CBC · California Building Code
What structural information must be shown on construction documents?
For homeowners: the California Building Code requires that construction drawings clearly show what the structure is made of, the sizes and locations of beams/columns, and the loads used to design the building (floor and roof live loads, snow, wind, seismic data, soil bearing values, flood elevations and any special equipment loads). These items must be written on the plans so the building official and contractor know the design basis.
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026
What the code requires
Construction documents must show the material, size, section and relative locations of structural members (with floor levels, column centers and offsets dimensioned) and must indicate the design loads and other structural information specified in the code. This requirement is stated in § 1603 and repeated in § 1603.1; the floor live-load particulars are required by § 1603.1.1.
Requirements in detail
General layout & member information
At a minimum the drawings must show: material, size, section and relative locations of structural members, with floor levels, column centers and offsets dimensioned — the fundamental requirement of § 1603 / § 1603.1.
Design loads and load data (decision-relevant items)
The CBC lists specific categories of load information that must be shown on the documents. The table below summarizes the decision‑relevant dimension or value you must provide on the drawings and the code section that requires it.
| Required item | Decision‑relevant dimensions / values to show on drawings | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Floor live load | Uniformly distributed live load (psf or kN/m²); any concentrated or impact loads; note if live‑load reduction per § 1607.13 is used (identify which reduction is applied to which spaces) | § 1603.1.1 |
| Roof live load | Roof live load (psf or kN/m²) for roof areas | § 1603.1.2 |
| Roof snow load data | Ground snow load pg (psf); if pg > 15 psf, also show flat‑roof pf, Ce, Ct, Cs, drift surcharge pd (and width w), risk category, winter‑wind parameter W2 | § 1603.1.3 |
| Wind / tornado data | Basic wind speed V, tornado speed VT, Vasd (if used), risk category, wind exposure, applicable internal pressure coefficients, effective plan area Ae for tornado design, and design wind/tornado pressures with zones and dimensions | § 1603.1.4 |
| Earthquake / seismic data | Risk category, seismic importance factor Ie, spectral parameters SS and S1, site class, design spectral parameters SDS and SD1, seismic design category, basic seismic force‑resisting system(s), design base shear(s), CS and R coefficients, analysis procedure and noted irregularities | § 1603.1.5 |
| Geotechnical information | Design load‑bearing values of soils (bearing pressures, allowable capacities) as used in foundation design | § 1603.1.6 |
| Flood design data | Flood design class (ASCE 24), lowest floor elevation (and dry‑floodproofing elevation where applicable), elevation of lowest horizontal structural member in coastal high hazard/coastal A zones — referenced to FIRM datum | § 1603.1.7 |
| Special loads (equipment, machinery) | Description, magnitude and location of any special loads greater than the prescribed floor/roof loads | § 1603.1.8 |
| Photovoltaic (PV) dead load | Dead load of rooftop PV panels and racking (psf or kN/m²) | § 1603.1.8.1 |
| Roof rain load data | Design rainfall intensity i (in/hr or cm/hr) and locations of roof drains, scuppers and overflows | § 1603.1.9 |
| Construction / erection procedures (when essential) | Any unusual erection or construction procedures the RDP requires to accomplish the design intent | § 1603A.1.10 |
(Each of the rows above reflects items listed in the CBC’s § 1603.1 and its subsections; see the cited sections for exact code language.)
What to include for floor live loads specifically
§ 1603.1.1 requires that construction documents indicate the uniformly distributed, concentrated and impact floor live load used for design for each floor area, and explicitly require that use of any live‑load reduction (per § 1607.13) be shown for each live‑load type used. State the load magnitude, location/area applied, and note reductions or concentrated loads on the plans.
Exceptions & special cases
- Light‑frame construction exception: For buildings complying with conventional light‑frame provisions of § 2308, the CBC allows a streamlined list of required structural data (floor and roof dead/live loads; ground snow load pg and pg(asd); basic wind speed V and Vasd; seismic design category and site class; flood data if in a flood hazard area; design load‑bearing soils values; rain load data). This exception and its list are given in the exception to § 1603.1.
- Snow threshold: If ground snow load pg exceeds 15 psf, the designer must provide expanded snow data (pf, Ce, Ct, Cs, drift surcharge pd and width w, risk category, winter wind parameter W2) even if snow does not govern design — see § 1603.1.3.
- Show wind/tornado data regardless of whether wind governs lateral design: § 1603.1.4 requires wind and tornado parameters be shown even if wind is not the controlling lateral load.
If your project is subject to agency‑specific supplements (DSA‑SS, OSHPD, etc.) additional document items or formatting may be required; those agency references are noted in the CBC text.
