CBC · California Building Code
What rooftop structures are regulated and when is a penthouse treated as a story?
A rooftop enclosure can be treated as a penthouse (part of the story below) only if it meets the CBC tests for aggregate area (≤ 1/3 of the roof deck), permitted use (mechanical/elevator/tank/shaft access), height limits (typically ≤ 18 ft for non‑Type I except elevator/tank exceptions) and construction/fire‑rating rules; otherwise it must be counted as an extra story and included in height/area/fire calculations (§ 1511.1.1; § 1511.2; § 1511.2.1) .
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
Under the CBC, Chapter 15 Section 1511 governs rooftop structures (penthouses, tanks, towers, spires, equipment screens, etc.) and places limits on their area, height, use and construction so they can be treated as accessory to the roof rather than an additional story. In short: enclosed rooftop structures whose aggregate area does not exceed one‑third of the supporting roof deck and that meet the penthouse-specific height, use and construction rules are treated as part of the story below; structures that do not comply must be treated as an additional story and counted in height/area calculations (§ 1511; § 1511.1.1; § 1511.2) .
Requirements in detail
Which rooftop structures are regulated
- Penthouses: rooftop enclosures used to shelter mechanical/electrical equipment, tanks, elevator machinery, stairways/vertical shafts and related access spaces. See § 1511.2 and § 1511.2.2 for use limits .
- Tanks on roofs (capacity > 500 gallons): supported on approved construction and provided with valves/drains per § 1511.3 .
- Mechanical equipment screens and related rooftop screening (height, materials and fire separation rules appear in § 1511.6 and related subsections) .
- Other rooftop elements (aerial supports, bulkheads, dormers, fences, flagpoles, lightning protection) are specifically called out in § 1511.7 and subsections with material, height and construction limitations .
When a penthouse is (or is not) treated as part of the story below
- Penthouses that meet ALL of the criteria in § 1511.2.1 through § 1511.2.4 are considered a portion of the story directly below the roof deck; penthouses that do not meet those subsections are considered an additional story (§ 1511.2) .
- Key decision points are: aggregate area (see below), permitted height above the roof deck, permitted uses, and construction / fire‑resistance requirements for the penthouse exterior and supporting structure.
Decision‑relevant dimensions / values (quick reference table)
| Item / question | Decision value or limit | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Aggregate area of penthouses & enclosed rooftop structures (maximum) | ≤ 1/3 of the supporting roof deck area | § 1511.1.1 |
| Penthouse treated as part of the story (if meets subsections) | Must comply with § 1511.2.1–1511.2.4 | § 1511.2 |
| Penthouse height — non‑Type I construction | ≤ 18 ft above roof deck (measured to average roof of penthouse) | § 1511.2.1 |
| Penthouse height — tanks/elevators exception | Up to 28 ft (when enclosing tanks or elevators that travel to the roof) | § 1511.2.1 Exception |
| Penthouse height — Type I construction | No height limit (not limited by § 1511.2.1) | § 1511.2.1 |
| Permitted penthouse uses | Mechanical/electrical equipment, tanks, elevators & related machinery, stairways/vertical shafts and ancillary access spaces only | § 1511.2.2 |
| Construction & fire‑resistance | Penthouse materials, exterior walls and roofs must meet type‑of‑construction fire‑resistance requirements; specific exceptions for Type I, II, III, IV, V are in § 1511.2.4 | § 1511.2.4 |
| Mechanical equipment screen height allowances (Type V) | May exceed building height by up to 4 ft above allowable building height in certain separation conditions; other construction/material options allowed when fire separation distance > 5 ft (§ 1511.6.3 lists limits and material options) | § 1511.6.3 |
(These are the primary numeric and categorical decision points the code uses to decide whether a rooftop enclosure is accessory or counts as a story.)
Construction and fire‑resistance details to check
- Exterior walls and roofs of penthouses must have the fire‑resistance rating required by the building’s construction type; supporting construction must meet the rating required for the element it supports (§ 1511.2.4) .
- Several exceptions modify the fire‑rating requirements by construction type and fire separation distance (see the exceptions listed under § 1511.2.4) — review them for Type I, Type II, and Type III/IV/V situations (§ 1511.2.4 exceptions) .
Exceptions & special cases
- Type I buildings: penthouse height is not limited by § 1511.2.1; lower fire‑resistance rating requirements for penthouses are allowed based on fire separation distance (see § 1511.2.1 and § 1511.2.4 exceptions) .
- Tanks or elevators that travel to the roof: penthouses enclosing those items may be up to 28 ft above the roof deck (exception in § 1511.2.1) .
- Occupiable roofs and enclosures: elements enclosing occupiable roof areas are limited to 48 in. above the occupiable surface except for penthouses constructed per § 1511.2 and towers/domes/spires constructed per § 1511.5 (§ 503.1.4.1) .
- Bulkheads used for mechanical/electrical equipment or vertical shaft openings are treated as penthouses (if they meet § 1511.2); bulkheads used for other purposes are treated as an additional story (§ 1511.7.2) .
- Mechanical equipment screens on roofs of Type V buildings may exceed the building height within the limits and material requirements of § 1511.6.3 (see that section for the three alternate limits and material options) .
Note: the project should also be checked for related egress and equipment accessibility rules — examples include roof access stair requirements and penthouse access for elevator equipment (§ 1011.12 and § 1011.12.1) and shaft enclosures extending into rooftop structures (§ 713.12 and § 713.12.1) .
IMPORTANT: The specific text for § 1511.9.6 and § 1511.10 was not present in the material I was able to retrieve from the uploaded CBC files, so I cannot quote or ground any requirements in those two sections here. The table of adopted sections and index entries in the available files does show those section numbers exist in the chapter, but their text was not returned in the search results I have access to. If you need rules in § 1511.9.6 or § 1511.10, please upload or point me to the page containing those subsections so I can cite them directly .
Common mistakes
- Treating any rooftop enclosure as "not a story" without checking area, height, use and construction criteria in § 1511.1.1 and § 1511.2 — exceed the limits and the enclosure becomes an additional story for height/area/fire calculations .
- Forgetting the 1/3 roof‑deck area aggregate limit (multiple small enclosures can add up) — the aggregate cap is enforced (§ 1511.1.1) .
