CEBC · California Existing Building Code
What is the Code Compliance Agency and how is it established?
The CEBC requires every adopting jurisdiction to create a department (name it locally) to enforce the code, appoint a **building official** by the chief appointing authority, and allow that official to appoint deputies and inspectors; these steps are set out in **§ 103.1**, **§ 103.2**, and **§ 103.3** of the CEBC.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English (controlling §)
The CEBC requires the jurisdiction to create a code compliance agency (the local department) and identify an official in charge known as the building official. The agency’s function is implementation, administration and enforcement of the CEBC. The building official is appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction and may appoint deputies and technical staff with delegated powers. See § 103.1, § 103.2 and § 103.3 for the controlling language.
The single most important rule: the CEBC makes the agency and the building official the legal authority to administer and enforce the code — the jurisdiction must name the department and have a building official appointed by the chief appointing authority. See § 103.1–§ 103.3.
Requirements in detail
What must be created and why
- Creation: The jurisdiction must establish a department (the code compliance agency) and identify the person in charge as the building official. § 103.1 states the agency is “hereby created” and declares the official’s title and primary function.
- Function: The agency’s role is implementation, administration and enforcement of the CEBC — that is its explicit purpose in the code. § 103.1.
How the building official is chosen
- Appointment: The building official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction (for example: city manager, county administrative officer, etc.). § 103.2.
Staffing and delegation
- Deputies & staff: The building official has authority to appoint deputy building officials, technical officers, inspectors and employees in accordance with local procedures and with concurrence of the appointing authority. These personnel “have powers as delegated by the building official.” § 103.3.
Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference)
| Decision factor | Typical values / actions | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Agency created | Local department (insert local name) | § 103.1 |
| Official title | Building official (title required by code) | § 103.1 |
| Primary function | Implementation, administration, enforcement | § 103.1 |
| Who appoints | Chief appointing authority of jurisdiction | § 103.2 |
| Delegation of duties | Deputies, technical officers, inspectors (as delegated) | § 103.3 |
| Limits on delegation | Delegated powers defined by building official; subject to local procedures | § 103.3 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Template language: The CEBC uses placeholder language (“[INSERT NAME OF DEPARTMENT]”) — this means jurisdictions must insert their actual department name when adopting/localizing the code. The requirement to create an agency remains; the local name may vary. § 103.1.
- State or specialized agencies: For some state-regulated occupancies or buildings, a state agency or a specific enforcement agency may be designated to enforce the code (see CEBC adoption matrices and enforcing-agency notes). The CEBC contains adoption/agency matrices and related notes identifying which state agency enforces particular chapters or occupancies. See the CEBC adoption/agency materials and explanatory notes.
- Analogous officials in other codes: Other California codes use identical structure but different titles (for example, fire code official in the Fire Code) — those are parallel models but do not replace the CEBC requirement to establish a building official for CEBC enforcement. See the Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code §103 language for comparison.
If you need to know which agency enforces the CEBC for a particular building type in your jurisdiction, check the CEBC agency/adoption tables and local ordinances — those items, not §103 alone, tell you the enforcing agency for special state jurisdictions.
Common mistakes
- Treating the CEBC text as optional boilerplate. The CEBC requires establishment of an agency and appointment of a building official — jurisdictions must fill in the department name and follow appointment procedures. § 103.1–§ 103.2.
- Assuming the building official is elected. The code specifies appointment by the chief appointing authority, not election. § 103.2.
- Improper delegation: delegating powers to staff without following local procedures or beyond what was delegated by the building official. The code allows deputies and delegates, but their authority flows from the building official and must follow local procedures. § 103.3.
- Confusing titles across codes: “building official,” “code official,” and “fire code official” are code-specific titles — don’t conflate roles without checking the applicable code chapter (CEBC §103 vs Fire Code §103).
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: Small City of Oak Hill adopts the CEBC and needs to establish its enforcement agency.
- Oak Hill inserts the name: “Oak Hill Department of Building and Safety” (replace the code’s placeholder) — satisfying § 103.1.
- The City Manager (the city’s chief appointing authority) appoints one Building Official by formal letter — complying with § 103.2.