Common mistakes
- Omitting live‑load reductions (or failing to indicate where reductions were applied). § 1603.1.1 requires the use of live‑load reduction be shown and identified.
- Not indicating snow drift parameters when pg > 15 psf (pf, Ce, Ct, Cs, pd, w, W2). § 1603.1.3 specifically calls these out.
- Showing wind speeds without noting wind exposure, risk category or internal pressure coefficients (these affect pressures and cladding design) — required by § 1603.1.4.
- Failing to show the seismic design basis (Ie, SS, S1, SDS, SD1, system, R, Cs and base shear), analysis procedure and any irregularities — required by § 1603.1.5.
- Forgetting to place geotechnical design bearing values on the structural sheets — § 1603.1.6 requires soil bearing information be shown.
- Not documenting the dead load of rooftop PV or mechanical equipment as special loads when they exceed prescribed floor/roof loads — §§ 1603.1.8 and 1603.1.8.1 require these.
Worked example — applying the rule (illustrative)
Scenario: New two‑story commercial office building (RDP = registered design professional).
What to place on the structural cover sheet and framing plans (example contents and numbers shown for illustration only):
- Structural cover sheet: material lists, governing codes, basis of design statement (analysis procedure), RDP seal (typical). Cite § 1603.1.
- Floor live loads (per § 1603.1.1): label each floor area with the live load used in design. Example not‑to‑be‑interpreted‑as‑code: “Office floors — 50 psf uniform live load; concentrated load at corridor support = 2,000 lb; no live load reduction used.” The CBC requires you show the uniformly distributed, any concentrated/impact loads, and note reductions if used.
- Roof loads (per § 1603.1.2 & § 1603.1.3): show roof live load = 20 psf; ground snow load pg = 0 psf (site has no snow). If pg had been >15 psf the plans would also show pf, Ce, Ct, Cs, pd, w, W2.
- Wind and seismic data (per §§ 1603.1.4 & 1603.1.5): on the cover sheet indicate basic wind speed V = 115 mph (example), wind exposure B, risk category II, internal pressure coefficients used; seismic parameters: SS = 0.8, S1 = 0.25, Site Class D, SDS = 0.53, SD1 = 0.33, Seismic Design Category D, R and Cs employed, and the calculated design base shear = X kips (show calculation reference). The CBC requires these items to be shown; actual numerical values must come from ASCE 7 or local determinations.
- Geotech and foundations (per § 1603.1.6): show allowable soil bearing = 2,000 psf (example), overexcavation / footing sizes or reference to geotechnical report on plan.
- Special loads / PV (per §§ 1603.1.8, 1603.1.8.1): note rooftop PV dead load = 4 psf; mechanical unit load = 3,500 lb at location shown.
This example shows the form and level of detail expected — the CBC requires that the information above be indicated; the actual numerical values must be correct for the project and are determined by code tables, ASCE 7, geotechnical data and the RDP’s calculations.
Related provisions
- § 1603 — Construction documents (general material/member/location requirements).
- § 1603.1 — General list of required design loads and other structural information for construction documents.
- § 1603.1.1 — Floor live load showings and live‑load reduction note requirement.
- § 1603.1.2–1.10 — Subsections detailing roof live load, snow data, wind/tornado, earthquake, geotechnical, flood, special loads, PV, rain load, and construction procedures (see § 1603.1.2 through § 1603.1.9 and § 1603A.1.10).
- § 107.2.7 — Construction documents shall provide the information specified in § 1603 (submission/plan requirements).
- § 1607.13 — Live‑load reduction procedures referenced by § 1603.1.1 (show reductions when used).
- § 1608.2 / Figures 1608.2(...) — Ground snow maps and values referred to by § 1603.1.3 (pg determination).
- § 1609.3.1 — Procedures to determine basic wind speed and Vasd (referenced by § 1603.1.4).
- § 1612.3 — Flood hazard areas and flood data requirements referenced in § 1603.1.7.
- § 1901A.1.5 — Additional construction‑document requirements for structural concrete elements (where applicable).
If you need a checklist or a template cover sheet that maps each CBC item to a plan sheet location and the exact wording the enforcement agency expects, I can produce one tailored to a specific project type.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CBC § 1608.2 High relevance — show source text
L = Live load.
L r = Roof live load.
p g(asd) = Allowable stress design ground snow load.
p g = Ground snow load determined from Figures 1608.2(1) through 1608.2(4) and Table 1608.2.
R = Rain load.
S = Snow load.
T = Cumulative effects of self-straining load forces and effects.
V asd = Allowable stress design wind speed, mph (m/s) where applicable.
V = Basic wind speed, V, mph (m/s) determined from Figures 1609 A .3(1) through 1609 A .3(4) or ASCE 7.
V T = Tornado speed, mph (m/s) determined from Chapter 32 of ASCE 7.
