CBC · California Building Code
Steel
Chapter 22 of the CBC governs the design, fabrication and erection of steel systems (including cold‑formed, joists, decks and racks) and directs users to the referenced industry standards and special‑inspection requirements.
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026
Overview
Chapter 22 (and its state‑agency counterpart Chapter 22A) of the California Building Code sets the minimum requirements for the design, fabrication and erection of steel construction — including structural steel (and composite steel‑concrete), cold‑formed steel, steel joists, steel decks, steel cable structures and steel storage racks . The chapter directs users to industry standards (AISC, AISI, SJI, SDI, ASCE) for detailed design and material requirements and explains scope and application for state agencies such as DSA and OSHPD .
Because steel is used for primary load‑carrying systems, the CBC emphasizes seismic detailing, connections, protection and quality assurance. Key provisions include the general requirements in § 2201, structural steel and composite systems in § 2202, cold‑formed steel rules in § 2206, steel deck and storage rack rules in § 2208–§ 2209, and metal building systems in § 2210 — all of which map to referenced standards and special inspection obligations . Special inspection and nondestructive testing requirements for steel are addressed under the special inspections chapter (see § 1705 and its steel provisions) and must be coordinated with the referenced AISC quality‑assurance requirements .
Where specific state agency adoption or amendments apply (for example, additional or relocated provisions in Chapter 22A for DSA‑SS and OSHPD projects), those amendments and special sections are identified in the chapter text and must be followed for regulated projects .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CBC § 1.9.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 19 Concrete.
Chapter 19 provides minimum accepted practices for the design and construction of buildings and structural components using concrete, both plain and reinforced. This chapter relies primarily on the reference to American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete .
Chapter 19A Concrete.
Chapter 19A provides minimum accepted practices for the design and construction of buildings and structural components using concrete, both plain and reinforced. Chapter 19A is applicable to structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety, which include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings (applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS)), and by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1) and 1.10.4 (OSHPD 4)).
Chapter 20 Aluminum.
Chapter 20 contains standards for the use of aluminum in building construction. This chapter references national standards from the Aluminum Association (AA) for use of aluminum in building construction, AA ASM 35, Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construc- tion, and AA ADM, Aluminum Design Manual .
Chapter 21 Masonry.
Chapter 21 provides comprehensive and practical requirements for masonry construction.
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Chapter 21A Masonry.
Chapter 21A provides comprehensive and practical requirements for masonry construction. Chapter 21A is applicable to structures regu- lated by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety, which include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings (applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS)), and by the Depart- ment of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1) and 1.10.4 (OSHPD 4)).
Chapter 22 Steel.
Chapter 22 provides the requirements necessary for the design and construction of structural steel (including composite construction), cold-formed steel, steel joists, steel cable structures and steel storage racks. Chapter 22 requires that the design and use of steel materials be in accordance with the specifications and standards of the American Institute of Steel Construction, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Steel Joist Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Chapter 22A Steel.
CBC § 1.9.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 20 contains standards for the use of aluminum in building construction. This chapter references national standards from the Aluminum Association (AA) for use of aluminum in building construction, AA ASM 35, Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construc- tion, and AA ADM, Aluminum Design Manual .
Chapter 21 Masonry.
Chapter 21 provides comprehensive and practical requirements for masonry construction.
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Chapter 21A Masonry.
Chapter 21A provides comprehensive and practical requirements for masonry construction. Chapter 21A is applicable to structures regu- lated by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety, which include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings (applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS)), and by the Depart- ment of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1) and 1.10.4 (OSHPD 4)).
Chapter 22 Steel.
Chapter 22 provides the requirements necessary for the design and construction of structural steel (including composite construction), cold-formed steel, steel joists, steel cable structures and steel storage racks. Chapter 22 requires that the design and use of steel materials be in accordance with the specifications and standards of the American Institute of Steel Construction, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Steel Joist Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Chapter 22A Steel.
Chapter 22A provides the requirements necessary for the design and construction of structural steel (including composite construction), cold-formed steel, steel joists, steel cable structures and steel storage racks. Chapter 22A is applicable to structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety, which include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings (applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS)), and by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1) and 1.10.4 (OSHPD 4)).
Chapter 23 Wood.
Chapter 23 provides minimum requirements for the design of buildings and structures that use wood and wood-based products.