- The Building Official hires staff under the city’s personnel rules: 1 deputy building official, 3 plan-reviewers, and 4 field inspectors. Those employees receive their powers and inspection authority as delegated by the building official — consistent with § 103.3 (the CEBC does not mandate how many staff; it permits appointment/delegation).
Notes: The CEBC does not require specific staff counts or titles beyond the “building official” and authorization to appoint deputies — staffing numbers are an administrative choice and must comply with local procedures. The legal step the city must take is naming the department and having the chief appoint the building official; subsequent delegations are internal to the department. § 103.1–§ 103.3.
Related provisions (within the CEBC)
- § 103.1 — Creation of enforcement agency (CEBC).
- § 103.2 — Appointment of the building official (CEBC).
- § 103.3 — Deputies; appointment and delegation (CEBC).
- § 104.1 — Duties and powers of the building official (enforcement authority and direction) — expands on what the building official enforces.
- § 104.2 — Determination of compliance; interpretations and policies by the building official.
- § 1.8.3.1 — Local enforcing agency duties and powers (local building department enforcement responsibilities).
- Adoption/agency notes and matrices — identify state or special agencies that may enforce parts of the code for specific building types or occupancies.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 102.6.2 High relevance — show source text
[A] 102.6.2 Buildings previously occupied. The legal occupancy of any building existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, the California Fire Code or California Existing Building Code, or as is deemed necessary by the building official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 103—CODE COMPLIANCE AGENCY
[A] 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The [ INSERT NAME OF DEPARTMENT ] is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
[A] 103.2 Appointment. The building official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.
[A] 103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official shall have the authority to appoint a deputy building official, other related technical officers, inspectors and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the building official.
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ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 104—DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL
[A] 104.1 General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this code.
[A] 104.2 Determination of compliance. The building official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures:
- Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.
- Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.
[A] 104.2.1 Listed compliance. Where this code or a referenced standard requires equipment, materials, products or services to be listed and a listing standard is specified, the listing shall be based on the specified standard. Where a listing standard is not specified, the listing shall be based on an approved listing criteria. Listings shall be germane to the provision requiring the listing. Installation shall be in accordance with the listing and the manufacturer’s instructions, and where required to verify compliance, the listing standard and manufacturer’s instructions shall be made available to the building official.
[A] 104.2.2 Technical assistance. To determine compliance with this code, the building official is authorized to determine compliance with this code, to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide a technical opinion and report.
[A] 104.2.2.1 Cost. A technical opinion and report shall be provided without charge to the jurisdiction.
[A] 104.2.2.2 Preparer qualifications. The technical opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or specialty organization acceptable to the building official. The building official is authorized to require design submittals to be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, a registered design professional.
CEBC § 102.7 High relevance — show source text
[A] 102.7 Partial invalidity. In the event that any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.
[A] 102.8 Existing conditions. The legal occupancy or use of any structure or condition existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code or the California Fire Code, California Building Code, California Existing Building Code or the California Residential Code, or as is deemed necessary by the code official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
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ADMINISTRATION
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 103—CODE COMPLIANCE AGENCY
[A] 103.1 Creation of agency. The [ INSERT NAME OF DEPARTMENT ] is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the code official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
[A] 103.2 Appointment. The code official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.
[A] 103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the code official shall have the authority to appoint a deputy code official, other related technical officers, inspectors and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the code official.
SECTION 104—DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CODE OFFICIAL
[A] 104.1 Powers and duties of the code official. The code official is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code.
[A] 104.2 Determination of compliance. The code official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures:
- Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.
- Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.
[A] 104.2.1 Technical assistance. To determine compliance with this code, the code official is authorized to require the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or the person in possession or control of the building or premises to provide a technical opinion and report.
[A] 104.2.1.1 Costs. A technical opinion and report shall be provided without charge to the jurisdiction.
[A] 104.2.1.2 Preparer qualifications. The technical opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or fire safety specialty organization acceptable to the code official. The code official is authorized to require design submittals to be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, a registered design professional.
[A] 104.2.1.3 Content. The technical opinion and report shall analyze the properties of the design, operation or use of the building or premises, the facilities and appurtenances situated thereon and fuel management to identify and propose necessary recommendations.
CEBC § 102.2 Medium relevance — show source text
[A] 102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.