W = Load due to wind pressure.
W i = Wind-on-ice in accordance with Chapter 10 of ASCE 7.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 16A-3
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STRUCTURAL DESIGN
SECTION 1603 A —CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
1603 A .1 General. Construction documents shall show the material, size, section and relative locations of structural members with floor levels, column centers and offsets dimensioned. The design loads and other information pertinent to the structural design required by Sections 1603 A .1.1 through 1603 A .1.10 shall be indicated on the construction documents.
Exception: Construction documents for buildings constructed in accordance with the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308 shall indicate the following structural design information:
Floor and roof dead and live loads.
Ground snow load, p g, and allowable stress design ground snow load, p g(asd) .
Basic wind speed, V, mph (m/s), and allowable stress design wind speed, V asd , as determined in accordance with Section 1609 A .3.1 and wind exposure.
Seismic design category and site class.
Flood design data, if located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612 A .3.
Design load-bearing values of soils.
Rain load data.
[DSA-SS] Additional requirements are included in Section 4-210 and 4-317 of the California Administrative Code (Part 1, Title 24, C.C.R).
[OSHPD 1] Additional requirements are included in Section 7-115 and 7-125 of the California Administrative Code.
1603 A .1.1 Floor live load. The uniformly distributed, concentrated and impact floor live load used in the design shall be indicated for floor areas. Use of live load reduction in accordance with Section 1607 A .13 shall be indicated for each type of live load used in the design.
CBC § 12.4 High relevance — show source text
D = Dead load.
D i = Weight of ice in accordance with Chapter 10 of ASCE 7.
E = Combined effect of horizontal and vertical earthquake induced forces as defined in Section 12.4 of ASCE 7.
F = Load due to fluids with well-defined pressures and maximum heights.
F a = Flood load in accordance with Chapter 5 of ASCE 7.
H = Load due to lateral earth pressures, ground water pressure or pressure of bulk materials.
L = Live load.
L r = Roof live load. p g(asd) = Allowable stress design ground snow load. p g = Ground snow load determined from Figures 1608.2(1) through 1608.2(4) and Table 1608.2.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 16-3
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STRUCTURAL DESIGN
R = Rain load.
S = Snow load.
T = Cumulative effects of self-straining load forces and effects.
V asd = Allowable stress design wind speed, mph (m/s) where applicable.
V = Basic wind speed, V, mph (m/s) determined from Figures 1609.3(1) through 1609.3(4) or ASCE 7.
V T = Tornado speed, mph (m/s) determined from Chapter 32 of ASCE 7.
W = Load due to wind pressure.
W i = Wind-on-ice in accordance with Chapter 10 of ASCE 7.
SECTION 1603—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
1603.1 General. Construction documents shall show the material, size, section and relative locations of structural members with floor levels, column centers and offsets dimensioned. The design loads and other information pertinent to the structural design required by Sections 1603.1.1 through 1603.1.9 shall be indicated on the construction documents.
Exception: Construction documents for buildings constructed in accordance with the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308 shall indicate the following structural design information:
Floor and roof dead and live loads.
Ground snow load, p g, and allowable stress design ground snow load, p g(asd) .
Basic wind speed, V, mph (m/s), and allowable stress design wind speed, V asd , as determined in accordance with Section 1609.3.1 and wind exposure.
Seismic design category and site class.
Flood design data, if located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3.
Design load-bearing values of soils.
Rain load data.
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Additional requirements are included in Sections 7-115 and 7-125 of the California Administrative Code (Part 1, Title 24, C.C.R).
1603.1.1 Floor live load. The uniformly distributed, concentrated and impact floor live load used in the design shall be indicated for floor areas. Use of live load reduction in accordance with Section 1607.13 shall be indicated for each type of live load used in the design.
CBC § 3.1 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Construction documents for buildings constructed in accordance with the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308 shall indicate the following structural design information:
Floor and roof dead and live loads.
Ground snow load, p g, and allowable stress design ground snow load, p g(asd) .
Basic wind speed, V, mph (m/s), and allowable stress design wind speed, V asd , as determined in accordance with Section 1609 A .3.1 and wind exposure.
Seismic design category and site class.
Flood design data, if located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612 A .3.
Design load-bearing values of soils.
Rain load data.
[DSA-SS] Additional requirements are included in Section 4-210 and 4-317 of the California Administrative Code (Part 1, Title 24, C.C.R).
[OSHPD 1] Additional requirements are included in Section 7-115 and 7-125 of the California Administrative Code.
1603 A .1.1 Floor live load. The uniformly distributed, concentrated and impact floor live load used in the design shall be indicated for floor areas. Use of live load reduction in accordance with Section 1607 A .13 shall be indicated for each type of live load used in the design.