Chapter 24 Glass and Glazing.
Chapter 24 establishes regulations for glass and glazing that, when installed in buildings and structures, are subjected to wind, snow and dead loads.
Chapter 25 Gypsum Board, Gypsum Panel Products and Plaster.
Chapter 25 contains the provisions and referenced standards that regulate the design, construction and quality of gypsum board, gypsum panel products and plaster and reinforced gypsum concrete.
Chapter 26 Plastic.
Chapter 26 addresses the use of plastics in building construction and components. This chapter provides standards addressing foam plastic insulation, foam plastics used as interior finish and trim, and other plastic veneers used on the inside or outside of a building.
Chapter 27 Electrical.
CBC § 3106.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Roof construction 3106.3 Masonry Chapter 21A Adhered veneer 1404.11
Adobe 2109 Anchorage 1604.8.2 Anchored veneer 1404.7
Architectural cast stone 2103.1
Calculated fire resistance 722.4 Chimneys 2113 Construction 2104 Dampproofing 1805.2.2 Design, methods 2101.2, 2107, 2108, 2109
Fire resistance, calculated 722.3.2,
722.3.4
Fireplaces 2111 Floor anchorage 1604.8.2 Foundation walls 1807.1.5
Foundations, adobe 2109.2.4.5 Glass unit 2110
Heaters 2112
Inspection, special 1705.4 Joint reinforcement 2103.4
Materials 603.1, 2103 Penetrations 714 Quality assurance 2105 Rodentproofing Appendix F Roof anchorage 1604.8.1 Seismic provisions 2106 Serviceability 1604.3.4 Supported by wood 2104.1.1, 2304.13 Surface bonding 2103.2.2 Veneer 1404.11, 1404.7, 2101.2.1,
2308.10.10 Wall anchorage 1604.8.2 Waterproofing 1805.3.2 Mass Notification Systems 917 Mass Timber 508, 509, 602, 703, 718, 722 Materials
Alternates 104.2.3
Aluminum Chapter 20 Concrete Chapter 19, Chapter 19A Glass and glazing Chapter 24 Gypsum Chapter 25 Masonry Chapter 21, Chapter 21A Noncombustible 703.4
Plastic Chapter 26 Steel Chapter 22, Chapter 22A Testing (see Testing) 1707 Wood Chapter 23 Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Exposure Chapter 7A Means of Appeals 113, Appendix B Means of Egress Chapter 10, 202 Accessible 1009, 2702.2 Aircraft related 412.2.2, 412.2.5.1, 412.4.2, 412.6.1, 412.7.3 Alternating tread device 412.7.3, 1006.2.2.1, 1006.2.2.2, 1011.14 Ambulatory care facilities 422.3.1, 422.3.3 Assembly 1009.1, 1030 Atrium 404.9, 404.11, 707.3.6 Capacity 1005.3
Laboratories
Classification of 304.1, 307.1.1 Hazardous materials 414, 415 Higher education laboratories 304.4, 428 Incidental uses Table 509.1
Ladders
Boiler, incinerator and furnace
rooms 1006.2.2.1
Construction 1011.15, 1011.16, 1014.2, 1014.7, 1015.3, 1015.4 Emergency escape window wells 1031.5.2
CBC § 1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1.1_|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2201.1.2|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2201.1.3|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2201.1.4|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |2201.1.5|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2201.4.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2201.5.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.2.1.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.2.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.3|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.4|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.2.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2207.4|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2207.6|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2214.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2208.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2204.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2206.1.1.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2206.1.3|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2206.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2215|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |2216|||||||||||X|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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22 STEEL
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 22 provides the minimum requirements for the design and construction of structural steel (including composite construction), cold-formed steel, steel joists, steel cable structures and steel storage racks. This chapter specifies appropriate design and construction standards for these types of structures. It also provides a road map of the applicable technical requirements for steel structures. Chapter 22 requires that the design and use of steel structures and components be in accordance with the applicable specifications and standards of the American Institute of Steel Construction, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Steel Joist Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
This chapter was extensively reorganized for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the relocations table in the Preface information of this code.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the IBC—Structural Code Development Committee during the
2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
CBC § 1704.5 Medium relevance — show source text
2207 A .5 Certification. At completion of manufacture, the steel joist manufacturer shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents and with SJI 100 or SJI 200, as applicable.
