CBC · California Building Code

What are the CBC occupancy groups and use designation?

The CBC requires every building or space to be labeled with an occupancy group based on its primary purpose and hazards; if a space has multiple uses or a building contains more than one occupancy group you must follow the applicable rules for each use and the mixed‑occupancy provisions (§ 302.1, § 302.2) .

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Building Code requires every building, structure or portion thereof to be classified into one or more occupancy groups based on the primary purpose and the hazards and risks associated with that purpose; this is called occupancy classification (§ 302.1) . Where a space is used for different purposes at different times, it must meet all applicable requirements for those uses, and structures containing more than one occupancy group must comply with the mixed‑occupancy rules referenced in § 508 (§ 302.1) . The code also recognizes subordinate "uses" inside an occupancy group (use designation) and says that certain uses trigger additional limits or controls elsewhere in the code (e.g., Chapter 4) (§ 302.2) .

Requirements in detail

Core definitions and logic

  • Occupancy classification: the formal label for the primary purpose of a building/space (e.g., Assembly, Business, Residential, Storage, etc.) and the starting point for determining many other code requirements (§ 302.1) .
  • Multiple/variable uses: a room or area intended for different uses at different times must comply with all requirements for those possible uses (§ 302.1) .
  • “Use designation”: occupancy groups include subordinate uses (functional designations) that share similar hazards; some of those uses require special limits/controls (see § 302.2 and Chapter 4) (§ 302.2) .

Decision‑relevant dimensions (table)

Decision question Relevant values/answers Code Reference
What drives classification? Primary purpose / nature of hazards and risks associated with the intended use § 302.1
Can a single space have multiple applicable occupancies? Yes — if occupied at different times for different purposes, it must meet all applicable requirements for those uses § 302.1
What if a building has more than one occupancy group? Must comply with mixed‑occupancy provisions (see § 508) § 302.1
What about uses inside an occupancy group? Subordinate "uses" are recognized; some uses require the specific limitations/controls of Chapter 4 or other sections § 302.2
What if the proposed purpose is not listed? Classify the structure in the occupancy it most nearly resembles, based on fire safety and relative hazard § 302.1
How are occupiable roofs classified? Classified in the group the occupancy most nearly resembles and must comply with § 503.1.4 § 302.1

How the list of groups is presented in the CBC

Section 302.1 enumerates the groups (for example: A — Groups A‑1 to A‑5; B; E; F‑1/F‑2; H groups; I groups; M; R groups; S‑1/S‑2; U) and ties each group to its detailed description in the following sections (§ 302.1) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Multipurpose spaces: if a room may be used for more than one function at different times, the code requires compliance with all applicable requirements for each potential use (§ 302.1) .
  • Occupiable roofs: treated according to the occupancy they most nearly resemble and must satisfy the specific roof provision cited in § 503.1.4 (§ 302.1) .
  • Subordinate uses requiring extra controls: § 302.2 explicitly states that certain subordinate uses within a group require limitations and controls as set elsewhere (for example, Chapter 4) — consult those specific sections for the detailed exceptions/controls (§ 302.2) .
  • If a purpose is not specified in the occupancy list, the building is classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles (by hazard) — that is the prescribed course in § 302.1 (§ 302.1) .

Common mistakes

  • Treating a single, multipurpose room as subject to only one occupancy when it will be used for different functions at different times (the code requires compliance with all applicable requirements) (§ 302.1) .
  • Overlooking subordinate "uses" inside an occupancy group that trigger Chapter 4 limits — § 302.2 warns that some uses carry special controls (§ 302.2) .
  • Forgetting to treat occupiable roofs as part of the building’s occupancy profile and to apply § 503.1.4 where relevant (§ 302.1) .
  • Failing to apply mixed‑occupancy provisions (see § 508) when a building contains separate areas with different primary occupancies (§ 302.1) .
  • Misclassifying small assembly spaces without checking the exceptions in the assembly group sections (refer to the group‑specific sections for size/occupant‑load exceptions) — see § 303.1.1 for the Assembly → Group B threshold (cross‑check with § 303.1.1) .

Worked example — applying the rule

Scenario: A two‑story building has a ground‑floor sales showroom and a second floor with professional offices.