- Ignoring construction‑type exceptions: Type I is treated differently for height and fire rating; assume the Type I exception or the Type II/III/IV rules apply only after confirming the building construction type (§ 1511.2.1, § 1511.2.4) .
- Using a penthouse for general occupancy (offices, storage, etc.) — penthouses are limited to mechanical/electrical/tanks/elevators/stair/shaft uses (§ 1511.2.2) .
- Overlooking egress/roof access rules — penthouses that enclose elevator equipment or stair roof access must meet related egress provisions (§ 1011.12 and § 1011.12.1) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A Type III apartment building has a flat roof with a supporting roof deck area of 9,000 ft². The owner proposes two enclosed rooftop penthouses: one sheltering elevator machinery (1,900 ft²) and one sheltering multiple rooftop AHUs (1,200 ft²). The penthouse walls are ordinary construction required by the building.
Step 1 — area test: aggregate penthouse area = 1,900 + 1,200 = 3,100 ft². One‑third of roof deck = 9,000 × (1/3) = 3,000 ft². Because 3,100 > 3,000, the aggregate exceeds the § 1511.1.1 area limit — the enclosures cannot be treated as accessory penthouses under § 1511.1.1 and must be included in building area/height/story calculations (i.e., treated as an additional story) .
Step 2 — height & use test (if aggregate had been ≤ 3,000 ft²): for Type III construction the penthouse height is limited to 18 ft above the roof deck (§ 1511.2.1). The elevator enclosure exception allowing up to 28 ft applies only where used to enclose tanks or elevators that travel to the roof level — that exception could apply to the elevator penthouse, but only if the aggregate area and other penthouse criteria are met (§ 1511.2.1 Exception) .
Conclusion for this scenario: because the aggregate area exceeds 1/3 of the roof deck, both rooftop enclosures must be treated as an additional story — they cannot be classified as penthouses that are "part of the story below" under § 1511.1.1 and § 1511.2. You must include them in building height/story/area calculations and apply the applicable story‑level requirements (egress, sprinklers, fire separation) .
Related provisions (quick list)
- § 1511.1.1 — Area limitation for penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures
- § 1511.2 — Penthouses: criteria and when treated as a portion of the story below
- § 1511.2.1 — Penthouse height limits and elevator/tank exception
- § 1511.2.2 — Permitted penthouse uses (mechanical, electrical, tanks, elevators, stairways, shafts)
- § 1511.2.4 — Type of construction and fire‑resistance requirements for penthouses; exceptions by construction type
- § 1511.3 — Tanks on roof (support and valve/drain requirements)
- § 1511.6.3 — Limits and material requirements for mechanical equipment screens (Type V construction allowances)
- § 1511.7.* — Aerial supports, bulkheads, dormers, fences, flagpoles, lightning protection (individual subsections)
- § 503.1.4 / § 503.1.4.1 — Occupiable roof restrictions and the 48‑inch enclosure limit (exceptions for penthouses built per § 1511.2)
- § 1011.12 / § 1011.12.1 — Stairway to roof and penthouse access for elevator equipment (§ 1011.12.1 references penthouse compliance with § 1511.2)
- § 713.12 / § 713.12.1 — Shaft enclosures and penthouse mechanical rooms (interactions between shafts and rooftop structures)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CBC § 1509.2 High relevance — show source text
1509.2 Material standards. Roof coating materials shall comply with the standards in Table 1509.2.
TABLE 1509.2—ROOF COATING MATERIAL STANDARDS Col2 MATERIAL STANDARD Acrylic coating ASTM D6083 Asphaltic emulsion coating ASTM D1227 Asphalt coating ASTM D2823 Asphalt roof coating ASTM D4479 Aluminum-pigmented asphalt coating ASTM D2824 Silicone coating ASTM D6694 Moisture-cured polyurethane coating ASTM D6947 SECTION 1510—RADIANT BARRIERS INSTALLED ABOVE DECK
[BF] 1510.1 General. A radiant barrier installed above a deck shall comply with Sections 1510.2 through 1510.4.
[BF] 1510.2 Fire testing. Radiant barriers shall be permitted for use above decks where the radiant barrier is covered with an approved roof covering and the system consisting of the radiant barrier and the roof covering complies with the requirements of either FM 4450 or UL 1256.
[BF] 1510.3 Installation. The low emittance surface of the radiant barrier shall face the continuous airspace between the radiant barrier and the roof covering.
[BF] 1510.4 Material standards. A radiant barrier installed above a deck shall comply with ASTM C1313/C1313M.
SECTION 1511—ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
[BG] 1511.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the construction of rooftop structures.
1511.1.1 Area limitation. The aggregate area of penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures shall not exceed one-third the area of the supporting roof deck. Such penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures shall not be required to be included in determining the building height, number of stories or building area as regulated by Section 503.1. The area of such penthouses shall not be included in determining the fire area specified in Section 901.7.
[BG] 1511.2 Penthouses. Penthouses in compliance with Sections 1511.2.1 through 1511.2.4 shall be considered as a portion of the story directly below the roof deck on which such penthouses are located. Other penthouses shall be considered as an additional story of the building.
[BG] 1511.2.1 Height above roof deck. Penthouses constructed on buildings of other than Type I construction shall not exceed 18 feet (5486 mm) in height above the roof deck as measured to the average height of the roof of the penthouse. Penthouses located on the roof of buildings of Type I construction shall not be limited in height.
Exception: Where used to enclose tanks or elevators that travel to the roof level, penthouses shall be permitted to have a maximum height of 28 feet (8534 mm) above the roof deck.
[BG] 1511.2.2 Use limitations. Penthouses shall not be used for purposes other than the shelter of mechanical or electrical equipment, tanks, elevators and related machinery, stairways or vertical shaft openings in the roof assembly, including ancillary spaces used to access elevators and stairways.
CBC § 1511.1 High relevance — show source text
[BG] 1511.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the construction of rooftop structures.
1511.1.1 Area limitation. The aggregate area of penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures shall not exceed one-third the area of the supporting roof deck. Such penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures shall not be required to be included in determining the building height, number of stories or building area as regulated by Section 503.1. The area of such penthouses shall not be included in determining the fire area specified in Section 901.7.
[BG] 1511.2 Penthouses. Penthouses in compliance with Sections 1511.2.1 through 1511.2.4 shall be considered as a portion of the story directly below the roof deck on which such penthouses are located. Other penthouses shall be considered as an additional story of the building.
