CBC · California Building Code
Scope and general provisions for wood
Chapter 23 of the California Building Code governs wood materials, their design, construction and quality. § 2301.1 defines that scope and includes an HCD note allowing limited owner‑built rural dwellings to use owner‑produced materials if not defective. § 2301.1.1 explains where the chapter applies and how state agencies (notably DSA‑SS and OSHPD) adopt and amend the chapter for specific project types, so always check Sections 1.9 and 1.10 for jurisdictional lists and any agency amendments.
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026
What the code requires
Chapter 23 of the California Building Code establishes the chapter-wide scope: it governs the materials, design, construction and quality of wood members and their fasteners (see § 2301.1 ). The chapter also specifies where it applies and which state agencies adopt or amend it — for example, structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety (DSA‑SS) and applications regulated by OSHPD are explicitly addressed in § 2301.1.1 .
Requirements in detail
High-level rule
- Chapter 23 controls the material, design, construction and quality requirements for wood members and the fasteners that connect them (§ 2301.1 ).
- The chapter’s application is qualified where other state enforcing agencies have authority; § 2301.1.1 lists those applications and the adoption/amendment status for DSA‑SS and OSHPD (§ 2301.1.1 ).
Where the chapter applies (decision‑relevant items)
| Decision item | What to check | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| What the chapter governs | Materials, design, construction and quality of wood members and their fasteners | § 2301.1 |
| DSA‑SS projects | Chapter 23 applies to structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect — see Section 1.9.2.1 for the list of DSA‑SS applications | § 2301.1.1(1) |
| OSHPD projects | Chapter 23 applies to applications listed in Section 1.10 that are regulated by OSHPD; OSHPD adopts Chapter 23 as amended | § 2301.1.1(2) |
| OSHPD exceptions | For certain OSHPD applications (Sections 1.10.3 and 1.10.6) the chapter applies without OSHPD amendments (explicit exception) | Exception to § 2301.1.1 |
| Owner‑built rural dwellings | For limited‑density owner‑built rural dwellings, owner‑produced/used materials may be used unless found deficient (dry rot, excessive splitting, etc.) | HCD note under § 2301.1 |
What to document on regulated projects
- Where an enforcing agency (DSA‑SS, OSHPD) adopts the chapter as amended, use the agency’s amendments and cross‑reference the sections the agency points to in Chapter 1; § 2301.1.1 explains this adoption/application structure (§ 2301.1.1 ).
Exceptions & special cases
- Limited‑density owner‑built rural dwellings: owner‑produced or used lumber, shakes and shingles are permitted unless the material is found to have dry rot, excessive splitting or other defects that render it unfit in strength or durability (HCD note to § 2301.1 ).
- State agency adoption and amendments: DSA‑SS and OSHPD adopt Chapter 23 as amended for the specific lists of applications they regulate; the chapter text itself directs users to Section 1.9.2.1 (DSA‑SS) and Section 1.10 (OSHPD) for the detailed lists (§ 2301.1.1 ).
- OSHPD sub‑exceptions: for the OSHPD applications listed in Sections 1.10.3 (Licensed Clinics) and 1.10.6 (Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospitals), the chapter applies without the OSHPD amendments noted elsewhere — § 2301.1.1 contains that explicit exception .
If you need to confirm whether a particular project falls under DSA‑SS, OSHPD or local enforcement, check Section 1.9 and Section 1.10 as referenced in § 2301.1.1; those sections list the specific project types and agency jurisdictions (§ 2301.1.1 ).
Common mistakes
- Treating Chapter 23 as universally identical across all public‑agency projects — many state agencies adopt Chapter 23 with agency‑specific amendments (see § 2301.1.1 ).
- Assuming owner‑produced materials are automatically acceptable on any project — the HCD exception is limited to limited‑density owner‑built rural dwellings and explicitly disallows obviously defective material (§ 2301.1 HCD note ).
- Forgetting to check Sections 1.9 and 1.10 for agency jurisdiction — § 2301.1.1 points users to those sections for the lists of DSA‑SS and OSHPD applications (§ 2301.1.1 ).
Worked example
Scenario A — Owner‑built rural cabin: You plan a single family cabin in a limited‑density rural area, and you intend to reuse some salvaged lumber and shake roofing:
- Apply § 2301.1: Chapter 23 governs wood materials and quality; however, the HCD note to § 2301.1 permits owner‑produced/used materials for limited‑density owner‑built rural dwellings provided they are not found to have dry rot, excessive splitting or other defects that render them unfit in strength or durability (HCD note to § 2301.1 ).