Step 1 — Identify primary purposes: showroom = Mercantile (Group M); offices = Business (Group B). The CBC requires classification of each portion by its primary purpose (§ 302.1) .

Step 2 — Mixed occupancy rules: because the building contains more than one occupancy group, the building must comply with the mixed‑occupancy rules referenced by § 302.1 (see § 508 for how to treat separations, fire‑resistive ratings, egress, etc.) (§ 302.1) .

Step 3 — Subordinate uses check: if the sales area contains a café, a restaurant use designation inside Group A or specific Chapter 4 controls might be triggered — check § 302.2 and the applicable group sections and Chapter 4 for any additional limitations (§ 302.2) .

Result (what the owner must do): document the two occupancies on the permit/construction documents, apply the mixed‑occupancy requirements of § 508, and verify any subordinate‑use controls called out in Chapter 4 or the group sections (§§ 302.1, 302.2) .

Related provisions

  • § 508 — Mixed occupancies (referenced by § 302.1)
  • § 503.1.4 — Occupiable roofs (referenced by § 302.1)
  • § 303 — Assembly Group A (see group‑specific rules referenced from § 302.1)
  • § 304 — Business Group B (§ 302.1 cross‑references the groups)
  • § 305 — Educational Group E (§ 302.1 reference)
  • § 306 — Factory and Industrial Groups F‑1/F‑2 (§ 302.1 reference)
  • § 307 — High Hazard Group H (§ 302.1 reference)
  • § 308 — Institutional Group I (§ 302.1 reference)
  • § 309 — Mercantile Group M (§ 302.1 reference)
  • § 310 — Residential Group R (§ 302.1 reference)
  • § 311 — Storage Group S (§ 302.1 reference)
  • § 312 — Utility and Miscellaneous Group U (§ 302.1 reference)
  • Chapter 4 — Special detailed requirements based on occupancy and use (called out by § 302.2)

Code references

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

  • CBC § 203.1 High relevance — show source text

    [BG] YARD. An open space, other than a court, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except where specifically provided by the California Building Code, on the lot on which a building is situated.

    ZONE. A defined area within the protected premises. A zone can define an area from which a signal can be received, an area to which a signal can be sent or an area in which a form of control can be executed.

    ZONE, NOTIFICATION. An area within a building or facility covered by notification appliances which are activated simultaneously.

    SECTION 203—OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

    [BG] 203.1 Occupancy classification. Occupancy classification is the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building, structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into one or more of the occupancy groups specified in this section based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all applicable requirements associated with such potential multipurpose. Structures containing multiple occupancy groups shall comply with Section 508 of the California Building Code . Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specified in this section, such structure shall be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard. Occupiable roofs shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard, and shall comply with Section 503.1.4 of the California Building Code .

    1. Assembly: Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.

    2. Business: Group B.

    3. Educational: Group E.

    4. Factory and Industrial: Groups F-1 and F-2.

    5. High Hazard: Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.

    6. Institutional: Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4.

    7. Mercantile: Group M.

    8. Residential: Groups R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4.

    9. Storage: Groups S-1 and S-2.

    10. Utility and Miscellaneous: Group U.

    [BG] 203.1.1 Use designation. Occupancy groups contain subordinate uses having similar hazards and risks to building occupants. Uses include, but are not limited to, those functional designations specified within the occupancy group descriptions in Section 203.1. Certain uses require specific limitations and controls in accordance with the provisions of this code and Chapter 4 of the California Building Code .

    [BG] 203.2 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation or Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and produc- tion locations. Any building or structure or portion thereof used or intended to be used for the showing of motion pictures when an admission fee is charged and when such building or structure is open to the public and has a capacity of 10 or more persons.

    [BG] 203.2.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy.

  • CBC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

    The IBC requirements for hazardous materials, fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress, emergency and standby power, and temporary structures are directly correlated with the requirements of the International Fire Code ® (IFC®). The following table shows chapters/sections of the IBC that are correlated with the IFC:

    IBC/IFC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3
    IBC CHAPTER/SECTION IFC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT
    Sections 307, 414, 415 Chapters 50–67 Hazardous materials and Group H requirements
    Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Fire-resistance-rated construction (fire and smoke protection features in the IFC)
    Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings
    Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Fire protection systems
    Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Means of egress
    Chapter 27 Section 604 Standby and emergency power
    Section 3103 Chapter 31 Temporary structures

    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.

    Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.

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    Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use.

    Chapter 3 provides for the classification of buildings, structures and parts thereof based on the purpose for which they are used. Section 302 identifies the groups into which all buildings, structures and parts thereof must be classified. Sections 303 through 312 identify the occupancy characteristics of each group classification. In some sections, specific group classifications having requirements in common are collectively organized such that one term applies to all. For example, Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5 are individual groups for assembly-type buildings. The general term “Group A,” however, includes each of these individual groups. Other groups include Business (B), Organized Camps (C), Educational (E), Factory (F-1, F-2), High Hazard (H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5), Institutional (I-2, I-3, I-4), Laboratories (L), Mercantile (M), Residential (R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3, R-3.1, R-4), Storage (S-1, S-2) and Utility (U). In some occupancies, the smaller number means a higher hazard, but that is not always the case.

  • CBC § 310.2 High relevance — show source text

    1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |310.2|||X|X||||||||||||||||||||| |310.3|||X|X||||||||||||||||||||| |310.3.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |310.3.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |310.4|||X|X||||||||||||||||||||| |310.4.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |310.4.2|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |310.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |310.6|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |313|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |314|||X||||||||||||||||||||||

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

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    OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 3 provides the criteria by which buildings and structures are classified into use groups and occupancies. Through the balance of the code, occupancy classification is fundamental in the setting of features of construction; occupant safety requirements, especially building limitations; means of egress; fire protection systems; and interior finishes.

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

    SECTION 301—SCOPE

    301.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall control the classification of all buildings and structures as to occupancy and use. Different classifications of occupancy and use represent varying levels of hazard and risk to building occupants and adjacent properties.

    SECTION 302—OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE DESIGNATION

    302.1 Occupancy classification. Occupancy classification is the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building, structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into one or more of the occupancy groups specified in this section based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all applicable requirements associated with such potential multipurpose. Structures containing multiple occupancy groups shall comply with Section 508. Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specified in this section, such structure shall be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard. Occupiable roofs shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard, and shall comply with Section 503.1.4.

    1. Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.
    2. Business (see Section 304): Group B.
  • CBC § 301.1 High relevance — show source text

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

    SECTION 301—SCOPE

    301.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall control the classification of all buildings and structures as to occupancy and use. Different classifications of occupancy and use represent varying levels of hazard and risk to building occupants and adjacent properties.

    SECTION 302—OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE DESIGNATION

    302.1 Occupancy classification. Occupancy classification is the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building, structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into one or more of the occupancy groups specified in this section based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all applicable requirements associated with such potential multipurpose. Structures containing multiple occupancy groups shall comply with Section 508. Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specified in this section, such structure shall be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard. Occupiable roofs shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard, and shall comply with Section 503.1.4.

    1. Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.
    2. Business (see Section 304): Group B. 3. [SFM] Organized Camps (see Section 450): Group C. 4. Educational (see Section 305): Group E. 5. Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1 and F-2. 6. High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5. 7. Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-2, I-3 and I-4. 8. [SFM] Laboratory (see Section 202): Group B, unless classified as Group L (see Section 453) or Group H (see Section 307). 9. [SFM] Laboratory Suites (see Section 453): Group L. 10. Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M. 11 . Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3, R-3.1 and R-4. 12 . Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2. 13 . Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U. 14. [SFM] Existing buildings housing existing protective social care homes or facilities established prior to 1972 (see California Fire Code Chapter 11 and California Existing Building Code).

    302.1.1 Reserved

    302.1.2 Reserved

    302.1.3 Pharmacies; veterinary facilities; barbering, cosmetology or electrolysis establishments; and acupuncture offices. See Chapter 12.

