CBC · California Building Code
Joists, deck, storage racks, metal building systems and cable structures
Chapter 22 (and 22A) of the CBC organizes the design, referenced standards, seismic and certification rules for steel joists, decks, storage racks, metal building systems and cable structures.
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026
Overview
This part of the California Building Code (CBC) groups the provisions that govern steel joists, steel deck, steel storage racks, manufactured metal building systems and steel cable structures. These topics are primarily found in Chapter 22 (and Chapter 22A for DSA/OSHPD applications) where the code calls out applicable design standards, referenced documents and special requirements for fabrication, erection and certification (§2207, §2208, §2209, §2210, §2214) .
The CBC ties each element to nationally recognized standards and to seismic design requirements where applicable (for example ASCE 7, SJI standards for joists, SDI for steel deck, ANSI MH standards for storage racks and ASCE 19 for cable structures). The metal building systems section directs designers to the appropriate material-specific sections (structural steel §2202, cold‑formed steel §2204, joists §2207, cable §2214) so the manufacturer’s system is reviewed to those standards and to the CBC’s seismic rules (§2210) . Special inspection and certification requirements for many of these items are established elsewhere in the code (see special inspection provisions in §1705) and in the CBC’s administrative and jurisdiction‑specific chapters .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CBC § 2209.1 High relevance — show source text
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.
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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.
2210.1.1 Design. The design of metal building systems shall be in accordance with Sections 2210.1.1.1 through 2210.1.1.4, as applicable.
2210.1.1.1 Structural steel. The design, fabrication and erection of structural steel shall be in accordance with Section 2202.
2210.1.1.2 Cold-formed steel. The design of cold-formed carbon and low-alloy steel structural members shall be in accordance with Section 2204.
2210.1.1.3 Steel joists. The design of steel joists shall be in accordance with Section 2207.
2210.1.1.4 Steel cable. The design, fabrication and erection of steel cables, including related connections, shall be in accordance with Section 2214.
2210.2 Seismic design. Where required, the seismic design, fabrication and erection of the structural steel seismic force-resisting system shall be in accordance with Section 2202.2.1 or 2202.2.2, as applicable.
SECTION 2211—INDUSTRIAL BOLTLESS STEEL SHELVING
2211.1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.2. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.
SECTION 2212—INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS
2212.1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.3. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.
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.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 22-1
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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 § 3.1. High 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.
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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.
CBC § 22A-3 High relevance — show source text
Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-3
2203A Structural Stainless Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-6
2204A Cold-Formed Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-6
2205A Cold-Formed Stainless Steel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-6
2206A Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction . . . . .22A-6
2207A Steel Joists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-7
2208A Steel Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-8
2209A Steel Storage Racks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-8
2210A Metal Building Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-8
2211A Industrial Boltless Steel Shelving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-9
2212A Industrial Steel Work Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-9
2213A Stairs, Ladders and Guarding for Steel Storage Racks and Industrial Steel Work Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-9
2214A Steel Cable Structures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-9
2215A [DSA-SS] Light Modular Steel Moment Frames for Public Elementary and Secondary Schools, and Community Colleges . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-9
2216A Testing and Field Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-10
CHAPTER 23 WOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-1
2301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-3
2302 Design Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-4
2303 Minimum Standards and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-4
CBC § 15.5.3 High relevance — show source text
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 .
2210 A .1.1.3 Steel joists. The design of steel joists shall be in accordance with Section 2207 A .
2210 A .1.1.4 Steel cable. The design, fabrication and erection of steel cables, including related connections, shall be in accordance with Section 2214 A .
2210 A .2 Seismic design. Where required, the seismic design, fabrication and erection of the structural steel seismic force-resisting system shall be in accordance with Section 2202 A .2.1 or 2202 A .2.2, as applicable.
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SECTION 2211 A —INDUSTRIAL BOLTLESS STEEL SHELVING
2211 A .1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.2. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.
SECTION 2212 A —INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS
2212 A .1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.3. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.
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 § 22-9 High relevance — show source text
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
Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-3
2203A Structural Stainless Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-6
2204A Cold-Formed Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-6
2205A Cold-Formed Stainless Steel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-6
2206A Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction . . . . .22A-6
2207A Steel Joists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-7
2208A Steel Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-8
2209A Steel Storage Racks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-8
2210A Metal Building Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-8
CBC § 1704.5 High 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 § 2210.1.1.1 High relevance — show source text
2210.1.1.1 Structural steel. The design, fabrication and erection of structural steel shall be in accordance with Section 2202.