- Practical step: Inspect and document the salvaged lumber; remove or replace any members showing dry rot, excessive splitting, or other strength/durability defects before using them in structural applications (this is the limit established in the HCD note to § 2301.1 ).
Scenario B — Two‑story public elementary school: A two‑story public elementary school is in your design scope:
- § 2301.1.1(1) specifies that Chapter 23 applies to structures regulated by DSA‑SS (see Section 1.9.2.1 for the list of DSA‑SS applications). Because the project is a public school, verify DSA‑SS applicability in Section 1.9.2.1 and then apply Chapter 23 as adopted/amended by DSA‑SS (§ 2301.1.1 ).
- Practical step: Obtain the DSA‑SS amendments to Chapter 23 and use those in project documents and specifications (see § 2301.1.1 and cross‑reference Section 1.9.2.1 ).
Related provisions
- § 2301.1.2 — Amendments in this chapter (agency adoption statement)
- § 2303.1.3.1 — Additional requirements for fabrication, laminations, species group, preservatives, etc. (construction document requirements)
- § 2303.1.4.1 — Additional requirements for cross‑laminated timber where DSA‑SS/OSHPD apply
- § 2303.1.9 — Preservative‑treated wood identification and moisture content limits (where Section 2304.12 requires treated wood)
- § 2304 — General construction requirements for wood (see Chapter 23 table of contents referencing 2304 for construction requirements)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CBC § 3.4 High relevance — show source text
3.4_||||||||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |2304.4.1||||||||X|X|X|X|X|||X|||||||||| |2304.10.2.1||||||||X||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |2304.12.1.1.1||||||||||||||||||||||X||| |2304.12.1.2||||||||X||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |2304.12.1.4.1||||||||X||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |2304.12.8||||||||||||||||||||||X||| |2304.12.9||||||||||||||||||||||X||| |2305.1.2||||||||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |2308.2.7||||||||X|X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2309.1.1||||||||X|X||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 23-1
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23 WOOD
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 23 provides minimum requirements for the design of buildings and structures that use wood and wood-based products. The chapter is organized around three design methodologies: allowable stress design (ASD), load and resistance factor design (LRFD) and conventional light-frame construction. In addition it allows the use of the American Wood Council Wood Frame Construction Manual for a limited range of structures. Included in the chapter are references to design and manufacturing standards for various wood and wood-based products; general construction requirements; design criteria for lateral force-resisting systems and specific requirements for the application of the three design methods.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [BF] will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. All other code change proposals will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 2301—GENERAL
2301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, design, construction and quality of wood members and their fasteners.
[HCD 1] For limited-density owner-built rural dwellings, owner-produced or used materials and appliances may be utilized unless found not to be of sufficient strength or durability to perform the intended function; owner-produced or used lumber, or shakes and shingles may be utilized unless found to contain dry rot, excessive splitting or other defects obviously rendering the material unfit in strength or durability for the intended purpose.
2301.1.1 _**Application.
CBC § 23-2 High relevance — show source text
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23 WOOD
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 23 provides minimum requirements for the design of buildings and structures that use wood and wood-based products. The chapter is organized around three design methodologies: allowable stress design (ASD), load and resistance factor design (LRFD) and conventional light-frame construction. In addition it allows the use of the American Wood Council Wood Frame Construction Manual for a limited range of structures. Included in the chapter are references to design and manufacturing standards for various wood and wood-based products; general construction requirements; design criteria for lateral force-resisting systems and specific requirements for the application of the three design methods.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [BF] will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. All other code change proposals will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 2301—GENERAL
2301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, design, construction and quality of wood members and their fasteners.
[HCD 1] For limited-density owner-built rural dwellings, owner-produced or used materials and appliances may be utilized unless found not to be of sufficient strength or durability to perform the intended function; owner-produced or used lumber, or shakes and shingles may be utilized unless found to contain dry rot, excessive splitting or other defects obviously rendering the material unfit in strength or durability for the intended purpose.
2301.1.1 Application. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC & OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] The scope of application of Chapter 23 is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety, which include those applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS) and 1.9.2.2 (DSA-SS/CC). These applications include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Applications listed in Section 1.10, regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). These applications include hospitals, hospital buildings removed from general acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospital buildings.
Exception: For applications listed in Sections 1.10.3 (Licensed Clinics) and 1.10.6 (Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospi- tals), the provisions of this chapter without OSHPD amendments identified in accordance with Section 2301.1.3 shall apply.