1603 A .1.2 Roof live load. The roof live load used in the design shall be indicated for roof areas. 1603 A .1.3 Roof snow load data. The ground snow load, p g, shall be indicated. In areas where the ground snow load, p g , exceeds 15 pounds per square foot (psf) (0.72 kN/m [2] ), the following additional information shall also be provided, regardless of whether snow loads govern the design of the roof:
- Flat-roof snow load, p f .
- Snow exposure factor, C e .
- Risk category.
- Thermal factor, C t .
- Slope factor(s), C s .
- Drift surcharge load(s), p d , where the sum of p d and p f exceeds 30 psf (1.44 kN/m [2] ) .
- Width of snow drift(s), w .
- Winter wind parameter for snow drift, W 2 .
1603 A .1.4 Wind and tornado design data. The following information related to wind loads and, where required by Section 1609 A .5, tornado loads shall be shown, regardless of whether wind or tornado loads govern the design of the lateral force-resisting system of the structure:
- Basic wind speed, V, mph (m/s), tornado speed, V T, mph (m/s), and allowable stress design wind speed, V asd, mph (m/s), as determined in accordance with Section 1609 A .3.1.
CBC § 1603.1 High relevance — show source text
W i = Wind-on-ice in accordance with Chapter 10 of ASCE 7.
SECTION 1603—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
1603.1 General. Construction documents shall show the material, size, section and relative locations of structural members with floor levels, column centers and offsets dimensioned. The design loads and other information pertinent to the structural design required by Sections 1603.1.1 through 1603.1.9 shall be indicated on the construction documents.
Exception: Construction documents for buildings constructed in accordance with the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308 shall indicate the following structural design information:
Floor and roof dead and live loads.
Ground snow load, p g, and allowable stress design ground snow load, p g(asd) .
Basic wind speed, V, mph (m/s), and allowable stress design wind speed, V asd , as determined in accordance with Section 1609.3.1 and wind exposure.
Seismic design category and site class.
Flood design data, if located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3.
Design load-bearing values of soils.
Rain load data.
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Additional requirements are included in Sections 7-115 and 7-125 of the California Administrative Code (Part 1, Title 24, C.C.R).
1603.1.1 Floor live load. The uniformly distributed, concentrated and impact floor live load used in the design shall be indicated for floor areas. Use of live load reduction in accordance with Section 1607.13 shall be indicated for each type of live load used in the design.
1603.1.2 Roof live load. The roof live load used in the design shall be indicated for roof areas. 1603.1.3 Roof snow load data. The ground snow load, p g, shall be indicated. In areas where the ground snow load, p g , exceeds 15 pounds per square foot (psf) (0.72 kN/m [2] ), the following additional information shall also be provided, regardless of whether snow loads govern the design of the roof:
- Flat-roof snow load, p f .
- Snow exposure factor, C e .
- Risk category.
- Thermal factor, C t .
- Slope factor(s), C s .
- Drift surcharge load(s), p d , where the sum of p d and p f exceeds 30 psf (1.44 kN/m [2] ) .
- Width of snow drift(s), w .
- Winter wind parameter for snow drift, W 2 .
1603.1.4 Wind and tornado design data. The following information related to wind loads and, where required by Section 1609.5, tornado loads shall be shown, regardless of whether wind or tornado loads govern the design of the lateral force-resisting system of the structure:
Basic wind speed, V, mph (m/s), tornado speed, V T, mph (m/s), and allowable stress design wind speed, V asd, mph (m/s), as determined in accordance with Section 1609.3.1.
Risk category.
CBC § 16A-4 High relevance — show source text
16A-4 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
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STRUCTURAL DESIGN
- Analysis procedure used. 12. Applicable horizontal structural irregularities. 13. Applicable vertical structural irregularities. 14. Location of base as defined in ASCE 7, Section 11.2.
1603A.1.5.1 Connections. Connections that resist design seismic forces shall be designed and detailed on the design drawings.
1603 A .1.6 Geotechnical information. The design load-bearing values of soils shall be shown on the construction documents.
1603 A .1.7 Flood design data. For buildings located in whole or in part in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612 A .3, the documentation pertaining to design, if required in Section 1612 A .4, shall be included and the following information, referenced to the datum on the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), shall be shown, regardless of whether flood loads govern the design of the building:
- Flood design class assigned according to ASCE 24.
- In flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas or coastal A zones, the elevation of the proposed lowest floor, including the basement.
- In flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas or coastal A zones, the elevation to which any nonresidential building will be dry floodproofed.
- In coastal high hazard areas and coastal A zones, the proposed elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor, including the basement.
1603 A .1.8 Special loads. Special loads that are applicable to the design of the building, structure or portions thereof, including but not limited to the loads of machinery or equipment, and that are greater than specified floor and roof loads shall be specified by their descriptions and locations.
