirements in detail

The core trigger is the type of project on an existing building (repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, relocation). The CEBC’s Chapter 1 clarifies that its scope covers those activities; other sections in Chapter 1 set interaction rules with other codes and special cases (e.g., buildings never previously occupied or existing occupancies that continue) (§ 101.2; § 101.4; §§ 101.4.1–101.4.2) .

Decision dimensions (quick reference)

Decision factor	Typical threshold / value	Code Reference
Types of work covered	Repair; alteration; change of occupancy; addition; relocation of existing buildings	§ 101.2
One- & two‑family exception	Detached 1- & 2-family dwellings and townhouses ≤ 3 stories above grade plane may follow CEBC or CRC	§ 101.2 (Exception)
Appendices	Do not apply unless specifically adopted/referenced	§ 101.2.1
Overlap with Fire Code	Where CEBC work is also regulated by CFC Chapter 11, comply with both codes	§ 101.2.2
Previously unoccupied buildings	May be permitted to comply with laws in effect at original permit unless that permit expired; subsequent permits must follow CBC or CRC for new construction	§ 101.4.1
Existing legal occupancy	Existing legal occupancy may continue unless specifically changed or code official finds unsafe	§ 101.4.2
Interaction with other California codes	CEBC work must still comply with applicable provisions of California Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Fire codes, etc. (see Chapter 3/302A guidance)	§ 302 (Ch. 3A/302A)

(Each table row above is grounded in the CEBC text cited.)

How the CEBC fits with other codes and exceptions

If the work is also fire‑safety work covered by Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code, the project must meet both CEBC and the fire code requirements for the overlapping items (§ 101.2.2) .
For repairs and limited work, Chapter 4 (Repairs) provides the baseline requirements that always apply; CEBC offers three compliance paths for alterations and additions (Prescriptive, Work Area, Performance) outlined later in the CEBC chapters (§ 301 et seq.; see CEBC overview) .
Buildings never occupied for their intended use at the time of completion may be required to meet the rules in effect at the time of the original permit, not CEBC, unless a later permit is issued; check § 101.4.1 for this special case .
An existing building’s legal occupancy remains permitted to continue unless the CEBC, the California Fire Code, the International Property Maintenance Code, or the code official requires change for safety (§ 101.4.2) .

Exceptions & special cases

Detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings and townhouses (≤ 3 stories above grade plane with a separate means of egress) and their accessory structures may comply with the CEBC or with the California Residential Code — the owner/ designer or the local enforcement practice determines which standard will be used (§ 101.2, Exception) .
Appendices are not automatically in force; an adopting jurisdiction must specifically adopt or reference them for them to apply (§ 101.2.1) .
Where CEBC work triggers fire-code provisions (for buildings constructed prior to adoption of the fire code or where Chapter 11 applies), those Chapter 11 requirements must also be met (§ 101.2.2) .
Buildings that were never legally occupied for their intended purpose at original completion may be treated as new construction for subsequent permits per § 101.4.1 .
The CEBC does not nullify other California codes; other referenced codes (mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, fire) still apply to the extent cited (§ 101.4 and related cross-references) .

Common mistakes

Treating every intervention on an existing building as “new construction” and applying the CBC instead of the CEBC — the CEBC specifically governs repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, and relocation of existing buildings (§ 101.2) .
Assuming CEBC appendices automatically apply — appendices only apply if the jurisdiction has adopted them (§ 101.2.1) .
Forgetting to check Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code when fire‑safety issues overlap — CEBC and CFC Chapter 11 can both be binding on the same work (§ 101.2.2) .
Overlooking the “not previously occupied” rule — a building never used for its intended purpose may be required to comply with the laws in force when it was originally permitted (§ 101.4.1) .
Failing to confirm whether a detached single‑family/two‑family project could use the Residential Code instead of the CEBC per the exception (this choice affects compliance path and technical requirements) (§ 101.2, Exception) .

Worked example

Scenario: A property owner wants to convert an existing 2‑story retail storefront (existing building) into a restaurant and add a 400 ft² kitchen expansion.