2301.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC & OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC and OSHPD adopt this chapter as amended.
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.CBC § 401.1 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-23
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APPENDIX A5-24 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.4 – MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
SECTION A5.401—GENERAL
A5.401.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter specify the requirements of achieving enhanced compliance with material conservation, resource efficiency, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction through reuse of existing building stock and materials; use of recycled, regional, rapidly renewable and certified wood materials; and employment of techniques to reduce pollution through recycling of materials.
SECTION A5.402—DEFINITIONS
A5.402.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
BUILDING COMMISSIONING.
BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA ACT (BCCA).
CRADLE-TO-GRAVE.
EMBODIED ENERGY.
EUTROPHICATION.
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA).
LIFE CYCLE INVENTORY (LCI).
OVE.
POSTCONSUMER CONTENT.
PRECONSUMER (or POSTINDUSTRIAL) CONTENT.
RECYCLED CONTENT.
RECYCLED CONTENT VALUE (RCV).
REFERENCE STUDY PERIOD.
TYPE III ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD).
FACTORY-SPECIFIC EPD.
INDUSTRY-WIDE EPD (IW-EPD).
PRODUCT-SPECIFIC EPD.
SECTION A5.403—FOUNDATION SYSTEMS (RESERVED)
SECTION A5.404—EFFICIENT FRAMING TECHNIQUES
A5.404.1 Wood framing. Employ advanced wood framing techniques or OVE, as recommended by the US Department of Energy’s Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs and as permitted by the enforcing agency.
A5.404.1.1 Structural or fire-resistance integrity. The OVE selected shall not conflict with structural framing methods or firerated assemblies required by the California Building Code.
A5.404.1.2 Framing specifications. Advanced framing techniques include the following:
- Building design using 2-foot modules;
- Spacing wall studs up to 24 inches on center;
- Spacing floor and roof framing members up to 24 inches on center;
- Using 2-stud corner framing and drywall clips or scrap lumber for drywall backing;
- Eliminating solid headers in non-load-bearing walls;
- Using in-line framing, aligning floor, wall and roof framing members vertically for direct transfer of loads; and
- Using single lumber headers and top plates where appropriate.
Note: Additional information can be obtained from the US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) website.
SECTION A5.405—MATERIAL SOURCES
CBC § 22A-3 Medium 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 § 9.1 Medium relevance — show source text
For ceiling and roof systems of wood-framed construction, the provisions of Section R608.9.1 and the prescriptive details of Figures R608.9(9) and R608.9(10), where permitted by the tables accompanying those figures. Portions of connections of wood-framed ceiling and roof systems not noted in the figures shall be in accordance with Section R802, or AWC WFCM, if applicable. Wood framing members shall be of a species having a specific gravity equal to or greater than 0.42. 2. For ceiling and roof systems of cold-formed steel construction, the provisions of Section R608.9.1 and the prescriptive details of Figures R608.9(11) and R608.9(12), where permitted by the tables accompanying those figures. Portions of
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WALL CONSTRUCTION
connections of cold-formed steel-framed ceiling and roof systems not noted in the figures shall be in accordance with Section R804, or AISI S230, if applicable. 3. Proprietary connectors selected to resist loads and load combinations in accordance with Appendix A (ASD) or Appendix B (LRFD) of PCA 100. 4. An engineered design using loads and load combinations in accordance with Appendix A (ASD) or Appendix B (LRFD) of PCA 100.
- An engineered design using loads and material design provisions in accordance with this code, or in accordance with ASCE 7, ACI 318, and AWC NDS for wood-framed construction or AISI S100 for cold-formed steel-framed construction.
R608.10 Floor, roof and ceiling diaphragms. Floors and roofs in buildings with exterior walls of concrete shall be designed and constructed as diaphragms. Where gable-end walls occur, ceilings shall be designed and constructed as diaphragms. The design and construction of floors, roofs and ceilings of wood framing or cold-formed-steel framing serving as diaphragms shall comply with the applicable requirements of this code, or AWC WFCM or AISI S230, if applicable. Wood framing members shall be of a species having a specific gravity equal to or greater than 0.42.
SECTION R609—EXTERIOR WINDOWS AND DOORS
R609.1 General. This section prescribes performance and construction requirements for exterior windows, doors and garage doors installed in walls. Windows and doors shall be installed in accordance with the fenestration manufacturer’s written instructions. Window and door openings shall be flashed in accordance with Section R703.4. Written installation instructions shall be provided by the fenestration manufacturer for each window or door.