1603 A .1.8.1 Photovoltaic panel systems. The dead load of rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panel systems, including rack support systems, shall be indicated on the construction documents.
1603 A .1.9 Roof rain load data. Design rainfall intensity, i (in/hr) (cm/hr), and roof drain, scupper and overflow locations shall be shown regardless of whether rain loads govern the design.
1603A.1.10 Construction procedures. Where unusual erection or construction procedures are considered essential by the Registered Design Professional (RDP) in order to accomplish the intent of the design or influence the construction, such procedure shall be indi- cated on the construction documents.
1603A.2 Site data reports. Geotechnical and geohazard reports for review by the enforcement agency shall be accompanied by a description of the project prepared by the registered design professional (RDP) in responsible charge, which shall include the following: 1. Type of service such as general acute care facility, central utility plants, K-12 school, community college, essential services, etc. 2. _Construction materials used for the project such as steel, concrete.
CBC § 107.2.5 High relevance — show source text
[A] 107.2.5 Exterior balconies and elevated walking surfaces. Where balconies or other elevated walking surfaces have weather-exposed surfaces, and the structural framing is protected by an impervious moisture barrier, the construction documents shall include details for all elements of the impervious moisture barrier system. The construction documents shall include manufacturer’s installation instructions.
[A] 107.2.6 Site plan. The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and it shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot. The building official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan where the application for permit is for alteration or repair or where otherwise warranted.
[A] 107.2.6.1 Design flood elevations. Where design flood elevations are not specified, they shall be established in accordance with Section 1612.3.1.
[A] 107.2.7 Structural information. The construction documents shall provide the information specified in Section 1603.
[A] 107.2.8 Relocatable buildings. Construction documents for relocatable buildings shall comply with Section 3113.
[A] 107.3 Examination of documents. The building official shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying submittal documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws or ordinances.
[A] 107.3.1 Approval of construction documents. When the building official issues a permit, the construction documents shall be approved, in writing or by stamp, as “Reviewed for Code Compliance.” One set of construction documents so reviewed shall be retained by the building official. The other set shall be returned to the applicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the building official or a duly authorized representative.
[A] 107.3.2 Previous approvals. This code shall not require changes in the construction documents, construction or designated occupancy of a structure for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the construction of which has been pursued in good faith within 180 days after the effective date of this code and has not been abandoned.
[A] 107.3.3 Phased approval. The building official is authorized to issue a permit for the construction of foundations or any other part of a building or structure before the construction documents for the whole building or structure have been submitted, provided that adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with pertinent requirements of this code. The holder of such permit for the foundation or other parts of a building or structure shall proceed at the holder’s own risk with the building operation and without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted.
[A] 107.3.4 Design professional in responsible charge. Where it is required that documents be prepared by a registered design professional, the building official shall be authorized to require the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to engage and desig
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CBC § 107.2.1 High relevance — show source text
[A] 107.2.1 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be dimensioned and drawn on suitable material. Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted where approved by the building official. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the building official.
[A] 107.2.2 Fire protection system shop drawings. Shop drawings for the fire protection systems shall be submitted to indicate conformance to this code and the construction documents and shall be approved prior to the start of system installation. Shop drawings shall contain all information as required by the referenced installation standards in Chapter 9.
[A] 107.2.3 Means of egress. The construction documents shall show in sufficient detail the location, construction, size and character of all portions of the means of egress including the path of the exit discharge to the public way in compliance with the provisions of this code. In other than occupancies in Groups R-2, R-2.1 and R-3, the construction documents shall designate the number of occupants to be accommodated on every floor, and in all rooms and spaces.
[A] 107.2.4 Exterior wall envelope. Construction documents for all buildings shall describe the exterior wall envelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance with this code. The construction documents shall provide details of the exterior wall envelope as required, including flashing, intersections with dissimilar materials, corners, end details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves or parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive barrier and details around openings.
The construction documents shall include manufacturer’s installation instructions that provide supporting documentation that the proposed penetration and opening details described in the construction documents maintain the weather resistance of the exterior wall envelope. The supporting documentation shall fully describe the exterior wall system that was tested, where applicable, as well as the test procedure used.
[A] 107.2.5 Exterior balconies and elevated walking surfaces. Where balconies or other elevated walking surfaces have weather-exposed surfaces, and the structural framing is protected by an impervious moisture barrier, the construction documents shall include details for all elements of the impervious moisture barrier system. The construction documents shall include manufacturer’s installation instructions.
[A] 107.2.6 Site plan. The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and it shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot. The building official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan where the application for permit is for alteration or repair or where otherwise warranted.