2207A.6 Joist chord bracing. The chords of all joists shall be laterally supported at all points where the chords change direction.
SECTION 2208 A —STEEL DECK
2208 A .1 Steel decks. The design and construction of cold-formed steel floor and roof decks and composite slabs of concrete and steel deck shall be in accordance with SDI SD. The design of cold-formed steel diaphragms shall be in accordance with additional provisions of AISI S310, as applicable. The base material thickness of steel deck shall not be less than 0.0359 inch (0.9 mm) (20 gage).
Exception: [DSA-SS] For single-story open structures, the minimum deck thickness may be waived if the steel roof deck need not be used as the diaphragm and there are no suspended hangers or bracing for nonstructural components attached to the deck.
SECTION 2209 A —STEEL STORAGE RACKS
2209 A .1 General. The design, testing and utilization of steel storage racks made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel structural members shall be in accordance with ANSI MH16.1. The design, testing and utilization of steel cantilevered storage racks made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel structural members shall be in accordance with ANSI MH 16.3.
2209 A .2 Seismic design. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of steel storage racks and cantilevered steel storage racks shall be in accordance with Section 15.5.3 of ASCE 7.
2209 A .3 Certification. For steel storage racks that are 8 feet (2438 mm) in height or greater to the top load level and assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F at completion of the storage rack installation, a certificate of compliance shall be submitted to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent stating that the work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents.
SECTION 2210 A —METAL BUILDING SYSTEMS
2210 A .1 General. The design, fabrication and erection of a metal building system shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section.
2210 A .1.1 Design. The design of metal building systems shall be in accordance with Sections 2210 A .1.1.1 through 2210 A .1.1.4, as applicable.
2210 A .1.1.1 Structural steel. The design, fabrication and erection of structural steel shall be in accordance with Section 2202 A .
2210 A .1.1.2 Cold-formed steel. The design of cold-formed carbon and low-alloy steel structural members shall be in accordance with Section 2204 A .
CBC § 2201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 2201—GENERAL
2201.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter govern the quality, design, fabrication and erection of steel construction.
2201.1.1 Application. [DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD] The scope of application of Chapter 22 is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD), which include hospital buildings removed from general acute care service, skilled nursing facility buildings, intermediate care facility buildings and acute psychiatric hospital buildings, as listed in Sections 1.10.1, 1.10.2 and 1.10.5.
2. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC), which include those applications listed in Section 1.9.2.2.
2201.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. [DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD] DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD adopt this chapter as amended.
2201.1.3 Identification of amendments. [DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD] 1. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD) amendments appear in this chapter preceded by the appropriate acronym, as follows:
[OSHPD 1R ] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.
[OSHPD 2] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.2.
[OSHPD 5] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.5 2. [DSA-SS/CC] Division of the State Architect - Structural Safety/Community Colleges amendments appear in this chapter preceded by the appropriate acronym, as follows:
[DSA-SS/CC] - For applications listed in Section 1.9.2.2
2201.1.4 Reference to other chapters. [DSA-SS/CC] Where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapter 17, the provi- sions in Chapter 17A shall apply instead.
2201.1.5 Additional amendments. [DSA-SS/CC] See Section 2215 for additional requirements.
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] See Section 2213 for additional requirements.
2201.2 Identification. Identification of steel members shall be in accordance with the applicable referenced standards within this chapter. Other steel furnished for structural load-carrying purposes shall be identified for conformity to the ordered grade in accordance with the specified ASTM standard or other specification and the provisions of this chapter. Where the steel grade is not readily identifiable from marking and test records, the steel shall be tested to verify conformity to such standards.
2201.3 Protection. The protection of steel members shall be in accordance with the applicable referenced standards within this chapter.
2201.4 Connections. The design and installation of steel connections shall be in accordance with the applicable referenced standards within this chapter. For special inspection of welding or installation of high-strength bolts, see Section 1705.2.
CBC § 1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 2205 A —COLD-FORMED STAINLESS STEEL
2205 A .1 General. The design of cold-formed stainless steel structural members shall be in accordance with ASCE 8.
SECTION 2206 A —COLD-FORMED STEEL LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION
2206 A .1 Structural framing. For cold-formed steel light-frame construction, the design and installation of the following structural framing systems, including their members and connections, shall be in accordance with AISI S240, and Sections 2206 A .1.1 through 2206 A .1.3, as applicable:
Floor and roof systems.