2210.1.1.2 Cold-formed steel. The design of cold-formed carbon and low-alloy steel structural members shall be in accordance with Section 2204.
2210.1.1.3 Steel joists. The design of steel joists shall be in accordance with Section 2207.
2210.1.1.4 Steel cable. The design, fabrication and erection of steel cables, including related connections, shall be in accordance with Section 2214.
2210.2 Seismic design. Where required, the seismic design, fabrication and erection of the structural steel seismic force-resisting system shall be in accordance with Section 2202.2.1 or 2202.2.2, as applicable.
SECTION 2211—INDUSTRIAL BOLTLESS STEEL SHELVING
2211.1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.2. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.
SECTION 2212—INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS
2212.1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.3. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.
SECTION 2213—STAIRS, LADDERS AND GUARDING FOR STEEL STORAGE RACKS AND INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS
2213.1 General. The design and installation of stairs, ladders and guarding serving steel storage racks and industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 32.1.
SECTION 2214—STEEL CABLE STRUCTURES
2214.1 General. The design, fabrication and erection including related connections, and protective coatings of steel cables for buildings shall be in accordance with ASCE 19.
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Steel cables with glass or polymer fabric material acting as a tensile membrane structure shall be considered as an alternative system.
SECTION 2215 — ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES [DSA-SS/CC]
2215.1 General.
2215.1.1 Shear transfer at column base plate. Where the holes in column base plates are more than [1] / 8 inch (3 mm) larger than the anchor rods, as permitted by AISC 360, the anchor rods shall be designed for the induced bending stresses in combination with axial and shear stresses. Alternatively, shear lugs designed in accordance with ACI 318 Section 17.11 shall be permitted to transfer shear forces between column base plates and the supporting structure.
2215.2 Modifications to AISC 341.
2215.2.1 Section B5. Modify exception of Section B5.2(a) as follows:
CBC § 2702.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Membrane structures 2702.2
Platform lifts 1009.5, 2702.2 Smoke control 909.11, 2702.2 Smokeproof enclosure 909.20.7.2, 2702.2 Special inspection 1705.13.6 Underground buildings 405.8, 2702.2 Standpipe and Hose Systems (see Standpipes, Required) 905, 3106.4, 3308.1.1, 3311 Cabinet locks 905.7.2
Dry 905.8 Hose connection location 905.1, 905.4, 905.5, 905.6, 912 Standpipes, Required Assembly 905.3.1, 905.3.2 Covered and open mall buildings 402.7.1, 905.3.3 During construction 905.10, 3311
Elevators, fire service access 3007.9 Helistops 905.3.5 Marinas 905.3.6 Parking garages 406.5.8 Roof gardens and landscaped roofs 905.3.7 Underground buildings 405.9 State Law 102.2
Steel Chapters 22 and 22A Anchor Rods 2201.5
Cable structures 2214
Calculated fire resistance 722.5
Cold-formed 2206
Composite structural steel and concrete 2202
Conditions of restraint 703.2.1.3
Connections 2201.4
Decks 2208
Identification 2201.2 Industrial boltless steel shelving 2211 Industrial steel work platforms 2212, 2213 Joists 2207 Metal building systems 2210 Open-web joist 2207 Parapet walls 1503.3, 1503.5 Protection 2201.3
Seismic provisions 2202.2, 2204.2, 2206.1.1, 2207.1.1, 2209.2, 2210.2 Special inspections 1705.3 Stainless Steel 1705.2.2, 2203, 2205 Stairs, ladders and guarding for steel storage racks and industrial steel work platforms 2213 Storage racks 2209, 2213 Structural steel 2202
Stone Masonry 2103.1, 2113.11.2.1 Stone Veneer 1404.8 Slab-type 1404.9 Stop Work Orders 115 Storage Occupancy (Group S) 311 Accessibility Chapter 11B Accessory 311.1.1 Area 406.5.4, 406.5.5, 406.6.1, 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Equipment platforms 505.2 Group provisions Hazard storage, low, Group S-2 311.3 Hazard storage, moderate, Group S-1 311.2 Hazardous material display and storage 414.2.5 Height 406.5.4, 406.6.1, 503, 504, 505, 508, 510 Incidental uses 509
Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live loads Table 1607.1 Means of egress Aisles 1018.5
CBC § 1.9.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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.
