CBC · California Building Code
What is the scope and application of Chapter 22 (Steel)?
Chapter 22 of the California Building Code contains the technical rules for designing, fabricating and erecting steel structures. Sections § 2201.1–§ 2201.1.2 specify that the chapter governs steel work generally and explain how state agencies (OSHPD and DSA‑SS/CC) apply and adopt the chapter for the structures they regulate — including agency amendments that appear in the chapter .
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Chapter 22 contains the California Building Code requirements that govern the quality, design, fabrication and erection of steel construction — in other words, the technical rules for structural steel, cold‑formed steel, steel joists, steel cable structures and steel storage racks (§ 2201.1). For buildings and projects under the State agencies identified in the code (notably OSHPD and DSA‑SS/CC), the chapter’s specific scope of application and any agency amendments are set out in § 2201.1.1 and § 2201.1.2, respectively .
Requirements in detail
Core scope
- What Chapter 22 covers: material quality, structural design, fabrication and erection practices for steel construction and related systems (structural steel, composite construction, cold‑formed steel, joists, cable structures, racks) — the chapter provides the minimum requirements and points to applicable industry standards such as AISC, AISI and SJI (§ 2201.1 and Chapter introduction) .
Which projects / agencies explicitly reference Chapter 22
- Chapter 22 is the baseline for steel work in the CBC. Sections that control how the chapter is applied by state agencies include:
- Application for OSHPD and DSA‑SS/CC projects: the chapter lists the types of structures those agencies regulate that are subject to Chapter 22 (§ 2201.1.1).
- Agency adoption/amendment: DSA‑SS/CC and OSHPD adopt Chapter 22 as amended for their regulated applications (§ 2201.1.2) .
Decision checklist (quick reference)
| Decision factor | Trigger / value | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Is the work steel construction (design/fabrication/erection)? | Yes → Chapter 22 governs the technical requirements for that steel work | § 2201.1 |
| Is the project regulated by OSHPD (e.g., hospitals, skilled nursing, intermediate care, acute psychiatric)? | Yes → see application list in § 2201.1.1(1); OSHPD adopts chapter (may include OSHPD amendments) | § 2201.1.1(1) and § 2201.1.2 |
| Is the project regulated by DSA‑SS/CC (e.g., community colleges, applications in § 1.9.2.2)? | Yes → see § 2201.1.1(2); DSA‑SS/CC adopts chapter as amended | § 2201.1.1(2) and § 2201.1.2 |
| Are agency‑specific amendments or alternate chapters applicable (22A, 17A, etc.)? | If project is under DSA or OSHPD, check chapter annotations and the A/‑suffix chapters (e.g., 22A) and cross‑references (e.g., Chapter 17A) | See § 2201.1.3–.5 and Chapter 22A notes |
How Chapter 22 relates to referenced standards
- Chapter 22 requires designs to follow the referenced technical standards (for example, AISC 360 for structural steel and composite construction) and identifies where state agencies have added or changed requirements. Where the chapter references other CBC chapters that have agency‑specific versions (for example Chapter 17A), the agency versions apply for that agency’s projects — see the cross‑reference notes in the chapter text (§ 2201.1.4 and related notes) .
Exceptions & special cases
- State adoption and amendments: Sections in Chapter 22 that are bracketed with agency acronyms indicate agency‑specific amendments (for example [OSHPD], [DSA‑SS/CC]). For projects under those agencies, the bracketed amendments govern (§ 2201.1.3 and § 2201.1.2) .
- Alternate Chapter 22A: For certain DSA or OSHPD applications, Chapter 22A contains the parallel or alternate text (Chapter 22A applies to DSA‑SS and certain OSHPD applications as described in the code) — verify whether 22A or 22 applies to your specific project type (§ 2201A.1.1 and Chapter introduction) .
- If the chapter references other chapters (e.g., Chapter 17), the agency‑specific chapters (17A, etc.) may be mandatory for agency projects — see the chapter cross‑reference and agency notes (§ 2201.1.4) .
If a precise technical requirement (for example a weld procedure, bolt torque, permitted steel grade, etc.) is needed: those requirements are located in the detailed sections of Chapter 22 (e.g., 2202, 2204, etc.) or in the referenced standards (AISC, AISI, AWS). The controlling general scope sections (§ 2201.1, § 2201.1.1, § 2201.1.2) do not specify those numeric fabrication/design values themselves — they set the chapter’s applicability and adoption by agencies .
Common mistakes
- Misreading § 2201.1.1 as limiting Chapter 22 only to OSHPD/DSA projects. § 2201.1 is the general scope for steel work; § 2201.1.1 describes the chapter’s scope of application specifically for the named state agencies and how those agencies adopt and amend the chapter — it does not mean the chapter’s technical requirements are irrelevant for other projects where steel is used (§ 2201.1 and § 2201.1.1) .