[A] 107.2.6.1 Design flood elevations. Where design flood elevations are not specified, they shall be established in accordance with Section 1612.3.1.
[A] 107.2.7 Structural information. The construction documents shall provide the information specified in Section 1603.
[A] 107.2.8 Relocatable buildings. Construction documents for relocatable buildings shall comply with Section 3113.
CBC § 3.3.2 High relevance — show source text
- Ultimate capacity determined from well-documented correlations with installation torque.
- Ultimate capacity determined from load tests.
- Ultimate axial capacity of pile shaft.
- Ultimate axial capacity of pile shaft couplings.
- Sum of the ultimate axial capacity of helical bearing plates affixed to pile.
1810 A .3.3.2 Allowable lateral load. Where required by the design, the lateral load capacity of a single deep foundation element or a group thereof shall be determined by an approved method of analysis or by lateral load tests in accordance with ASTM D3966 to not less than twice the proposed design working load. The resulting allowable lateral load shall not be more than one-half of the load that produces a gross lateral movement of 1 inch (25 mm) at the lower of the top of the foundation element and the ground surface, unless it can be shown that the predicted lateral movement shall cause neither harmful distortion of, nor instability in, the structure, nor cause any element to be loaded beyond its capacity. Group effects shall be evaluated where required by Section 1810 A .2.5.
1810 A .3.4 Subsiding soils or strata. Where deep foundation elements are installed through subsiding soils or other subsiding strata and derive support from underlying firmer materials, consideration shall be given to the downward frictional forces potentially imposed on the elements by the subsiding upper strata.
Where the influence of subsiding soils or strata is considered as imposing loads on the element, the allowable stresses specified in this chapter shall be permitted to be increased where satisfactory substantiating data are submitted.
1810 A .3.5 Dimensions of deep foundation elements. The dimensions of deep foundation elements shall be in accordance with Sections 1810 A .3.5.1 through 1810 A .3.5.3, as applicable.
1810 A .3.5.1 Precast. The minimum lateral dimension of precast concrete deep foundation elements shall be 8 inches (203 mm). Corners of square elements shall be chamfered.
1810 A .3.5.2 Cast-in-place or grouted-in-place. Cast-in-place and grouted-in-place deep foundation elements shall satisfy the requirements of this section.
1810 A .3.5.2.1 Cased. Cast-in-place or grouted-in-place deep foundation elements with a permanent casing shall have a nominal outside diameter of not less than 8 inches (203 mm).
1810 A .3.5.2.2 Uncased. Cast-in-place or grouted-in-place deep foundation elements without a permanent casing shall have a specified diameter of not less than 12 inches (305 mm). The element length shall not exceed 30 times the specified diameter.
Exception: The length of the element is permitted to exceed 30 times the specified diameter, provided that the design and installation of the deep foundations are under the direct supervision of a registered design professional knowledgeable in the field of soil mechanics and deep foundations. The registered design professional shall submit a report to the building official stating that the elements were installed in compliance with the approved construction documents.
CBC § 1603.1 High relevance — show source text
Construction documents 1603.1,
1901.5 Durability 1904 Footings 1809, 1906 Foundation walls 1807.1.5, 1808.8 Materials 1705.3.2, 1901, 1903 Plain, structural 1906 Reinforced gypsum concrete 2514 Rodentproofing Appendix F Roof tile 1504.3, 1507.3, 1513 Shotcrete 1908 Slabs-on-ground 1907 Special inspections 1705.3, Table 1705.3 Specifications 1903 Strength testing 1705.3.2 Structural concrete with GFRP
reinforcement 1901.2.1 Wood support 2304.13 Concrete Masonry Calculated fire resistance 722.3
Construction 2104
Design 2101.2, 2108, 2109 Materials 2103.1 Surface bonding 2103.2.2, 2109.2 Wood support 2304.13 Concrete Roof Tile 1504.3, 1507.3, 1513 Wind Resistance 1504.3, 1609.6.3.1 Condominium (see Apartment Houses) Conduit, Penetration Protection 713.3,
1023.5 Conflicts in Code 102, 104.2.4.1 Congregate Living Facilities 310.2, 310.3, 310.4
Construction (See Safeguards During Construction) Construction Documents 107, 1603 Alarms and detection 907.1.1
Balconies 107.2.5
Concrete construction 1901.5 Design load-bearing capacity 1803.6 Exterior walls 107.2.4
Fire protection 107.2.2 Fire-resistant joint systems 715 Flood 107.2.6.1, 1603.1.7 Floor live load 1603.1.1
Geotechnical 1603.1.6 Means of egress 107.2.3
INDEX-4 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
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INDEX
Parking structures 402.4.1.3, 402.4.2.3 Perimeter line 402.1.1 Play structures 402.6.3, 424 Separation 402.4.2 Signs 402.6.4 Smoke control 402.7.2 Sprinkler protection 402.5 Standby power 402.7.3 Standpipe system 402.7.1, 905.3.3 Travel distance 402.8.5, 1006.2.1, 1006.3, 1017.2 Covered Walkway (see Pedestrian Walkway) 3104, 3306.7 Crawl Space
Access 1209.1
Drainage 1805.1.2 Unusable space fire protection 711.2.6 Ventilation 1202.4 Cripple Wall 2308.10.6, 2308.10.8.3, 2308.2.7, 2308.9.6 Cross-Laminated Timber 602.4, 602.4.4.2,
2303.1.4
CBC § 1601A.1.2 High relevance — show source text
centers.