Structural walls.
Shear walls, strap-braced walls and diaphragms that resist in-plane lateral loads.
Trusses.
2206 A .1.1 Seismic requirements for cold-formed steel structural systems. The design of cold-formed steel light-frame construction to resist seismic forces shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 2206 A .1.1.1 or 2206 A .1.1.2, as applicable.
2206 A .1.1.1 Seismic Design Categories B and C. Not permitted by DSA-SS and OSHPD.
2206 A .1.1.2 Seismic Design Categories D through F. In cold-formed steel light-frame construction assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, the seismic force-resisting system shall be designed and detailed in accordance with AISI S400. The following additional requirements apply: 1. Cold-formed steel stud foundation plates or sills shall be bolted or fastened to the foundation or foundation wall in accordance with Section 2304.3.4, Item 2.
2. Shear wall assemblies in accordance with Sections E5, E6 and E7 of AISI 400 are not permitted within the seismic force- resisting system of buildings.
2206 A .1.2 Prescriptive framing. Not permitted by DSA-SS and OSHPD.
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2206 A .1.3 Truss design. Cold-formed steel trusses shall comply with the additional provisions of Sections 2206 A .1.3.1. through 2206 A .1.3.3.
Complete engineering analysis and truss design drawings shall accompany the construction documents submitted to the enforce- ment agency for approval. When load testing is required, the test report shall be submitted with the truss design drawings and engineering analysis to the enforcement agency.
CBC § 2206.2 Medium relevance — show source text
3|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2206.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2215|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |2216|||||||||||X|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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User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 22 provides the minimum requirements for the design and construction of structural steel (including composite construction), cold-formed steel, steel joists, steel cable structures and steel storage racks. This chapter specifies appropriate design and construction standards for these types of structures. It also provides a road map of the applicable technical requirements for steel structures. Chapter 22 requires that the design and use of steel structures and components be in accordance with the applicable specifications and standards of the American Institute of Steel Construction, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Steel Joist Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
This chapter was extensively reorganized for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the relocations table in the Preface information of this code.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the IBC—Structural Code Development Committee during the
2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 2201—GENERAL
2201.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter govern the quality, design, fabrication and erection of steel construction.
2201.1.1 Application. [DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD] The scope of application of Chapter 22 is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD), which include hospital buildings removed from general acute care service, skilled nursing facility buildings, intermediate care facility buildings and acute psychiatric hospital buildings, as listed in Sections 1.10.1, 1.10.2 and 1.10.5.
2. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC), which include those applications listed in Section 1.9.2.2.
2201.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. [DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD] DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD adopt this chapter as amended.
2201.1.3 Identification of amendments. [DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD] 1. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD) amendments appear in this chapter preceded by the appropriate acronym, as follows:
[OSHPD 1R ] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.
[OSHPD 2] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.2.
CBC § 1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1705 A .1 General. Special inspections and tests of elements and nonstructural components of buildings and structures shall meet the applicable requirements of this section.
1705 A .1.1 Special cases. Special inspections and tests shall be required for proposed work that is, in the opinion of the building official, unusual in its nature, such as, but not limited to, the following examples:
- Construction materials and systems that are alternatives to materials and systems prescribed by this code.
- Unusual design applications of materials described in this code.
- Materials and systems required to be installed in accordance with additional manufacturer’s instructions that prescribe requirements not contained in this code or in standards referenced by this code.
1705 A .2 Steel construction. The special inspections and nondestructive testing of steel construction in buildings, structures and portions thereof shall be in accordance with this section.
Exception: Special inspections of the steel fabrication process shall not be required where the fabrication process for the entire building or structure does not include any welding, thermal cutting or heating operation of any kind. In such cases, the fabricator shall be required to submit a detailed procedure for material control that demonstrates the fabricator’s ability to maintain suitable records and procedures such that, at any time during the fabrication process, the material specification and grade for the main stress-carrying elements are capable of being determined. Mill test reports shall be identifiable to the main stress-carrying elements where required by the approved construction documents.
1705 A .2.1 Structural steel. Special inspections and nondestructive testing of structural steel elements in buildings, structures and portions thereof shall be in accordance with the quality assurance requirements of AISC 360 and this code.
Exception: Special inspection of railing systems composed of structural steel elements shall be limited to welding inspection of welds at the base of cantilevered rail posts.