- Ignoring agency‑bracketed amendments: for projects under OSHPD or DSA‑SS/CC, bracketed text (for example [OSHPD 1R]) in Chapter 22 indicates agency amendments that must be followed — always check for those annotations (§ 2201.1.3) .
- Failing to check Chapter 22A or other “A” chapters: for certain public agency projects the parallel Chapter 22A and other A‑chapters (e.g., 17A) override or replace the base chapter references; designers must confirm which chapter version applies to their project (§ 2201A.1.1, § 2201.1.4) .
Worked example — deciding whether Chapter 22 applies (concrete scenario)
Scenario: You’re the structural engineer for a new 3‑story skilled nursing facility regulated by OSHPD (listed in § 1.10.2). Question: do you use Chapter 22, and are there agency amendments?
Step 1 — Is the work steel structural work? Yes — the building frame is steel. Chapter 22 governs quality, design, fabrication and erection of that steel work (§ 2201.1) .
Step 2 — Is the facility type listed under OSHPD application? Yes — skilled nursing facilities are listed in § 1.10.2 and specifically called out in § 2201.1.1(1). That means OSHPD adopts Chapter 22 for this application and you must follow any OSHPD amendments that appear in Chapter 22 (bracketed with [OSHPD …]) (§ 2201.1.1 and § 2201.1.2) .
Step 3 — Confirm referenced standards and any A‑chapter mappings. For OSHPD projects the chapter text will show bracketed amendments and may direct you to agency‑specific provisions (check § 2201.1.3 and related notes). Also verify cross references (e.g., if Chapter 17 is referenced, OSHPD may require Chapter 17A instead) (§ 2201.1.3–.5) .
Conclusion: Use Chapter 22 as the baseline for structural steel design and construction, and apply the OSHPD amendments shown in the chapter (and any OSHPD‑specific referenced standards) for the skilled nursing facility project.
Related provisions
- § 2201.1 — Scope (general statement of Chapter 22 scope)
- § 2201.1.1 — Application (lists OSHPD and DSA‑SS/CC applications)
- § 2201.1.2 — Agency adoption / amendments (DSA‑SS/CC, OSHPD)
- § 2201.1.3 — Identification of amendments and bracketed agency text (how amendments are shown)
- Chapter 22A (e.g., § 2201A.1.1) — alternate/agency‑specific steel chapter for certain DSA/OSHPD applications
- § 2202 — Structural steel and composite structural steel and concrete (design standard references such as AISC) — see Chapter 22 body for technical requirements
- Section notes regarding cross‑references to “A” chapters (e.g., mapping Chapter 17 → Chapter 17A) — see § 2201.1.4 and related notes
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CBC § 2206.2 High relevance — show source text
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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.
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 § 2201A.1.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 2201 A —GENERAL
2201 A .1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter govern the quality, design, fabrication and erection of steel construction.
2201A.1.1 Application. The scope of application of Chapter 22A is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (DSA-SS), which include those applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. These applications include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state- owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD), which include those applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 and 1.10.4. These applications include hospitals and correctional treatment centers.
2201A.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. DSA-SS and OSHPD adopt this chapter and all amendments.
Exception: Amendments adopted by only one agency appear in this chapter preceded with the appropriate acronym of the adopt- ing agency, as follows: 1. Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety: [DSA-SS] For applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. 2. Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development:
[OSHPD 1] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.
[OSHPD 4] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.4.
2201 A .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. [DSA-SS] All material iden- tification and testing shall be in accordance with Chapter 17A.
2201 A .3 Protection. The protection of steel members shall be in accordance with the applicable referenced standards within this chapter.
2201 A .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 A .2.
2201A.4.1 Restrained welded connections. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Welded structural steel connections having a medium or high level of restraint, as defined by AWS D1.1 Annex H, shall have a minimum pre-heat temperature of not less than 150 [o] F (66 [o] C). Welded struc- tural steel connections with welds to flange, web, wall or plate having a high level of restraint shall maintain a post-heat temperature of 300 [o] F (149 [o] C) for a minimum of 1 hour after completion of welding.
CBC § 2201.1 High 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 § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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22 A STEEL
User notes:
About this chapter: 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—including public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings (applications listed in Sections 1.9.2.1 [DSA- SS] and 1.9.2.2 [DSA-SS/CC])—and by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development—including hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1
[OSHPD 1] and 1.10.4 [OSHPD 4]).
This chapter was extensively reorganized for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the relocations table in the Preface information of this code.
SECTION 2201 A —GENERAL
2201 A .1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter govern the quality, design, fabrication and erection of steel construction.