[BG] 1511.2.1 Height above roof deck. Penthouses constructed on buildings of other than Type I construction shall not exceed 18 feet (5486 mm) in height above the roof deck as measured to the average height of the roof of the penthouse. Penthouses located on the roof of buildings of Type I construction shall not be limited in height.
Exception: Where used to enclose tanks or elevators that travel to the roof level, penthouses shall be permitted to have a maximum height of 28 feet (8534 mm) above the roof deck.
[BG] 1511.2.2 Use limitations. Penthouses shall not be used for purposes other than the shelter of mechanical or electrical equipment, tanks, elevators and related machinery, stairways or vertical shaft openings in the roof assembly, including ancillary spaces used to access elevators and stairways.
[BG] 1511.2.3 Weather protection. Provisions such as louvers, louver blades or flashing shall be made to protect the mechanical and electrical equipment and the building interior from the elements.
[BG] 1511.2.4 Type of construction. Penthouses shall be constructed of building element materials as required for the type of construction of the building. Penthouse exterior walls and roof construction shall have a fire-resistance rating as required for the type of construction of the building. Supporting construction of such exterior walls and roof construction shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than required for the exterior wall or roof supported.
Exceptions:
- On buildings of Type I construction, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating. The exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.
- On buildings of Type I construction two stories or less in height above grade plane or of Type II construction, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating or a lesser fire-resistance rating as required by Table 705.5 and be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood. The exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall be permitted to be constructed of fire
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 15-21
CBC § 1502.2 High relevance — show source text
1||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |1502.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |1503.3 – 1503.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1505 – 1507|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1507.3.10||||||||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |1507.7.8||||||||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |1509 – 1511|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1511.9.6||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |1511.10– 1511.10.1|X|||X|X|||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |1512|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1513||||||||X|X|X|X|X||X|X||||||||||
The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol:
The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 15-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
15-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
15 ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 15 provides minimum requirements for the design and construction of roof assemblies and rooftop structures. The criteria address the weather-protective barrier at the roof and, in most circumstances, a fire-resistant barrier. The chapter is largely prescriptive in nature and is based on decades of experience with various traditional materials, but it also recognizes newer products. Section 1511 addresses rooftop structures, which include penthouses, tanks, towers and spires. Rooftop penthouses larger than prescribed in this chapter must be treated as a story under Chapter 5.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [BF] or [P] will be considered by one of the code development committees 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 1501—GENERAL
1501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the design, materials, construction and quality of roof assemblies, and rooftop structures.
SECTION 1502—ROOF DRAINAGE
[P] 1502.1 General. Design and installation of roof drainage systems shall comply with this section, Section 1611 of this code and Chapter 11 of the California Plumbing Code .
[P] 1502.2 Secondary (emergency overflow) drains or scuppers. Where roof drains are required, secondary (emergency overflow) roof drains or scuppers shall be provided where the roof perimeter construction extends above the roof in such a manner that water will be entrapped if the primary drains allow buildup for any reason. The installation and sizing of secondary emergency overflow drains, leaders and conductors shall comply with Section 1611 of this code and Chapter 11 of the California Plumbing Code .
CBC § 1511.6.3 High relevance — show source text
ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
mechanical equipment screen supporting structure in the same manner as they were installed on the tested exterior wall assembly.
[BG] 1511.6.3 Type V construction. The height of mechanical equipment screens located on the roof decks of buildings of Type V construction, as measured from grade plane to the highest point on the mechanical equipment screen, shall be permitted to exceed the maximum building height allowed for the building by other provisions of this code where complying with any one of the following limitations, provided that the fire separation distance is greater than 5 feet (1524 mm):
Where the fire separation distance is not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), the height above grade plane of the mechanical equipment screen shall not exceed 4 feet (1219 mm) more than the maximum building height allowed.
The mechanical equipment screen shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.
The mechanical equipment screen shall be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2 for exterior installation.
Where the fire separation distance is not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), the mechanical equipment screen shall be constructed of materials having a flame spread index of 25 or less when tested in the minimum and maximum thicknesses intended for use with each face tested independently in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
[BG] 1511.7 Other rooftop structures. Rooftop structures not regulated by Sections 1511.2 through 1511.6 shall comply with Sections 1511.7.1 through 1511.7.6, as applicable.
[BG] 1511.7.1 Aerial supports. Aerial supports shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.
Exception: Aerial supports not greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height as measured from the roof deck to the highest point on the aerial supports shall be permitted to be constructed of combustible materials.
[BG] 1511.7.2 Bulkheads. Bulkheads used for the shelter of mechanical or electrical equipment or vertical shaft openings in the roof assembly shall comply with Section 1511.2 as penthouses. Bulkheads used for any other purpose shall be considered as an additional story of the building.
[BG] 1511.7.3 Dormers. Dormers shall be of the same type of construction as required for the roof in which such dormers are located or the exterior walls of the building.
[BG] 1511.7.4 Fences. Fences and similar structures shall comply with Section 1511.6 as mechanical equipment screens.
[BG] 1511.7.5 Flagpoles. Flagpoles and similar structures shall not be required to be constructed of noncombustible materials and shall not be limited in height or number.
[BG] 1511.7.6 Lightning protection systems. Lightning protection system components shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1511.7.6.1, 1511.7.6.2 and 2703.
CBC § 5-1 High relevance — show source text
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
FIGURE 5-1
503.1.1 Special industrial occupancies. Buildings and structures designed to house special industrial processes that require large areas and unusual building heights to accommodate craneways or special machinery and equipment, including, among others, rolling mills; structural metal fabrication shops and foundries; or the production and distribution of electric, gas or steam power, shall be exempt from the building height, number of stories and building area limitations specified in Sections 504 and 506.
503.1.2 Buildings on same lot. Two or more buildings on the same lot shall be regulated as separate buildings or shall be considered as portions of one building where the building height, number of stories of each building and the aggregate building area of the buildings are within the limitations specified in Sections 504 and 506. The provisions of this code applicable to the aggregate building shall be applicable to each building.
503.1.3 Type I construction. Buildings of Type I construction permitted to be of unlimited tabular building heights and areas are not subject to the special requirements that allow unlimited area buildings in Section 507 or unlimited building height in Sections 503.1.1 and 504.3 or increased building heights and areas for other types of construction.