How the CEBC applies:

Change of occupancy from retail to restaurant — CEBC applies because change of occupancy of an existing building is a listed trigger (§ 101.2) .
Addition of 400 ft² to the existing building — CEBC applies to additions to existing buildings (§ 101.2) .
Fire code overlap — because a change to a restaurant potentially involves fire‑safety systems (cooking hoods, suppression, occupant load), the project must be reviewed for Chapter 11 fire requirements; where Chapter 11 applies, comply with both codes (§ 101.2.2) .
Compliance path selection — for alterations and change of occupancy the designer chooses an applicable CEBC compliance method (Prescriptive, Work Area, or Performance method) described elsewhere in the CEBC; repairs must meet Chapter 4 requirements (§ 301 overview) .
If the building had never been legally occupied for retail before, see § 101.4.1 to determine whether new construction rules apply instead (§ 101.4.1) .

Result: The project is governed by the CEBC. The permit package should reference the CEBC compliance method chosen, document how Chapter 11 fire items are addressed, and confirm the building’s prior occupancy status per § 101.4.1–101.4.2 .

Related provisions

§ 101.2 — Scope: repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, relocation of existing buildings (primary controlling section)
§ 101.2.1 — Appendices: apply only if adopted or referenced
§ 101.2.2 — Application of the Fire Code: where CEBC work is also regulated in CFC Chapter 11, comply with both
§ 101.3 — Purpose of the CEBC (intent and flexibility)
§ 101.4 — Applicability statement and cross‑references to other sections (101.4.1, 101.4.2)
§ 101.4.1 — Buildings not previously occupied (special rule)
§ 101.4.2 — Buildings previously occupied (continuation of legal occupancy)
Section 302 (Chapter 3 guidance) — interaction with other codes and general provisions that apply to all compliance methods (e.g., referencing other California Codes)
Sections 301 and the chapter summaries — outline compliance methods (Prescriptive, Work Area, Performance) for alterations/additions (overview)
Section 317 (Earthquake evaluation/retrofit) — when seismic evaluation/retrofit provisions apply to certain existing building work (see CEBC seismic chapters)

Code references

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

CBC § 101.1 High relevance — show source text
This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document, and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. 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 registered design professional, contractor and property owner.

Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition of the IEBC. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.

PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION

SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Existing Building Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], herein-after referred to as “this code.”

[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.

Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code.

[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted or referenced.

101.2.2 Application of fire code. Where work regulated by this code is also regulated by the construction requirements for existing buildings in Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code, such work shall comply with applicable requirements in both codes.

[A] 101.3 Purpose. The intent of this code is to provide flexibility to permit the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, property protection and general welfare insofar as they are affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings.

[A] 101.4 Applicability. This code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings, regardless of occupancy, subject to the criteria of Sections 101.4.1 and 101.4.2.

[A] 101.4.1 Buildings not previously occupied. A building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose, in accordance with the laws in existence at the time of its completion, shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of the laws in existence at the time of its original permit unless such permit has expired. Subsequent permits shall comply with the California Building Code or California Residential Code, as applicable, for new construction.

[A] 101.4.2 Buildings previously occupied. The legal occupancy of any building existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code, the California Fire Code, or the Inter- national Property Maintenance Code, or as is deemed necessary by the code official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.

[A] 101.5 Safeguards during construction. Construction work covered in this code, including any related demolition, shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15.
CBC § 101.4 High relevance — show source text
[A] 101.4 Referenced codes. The other codes specified in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

[A] 101.4.1 Gas. The provisions of the California Plumbing Code and/or the California Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.

[A] 101.4.2 Mechanical. The provisions of the California Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems.

[A] 101.4.3 Plumbing. The provisions of the California Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system. The provisions of the California Plumbing Code shall apply to private sewage disposal systems.

[A] 101.4.4 Property maintenance. The provisions of the California Existing Building Code shall apply to existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety hazards; responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants; and occupancy of existing premises and structures.

[A] 101.4.5 Fire prevention. The provisions of the California Fire Code shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression, automatic sprinkler systems and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.

[A] 101.4.6 Energy. The provisions of the California Energy Code shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.

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ADMINISTRATION

[A] 101.4.7 Existing buildings. The provisions of the California Existing Building Code shall apply to matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.