  • CBC § 1-33 High relevance — show source text

    112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

    113 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

    114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

    115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

    CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

    201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

    202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

    CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . .3-1

    301 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

    302 Occupancy Classification and Use Designation . . . . 3-3

    303 Assembly Group A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

    304 Business Group B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

    305 Educational Group E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

    306 Factory Group F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

    307 High-Hazard Group H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

    308 Institutional Group I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

    309 Mercantile Group M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

    310 Residential Group R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

    311 Storage Group S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

    312 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

    313 Laboratories Group L [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19

  • CBC § 7.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    7.2|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|R|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—| |1103.7.3|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|R|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—| |1103.7.4|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|R|—|—|—|—|—|—|—| |1103.7.5|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|R|—|—|—|—| |1103.7.6|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|R|—|—|—| |1103.8|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|R|—|—|—|—|R|R|R|R|—| |1103.9|R|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|R|R|—|R|—|R|R|R|R|—| |1103.10|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|R|R|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—| |1104|R|R|R|—|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R| |1105|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|R|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—| |1106|—|—|—|R|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—| |R = The building is required to comply.
    a.
    Existing buildings shall comply with the sections identified as “Required” (R) based on occupancy classification or use, or both, whichever is applicable.
    b.
    Only applies to Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies as established by the adopting ordinance or legislation of the jurisdiction.
    c.
    Only applies to Group A-2 occupancies where alcoholic beverages are consumed.|R = The building is required to comply.
    a.
    Existing buildings shall comply with the sections identified as “Required” (R) based on occupancy classification or use, or both, whichever is applicable.
    b.
    Only applies to Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies as established by the adopting ordinance or legislation of the jurisdiction.
    c.
    Only applies to Group A-2 occupancies where alcoholic beverages are consumed.|R = The building is required to comply.
    a.
    Existing buildings shall comply with the sections identified as “Required” (R) based on occupancy classification or use, or both, whichever is applicable.
    b.
    Only applies to Group I-2,

  • CBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

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    Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use.

    Chapter 3 provides for the classification of buildings, structures and parts thereof based on the purpose for which they are used. Section 302 identifies the groups into which all buildings, structures and parts thereof must be classified. Sections 303 through 312 identify the occupancy characteristics of each group classification. In some sections, specific group classifications having requirements in common are collectively organized such that one term applies to all. For example, Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5 are individual groups for assembly-type buildings. The general term “Group A,” however, includes each of these individual groups. Other groups include Business (B), Organized Camps (C), Educational (E), Factory (F-1, F-2), High Hazard (H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5), Institutional (I-2, I-3, I-4), Laboratories (L), Mercantile (M), Residential (R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3, R-3.1, R-4), Storage (S-1, S-2) and Utility (U). In some occupancies, the smaller number means a higher hazard, but that is not always the case.

    Defining the use of the buildings is very important as it sets the tone for the remaining chapters of the code. Occupancy works with the height, area and construction type requirements in Chapters 5 and 6, to determine "equivalent risk." The determination of equivalent risk involves three interdependent considerations: (1) the level of fire hazard associated with the specific occupancy of the facility; (2) the reduction of fire hazard based on the fuel load by limiting the floor area and the height of the building; and (3) the level of overall fire resistance provided by the type of construction. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type.

    Occupancy classification also plays a key part in the appropriate protection measures. As such, threshold requirements for fire protection and means of egress systems are based on occupancy classification (see Chapters 9 and 10). Other sections of the code also contain requirements respective to the classification of building groups. For example, Section 706 specifies requirements for fire wall fire-resistance ratings that are tied to the occupancy classification of a building and Section 803.11 contains interior finish requirements that are dependent upon the occupancy classification. The use of the space, rather than the occupancy of the building, is utilized for determining occupant loading (Section 1004) and live loading (Section 1607).

    Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use.

    Chapter 4 contains the requirements for protecting special uses and occupancies which are supplemental to the remainder of the code. For example, the height and area limitations established in Chapter 5 apply to all special occupancies unless Chapter 4 contains height and area limitations. In this case, the limitations in Chapter 4 supersede those in other sections. An example of this is the height and area limitations for open parking garages given in Section 406.5.4, which supersede the limitations given in Sections 504 and 506.

  • CBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
    1. Business (see Section 304): Group B. 3. [SFM] Organized Camps (see Section 450): Group C. 4. Educational (see Section 305): Group E. 5. Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1 and F-2. 6. High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5. 7. Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-2, I-3 and I-4. 8. [SFM] Laboratory (see Section 202): Group B, unless classified as Group L (see Section 453) or Group H (see Section 307). 9. [SFM] Laboratory Suites (see Section 453): Group L. 10. Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M. 11 . Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3, R-3.1 and R-4. 12 . Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2. 13 . Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U. 14. [SFM] Existing buildings housing existing protective social care homes or facilities established prior to 1972 (see California Fire Code Chapter 11 and California Existing Building Code).

    302.1.1 Reserved

    302.1.2 Reserved

    302.1.3 Pharmacies; veterinary facilities; barbering, cosmetology or electrolysis establishments; and acupuncture offices. See Chapter 12.

    302.2 Use designation. Occupancy groups contain subordinate uses having similar hazards and risks to building occupants. Uses include, but are not limited to, those functional designations specified within the occupancy group descriptions in Section 302.1. Certain uses require specific limitations and controls in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 4 and elsewhere in this code.

    SECTION 303—ASSEMBLY GROUP A

    303.1 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation ; motion picture and television production studio sound stages, approved production facilities and production locations; or for the showing of motion pictures when an admission fee is charged and when such building or structure is open to the public and has a capacity of 10 or more persons.

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    OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

    303.1.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy.

  • CBC § 105.6 Medium relevance — show source text

    INDEX

    Unlimited Area Buildings 507 Unsafe Structures and Equipment (see Structures, Unsafe) 116 Appeals 113, Appendix B Revocation of permit 105.6 Stop work orders 115 Utilities disconnection 112.3

    Unstable Materials 307.3, Table 414.2.5.1, Table 414.5.1, Table 415.6.5, 415.7.1, 415.9 Unusable Space 711.2.6 Use and Occupancy Chapter 3 Accessory 508.2 Classification 302.1

    Detailed requirements based on occupancy and use Chapter 4 Incidental uses 509, Table 509.1 Mixed 508.3, 508.4 Use designation 302.2 Utilities 112

    Service connection 112.1

    Service disconnection 112.3

    Temporary connection 112.2 Utility and Miscellaneous Occupancy (Group U) 312 Accessibility Chapters 11A and 11B Agricultural buildings Appendix C Area 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Flood provisions Appendix G Height 503, 504, 508 Incidental uses 509

    Live loads Table 1607.1 Means of egress Exit signs 1013.1 Stairway, exit access 1019 Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Special provisions Private garages and carports 406.3 Residential aircraft hangars 412.4 Sprinkler protection 903.2.11 Travel distance 1006.2.1, 1006.3,

    1017.1 UV Germicidal Irradiation Systems

    1211

    Valuation or Value (see Fees, Permit) 109.3 Vapor Diffusion Port 202 Vapor Retarders 1202.3, 1404.3, 1404.3.2 Vegetative Artificial decorative 419, 419.1 Vegetative roofs 1505.10, 1507.15 Vehicle Barrier 1607.11 Vehicle Barrier Systems 406.4.2, 1607.11 Vehicle Show Rooms 304 Vehicular Fueling 406.7 Vehicular Gates 3110 Vehicular Repair 406.8

    Veneer Cement plaster 1404.16, 1411 Fastening 1404.5 Fiber-cement siding 1404.17, 1411 Glazing 1404.13, 1411 Masonry, adhered 1404.11, 2101.2.1, 2103.2.4 Masonry, anchored 1404.7, 1411, 2101.2.1

    Metal 1404.12

    Plastic 1411, 2605 Slab-type 1404.9, 1411

    Testing Automatic fire-extinguishing systems 904.4

    Automatic water mist systems 904.11.3 Building official required 104.2.3.6 Carbon dioxide systems 904.8 Clean agent system 904.10 Dry chemical systems 904.6 Emergency and standby power 2702.4 Fire alarm systems 907.7, 907.8 Fire pumps 913.5 Fire-resistant materials 703.2

  • CBC § 1-24 Medium relevance — show source text

    102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    Part 2—Administration and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    104 Duties and Powers of Building Official. . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

    105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27

    106 Floor and Roof Design Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

    107 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

    108 Temporary Structures, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

    109 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

    110 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

    111 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

    112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

    113 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

    114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

    115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

    CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

    201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

    202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

    CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . .3-1

    301 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

    302 Occupancy Classification and Use Designation . . . . 3-3

  • CBC § 3A-3 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 3A-3

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

    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 .