503.1.4 Occupiable roofs. A roof level or portion thereof shall not be used as an occupiable roof unless the occupancy of the roof is an occupancy that is permitted by Table 504.4 for the story immediately below the roof. The area of the occupiable roofs shall not be included in the building area as regulated by Section 506. An occupiable roof shall not be included in the building height or number of stories as regulated by Section 504, provided that the penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures comply with Section 1511.
Exceptions:
- The occupancy located on an occupiable roof shall not be limited to the occupancies allowed on the story immediately below the roof where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and occupant notification in accordance with Sections 907.5.2.1 and 907.5.2.3 is provided in the area of the occupiable roof. Emergency voice/alarm communication system notification per Section 907.5.2.2 shall also be provided in the area of the occupiable roof where such system is required elsewhere in the building.
- Assembly occupancies shall be permitted on roofs of open parking spaces of Type I or Type II construction, in accordance with the exception to Section 903.2.1.6.
503.1.4.1 Enclosures over occupiable roof areas. Elements or structures enclosing the occupiable roof areas shall not extend more than 48 inches (1220 mm) above the surface of the occupiable roof.
Exceptions:
Penthouses constructed in accordance with Section 1511.2 and towers, domes, spires and cupolas constructed in accordance with Section 1511.5.
Elements or structures enclosing the occupiable roof areas where the roof deck is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
SECTION 504—BUILDING HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES
504.1 General. The height, in feet, and the number of stories of a building shall be determined based on the type of construction, occupancy classification and whether there is an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout the building.
CBC § 1511.2.3 High relevance — show source text
[BG] 1511.2.3 Weather protection. Provisions such as louvers, louver blades or flashing shall be made to protect the mechanical and electrical equipment and the building interior from the elements.
[BG] 1511.2.4 Type of construction. Penthouses shall be constructed of building element materials as required for the type of construction of the building. Penthouse exterior walls and roof construction shall have a fire-resistance rating as required for the type of construction of the building. Supporting construction of such exterior walls and roof construction shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than required for the exterior wall or roof supported.
Exceptions:
- On buildings of Type I construction, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating. The exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.
- On buildings of Type I construction two stories or less in height above grade plane or of Type II construction, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating or a lesser fire-resistance rating as required by Table 705.5 and be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood. The exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall be permitted to be constructed of fire
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 15-21
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
retardant-treated wood and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating. Interior framing and walls shall be permitted to be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood. 3. On buildings of Type III, IV or V construction, the exterior walls of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating or a lesser fire-resistance rating as required by Table 705.5. On buildings of Type III, IV or VA construction, the exterior walls of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall be permitted to be of heavy timber construction complying with Sections 602.4 and 2304.11 or noncombustible construction or fire-retardant-treated wood and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.
[BG] 1511.3 Tanks. Tanks having a capacity of more than 500 gallons (1893 L) located on the roof deck of a building shall be supported on masonry, reinforced concrete, steel or heavy timber construction complying with Section 2304.11 provided that, where such supports are located in the building above the lowest story, the support shall be fire-resistance rated as required for Type IA construction.
[BG] 1511.3.1 Valve and drain. In the bottom or on the side near the bottom of the tank, a pipe or outlet, fitted with a suitable quick-opening valve for discharging the contents into a drain in an emergency shall be provided.
CBC § 5-1 High relevance — show source text
the highest point of the structure/panel shall meet the lower of the two values below:_ 1. 3 ′ above the allowable building height per this code. 2. 3 ′ above the roof of the building immediately below. 2. For installations on flat roofs in other than Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies, the highest point of the structure/panel shall meet the lower of the two values below:
1. 10 ′ above the allowable building height per this code. 2. 10 ′ above the roof of the building immediately below. 3. Other than structural requirements, solar photovoltaic panels supported by a structure over parking stalls shall not consti- tute additional story or additional floor area and may exceed the height limit as specified in exception 2 (above) when the following conditions are met (see Figure 5-1): 1. The area within the perimeter of the photovoltaic array has maximum rectangular dimension of 40 feet by 150 feet. 2. The distance between solar photovoltaic array structures is a minimum of 10 feet clear. 3. The driveway aisle separating solar photovoltaic array structures has a minimum width of 25 feet clear. 4. Solar photovoltaic array structure is used only for parking purposes with no storage. 5. Completely open on all sides (other than necessary structural supports) with no interior partitions.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 5-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
FIGURE 5-1
503.1.1 Special industrial occupancies. Buildings and structures designed to house special industrial processes that require large areas and unusual building heights to accommodate craneways or special machinery and equipment, including, among others, rolling mills; structural metal fabrication shops and foundries; or the production and distribution of electric, gas or steam power, shall be exempt from the building height, number of stories and building area limitations specified in Sections 504 and 506.
503.1.2 Buildings on same lot. Two or more buildings on the same lot shall be regulated as separate buildings or shall be considered as portions of one building where the building height, number of stories of each building and the aggregate building area of the buildings are within the limitations specified in Sections 504 and 506. The provisions of this code applicable to the aggregate building shall be applicable to each building.
503.1.3 Type I construction. Buildings of Type I construction permitted to be of unlimited tabular building heights and areas are not subject to the special requirements that allow unlimited area buildings in Section 507 or unlimited building height in Sections 503.1.1 and 504.3 or increased building heights and areas for other types of construction.
503.1.4 Occupiable roofs. A roof level or portion thereof shall not be used as an occupiable roof unless the occupancy of the roof is an occupancy that is permitted by Table 504.4 for the story immediately below the roof. The area of the occupiable roofs shall not be included in the building area as regulated by Section 506. An occupiable roof shall not be included in the building height or number of stories as regulated by Section 504, provided that the penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures comply with Section 1511.
CBC § 1502.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 Col17 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Adopt entire chapter X X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended sections
listed below)X X X X X X X X X X Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowX Chapter / Section 1501 X 1502.1 X X 1502.2 X X 1503.3 – 1503.4 X 1505 – 1507 X 1507.3.10 X X X X X X X 1507.7.8 X X X X X X X 1509 – 1511 X 1511.9.6 X X 1511.10– 1511.10.1 X X X X X X X X X X 1512 X 1513 X X X X X X X The state agency does not adopt sections identified by 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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15 ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
User notes:
CBC § 1617.12.7 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception: Structures assigned to Seismic Design Category E or F that have vertical irregularity Type 4a shall be permitted where the story lateral strength is not less than 80 percent of that in the story above.