[OSHPD 1] The provisions of Chapters 2, 3A, 4A and 5A of the California Existing Building Code shall apply to all matters governing the repairs, alterations, change of occupancy, additions and relocation of existing structures and portions thereof under OSHPD jurisdic- tion. All references to Chapters 3, 4 and 5 of the California Existing Building Code shall be replaced by equivalent provisions in Chapters 3A, 4A and 5A.
CBC § 317.2 High relevance — show source text
317.2 Scope. All alterations, structurally connected additions and/or repairs to existing structures or portions thereof shall, at a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this section. The structural system shall be evaluated by a registered design professional and, if not meeting or exceeding the minimum seismic design performance requirements of this section, shall be retrofitted in compliance with these requirements.

Exception: Those structures for which Section 317.3 determines that assessment is not required, or for which Section 317.4 determines that retrofit is not needed, then only the requirements of Section 317.11 apply.

317.3 Applicability.

317.3.1 Existing state-owned buildings. [BSC, DSA-SS] For existing state-owned structures including all buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University, the requirements of Section 317 apply whenever the structure is to be retrofitted, repaired or modified and any of the following apply: 1. Total construction cost, not including cost of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or normal maintenance, for the building exceeds 25 percent of the construction cost for the replacement of the existing building. The changes are cumulative for past modifications to the building that occurred after adoption of the 1995 California Building Code and did not require seismic retrofit.

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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

2. There are changes in risk category. 3. The modification to the structural components increases the seismic forces in or strength requirements of any structural component of the existing structure by more than 10 percent cumulative since the original construction, unless the component has the capacity to resist the increased forces determined in accordance with Section 319. If the building’s seismic base shear capacity has been increased since the original construction, the percent change in base shear may be calculated relative to the increased value.

4. Structural elements need repair where the damage has reduced the lateral-load-resisting capacity of the structural system by more than 10 percent. 5. Changes in live or dead load increase story shear by more than 10 percent.

317.3.2 Public school buildings. [DSA-SS] For public schools, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.

317.3.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] For community colleges, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.

317.4 Evaluation required. If the criteria in Section 317.3 apply to the project under consideration, the design professional of record shall provide an evaluation in accordance with Section 317 to determine the seismic performance of the building in its current configuration and condition. If the structure's seismic performance as required by Section 317.5 is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s), when Method B of Section 321 is used, concur, then no structural retrofit is required.

_**317.5 Minimum seismic design performance levels for structural and nonstructural components.
CBC § 18934.7. High relevance — show source text
1. BSC—California Building Standards Commission.

Application—Existing buildings as specified in Section A102 having at least one unreinforced masonry bearing wall, with the exception of buildings subject to building standards pursuant to Health and Safety Code, commencing with Section 17910.

Enforcing Agency—State or local agency specified by the applicable provisions of the law.

Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Section 18934.7.

Reference— Health and Safety Code Sections 18901 through 18949. 2. HCD 1—The Department of Housing and Community Development.

Application—Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, employee housing and factory-built housing.

Enforcing Agency—The local building department or the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Sections 17040, 17921, 17922 and 19990.

Reference—Health and Safety Code Sections 17000 through 17060, 17910 through 17990, 19960 through 19997; and Govern- ment Code Section 12955.1.

3. HCD 2—The Department of Housing and Community Development.

Application—Permanent buildings and permanent accessory buildings or structures constructed within mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks.

Enforcing Agency—The local building department or the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Sections 18300, 18620, 18640, 18865, 18873 and 18873.2.

Reference—Health and Safety Code Sections 18200 through 18700 and 18860 through 18874.

SECTION A101—PURPOSE

[BS] A101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury from the effects of earthquakes on existing unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings.

The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum standards for structural seismic resistance, and are established primarily to reduce the risk of life loss or injury. Compliance with these provisions will not necessarily prevent loss of life or injury, or prevent earthquake damage to retrofitted buildings.

SECTION A102—SCOPE

[BS] A102.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all existing buildings not more than six stories in height above the base of the structure and having not fewer than one unreinforced masonry bearing wall. The elements regulated by this chapter shall

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APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

be determined in accordance with Table A102.1. Except as provided herein, other structural provisions of the building code shall apply. This chapter does not apply to the alteration of existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems.
CBC § 1.11.8 High relevance — show source text
1.11.8 Service utilities. See Section 111.

1.11.9 Stop work order. See Section 114.

1.11.10 Unsafe buildings, structures and equipment. See Section 115.

1.11.11 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Section 1.11 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.

SECTION 1.12—STATE LIBRARIAN

RESERVED

SECTION 1.13—DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

RESERVED

SECTION 1.14—CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION

RESERVED

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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner.