R609.2 Performance. Exterior windows and doors shall be capable of resisting the design wind loads specified in Table R301.2.1(1) adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301.2.1(2) or determined in accordance with ASCE 7 using the allowable stress design load combinations of ASCE 7. For exterior windows and doors tested in accordance with Sections R609.3 and R609.5, required design wind pressures determined from ASCE 7 using the ultimate strength design (USD) are permitted to be multiplied by 0.6. Design wind loads for exterior glazing not part of a labeled assembly shall be permitted to be determined in accordance with Chapter 24 of the California Building Code .
CBC § 2303.1.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
2303.1.3.1 Additional requirements. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC and OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] The construction documents shall indicate the following: 1. Dry or wet service conditions. 2. Laminating combinations and stress requirements. 3. Species group. 4. Preservative material and retention, when preservative treatment is required. 5. Provisions for protection during shipping and field handling, such as sealing and wrapping in accordance with AITC 111.
When mechanical reinforcement such as radial tension reinforcement is required, such reinforcement shall comply with AITC 404 and shall be detailed accordingly in the construction documents. Construction documents shall specify that the moisture content of laminations at the time of manufacture shall not exceed 12 percent for dry conditions of use.
The design of fasteners and connections shall comply with AITC 117, Section I, Item 6 (Connection Design), and NDS Appendix E.
2303.1.4 Cross-laminated timber. Cross-laminated timbers shall be manufactured and identified in accordance with ANSI/APA PRG 320.
2303.1.4.1 Additional requirements. [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC & OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Requirements in Section 2303.1.3.1 shall apply to cross-laminated timber.
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2303.1.5 Wood structural panels. Wood structural panels, where used structurally (including those used for siding, roof and wall sheathing, subflooring, diaphragms and built-up members), shall conform to the requirements for their type in DOC PS 1, DOC PS 2 or ANSI/APA PRP 210. Each panel or member shall be identified for grade, bond classification, and Performance Category by the trademarks of an approved testing and grading agency. The Performance Category value shall be used as the “nominal panel thickness” or “panel thickness” whenever referenced in this code. Wood structural panel components shall be designed and fabricated in accordance with the applicable standards listed in Section 2306.1 and identified by the trademarks of an approved testing and inspection agency indicating conformance to the applicable standard. In addition, wood structural panels where permanently exposed in outdoor applications shall be of exterior type, except that wood structural panel roof sheathing exposed to the outdoors on the underside is permitted to be Exposure 1 type.
2303.1.6 Fiberboard. Fiberboard for its various uses shall conform to ASTM C208. Fiberboard sheathing, where used structurally, shall be identified by an approved agency as conforming to ASTM C208.
2303.1.6.1 Jointing. To ensure tight-fitting assemblies, edges shall be manufactured with square, shiplapped, beveled, tongue-and-groove or U-shaped joints.
2303.1.6.2 Roof insulation. Where used as roof insulation in all types of construction, fiberboard shall be protected with an approved roof covering.
CBC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 Col17 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Adopt Entire Chapter Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowChapter / Section 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 EXISTING BUILDING CODE APPENDIX C-25
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APPENDIX C-26 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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APPENDIX C—GUIDELINES FOR THE WIND RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
CHAPTER C2 ROOF DECK FASTENING FOR HIGH-WIND AREAS
SECTION C201—GENERAL
[BS] C201.1 Purpose. This chapter provides prescriptive methods for partial structural retrofit of an existing building to increase its resistance to wind loads. It is intended for voluntary use where the basic wind speed, V, is greater than 130 mph (58 m/s) in accordance with Figure 1609.3(2) of the California Building Code and for reference by mitigation programs. The provisions of this chapter do not necessarily satisfy requirements for new construction. Unless specifically cited, the provisions of this chapter do not necessarily satisfy requirements for structural improvements triggered by addition, alteration, repair, change of occupancy, building relocation or other circumstances.
[BS] C201.2 Eligible conditions. The provisions of this chapter are applicable only to buildings that meet either of the following eligibility requirements:
- Buildings assigned to Risk Category I or II in accordance with Table 1604.5 of the California Building Code .
- Buildings within the scope of the California Residential Code .