1617.12.7 ASCE 7, Section 12.7.2. Modify ASCE 7, Section 12.7.2 by adding Item 7 to read as follows: 7. Where buildings provide lateral support for walls retaining earth, and the exterior grades on opposite sides of the building differ by more than 6 feet (1829 mm), the load combination of the seismic increment of earth pressure due to earthquake acting on the higher side, as determined by a Geotechnical engineer qualified in soils engineering, plus the difference in earth pressures shall be added to the lateral forces provided in this section.
1617.12.8 ASCE 7, Section 12.10.2.1. Replace Exception to ASCE 7, Section 12.10.2.1 by the following:
Exception: In light-frame structures or portions thereof braced entirely by wood light-frame shear walls, collector elements and their connections, including connections to vertical elements, need only be designed to resist forces using the load combinations of Section 2.3.6 with seismic forces determined in accordance with Section 12.10.1.1.
1617.12.9 ASCE 7, Section 12.13.1. Modify ASCE 7, Section 12.13.1 by adding Section 12.13.1.1 as follows:
12.13.1.1 Foundations and superstructure-to-foundation connections. The foundation shall be capable of transmitting the design base shear and the overturning forces from the structure into the supporting soil. Stability against overturning and sliding shall be in accordance with Section 1605.1.1.
In addition, the foundation and the connection of the superstructure elements to the foundation shall have the strength to resist, in addition to gravity loads, the lesser of the following seismic loads: 1. The strength of the superstructure elements. 2. The maximum forces that can be delivered to the foundation in a fully yielded structural system. 3. Forces from the Load Combinations with overstrength factor in accordance with ASCE 7, Section 12.4.3.1. Exceptions: 1. Where referenced standards specify the use of higher design loads. 2. When it can be demonstrated that inelastic deformation of the foundation and superstructure-to-foundation connection will not result in a weak story or cause collapse of the structure. 3. Where seismic force-resisting system consists of light-framed walls with shear panels, unless the reference standard specifies the use of higher design loads.
Where the computation of the seismic overturning moment is by the equivalent lateral-force method or the modal analysis method, reduction in overturning moment permitted by Section 12.13.4 of ASCE 7 may be used.
Where moment resistance is assumed at the base of the superstructure elements, the rotation and flexural deformation of the foundation as well as deformation of the superstructure-to-foundation connection shall be considered in the drift and deforma- tion compatibility analyses.
1617.12.10 ASCE 7, Section 12.13.5.2. Modify ASCE 7, Section 12.13.5.2 by the following:
CBC § 140.3 Medium relevance — show source text
140.3(c)5, 170.2(a)3B, 170.2(b) ASTM D2202 120.4(b)2B, 150.0(m)3, 160.3(b)5C, 160.3(c)2C ASTM D2824 110.8(i)4 ASTM D3468 110.8(i)4 ASTM D3805 110.8(i)4 ASTM D5870 110.8(i)4 ASTM D6694 110.8(i)4 ASTM E96 110.8(g)1, 150.0(f) ASTM E283 110.6(a)1, 140.3(a)9, 140.3(a)9B, 150.0(k)1, 150.0(k)1C, 160.5(a)1, 160.5(a)5 ASTM E408 110.8(j) ASTM E903 140.3(d)2E, 140.3(d)3F ASTM E972 110.6(a)4, 140.3(a)5, 170.2(a)3A ASTM E1175 140.3(d)2F ASTM E1677 140.3(a)9 ASTM E1680 140.3(a)9 ASTM E1980-01 110.8(i)3 ASTM E2178 140.3(a)9 ASTM E2357 140.3(a)9 American Society Of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 120.1(c)2 , 120.1(g) ASHRAE 52.2 120.1(c)1, 150.0(m)12, Table 150.0-B, Table 150.0-C, 160.2(b)1, 160.2(c)1, Table 160.3-A, Table 160.3-B
ASHRAE 62.2 Sections 7.1 and 7.2 150.2(b)1M, 180.2(b)5B ASHRAE climatic data 140.4(b)3, 150.0(h)2, 160.3(b)2, 170(c)2C ASHRAE Handbook 110.3(a)1, 110.3(c)1, 140.4(b)1, 140.4(b)2, 140.4(b)7, 140.4(b)9, 150.0(h), 160.3(b)1, 170.2(c)2 ASHRAE Standard 52.2 120.1(c)1B, 150.0(m)12, Table 150.0-B, Table 150.0-C, 160.2(b)1, 160.2(c)1B, Table 160.3-A, Table 160.3-B ASHRAE Standard 55 140.4(b)2, 170.2(c)2B ASHRAE Standard 62.2 150.0(o), 160.2(b)2
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) ASME A17.1/CSA B44 120.6(g) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 140.7(a) , 170.2(e)6A Ampere Rating 110.9(c), 110.9(d), 130.0(c)6B, 160.