[A] 102.3 Application of references. References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this code.
[A] 102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 7 and such codes and standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.4.1 and 102.4.2.
[A] 102.4.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and the referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall govern.
[A] 102.4.2 Provisions in referenced codes and standards. Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of this code, the provisions of this code, as applicable, shall take precedence over the provisions in the referenced standard.
[A] 102.5 Subjects not regulated by this code. Where applicable standards or requirements are not set forth in this code, or are contained within other laws, codes, regulations, ordinances or policies adopted by the jurisdiction, compliance with applicable standards of other nationally recognized safety standards, as approved, shall be deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of this code. Nothing herein shall derogate from the authority of the code official to determine compliance with codes or standards for those activities or installations within the code official’s jurisdiction or responsibility.
[A] 102.6 Matters not provided for. Requirements that are essential for the public safety of an existing or proposed activity, building or structure, or for the safety of the occupants thereof, which are not specifically provided for by this code, shall be determined by the code official consistent with the necessity to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare.
[A] 102.7 Partial invalidity. In the event that any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.
[A] 102.8 Existing conditions. The legal occupancy or use of any structure or condition existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code or the California Fire Code, California Building Code, California Existing Building Code or the California Residential Code, or as is deemed necessary by the code official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
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ADMINISTRATION
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 103—CODE COMPLIANCE AGENCY
[A] 103.1 Creation of agency. The [ INSERT NAME OF DEPARTMENT ] is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the code official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
[A] 103.2 Appointment. The code official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.
CEBC § 1-22 Medium relevance — show source text
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
104 Duties and Powers of Code Official. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . 1-28
108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
115 Unsafe Structures and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
116 Emergency Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
117 Demolition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
202 General Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
CHAPTER 3 PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE
METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
301 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
CEBC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
41—2023|X|||X|X|||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |ASTM A615—15 22||||||||||X||||||||||||||| |ICC A117.1—2017||||†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |ICC CBC—25||||||||||X||||||||||||||| |NFPA 72—24|||X||||||||||||||||||||||
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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16 REFERENCED STANDARDS
User notes:
About this chapter: This code contains numerous references to standards that are used to regulate materials and methods of construction. Chapter 16 contains a comprehensive list of all standards that are referenced in the code, including the appendices. The standards are part of the code to the extent of the reference to the standard. Compliance with the referenced standard is necessary for compliance with this code. By providing specifically adopted standards, the construction and installation requirements necessary for compliance with the code can be readily determined. The basis for code compliance is, therefore, established and available on an equal basis to the building code official, contractor, designer and owner.
This chapter lists the standards that are referenced in various sections of this document. The standards are listed herein by the promulgating agency of the standard, the standard identification, the effective date and title, and the section or sections of this document that reference the standard. The application of the referenced standards shall be as specified in Section 102.4 , or California Administration Division 1, as applicable. [OSHPD 1] Reference to other chapters. In addition to the code sections referenced, the standards listed in this chapter are applicable to the respective code sections in Chapters 3A, 4A and 5A.
ACI American Concrete Institute, 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439
562—21: Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures—Code Requirements
405.1.1
ASCE/SEI American Society of Civil Engineers Structural Engineering Institute, 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, VA 20191-4400
7—1988: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
503.12, 706.3.2
7—1993: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
503.12, 706.3.2
7—1995: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
503.12, 706.3.2
7—1998: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
503.12, 706.3.2
7—2002: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
503.12, 706.3.2
7—2005: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
503.12, 706.3.2
7—2010: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
CEBC § 102.8 Medium relevance — show source text
[A] 102.8 Subjects not regulated by this code. Where applicable standards or requirements are not set forth in this code, or are contained within other laws, codes, regulations, ordinances or bylaws adopted by the jurisdiction, compliance with applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association or other nationally recognized fire safety standards, as approved, shall be deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of this code. Nothing herein shall derogate from the authority of the fire code official to determine compliance with codes or standards for those activities or installations within the fire code official’s jurisdiction or responsibility.
[A] 102.9 Matters not provided for. Requirements that are essential for the public safety of an existing or proposed activity, building or structure, or for the safety of the occupants thereof, that are not specifically provided for by this code, shall be determined by the fire code official.