SECTION C202—ROOF DECK ATTACHMENT FOR WOOD ROOFS
CBC § 22A-9 Medium relevance — show source text
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
2304 General Construction Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . .23-12
2305 General Design Requirements for Lateral Force-Resisting Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-25
2306 Allowable Stress Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-27
2307 Load and Resistance Factor Design. . . . . . . . . . . . .23-32
2308 Conventional Light-Frame Construction . . . . . . . .23-32
2309 Wood Frame Construction Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-80
CHAPTER 24 GLASS AND GLAZING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-1
2401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-3
2402 Glazing Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-3
2403 General Requirements for Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-3
2404 Wind, Snow, Seismic and Dead Loads on Glass . . . 24-4
2405 Sloped Glazing and Skylights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-6
2406 Safety Glazing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-7
CBC § 2109.2.4.9 Medium relevance — show source text
Adobe 2109.2.4.9
Fire resistance 704.10 Masonry, wood support 2304.13 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Table 414.5.1,
415.9.2 Listed (definition) 202 Listing Agency (definition) 202 Live Load 1607
Construction Documents 1603.1.1
Posting of 106.1 Roof 1607
Live/Work Units 310.3, 508.5 Accessibility Chapters 11A and 11B Separation 508.2 Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) 1602.1
Factored load 1604.2
Limit state 1604.2
Load combinations 1605 Wood design 2302.1, 2307 Load Combinations 1605 Allowable stress design 1605, 1605.2 Alternative allowable stress load
combinations 1605.2 Load and resistance factor design 1605 Strength design 1605 Loads 106, 202 Atmospheric ice 1614 Combinations 1605
Dead 1606
Factored load 402.8.2.1, 1604.2,
1709.2
Flood 1603.1.7, 1612 Impact 1607.12 Live 508.5.8, 1603.1.1, 1607 Load effects 1604.4
Nominal load 1604.2 Partial loading 1607.3.1, 1607.3.2 Rain 1603.1.9, 1611 Seismic 1603.1.5, 1613 Snow 1603.1.3, 1608 Soil lateral 1610
Tornado 1603.1.4, 1609.5, 1609.6.3.2 Tsunami 1615
Wind 1603.1.4, 1609 Lobbies Assembly occupancy 1030.4 Elevator 405.4.3, 1009.2.1, 1009.4, 3006, 3007.6, 3008.6 Exit discharge 1028.2 Underground buildings 405.4.3 Lobby 202 Local Enforcing Agency 1.8.3 Locks and Latches 1010.2, 1010.2.8 Delayed egress locks 1010.2.12 Electromagnetically locked 1010.2.10 Fire Exit Hardware 1010.2.10, 1010.2.8 Group I-2 407.4.1.1, 1010.2.13 Group I-3 408.4 High-rise 403.5.3 Sensor release 1010.2.11
Toilet rooms Chapter 29 Lodging Houses 310.4, 310.4.2 Lowest Floor 1603.1.7, 1612.4 Lumber
General provisions Chapter 23 Quality standards 2303
California Building Code Medium relevance — show source text
000|32,500|37,500|77,500|32,500|42,500|41,500|77,500| |Sheathing|24/16|27,000|35,000|40,500|83,500|35,000|45,500|44,500|83,500| |Sheathing|32/16|27,000|35,000|40,500|83,500|35,000|45,500|44,500|83,500| |Sheathing|40/20|28,500|37,000|43,000|88,500|37,000|48,000|47,500|88,500| |Sheathing|48/24|31,000|40,500|46,500|96,000|40,500|52,500|51,000|96,000| |Single
Floor|16 o.c.|27,000|35,000|40,500|83,500|35,000|45,500|44,500|83,500| |Single
Floor|20 o.c.|28,000|36,500|42,000|87,000|36,500|47,500|46,000|87,000| |Single
Floor|24 o.c.|30,000|39,000|45,000|93,000|39,000|50,500|49,500|93,000| |Single
Floor|32 o.c.|36,000|47,000|54,000|110,000|47,000|61,000|59,500|110,000| |Single
Floor|48 o.c.|50,500|65,500|76,000|155,000|65,500|85,000|83,500|155,000|Col1 Col2 Structural Sheathing Col4 Col5 Structural I Col7 Col8 Thickness
(in.)A-A, A-C Marine All Other
GradesA-A, A-C Marine All Other
GradesSanded
Plywood1/4 24,000 31,000 24,000 31,000 31,000 31,000 Sanded
Plywood11/32 25,500 33,000 25,500 33,000 33,000 33,000 Sanded
Plywood3/8 26,000 34,000 26,000 34,000 34,000 34,000 Sanded
Plywood15/32 38,000 49,500 38,000 49,500 49,500 49,500 Sanded
Plywood1/2 38,500 50,000 38,500 50,000 50,000 50,000 Sanded
Plywood19/32 49,000 63,500 49,000 63,500 63,500 63,500 Sanded
Plywood5/8 49,500 64,500 49,500 64,500 64,500 64,500 Sanded
Plywood—
continued23/32 50,500 65,500 50, CBC § 3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1_CODE OFFICIAL_||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |A302.1_ENFORCING AGENCY_||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |TABLE A304.3.1||||||||||||||||||||||||| |TABLE A304.3.2||||||||||||||||||||||||| |FIGURES A304.1.3 – A304.4.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |A304.3.1(1)ANCHORING||||||||||||||||||||||||| |A304.4.1(3)||||||||||||||||||||||||| |A304.4.2||||||||||||||||||||||||| |A304.5||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |A304.6||||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 EXISTING BUILDING CODE APPENDIX A-25
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A-26 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
CHAPTER A3
PRESCRIPTIVE PROVISIONS FOR SEISMIC STRENGTHENING OF CRIPPLE
WALLS AND SILL PLATE ANCHORAGE OF LIGHT, WOOD-FRAME RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SECTION A301—GENERAL
[BS] A301.1 Purpose. The provisions of this chapter are intended to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of earthquake-induced damage to existing wood-frame residential buildings. The requirements contained in this chapter are prescriptive minimum standards intended to improve the seismic performance of residential buildings; however, they will not necessarily prevent earthquake damage.