1601A.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.
1601A.2 Enforcement agency approval. In addition to the requirements of the California Administrative Code and the California Build- ing Code, any aspect of project design, construction, quality assurance or quality control programs for which this code requires approval by the Registered Design Professional (RDP), are also subject to approval by the enforcement agency.
SECTION 1602 A —NOTATIONS
1602 A .1 Notations. The following notations are used in this chapter:
D = Dead load.
D i = Weight of ice in accordance with Chapter 10 of ASCE 7.
E = Combined effect of horizontal and vertical earthquake induced forces as defined in Section 12.4 of ASCE 7.
F = Load due to fluids with well-defined pressures and maximum heights.
F a = Flood load in accordance with Chapter 5 of ASCE 7.
H = Load due to lateral earth pressures, ground water pressure or pressure of bulk materials.
L = Live load.
L r = Roof live load.
p g(asd) = Allowable stress design ground snow load.
p g = Ground snow load determined from Figures 1608.2(1) through 1608.2(4) and Table 1608.2.
R = Rain load.
S = Snow load.
T = Cumulative effects of self-straining load forces and effects.
V asd = Allowable stress design wind speed, mph (m/s) where applicable.
V = Basic wind speed, V, mph (m/s) determined from Figures 1609 A .3(1) through 1609 A .3(4) or ASCE 7.
V T = Tornado speed, mph (m/s) determined from Chapter 32 of ASCE 7.
W = Load due to wind pressure.
W i = Wind-on-ice in accordance with Chapter 10 of ASCE 7.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 16A-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
SECTION 1603 A —CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
1603 A .1 General. Construction documents shall show the material, size, section and relative locations of structural members with floor levels, column centers and offsets dimensioned. The design loads and other information pertinent to the structural design required by Sections 1603 A .1.1 through 1603 A .1.10 shall be indicated on the construction documents.
CBC § 2.3. High relevance — show source text
1 to 2.3._ Exception: The gap-to-side plate thickness ratio shall be permitted to be modified for moment connections with unequal beam sizes on opposite sides of the column or when orthogonal beams acting as drag connections frame into the side plate. 8. Demand critical fillet welds {2}, {5}, {5a} and {7} shall have Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) in accordance with AWS D1.1 for procedure, technique and acceptance. Inspect the beginning and end of these welds for a 6-inch length, plus any location along the length of the weld where a start and restart is visually noted for a distance of 6 inches on either side of the start/stop location.
2202.4.3 Modifications to AISC 358 Chapter 11 Bolted Moment Connection The bolted sideplate steel moment connection shall be permitted, provided: 1. The beams shall consist of either rolled or built-up wide flange sections. Columns shall consist of rolled or built-up wide flange sections or noncomposite built-up box or HSS with a minimum wall thickness of [3] / 4 inch (19 mm), or satisfy the requirements of width-to-thickness ratios of highly ductile members in AISC 341-16. 2. The biaxial dual-strong axis and column minor axis configurations of the moment connection shall be considered as an alternative system. 3. For SMF and IMF systems, on the sideplate standard or configuration A the U-shaped cover plates shall be used with the k dimension extension. The k dimension extension length is defined as beam depth d b /6, rounded to the nearest [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm).
4. The hinge-to-hinge span to beam depth, L h /d, shall be greater than or equal to 4.5. 5. The width-to-thickness ratios for beam flanges shall not be less than 3.5. Exception: For width-to-thickness ratios less than 3.5 the C pr shall be calculated in accordance with that for welded side- plate connections but in no case shall the width-to-thickness ratio be less than 3.0. 6. The minimum bolt-to-bolt spacing shall not be less than 3 bolt diameters. 7. The extension of the side plates beyond the face of the column shall be within the range of 0.65d to 1.5d. 8. The gap-to-side plate thickness ratio shall range from 2.1 to 2.3.