Since electrical systems and components are an integral part of almost all structures, Chapter 27 references the California Electrical Code (CEC). In addition, Section 2702 addresses emergency and standby power requirements and references where they are required. Such systems must comply with the CFC and referenced standards.
Chapter 28 Mechanical Systems.
Nearly all buildings will include mechanical systems. Chapter 28 provides references to the CMC and other codes for the design and installation of mechanical systems. In addition, Chapter 21 of this code is referenced for masonry chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues.
Chapter 29 Reserved .
Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems.
Chapter 30 provides standards for the installation of elevators into buildings, including requirements for elevator shafts and lobbies. Referenced standards provide the requirements for the elevator system and mechanisms. Special provisions are indicated for fire service access elevators and for the optional choice of occupant evacuation elevators in high rise buildings (see Section 403).
Chapter 31 Special Construction.
Chapter 31 contains a collection of regulations for a variety of unique structures and architectural features. Pedestrian walkways and tunnels connecting two buildings are addressed in Section 3104. Safeguards for swimming pool safety are addressed in Section 3109. Standards for temporary structures, including permit requirements, are provided in Section 3103. Structures as varied as awnings, marquees, signs, telecommunication and broadcast towers and automatic vehicular gates are also addressed (see Sections 3105
xvi 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CBC § 17.5 Medium relevance — show source text
OF**
CEILING (inches)|MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
CEILING (inches)| |FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION|ITEM
NUMBER|CEILING CONSTRUCTION|**4 **
hours|**3 **
hours|**2 **
hours|**1 **
hour|**4 **
hours|**3 **
hours|**2 **
hours|**1 **
hour| |11. 11/2"-deep steel roof
deck on steel-framing wood
fiber insulation board, 17.5
pcf density on top applied
over a 15-lb asphalt-satu-
rated felt. Class A or B roof
covering.|11-1.1|Ceiling of gypsum plaster on metal
lath. Lath attached to3/4" furring
channels with 0.049" (No. 18 B.W.
gage) wire ties spaced 6" on center.
3/4" channels saddle tied to 2" chan-
nels with doubled 0.065" (No. 16
B.W. gage) wire ties. 2" channels
spaced 36" on center suspended 2"
below steel framing and saddle tied
with 0.165" (No. 8 B.W. gage) wire.
Plaster mixed 1:2 for scratch coat
and 1:3 for brown coat, by weight,
gypsum-to-sand aggregate for 1-
hour system. For 2-hour system,
plaster mix is 1:2 by weight, gypsum-
to-sand aggregate.|—|—|11/2|1|—|—|7/8
g|3/4
1| |12. 11/2" deep steel roof deck
on steel-framing insulation
of rigid board consisting of
expanded perlite and fibers
impregnated with integral
asphalt waterproofing;
density 9 to 12 pcf secured to
metal roof deck by1/2"-wide
ribbons of waterproof, cold-
process liquid adhesive
spaced 6" apart. Steel joist or
light steel construction with
metal roof deck, insulation,
and Class A or B built-up roof
covering.e|12-1.1|Gypsum-vermiculite plaster on
metal lath wire tied at 6" intervals to
3/4" furring channels spaced 12" on
center and wire tied to 2" runner
channels spaced 32" on center.
Runners wire tied to bottom chord of
steel joists.|—|—|1|—|—|—|7/8|—| |13. Double wood floor over
wood joists spaced 16" on
center.m, n|13-1.1|Gypsum plaster over3/8" Type X
gypsum lath. Lath initially applied
with not less than four 11/8" by No. 13
gage by19/64" head plasterboard
blued nails per bearing.
Frequently asked questions
Which CBC sections should I read first for joists, deck and storage racks?
Start with Chapter 22: §2207 (Steel joists), §2208 (Steel deck) and §2209 (Steel storage racks). Chapter 22A contains parallel requirements for DSA/OSHPD jurisdictions. Those sections reference SJI, SDI and ANSI MH standards respectively for design and testing .
Are there seismic or certification requirements I need to plan for?
Yes. Where ASCE 7 requires seismic design, storage racks and other steel systems must meet the ASCE and CBC seismic provisions (e.g., §2209 references ASCE 7 for rack seismic design) and some products require a certificate of compliance at completion (see §2209.3 and joist certification requirements in §2207.5) .
Where are metal building systems and cable-structure rules located?
Metal building systems are addressed at §2210 (with links to material sections such as §2202, §2204, §2207 and §2214 for steel cable). Steel cable structures are covered at §2214 and are to be designed per ASCE 19 and other referenced standards noted in the section .
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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