This chapter sets standards for strengthening that may be approved by the code official without requiring plans or calculations prepared by a registered design professional. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction not prescribed herein. The code official may require that construction documents for strengthening using alternative materials or methods be prepared by a registered design professional.
[BS] A301.2 Scope. The provisions of this chapter apply to residential buildings of light-frame wood construction containing one or more of the structural weaknesses specified in Section A303.
Exception: The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the buildings, or elements thereof, listed as follows. These buildings or elements require analysis by a registered design professional in accordance with Section A301.3 to determine appropriate strengthening:
- Group R-1.
- Group R with more than four dwelling units.
- Buildings with a lateral force-resisting system using poles or columns embedded in the ground.
- Cripple walls that exceed 4 feet (1219 mm) in height.
- Buildings exceeding three stories in height and any three-story building with cripple wall studs exceeding 14 inches (356 mm) in height.
- Buildings where the code official determines that conditions exist that are beyond the scope of the prescriptive requirements of this chapter.
- Buildings or portions thereof constructed on concrete slabs on grade.
Frequently asked questions
Who enforces Chapter 23 on a public school project?
Chapter 23 applies to projects regulated by DSA‑SS; § 2301.1.1(1) directs you to Section 1.9.2.1 for the list of DSA‑SS applications and confirms DSA‑SS adoption/amendment of the chapter .
Can I use reclaimed lumber on any small project?
Not automatically. The HCD note to § 2301.1 allows owner‑produced or used materials for limited‑density owner‑built rural dwellings unless the material is found to have dry rot, excessive splitting or other defects that make it unfit; outside that narrow allowance you must meet the chapter’s material and quality requirements (§ 2301.1 HCD note) .
If my project is an OSHPD facility, does Chapter 23 apply the same way?
OSHPD adopts Chapter 23 as amended for its listed applications (see § 2301.1.1(2)); check Section 1.10 and OSHPD’s identified amendments. There is a specific exception that for certain OSHPD categories (Sections 1.10.3 and 1.10.6) the chapter applies without OSHPD amendments (§ 2301.1.1) .
Where do I find the exact list of project types that trigger state agency jurisdiction referenced in § 2301.1.1?
§ 2301.1.1 points you to Section 1.9.2.1 for DSA‑SS applications and to Section 1.10 for OSHPD applications; those sections contain the specific lists of project types and jurisdictions .
My plans reference Chapter 23 — do I still need to check other chapters?
Yes. Chapter 23 governs wood specifics, but many other requirements (fire resistance, special inspections, seismic, etc.) are in other chapters; also agency amendments to Chapter 23 can modify requirements for projects under DSA‑SS or OSHPD (§ 2301.1.1) .
More in California Building Code
- Administration & Permits
- Energy Efficiency
- Existing Buildings
- Occupancy Classification & Use
- Hazardous Materials & Occupancies
- Types of Construction
- Fire-Resistance & Fire Safety
- Interior Finishes
- Means of Egress
- Accessibility
- Exterior Walls
- Roofing & Roof Assemblies
- Structural Design
- Special Inspections & Tests
- Foundations & Soils
- Concrete
- Masonry
- Steel
- Wood
- Elevators & Conveying Systems
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