CBC § 13-4 Medium relevance — show source text
1304 Investigation and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1305 Scoring and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1306 Building Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
1307 Evaluation of Building Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
CHAPTER 14 RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS . . . . . . 14-3
1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
1402 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
CHAPTER 15 CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1502 Owner’s Responsibility for Fire Protection . . . . . . . 15-3
1503 Sanitary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
1504 Protection of Pedestrians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
1505 Protection of Adjoining Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-5
1506 Temporary Use of Streets, Alleys and Public Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1507 Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1508 Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1509 Standpipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1510 Automatic Sprinkler System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1511 Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
1512 Water Supply for Fire Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
CHAPTER 16 REFERENCED STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-3
APPENDIX A GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT
CBC § 120.10 Medium relevance — show source text
4(f)2 Variable Air volume (VAV) 120.10(a), 140.4(c)2, 140.4(d), 140.9(c)4, 141.0(a)2, 141.0(b)3, 160.2(c)7, 170.2(c)4A, 170.2(c)4B, Table 170.2-B, Table 170.2-C, Table 180.2-D Capacity heat pump (VCHP) 150.1(b)3, 170.1(d)2 Exhaust 140.9(c)3 Flow control 140.4(k)6, 160.3(d), 170.2(c)4I Fluid flow 140.4(k)1, 170.2(c)4I Speed 120.6(a), 120.6(b)5 Speed compressor 120.6(a)3, 120.6(a)7, 150.0(m)13, 160.3(b)5L Speed control 140.4(k)6, 140.9(b) Speed drive 120.6(e), 120.9(b), 140.4(c)1, 140.4(k)6, 160.4(e), 170.2(c)4I Speed fan 120.6(a)4, 120.6(a)8, 120.6(b)1, 150.0(o), 160.2(b)2 Ventilation 150.0(o), 160.2(b)2A Vending Machine 140.6(a)3J, K, L Vent Damper 110.2(d), 110.2(f) Vented Attic 150.0(a), 150.0(g), 150.2(b)1J, 160.1(a), 160.1(d), 180.2(b)1 Vented Range Hood 150.0(o), Table 150.0-E, 150.0(v), 160.2(b)2B, Table 160.2-E Ventilated Attic 150.1(c)9, 170.2(c), 180.2(a)1 Ventilation 120.1, 140.4(b)4, 150.0(o), 160.3(d)2 Air 120.1(d), 120.2(e), 130.1(f), 140.4(e), 140.4(m), 140.9(b), 150.0(o), 150.1(b), 150.2(a)2C, 160.2(b)2B, 160.2(c), 160.5(b), 170.1(d), 170.2(c), 180.1(a), 180.3(a) And indoor air quality 120.1, 150.0(o), 160.2(b)2 Cooling 150.1(b)3, 150.1(c)12, 150.2(a), 170.1(d) Dampers 150.0(m)8, 160.3(b) Device 10-103(b), 120.1(d), 160.2(c)5 Doors 120.6(f) Fan 120.6(f), 150.2(b)1L, 180.2(b) Load 140.4(b)4, 170.2(c) Only 120.1(h)
CBC § 12-3 Medium relevance — show source text
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PART 12 CROSS REFERENCE TABLE
(Cross reference table is nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user.)
PART 12
STANDARDSUBJECT ADOPTING
AGENCYASSOCIATED TITLE 24
BUILDING STANDARDChapter 12-3 Releasing systems for security bars in
dwellingsSFM Part 2, Sections 1031.2.1, 1031.6, 1032.7
Part 2.5, Sections R319.1.1 and R319.4.4
Part 9, Sections 1031.2.1, 1031.6, 1032.7
Appendix 4 Section 452.1.5 and Title 19 provisions 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
4.4, 4.5, 4.6 reprinted in Part 9
Part 10, Section 505.4Chapter 12-4A Laboratory animal quarters standards DPH Part 2, Section 1236 Chapter 12-4-1 Stage and Platforms SFM Part 2, Sections 410.2.7, 410.2.7.1, 410.2.7.2
Part 9, Sections 105.6.51, 4809Chapter 12-7-1 Fire-resistive standards. Fire tests of building
construction and materials.SFM Part 2, Section 703 Chapter 12-7-2 Reserved Chapter 12-7-3 Fire-resistive standards.
Fire testing furnaces.SFM Part 9, Section 3001 Chapter 12-7-4 Fire-resistive standards.
Fire door assembly tests.SFM Part 2, Section 716 Chapter 12-7-5 Fire-resistive standards. Interior
finish of decorative material.SFM Part 2, Chapter 8
Part 9, Chapter 8Chapter 12-7A Materials and construction methods for
exterior wildfire exposureSFM Part 7, Chapter 5 Chapter 12-8-1 Fire-resistive standards for fire protection SFM Part 2, Sections 408.14 and 435.6.2 Appendix 12-8-1A Calculation of the total rate of heat and carbon
monoxide or carbon dioxide productionSFM Appendix 12-8-1B Guide to mounting techniques for wall and
ceiling interior finish materialSFM Chapter 12-10-1 Exits. Power-operated exit doors. SFM Part 2, Sections 408.4.2, 1010.1.4.2, 1010.1.9.1 Chapter 12-10-2 Exits. Single-point latching or locking devices. SFM Part 2, Section 1010.2.2
Part 9, Section 1010.2.2Chapter 12-10-3 Exits. Emergency exit and panic hardware. CBC § 1.1.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
1.1.3.2 State-Regulated Buildings, Structures, and Applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code, and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures, and applications regu- lated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2.0 through 1.14.0, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” in the front of the code.
(1) State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the
Regents of the University of California, and regu- lated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2.0 for additional scope provisions.
(2) Section 1.3.0 is reserved for the Board of State and Community Corrections.
(3) Section 1.4.0 is reserved for the Department of Consumer Affairs.
(4) Section 1.5.0 is reserved for the California Energy Commission.
(5) Section 1.6.0 is reserved for the Department of Food and Agriculture.
(6) Organized camps, laboratory animal quarters, public swimming pools, radiation protection, commissaries serving mobile food preparation vehi- cles, and wild animal quarantine facilities regulated by the Department of Public Health. See Section 1.7.0 for additional scope provisions.
(7) Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities. See Section 1.8.2.1.1 for additional scope provisions.
(8) Accommodations for persons with disabilities in buildings containing newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings, new common use areas serving existing covered multifamily dwellings, additions to existing buildings where the addition alone meets the definition of covered multifamily dwellings and new common-use areas serving new covered multifamily dwellings which are regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.2 for additional scope provisions.
(9) Permanent buildings and permanent accessory build- ings or structures constructed within mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.3 for additional scope provisions.
(10)Accommodations for persons with disabilities regu- lated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 1.9.1 for additional scope provisions.
(11) Public elementary and secondary schools, commu- nity college buildings and state-owned or state- leased essential service buildings regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 1.9.2 for additional scope provisions.
(12)Reserved for the State Historical Building Safety Board with the Division of the State Architect.