The following provisions of AISC 360, Chapter N are not permitted: 1. N5, Item 3 (Coordinated Inspection). 2. N6 (Approved Fabricators and Erectors). 3. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Quality assurance application of: a. N5, Item 2 (Quality Assurance). b. N5, Item 4 (Inspection of Welding). c. N7 (Nonconforming Material and Workmanship).
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SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
[DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Additionally, the requirements of Table 1705A.2.1 of the California Building Code shall apply.
[DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] References to specified standards in Table 1705A.2.1 apply only to those structural systems and elements required to comply with those by this code.
[DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Replace AISC 360, Section N5.5(b), as follows:
CBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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STEEL
1. For members designed based on tension, the slenderness ratio (L/r) shall not exceed 300, except for the design of hangers and bracing in accordance with NFPA 13 and for rod hangers in tension. 2. For members designed based on compression, the slenderness ratio (KL/r) shall not exceed 200, except for the design of hangers and bracing in accordance with NFPA 13.
2202 A .2 Seismic design. Where required, the seismic design, fabrication and erection of buildings, structures and portions thereof shall be in accordance with Section 2202 A .2.1 or 2202 A .2.2, as applicable.
2202 A .2.1 Structural steel seismic force-resisting systems and composite structural steel and concrete seismic force- resisting systems. The design, detailing, fabrication and erection of structural steel seismic force-resisting systems and composite structural steel and concrete seismic force-resisting systems shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 2202 A .2.1.1 or 2202 A .2.1.2, as applicable. Seismic force-resisting systems of structural steel acting compositely with reinforced concrete shall be considered as an alternative system, except as permitted by:
[DSA-SS] Section 2202A.6.1.
[OSHPD 1 & 4] Section 2202A.4.1.
2202 A .2.1.1 Seismic Design Category B or C. Not permitted by DSA-SS and OSHPD.
2202 A .2.1.2 Seismic Design Category D, E or F. Structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F shall be designed and detailed in accordance with AISC 341. Beam-to-column moment connections in structural steel special moment frames and intermediate moment frames shall be prequalified in accordance with AISC 341, Section K1, qualified by testing in accordance with AISC 341, Section K2, or shall be prequalified in accordance with AISC 358.
2202 A .2.2 Structural steel elements. The design, detailing, fabrication and erection of structural steel elements in seismic forceresisting systems, including struts, collectors, chords and foundation elements, shall be in accordance with AISC 341.
2202A.3 Modifications to AISC 341. [OSHPD 1 and 4]
2202A.3.1 Section A4. Modify Section A4.1 Item (c) by adding the following:
(c) Locations and dimensions of protected zones. The fabricator shall permanently mark protected zones of structural elements in the seismic force-resisting system in the building that are designated on the construction documents. If these markings are obscured during construction, such as after the application of fire protection, the owner’s designated representative shall re-mark the protected zones as they are designated on the construction documents. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Primers or paints used to mark protected zones on steel surfaces, which are to receive sprayed fire-resistance material, shall comply with California Building Code Section 704.13.3.2.
CBC § 2206.1 Medium relevance — show source text
2206.1 Structural framing. For cold-formed steel light-frame construction, the design and installation of the following structural framing systems, including their members and connections, shall be in accordance with AISI S240, and Sections 2206.1.1 through 2206.1.3, as applicable:
- Floor and roof systems.
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Structural walls.
Shear walls, strap-braced walls and diaphragms that resist in-plane lateral loads.
Trusses.
2206.1.1 Seismic requirements for cold-formed steel structural systems. The design of cold-formed steel light-frame construction to resist seismic forces shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 2206.1.1.1 or 2206.1.1.2, as applicable.
2206.1.1.1 Seismic Design Categories B and C. Where a response modification coefficient, R, in accordance with ASCE 7, Table 12.2-1 is used for the design of cold-formed steel light-frame construction assigned to Seismic Design Category B or C, the seismic force-resisting system shall be designed and detailed in accordance with the requirements of AISI S400.
Exception: The response modification coefficient, R, designated for “Steel systems not specifically detailed for seismic resistance, excluding cantilever column systems” in ASCE 7, Table 12.2-1, shall be permitted for systems designed and detailed in accordance with AISI S240 and need not be designed and detailed in accordance with AISI S400.