[A] 102.10 Conflicting provisions. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in a specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
[A] 102.11 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.
[A] 102.12 Application of references. References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this code.
102.13 Wildland-urban interface. The provisions of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall apply to buildings and struc- tures built in the wildland-urban interface.
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 103—CODE COMPLIANCE AGENCY
[A] 103.1 Creation of agency. The [ INSERT NAME OF DEPARTMENT ] is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
[A] 103.2 Appointment. The fire code official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.
[A] 103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the fire code official shall have the authority to appoint a deputy fire code official, other related technical officers, inspectors and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the fire code official.
SECTION 104—DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE FIRE CODE OFFICIAL
[A] 104.1 General. The fire code official is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code.
[A] 104.2 Determination of compliance. The fire code official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures:
- Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.
- Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.
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DIVISION II—SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
CEBC § 18934.7. Medium relevance — show source text
1. BSC—California Building Standards Commission.
Application—Existing buildings as specified in Section A102 having at least one unreinforced masonry bearing wall, with the exception of buildings subject to building standards pursuant to Health and Safety Code, commencing with Section 17910.
Enforcing Agency—State or local agency specified by the applicable provisions of the law.
Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Section 18934.7.
Reference— Health and Safety Code Sections 18901 through 18949. 2. HCD 1—The Department of Housing and Community Development.
Application—Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, employee housing and factory-built housing.
Enforcing Agency—The local building department or the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Sections 17040, 17921, 17922 and 19990.
Reference—Health and Safety Code Sections 17000 through 17060, 17910 through 17990, 19960 through 19997; and Govern- ment Code Section 12955.1.
3. HCD 2—The Department of Housing and Community Development.
Application—Permanent buildings and permanent accessory buildings or structures constructed within mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks.
Enforcing Agency—The local building department or the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Sections 18300, 18620, 18640, 18865, 18873 and 18873.2.
Reference—Health and Safety Code Sections 18200 through 18700 and 18860 through 18874.
SECTION A101—PURPOSE
[BS] A101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury from the effects of earthquakes on existing unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings.
The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum standards for structural seismic resistance, and are established primarily to reduce the risk of life loss or injury. Compliance with these provisions will not necessarily prevent loss of life or injury, or prevent earthquake damage to retrofitted buildings.
SECTION A102—SCOPE
[BS] A102.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all existing buildings not more than six stories in height above the base of the structure and having not fewer than one unreinforced masonry bearing wall. The elements regulated by this chapter shall
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APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
be determined in accordance with Table A102.1. Except as provided herein, other structural provisions of the building code shall apply. This chapter does not apply to the alteration of existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems.
CEBC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
Agency|BSC|BSC-
CG|SFM|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|||||||||||||X|||X||||||||| |Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)|X||X|X|X|||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |Adopt only those sections
that are listed below||||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section||||||||||||||||||||||||| |ASCE/SEI 7—2016||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |ASCE/SEI 7—2022||||||||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |ASCE/SEI 41—2013||||||||||X||||||||||||||| |ASCE/SEI 41—2023|X|||X|X|||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |ASTM A615—15 22||||||||||X||||||||||||||| |ICC A117.1—2017||||†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |ICC CBC—25||||||||||X||||||||||||||| |NFPA 72—24|||X||||||||||||||||||||||The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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16 REFERENCED STANDARDS
User notes:
About this chapter: This code contains numerous references to standards that are used to regulate materials and methods of construction. Chapter 16 contains a comprehensive list of all standards that are referenced in the code, including the appendices. The standards are part of the code to the extent of the reference to the standard. Compliance with the referenced standard is necessary for compliance with this code. By providing specifically adopted standards, the construction and installation requirements necessary for compliance with the code can be readily determined. The basis for code compliance is, therefore, established and available on an equal basis to the building code official, contractor, designer and owner.
CBC § 301 Medium relevance — show source text
This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:
Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.
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Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.
Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC
The format of the CEBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CEBC is divided. The subsequent table shows CEBC requirements that are correlated with other California Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CEBC.