CBC § 11B-8 Medium relevance — show source text
1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,
4. Public telephones serving the area, and
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ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
5. Signs.
Note: The language in this exception, which refers to the “immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code,” shall permit a reference back to one CBC edition only and is not accumulative to prior editions. 3. Additions or alterations to meet accessibility requirements consisting of one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4: 1. Altering one building entrance. 2. Altering one existing toilet facility. 3. Altering existing elevators. 4. Altering existing steps. 5. Altering existing handrails. 4. Alterations solely for the purpose of barrier removal undertaken pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabil- ities Act (Public Law 101-336, 28 C.F.R. Section 36.304) or the accessibility requirements of this code as those requirements or regulations now exist or are hereafter amended including, but not limited to, one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4: 1. Installing ramps. 2. Making curb cuts in sidewalks and entrance. 3. Repositioning shelves. 4. Rearranging tables, chairs, vending machines, display racks and other furniture. 5. Repositioning telephones. 6. Adding raised markings on elevator control buttons. 7. Installing flashing alarm lights. 8. Widening doors. 9. Installing offset hinges to widen doorways. 10. Eliminating a turnstile or providing an alternative accessible route. 11. Installing accessible door hardware. 12. Installing grab bars in toilet stalls. 13. Rearranging toilet partitions to increase maneuvering space. 14. Insulating lavatory pipes under sinks to prevent burns. 15. Installing a raised toilet seat. 16. Installing a full-length bathroom mirror. 17. Repositioning the paper towel dispenser in a bathroom. 18. Creating designated accessible parking spaces. 19. Removing high-pile, low-density carpeting. 5. Alterations of existing parking lots by resurfacing and/or restriping shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4. 6. The addition or replacement of signs and/or identification devices shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4. 7. _Projects consisting only of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, reroofing,
CBC § 14-3 Medium relevance — show source text
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RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS
[BS] 1402.7 Required inspection and repairs. The code official shall be authorized to inspect, or to require approved professionals to inspect at the expense of the owner, the various structural parts of a relocated building to verify that structural components and connections have not sustained structural damage. Any repairs required by the code official as a result of such inspection shall be made prior to the final approval.
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 15 – CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 Col17 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Adopt Entire Chapter X X Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowX X Chapter / Section 1501 X X 1505 X X 1506 X X 1508 X X 1511 X 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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15 CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
User notes:
CBC § 5003.8.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS
TABLE 5003.8.3.2—DESIGN AND NUMBER OF CONTROL AREAS Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 STORY STORY PERCENTAGE OF THE
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE
QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREAaNUMBER OF CONTROL
AREAS PER STORYFIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING FOR FIRE
BARRIERS IN HOURSbAbove grade plane Higher than 9
7–9
6
5
4
3
2
15
5
12.5
12.5
12.5
50
75
1001
2
2
2
2
2
3
42
2
2
2
2
1
1
1Below grade plane 1
2
Lower than 275
50
Not Allowed3
2
Not Allowed1
1
Not Alloweda. Percentages shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per control area shown in Tables 5003.1.1(1) and 5003.1.1(2), with all increases allowed in the footnotes to those tables.
b. Separation shall include fire barriers and horizontal assemblies as necessary to provide separation from other portions of the building.a. Percentages shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per control area shown in Tables 5003.1.1(1) and 5003.1.1(2), with all increases allowed in the footnotes to those tables.
b. Separation shall include fire barriers and horizontal assemblies as necessary to provide separation from other portions of the building.a. Percentages shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per control area shown in Tables 5003.1.1(1) and 5003.1.1(2), with all increases allowed in the footnotes to those tables.
b. Separation shall include fire barriers and horizontal assemblies as necessary to provide separation from other portions of the building.a. Percentages shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per control area shown in Tables 5003.1.1(1) and 5003.1.1(2), with all increases allowed in the footnotes to those tables.
b. Separation shall include fire barriers and horizontal assemblies as necessary to provide separation from other portions of the building.a. Percentages shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per control area shown in Tables 5003.1.1(1) and 5003.1.1(2), with all increases allowed in the footnotes to those tables.
b. Separation shall include fire barriers and horizontal assemblies as necessary to provide separation from other portions of the building.5003.8.3.3 Number. The maximum number of control areas per floor within a building shall be in accordance with Table 5003.8.3.2. For the purposes of determining the number of control areas within a building, each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls complying with Section 706 of the California Building Code shall be considered a separate building.
CBC § 713.12 Medium relevance — show source text
713.12 Enclosure at top. The top of shaft enclosures shall comply with one of the following:
- Extend to the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab of the building, and the roof assembly shall comply with the requirements for the type of construction as specified in Table 601.
- Terminate below the roof assembly and be enclosed at the top with construction of the same fire-resistance rating as the topmost floor penetrated by the shaft, but not less than the fire-resistance rating required for the shaft enclosure.
- Extend past the roof assembly and comply with the requirements of Section 1511.
713.12.1 Penthouse mechanical rooms. A fire/smoke damper shall not be required at the penetration of the rooftop structure where shaft enclosures extend up through the roof assembly into a rooftop structure conforming to Section 1511. Ductwork in the shaft shall be connected directly to HVAC equipment.
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
713.13 Waste, recycling and linen chutes and incinerator rooms. Waste, recycling and linen chutes shall comply with the provisions of NFPA 82, Chapter 6 and shall meet the requirements of Sections 712 and 713.13.1 through 713.13.6. Incinerator rooms shall meet the provisions of Sections 713.13.4 and 713.13.5.
Exception: Chutes serving and contained within a single dwelling unit.
713.13.1 Waste, recycling and linen chute enclosures. A shaft enclosure containing a recycling, waste or linen chute shall not be used for any other purpose and shall be enclosed in accordance with Section 713.4. A shaft enclosure shall be permitted to contain recycling and waste chutes. Openings into the shaft, from access rooms and discharge rooms, shall be protected in accordance with this section and Section 716. Openings into chutes shall not be located in corridors. Doors into chutes shall be selfclosing. Discharge doors shall be self-or automatic-closing upon the actuation of a smoke detector in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6, except that heat-activated closing devices shall be permitted between the shaft and the discharge room.
713.13.2 Materials. A shaft enclosure containing a waste, recycling, or linen chute shall be constructed of materials as permitted by the building type of construction.
713.13.3 Chute access rooms. Access openings for waste, recycling or linen chutes shall be located in rooms or compartments enclosed by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. Openings into the access rooms shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour. Doors shall be self- or automatic-closing upon the detection of smoke in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6. The room or compartment shall be configured to allow the access door to the room or compartment to close and latch with the access panel to the chute in any position.