2206.1.1.2 Seismic Design Categories D through F. In cold-formed steel light-frame construction assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, the seismic force-resisting system shall be designed and detailed in accordance with AISI S400.
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]: 1. Cold-formed steel stud foundation plates or sills shall be bolted or fastened to the foundation or foundation wall in accordance with Section 2304.3.4, Item 2.
2. Shear wall assemblies in accordance with Sections E5, E6 and E7 of AISI S400 are not permitted within the seismic force- resisting system of buildings.
2206.1.2 Prescriptive framing. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, less than or equal to three stories above grade plane, shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance with AISI S230 subject to the limitations therein.
2206.1.3 Truss design. Cold-formed steel trusses shall comply with the additional provisions of Sections 2206.1.3.1. through 2206.1.3.3.
[ OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Complete engineering analysis and truss design drawings shall accompany the construction documents submit- ted to the enforcement agency for approval. When load testing is required, the test report shall be submitted with the truss design drawings and engineering analysis to the enforcement agency.
CBC § 3.1. Medium relevance — show source text
3.1. Joist supports. 3.2. Joist girder supports. 3.3. Field splices. 3.4. Bridging attachments. 4. Deflection criteria for joists and joist girder configurations that differ from those defined by SJI 100 or SJI 200. 5. Size, location and connections for bridging.
- Joist headers.
Steel joist placement plans do not require the seal and signature of the joist manufacturer’s registered design professional.
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.
2207.5 Certification. At completion of manufacture, the steel joist manufacturer shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents and with SJI 100 or SJI 200, as applicable.
2207.6 Joist chord bracing. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] The chords of all joists shall be laterally supported at all points where the chords change direction.
SECTION 2208—STEEL DECK
2208.1 Steel decks. The design and construction of cold-formed steel floor and roof decks and composite slabs of concrete and steel deck shall be in accordance with SDI SD. The design of cold-formed steel diaphragms shall be in accordance with additional provisions of AISI S310, as applicable.
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] The base material thickness of the steel deck shall not be less than 0.0359 inch (0.9 mm) (20 gage).
Exception: For single-story, nonbuilding structures similar to buildings, the minimum deck thickness need not apply if the steel roof deck is not being used as the diaphragm and there are no suspended hangers or bracing for nonstructural components attached to the deck.
SECTION 2209—STEEL STORAGE RACKS
2209.1 General. The design, testing and utilization of steel storage racks made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel structural members shall be in accordance with ANSI MH16.1. The design, testing and utilization of steel cantilevered storage racks made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel structural members shall be in accordance with ANSI MH 16.3.
2209.2 Seismic design. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of steel storage racks and cantilevered steel storage racks shall be in accordance with Section 15.5.3 of ASCE 7.
22-8 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
STEEL
2209.3 Certification. For steel storage racks that are 8 feet (2438 mm) in height or greater to the top load level and assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F at completion of the storage rack installation, a certificate of compliance shall be submitted to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent stating that the work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents.
SECTION 2210—METAL BUILDING SYSTEMS
2210.1 General. The design, fabrication and erection of a metal building system shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section.
Frequently asked questions
Which CBC section controls seismic detailing for steel frames?
Seismic design and detailing for structural steel seismic force‑resisting systems are in § 2202 and reference AISC 341 (and related AISC/AISC‑358 provisions) for special and intermediate moment frames and other seismic systems .
Are special inspections required for steel work?
Yes — special inspections and nondestructive testing for steel fabrication, welding and erection are required per the special inspections provisions (see § 1705 and the steel‑specific requirements referencing AISC 360) and must be included in construction documents and QA plans .
When do I use Chapter 22A instead of Chapter 22?
Chapter 22A contains the steel provisions as adopted for structures regulated by DSA‑SS and certain OSHPD applications; use 22A when the project falls under those state agencies (the chapter front matter and section notes identify applicability and amendments) .
More in California Building Code
- Accessibility
- Administration & Permits
- Concrete
- Elevators & Conveying Systems
- Energy Efficiency
- Existing Buildings
- Exterior Walls
- Fire-Resistance & Fire Safety
- Foundations & Soils
- Hazardous Materials & Occupancies
- Interior Finishes
- Masonry
- Means of Egress
- Occupancy Classification & Use
- Roofing & Roof Assemblies
- Special Inspections & Tests
- Steel
- Structural Design
- Types of Construction
- Wood
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