Exception: The gap-to-side plate thickness ratio shall be permitted to be modified for moment connections with unequal beam sizes on opposite sides of the column or when orthogonal beams acting as drag connections frame into the side plate. 9. Demand Critical fillet welds {2}, {5}, {5a} and {8} shall have Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) in accordance with AWS D1.1 for procedure, technique and acceptance. Inspect the beginning and end of these welds for a 6-inch (152 mm) length, plus any location along the length of the weld where a start and restart is visually noted for a distance of 6 inches (152 mm) on either side of the start/stop location. 10. The connection specific factor to account for peak connection strength, C pr _, shall be between 1.15 and 1.35.
CBC § 0.5 High relevance — show source text
For lumber, structural glued laminated timber, prefabricated wood I-joists and structural composite lumber members that are dry at time of installation and used under
dry conditions in accordance with the ANSI/AWC NDS, the creep component of the long-term deflection shall be permitted to be estimated as the immediate dead load deflection
resulting from 0.5_D_. For lumber and glued laminated timber members installed or used at all other moisture conditions or cross laminated timber and wood structural panels that
are dry at time of installation and used under dry conditions in accordance with the ANSI/AWC NDS, the creep component of the long-term deflection is permitted to be estimated
as the immediate dead load deflection resulting from_D_. The value of 0.5_D_ shall not be used in combination with ANSI/AWC NDS provisions for long-term loading.
e. The preceding deflections do not ensure against ponding. Roofs that do not have sufficient slope or camber to ensure adequate drainage shall be investigated for ponding.
See Chapter 8 of ASCE 7.
f. The wind load shall be permitted to be taken as 0.42 times the “component and cladding” loads or directly calculated using the 10-year mean return interval basic wind
speed,V, for the purpose of determining deflection limits in Table 1604_A_.3. Where framing members support glass, the deflection limit therein shall not exceed that specified
in Section 1604_A_.3.7
g. For steel structural members, the deflection due to creep component of long-term dead load shall be permitted to be taken as zero.
h. For aluminum structural members or aluminum panels used in skylights and sloped glazing framing, roofs or walls of sunroom additions or patio covers not supporting edge
of glass or aluminum sandwich panels, the total load deflection shall not exceed_l_/60. For continuous aluminum structural members supporting edge of glass, the total load
deflection shall not exceed_l_/175 for each glass lite or_l_/60 for the entire length of the member, whichever is more stringent. For aluminum sandwich panels used in roofs or
walls of sunroom additions or patio covers, the total load deflection shall not exceed_l_/120.
i._ l_ = Length of the member between supports. For cantilever members,l shall be taken as twice the length of the cantilever.
j. The snow load shall be permitted to be taken as 0.7 times the design snow load determined in accordance with Section 1608_A_.1 for the purpose of determining deflection
limits in Table 1604_A_.3.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. For structural roofing and siding made of formed metal sheets, the total load deflection shall not exceed_l_/60. For secondary roof structural members supporting formed
metal roofing, the live load deflection shall not exceed_l_/150. For secondary wall members supporting formed metal siding, the design wind load deflection shall not exceed
l/90. For roofs, this exception only applies when the metal sheets have no roof covering.
b. Flexible, folding and portable partitions are not governed by the provisions of this section. The deflection criterion for interior partitions is based on the horizontal load
defined in Section 1607_A_.16.
c. See Section 2403 for glass supports.
d. The deflection limit for the_D_ + (L or_Lr_) load combination only applies to the deflection due to the creep component of long-term dead load deflection plus the short-term live load
deflection.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly must a plan note for floor live loads say?
At minimum the plan note must identify the uniformly distributed live load magnitude for each floor area and show any concentrated/impact loads; if live‑load reduction per § 1607.13 is used, the plans must state that reduction and which spaces it applies to (§ 1603.1.1).
If wind does not control lateral design, do I still have to show wind data?
Yes — § 1603.1.4 requires wind and tornado design data (V, VT, Vasd, risk category, exposure, internal pressure coefficients and design pressures) to be shown regardless of whether wind controls the lateral system.
Do I have to show PV panel dead loads on the drawings?
Yes. § 1603.1.8.1 requires the dead load of rooftop‑mounted PV panel systems (including rack supports) to be indicated on the construction documents.
What if my project uses conventional light‑frame construction under § 2308?
An exception to § 1603.1 allows a simplified set of required structural information (floor/roof dead & live loads; ground snow pg and pg(asd); basic wind speed V and Vasd; seismic design category/site class; flood data if applicable; soil bearing values; rain load data) to be shown instead of the full § 1603.1 list.
Where do I put the seismic spectral parameters and base shear on the plans?
Put them on the structural cover sheet or seismic design criteria sheet: list SS, S1, SDS, SD1, site class, seismic design category, Ie, R and Cs, system type and calculated design base shear(s) as required by § 1603.1.5.
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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