    302A.6 Maintenance. Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safe- guards which are required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which they were installed. The owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings and structures. To determine compliance with this subsection, the building official shall have the authority to require a building or structure to be re-inspected. The requirements of this chapter shall not provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures.

    302A.7 Construction documents for retrofit or rehabilitation. The design loads and other information pertinent to the structural design required by California Building Code Section 1603A shall be included in the drawings. In addition to the information required by California Building Code Section 1603A.1.5, the drawings shall show the ground motion hazard used for the retrofit or rehabilitation as either a percentage of the California Building Code prescribed ground motion for new hospital buildings, or ASCE 41 seismic hazard designation, or a probability of exceedance in a specified time period, or a return period for exceedance of the specified ground motion.

    SECTION 303 A RESERVED

    SECTION 304 A —STRUCTURAL DESIGN LOADS AND EVALUATION AND DESIGN PROCEDURES

  • CBC § 1-8 Medium relevance — show source text

    1-8 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    ADMINISTRATION

    Sections of this code identified by the abbreviation “HCD 1-AC” require specific accommodations for persons with disabili- ties as defined in Chapter 2. The application of such provisions shall be in conjunction with other requirements of this code and apply only to newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings as defined in Chapter 2. “HCD 1-AC” applications include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. All newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings as defined in Chapter 2. 2. New common use areas as defined in Chapter 2, serving existing covered multifamily dwellings. 3. Additions to existing buildings, where the addition alone meets the definition of covered multifamily dwellings as defined in Chapter 2. 4. New common use areas serving new covered multifamily dwellings. 5. Where any portion of a building’s exterior is preserved, but the interior of the building is removed, including all struc- tural portions of floors and ceilings, the building is considered a new building for determining the application of Chapter 11A.

    “HCD 1-AC” building standards generally do not apply to public use areas or public accommodations such as hotels and motels, and public housing. Public use areas, public accommodations and public housing, as defined in Chapter 2, are subject to the Division of the State Architect (DSA-AC) in Chapter 11B, and are referenced in Section 1.9.1.

    Newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings, which can also be defined as public housing, shall be subject to the require- ments of Chapter 11A and Chapter 11B.

    Enforcing agency— Local building department or the Department of Housing and Community Development.

    Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Sections 17040, 17920.9, 17921, 17921.5, 17921.6, 17921.10, 17922, 17922.6, 17922.12, 17922.14, 17926, 17927, 17928, 17958.12, 18938.3, 18944.11 and 19990; and Government Code Sections 12955.1 and 12955.1.1.

    Reference— Health and Safety Code Sections 17000 through 17062.5, 17910 through 17995.5, 18200 through 18700, 18860 through 18874, 18938.6, 18941, 19890, 19891, 19892 and 19960 through 19997; Civil Code Sections 1101.4, 1101.5, 1954.201 and 1954.202; and Government Code Sections 12955.1 and 12955.1.1. California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1605.1, 1605.3 and 1607.

    1.8.2.1.3 Permanent buildings in mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks.

    Application— Permanent buildings, and permanent accessory buildings or structures, constructed within mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks that are under the control and ownership of the park operator. Sections of this code which pertain to applications listed in this section are identified using the abbreviation “HCD 2.”

Frequently asked questions

How do I decide which occupancy group applies when my use isn’t listed?

Classify the building in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on fire safety and relative hazard, per § 302.1 .

If a room is used for two purposes on different days, which rules apply?

You must comply with all applicable requirements associated with each potential use for that room, as required by § 302.1 .

Where do I look for special limits that apply to a particular use inside a group?

§ 302.2 explains that subordinate uses may have specific limitations; those limits are found in Chapter 4 and the group‑specific sections referenced in Chapter 3 (§ 302.2) .

What if my building has both retail and residential areas?

That is a mixed occupancy; § 302.1 requires use of the mixed‑occupancy provisions (see § 508) to determine separations, ratings and other requirements .

Are occupiable roofs treated separately from the rest of the building?

Occupiable roofs are to be classified in the occupancy the roof most nearly resembles and must comply with § 503.1.4 as noted in § 302.1 .

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