713.13.4 Chute discharge room. Waste, recycling or linen chutes shall discharge into an enclosed room separated by fire barriers with a fire-resistance rating not less than the required fire rating of the shaft enclosure and constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
CBC § 1023.7 Medium relevance — show source text
In each case, openings into the fire-resistance-rated construction shall be limited to those needed for maintenance and operation and shall be protected by opening protectives in accordance with Section 716 of the California Building Code for shaft enclosures.
The interior exit stairway and ramp ventilation systems shall be independent of other building ventilation systems.
[BE] 1023.7 Interior exit stairway and ramp exterior walls. Exterior walls of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 of the California Building Code for exterior walls. Where nonrated walls or unprotected openings enclose the exterior of the stairway or ramps and the walls or openings are exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of less than 180 degrees (3.14 rad), building construction within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the exterior walls of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall comply with Sections 1023.7.1 and 1023.7.2.
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MEANS OF EGRESS
[BE] 1023.7.1 Building exterior walls. Building exterior walls within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of a nonrated wall or unprotected opening in an interior exit stairway or ramp shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour. This construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the topmost landing of the stairway or ramp, or to the roof line, whichever is lower.
[BE] 1023.7.2 Roof assemblies. Where the interior exit stairway or ramp extends above an adjacent roof of the same building, the adjacent roof assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour and openings shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour. The fire-resistance rating and opening protection shall extend horizontally not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the exterior wall of the stairway or ramp, or to the perimeter of the adjacent roof, whichever is less.
Exceptions:
- The roof assembly need not be rated and openings in the roof need not be protected where they are adjacent to the penthouse of the stairway or ramp, unless otherwise required by this code.
- The adjacent roof assembly need not be rated and adjacent openings in the roof need not be protected where the exterior wall of the stairway or ramp has a fire-resistance rating of 1 hour and openings are protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour, extending not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) above the roof.
[BE] 1023.8 Barriers at level of exit discharge. An interior exit stairway and ramp shall not continue below its level of exit discharge unless an approved barrier is provided at the level of exit discharge to prevent persons from unintentionally continuing into levels below. Directional exit signs shall be provided as specified in Section 1013.
CBC § 1305.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
travel distance: ______________________|Maximum exit access travel distance: ______________________|Elevator controls:|Yes _______No _______| |Means of egress emergency
lighting:|Yes _______No _______|Mixed occupancies:|Yes _______No _______| |Standpipes:|Yes _______No _______|Care recipients ability for self-preservation: ____________________|Care recipients ability for self-preservation: ____________________| |Incidental use:|Yes _______No _______|Care recipients concentration: _______________________________|Care recipients concentration: _______________________________| |Smoke compartmentation less
than 22,500 ft2 (2092 m2):|Yes _______No _______|Attendant-to-care recipients ratio: ____________________________|Attendant-to-care recipients ratio: ____________________________| |SAFETY PARAMETERS|FIRE SAFETY (FS)|MEANS OF EGRESS (ME)|GENERAL SAFETY (GS)| |1305.2.1 Building height|||| |1305.2.2 Building area|||| |1305.2.3 Compartmentation|||| |1305.2.4 Tenant and dwelling unit
separations|||| |1305.2.5 Corridor walls|||| |1305.2.6 Vertical openings|||| |1305.2.7 HVAC systems|||| |1305.2.8 Automatic fire detection|||| |1305.2.9 Fire alarm system|||| |1305.2.10 Smoke control|* * * ||| |1305.2.11 Means of egress| * * ||| |1305.2.12 Dead ends| * * ||| |1305.2.13 Maximum exit access
travel distance| * * ||| |1305.2.14 Elevator control|||| |1305.2.15 Means of egress emer-
gency lighting| * * ||| |1305.2.16 Mixed occupancies|| * * || |1305.2.17 Automatic sprinklers||÷ 2 =|| |1305.2.18 Standpipes|||| |1305.2.19 Incidental use|||| |1305.2.20 Smoke
compartmentation|||| |1305.2.21.1 Care recipients ability
for self-preservationa| * * ||| |1305.2.21.2 Care recipients
concentrationa| * * ||| |1305.2.21.3 Attendant-to-care
recipients ratioa| * * ||| |Building score–total value|||| | * * No applicable value to be inserted.
a. Only applicable to Group I-2 occupancies.| * * No applicable value to be inserted.
a. Only applicable to Group I-2 occupancies.| * * No applicable value to be inserted.
a. Only applicable to Group I-2 occupancies.| * * *No applicable value to be inserted.
a. Only applicable to Group I-2 occupancies.|2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 13-15
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS
1306.2 Safety scores. The values in Table 1306.2 are the required mandatory safety scores for the evaluation process listed in Section 1305.2.
Frequently asked questions
When do I have to count a rooftop penthouse as an extra story?
If the penthouse does not meet the § 1511.2.1–2.4 requirements (including the aggregate area cap of ≤ 1/3 of the supporting roof deck in § 1511.1.1), it must be treated as an additional story and included in height/area calculations (§ 1511.1.1; § 1511.2) .
What is the single most common reason a penthouse becomes an extra story?
Exceeding the aggregate area limit — the code caps penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures at one‑third of the supporting roof deck (§ 1511.1.1) .
Can I enclose elevator equipment above the roof and exceed the 18‑ft penthouse height?
Yes — where a penthouse is used only to enclose tanks or elevators that travel to the roof level, the height limit for non‑Type I construction is increased to 28 ft above the roof deck (exception to § 1511.2.1) .
Do penthouses have to meet the same fire‑resistance requirements as the building?
Generally yes — penthouse exterior walls and roof construction must meet the fire‑resistance rating required for the building’s construction type, with specific exceptions spelled out in § 1511.2.4 depending on construction type and fire separation distances .
If I have multiple small rooftop enclosures, do they add together?
Yes — the code measures the aggregate area of penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures; the sum must not exceed one‑third of the supporting roof deck (§ 1511.1.1) .
More in California Building Code
- Administration & Permits
- Energy Efficiency
- Existing Buildings
- Occupancy Classification & Use
- Hazardous Materials & Occupancies
- Types of Construction
- Fire-Resistance & Fire Safety
- Interior Finishes
- Means of Egress
- Accessibility
- Exterior Walls
- Roofing & Roof Assemblies
- Structural Design
- Special Inspections & Tests
- Foundations & Soils
- Concrete
- Masonry
- Steel
- Wood
- Elevators & Conveying Systems
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