2201A.1.1 Application. The scope of application of Chapter 22A is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (DSA-SS), which include those applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. These applications include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state- owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD), which include those applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 and 1.10.4. These applications include hospitals and correctional treatment centers.
2201A.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. DSA-SS and OSHPD adopt this chapter and all amendments.
Exception: Amendments adopted by only one agency appear in this chapter preceded with the appropriate acronym of the adopt- ing agency, as follows: 1. Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety: [DSA-SS] For applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. 2. Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development:
[OSHPD 1] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.
[OSHPD 4] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.4.
CBC § 1.1 High 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 § 22-1 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 22 STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-1
2201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-3
2202 Structural Steel and Composite Structural Steel and Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-4
2203 Structural Stainless Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-6
2204 Cold-Formed Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-6
2205 Cold-Formed Stainless Steel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-6
2206 Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction . . . . 22-6
2207 Steel Joists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-7
2208 Steel Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-8
2209 Steel Storage Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-8
2210 Metal Building Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9
2211 Industrial Boltless Steel Shelving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9
2212 Industrial Steel Work Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9
2213 Stairs, Ladders and Guarding for Steel Storage Racks and Industrial Steel Work Platforms . . . . . 22-9
2214 Steel Cable Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9
2215 Additional Requirements for Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-9
2216 Testing and Field Verification
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-10
CHAPTER 22A STEEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-1
2201A General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-3
2202A Structural Steel and Composite Structural Steel and
CBC § 1.10.4.3 High relevance — show source text
1.10.4.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.4, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 4], unless the entire chapter is applicable.
1.10.4.4 Reference to other chapters. Where reference is made within this code to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22, the respective sections in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A shall apply instead.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015 and 129790.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.5 OSHPD 5. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Acute psychiatric hospital buildings.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall also enforce the California Energy Commission—Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility type.
1.10.5.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter I, Division II.
1.10.5.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provision of Title 24, Part 2, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.5.
OSHPD 5 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 2:
Chapters 2 through 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 35.
1.10.5.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.5, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 5].
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 129680, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.6 OSHPD 6. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application —Chemical dependency recovery hospital not within an acute care hospital building or an acute psychiatric facility.
Enforcing agency —Local building department.
CBC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 22 – COMBUSTIBLE DUST-PRODUCING OPERATIONS
(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 Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGT-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt Entire Chapter X Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended sections
listed below)Adopt only those sections that
are listed below[California Code of Regulations,
Title 19, Division 1]Chapter / Section - The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. 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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22 COMBUSTIBLE DUST-PRODUCING OPERATIONS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 22 provides requirements that seek to reduce the likelihood of dust explosions by managing the hazards of ignitable suspensions of combustible dusts associated with a variety of operations including woodworking, mining, food processing, agricultural commodity storage and handling and pharmaceutical manufacturing, among others. This chapter provides various requirements to control ignition sources, use properly listed and designed dust collection systems, maintain good housekeeping practices and provide proper training to those involved in these processes. Appropriate standards are referenced to deal with the specific dust hazards.
SECTION 2201—GENERAL
2201.1 Scope. The equipment, processes and operations involving dust explosion hazards and use or handling of combustible dust shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.
CBC § 1.9.2.1.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception: Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A—Amendments appearing in these chapters without an acronym have been co-adopted by DSA-SS and OSHPD.
1.9.2.1.4 Reference to other chapters. Where reference is made within the California Building Standards Code (CBSC) to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22, the respective sections in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A shall apply instead.
1.9.2.2 DSA-SS/CC Division of the State Architect- Structural Safety/Community Colleges
Application— Community Colleges. The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to promulgate alternate building standards for application to community colleges, which a community college may elect to use in lieu of standards promulgated by DSA-SS in accordance with Section 1.9.2.1.
Enforcing agency— Division of the State Architect- Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC)
The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and oversee construction of community colleges electing to use the alternative building standards as provided in this section.
Authority cited— Education Code Section 81053.
Reference— Education Code Sections 81052, 81053 and 81130 through 81147.
1.9.2.2.1 Applicable administrative standards.
1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: 1.1. Sections 4-301 through 4-355, Group 1, and Sections 4-401 through 4-435, Group 2, Chapter 4. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: 2.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2 of Chapter 1, Division I. 2.2. Sections 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.4, 102.5, 104.2.3, 104.9, 104.10, 106.1, 107.2.5, 110.3.5 and 110.3.7 of Chapter 1, Division II.
1.9.2.2.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, Califor- nia Code of Regulations.
The Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC] adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 2:
Chapters 2 through 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17A, 18A, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 35.