Division II is not adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development except where specifically indicated.

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Administration (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–117). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable.

This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document, and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. 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 registered design professional, contractor and property owner.

Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition of the IEBC. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.

PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION

SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Existing Building Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], herein-after referred to as “this code.”

[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.

Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code.

[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted or referenced.

101.2.2 Application of fire code. Where work regulated by this code is also regulated by the construction requirements for existing buildings in Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code, such work shall comply with applicable requirements in both codes.

CBC § 18873.2. High relevance — show source text

Enforcing Agency—The local building department or the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Sections 18300, 18620, 18640, 18865, 18873 and 18873.2.

Reference—Health and Safety Code Sections 18200 through 18700 and 18860 through 18874.

SECTION A101—PURPOSE

[BS] A101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury from the effects of earthquakes on existing unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings.

The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum standards for structural seismic resistance, and are established primarily to reduce the risk of life loss or injury. Compliance with these provisions will not necessarily prevent loss of life or injury, or prevent earthquake damage to retrofitted buildings.

SECTION A102—SCOPE

[BS] A102.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all existing buildings not more than six stories in height above the base of the structure and having not fewer than one unreinforced masonry bearing wall. The elements regulated by this chapter shall

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APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

be determined in accordance with Table A102.1. Except as provided herein, other structural provisions of the building code shall apply. This chapter does not apply to the alteration of existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems.

[BS] TABLE A102.1—ELEMENTS REGULATED BY THIS CHAPTER	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
BUILDING ELEMENTS	_SD_1	_SD_1	_SD_1	_SD_1
BUILDING ELEMENTS	≥ 0.067g < 0.133g	≥ 0.133g < 0.20g	≥ 0.20g < 0.30g	≥ 0.30g
Parapets	X	X	X	X
Walls, anchorage	X	X	X	X
Walls,h/t ratios		X	X	X
Walls, in-plane shear		X	X	X
Diaphragmsa			X	X
Diaphragms, shear transferb		X	X	X
Diaphragms, demand-capacity ratiosb			X	X
a. Applies only to buildings designed according to the general procedures of Section A110. b. Applies only to buildings designed according to the special procedures of Section A111.	a. Applies only to buildings designed according to the general procedures of Section A110. b. Applies only to buildings designed according to the special procedures of Section A111.	a. Applies only to buildings designed according to the general procedures of Section A110. b. Applies only to buildings designed according to the special procedures of Section A111.	a. Applies only to buildings designed according to the general procedures of Section A110. b. Applies only to buildings designed according to the special procedures of Section A111.	a.

CBC § 317.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing public buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS.

317.1.2.1 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 or 22 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.

317.1.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as community college buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC], refer to Section 1.9.2.2.

The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing community college buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS/CC.

317.1.3.1 Reference to other chapters. For community colleges, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 17 or 18 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 17A and 18A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.

317.2 Scope. All alterations, structurally connected additions and/or repairs to existing structures or portions thereof shall, at a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this section. The structural system shall be evaluated by a registered design professional and, if not meeting or exceeding the minimum seismic design performance requirements of this section, shall be retrofitted in compliance with these requirements.

Exception: Those structures for which Section 317.3 determines that assessment is not required, or for which Section 317.4 determines that retrofit is not needed, then only the requirements of Section 317.11 apply.

317.3 Applicability.

317.3.1 Existing state-owned buildings. [BSC, DSA-SS] For existing state-owned structures including all buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University, the requirements of Section 317 apply whenever the structure is to be retrofitted, repaired or modified and any of the following apply: 1. Total construction cost, not including cost of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or normal maintenance, for the building exceeds 25 percent of the construction cost for the replacement of the existing building. The changes are cumulative for past modifications to the building that occurred after adoption of the 1995 California Building Code and did not require seismic retrofit.

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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
CBC § 101.4.5 High relevance — show source text
[A] 101.4.5 Fire prevention. The provisions of the California Fire Code shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression, automatic sprinkler systems and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.

[A] 101.4.6 Energy. The provisions of the California Energy Code shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.

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ADMINISTRATION

[A] 101.4.7 Existing buildings. The provisions of the California Existing Building Code shall apply to matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.