CBC § 21A-8 Medium relevance — show source text
2106A Seismic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-8
2107A Allowable Stress Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-9
2108A Strength Design of Masonry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-10
2109A Empirical Design of Adobe Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-10
2110A Glass Unit Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-10
2111A Masonry Fireplaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-10
2112A Masonry Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-13
2113A Masonry Chimneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-13
2114A Dry-Stack Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-18
CHAPTER 22 STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-1
2201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-3
2202 Structural Steel and Composite Structural Steel and Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-4
2203 Structural Stainless Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-6
2204 Cold-Formed Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-6
2205 Cold-Formed Stainless Steel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-6
2206 Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction . . . . 22-6
2207 Steel Joists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-7
2208 Steel Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-8
2209 Steel Storage Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-8
CBC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. 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 FIRE CODE 22-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
22-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
22 COMBUSTIBLE DUST-PRODUCING OPERATIONS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 22 provides requirements that seek to reduce the likelihood of dust explosions by managing the hazards of ignitable suspensions of combustible dusts associated with a variety of operations including woodworking, mining, food processing, agricultural commodity storage and handling and pharmaceutical manufacturing, among others. This chapter provides various requirements to control ignition sources, use properly listed and designed dust collection systems, maintain good housekeeping practices and provide proper training to those involved in these processes. Appropriate standards are referenced to deal with the specific dust hazards.
SECTION 2201—GENERAL
2201.1 Scope. The equipment, processes and operations involving dust explosion hazards and use or handling of combustible dust shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.
Exceptions:
Storage and use of consumer materials in Group B or R occupancies.
Storage and use of commercially packaged materials in Group M occupancies.
Materials displayed in original packaging in Group M occupancies and intended as building materials or for personal or household use.
Storage of sealed containers of combustible dust at facilities not associated with an operation that uses, handles or generates combustible dust.
Materials stored or used in farm buildings or similar occupancies intended for on-premises agricultural purposes.
2201.2 Permits. Permits shall be required for combustible dust-producing operations as set forth in Section 105.5.
SECTION 2202—DEFINITIONS
2202.1 Definition. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
COMBUSTIBLE DUST.
DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM.
SECTION 2203—DUST EXPLOSION PREVENTION
2203.1 Critical depth layer. The maximum dust layer on all surfaces, including but not limited to walls, ceilings, beams, equipment, furniture, pipes and ducts, shall not exceed the critical depth layer specified in Table 2203.1. The critical depth layer is permitted to be adjusted for explosion hazard where further evaluated in accordance with one of the following:
Section 7.2.1.3 of NFPA 654.
Section 4.1.3.3 of NFPA 664 for wood flour.
Accumulated combustible dust shall be collected by one of the methods listed in Section 2203.5.
CBC § 2.25 Medium relevance — show source text
00|2.25|0.70|DR|3.70|1.05|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|33 mil cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|16|3.85|1.45|DR|DR|3.40|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|33 mil cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|24|3.40|DR|DR|DR|2.70|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|12|3.00|1.80|DR|DR|3.00|0.65|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|16|3.00|1.00|DR|DR|2.85|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|24|2.85|DR|DR|DR|2.20|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|12|4.00|3.85|2.80|1.80|4.00|3.05|1.50|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|16|4.00|3.30|1.95|0.60|4.00|2.25|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|24|4.00|2.25|DR|DR|4.00|0.65|DR|DR| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa.
DR = Design Required, o.c. = on center.
a. Wood furring shall be spruce-pine-fir or any softwood species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or greater.
Frequently asked questions
Who must follow Chapter 22?
Any design, fabrication or erection of steel construction in projects within the California Building Code scope uses Chapter 22 technical requirements; projects regulated by OSHPD or DSA‑SS/CC must also follow the agency‑adopted amendments shown in the chapter (§ 2201.1 and § 2201.1.1) .
Does § 2201.1.1 mean Chapter 22 only applies to OSHPD and DSA projects?
No. § 2201.1 states the chapter governs steel construction generally. § 2201.1.1 identifies how Chapter 22 is applied and adopted by the named state agencies — it does not remove Chapter 22’s applicability to other steel projects; it highlights agency application and amendments (§ 2201.1 and § 2201.1.1) .
Where are agency amendments shown in the chapter?
Agency amendments and agency‑specific text are shown in the chapter with bracketed acronyms (for example [OSHPD], [DSA‑SS/CC]) and are identified in § 2201.1.3 and related notes — always read the bracketed text for agency projects (§ 2201.1.3) .
If my project is a public school or community college, do I use Chapter 22 or 22A?
Check the project’s enforcing agency. DSA‑SS (public schools/community colleges) may require the A‑chapter (22A) or the plain Chapter 22 depending on the application; see § 2201A.1.1 and the DSA adoption notes to determine which chapter applies .
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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