[OSHPD 1] The provisions of Chapters 2, 3A, 4A and 5A of the California Existing Building Code shall apply to all matters governing the repairs, alterations, change of occupancy, additions and relocation of existing structures and portions thereof under OSHPD jurisdic- tion. All references to Chapters 3, 4 and 5 of the California Existing Building Code shall be replaced by equivalent provisions in Chapters 3A, 4A and 5A.

[OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 & 5] The provisions of the California Existing Building Code, Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 shall apply to all matters govern- ing the repairs, alterations, change of occupancy, additions and relocation of existing structures and portions thereof under OSHPD jurisdiction.

101.4.8 Wildland-urban interface. The provisions of Part 7, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall apply to buildings and structures built in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) or a Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

SECTION 102—APPLICABILITY

[A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.

[A] 102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.

[A] 102.3 Application of references. References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this code.

[A] 102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.4.1 through 102.4.4.

[A] 102.4.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
CBC § 1-12 Medium relevance — show source text
1.9 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

1.10 Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

1.12 State Librarian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

1.13 Department of Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

1.14 California State Lands Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

DIVISION II – SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

101 Scope and General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

104 Duties and Powers of Code Official. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . 1-28

108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
CBC § 102.4 Medium relevance — show source text
ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Application (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–116). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other ICodes as applicable. Standards and codes are scoped to the extent referenced (see Section 102.4).

This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. 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 1 is largely concerned with maintaining “due process of law” in enforcing the building performance criteria contained in the body of the code.

ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the Administrative Code Development Committee during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.

Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner.

PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION

SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code .

[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

[A] 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation, and for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

[A] 101.4 Referenced codes. The other codes specified in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

CBC § 301 Medium 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.

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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 § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 302 A —GENERAL PROVISIONS

302 A .1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.

302 A .2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and struc- tures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in the California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code and California Electrical Code. Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall take precedence.

302 A .2.1 Additional codes in health care. In existing Group I-2 occupancies, ambulatory health care facilities, outpatient clinics and hyperbaric facilities, alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall also comply with NFPA 99.

302 A .3 Existing materials and equipment. Materials and equipment already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the code official to be unsafe in accordance with California Building Code Section 116.

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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

302A.3.1 Existing seismic force-resisting systems. Where the existing seismic force-resisting system is a type that can be designated ordinary or is a welded steel moment frame constructed under a permit issued prior to October 25, 1994, values of R, W0 and Cd for the existing seismic force-resisting system shall be those specified by the California Building Code for an ordinary system unless it is demonstrated that the existing system will provide performance equivalent to that of a detailed, intermediate or special system.

302 A .4 New and replacement materials. Except as otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials and equipment permitted by the applicable code for new construction shall be used. Like materials shall be permitted for repairs and alterations, provided no hazard to life, health or property is c reated. Hazardous materials shall not be used where the code for new construction would not permit their use in buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location.

302 A .4.1 New structural members and connections. New structural members and connections shall comply with the detailing provisions of the California Building Code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.

Exception: Where alternative design criteria are specifically permitted.

302 A .5 Occupancy and use. Where determining the appropriate application of the referenced sections of this code, the occupancy and use of a building shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of the California Building Code .

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether a detached 2‑family dwelling follows CEBC or the Residential Code?

Local enforcement practice and the permit application will determine which code is used; the CEBC explicitly allows detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings and qualifying townhouses to comply with either the CEBC or the California Residential Code (§ 101.2, Exception) .

Does CEBC always require seismic retrofit when I alter a building?

Not always. Seismic retrofit requirements depend on the specific CEBC seismic provisions (e.g., Section 317 and related sections) and on thresholds in those sections; evaluate the applicable seismic provisions for your project (§ 317 and related) .

If my work involves fire alarms, which code controls?

If the work is regulated by Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code in addition to CEBC work, you must comply with both the CEBC and the applicable CFC Chapter 11 requirements (§ 101.2.2) .

Do I need to follow the CEBC appendices?

Only if your jurisdiction has specifically adopted or referenced those appendices; by default, they do not apply (§ 101.2.1) .

If an existing building’s legal occupancy is unchanged, do I still have to bring it up to CEBC?

Existing legal occupancy is permitted to continue unless a specific CEBC, fire code, or property‑maintenance requirement forces change or the code official requires changes for safety; see § 101.4.2 for continuation of occupancy guidance .

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Scope & Administration

California Building Code