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECTS 1, 2 Administrative Requirements and Definitions 3 Provisions for all Compliance Methods 4 Repairs 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 6–11 Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 13 Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 14 Relocated Buildings 15 Construction Safeguards 16 Referenced Standards Appendix A Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings Appendix C Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix D Board of Appeals Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS
The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:
CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 15 Chapter 33 Construction safeguards Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
CBC § 301 Medium relevance — show source text
The IEBC is a model code in the International Code family of codes intended to provide requirements for repair and alternative approaches for alterations, changes of occupancy and additions to existing buildings. A large number of existing buildings and structures do not comply with the current building code requirements for new construction. Although many of these buildings are potentially salvageable, rehabilitation is often cost-prohibitive because compliance with all the requirements for new construction could require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of the building or the original scope of the alteration. At the same time, it is necessary to regulate construction in existing buildings that undergo additions, alterations, extensive repairs or change of occupancy. Such activity represents an opportunity to ensure that new construction complies with the current building codes and that existing conditions are maintained, at a minimum, to their current level of compliance or are improved as required to meet basic safety levels. To accomplish this objective, and to make the alteration process easier, this code allows for options for controlled departure from full compliance with the International Codes dealing with new construction, while maintaining basic levels for fire safety, structural and life safety features of the rehabilitated building.
This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:
Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.
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Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.
Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC
The format of the CEBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CEBC is divided. The subsequent table shows CEBC requirements that are correlated with other California Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CEBC.
CEBC § 1.10.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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Chapter 3 Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3 guides the use of the three compliance methods of the CEBC and provides requirements that apply globally. The globally applicable requirement include general requirements related to buildings materials and other applicable codes, storm shelters, structural loads, in-situ load tests, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection and exterior wall coverings.
Chapter 3A Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing structures regulated 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).
Chapter 4 Repairs.
Chapter 4, a chapter independent of the three compliance methods, governs the repair of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
Chapter 4A Repairs.
Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5 provides one of the three main options of compliance available in the CEBC for buildings and structures undergoing alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The base requirements are more administrative in nature. The structural triggers for upgrades are consistent with the Work Area Method.
Chapter 5A Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5A provides details for the prescriptive compliance method for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing build- ings and structures regulated 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).
Chapter 6 Classification of Work.
Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method and defines the different classifications of work including alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in subsequent Chapters 7 through 11.
Chapter 7 Alterations—Level 1.
Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by only involving replacement of building components with new components with no reconfiguration of space.
Chapter 8 Alterations—Level 2.
A Level 2 alteration is an alteration involving space reconfiguration that could be up to and including 50 percent of the area of the building or addition of a new building system. Level 2 alterations also include the extension or addition of any system or equipment. The purpose of Chapter 8 is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, means of egress, fire protection, structural systems, energy efficiency, and other building systems include electrical, mechanical and plumbing when a building is being altered.
Chapter 9 Alterations—Level 3.
CEBC § 1.1.10 Medium relevance — show source text
1.1.10 Availability of Codes. At least one complete copy each of Titles 8, 19, 20, 24, and 25 with all revisions shall be main- tained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of this code. Each state department concerned and each city, county, or city and county shall have an up-to-date copy of the code available for public inspection, see Health and Safety Code Section 18942(e)(1) and (2).
1.1.11 Format. This part fundamentally adopts the Uniform Mechanical Code by reference on a chapter-by-chapter basis. When a specific chapter of the Uniform Mechanical Code is not printed in the code and is marked “Reserved”, such chapter of the Uniform Mechanical Code is not adopted as a portion of this code. When a specific chapter of the Uniform Mechanical Code is marked “Not adopted by the State of California” but appears in the code, it may be available for adoption by local ordinance.
Note: Matrix Adoption Tables at the front of each chapter may aid the code user in determining which chapter or sections within a chapter are applicable to buildings under the authority of a specific state agency, but they are not to be considered regulatory.
1.1.12 Validity. If any chapter, section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this code is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, contrary to statute, exceeding the authority of the state as stipulated by statutes or otherwise inoperative, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this code.
1.2.0 Building Standards Commission.
1.2.1 BSC. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency, and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
(1) State Buildings for All Occupancies.
Application – State buildings (all occupancies), including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University (CSU) and the Regents of the University of California (UC) where no state agency has the authority to adopt building standards applicable to such buildings.
Enforcing Agency – State or local agency specified by the applicable provisions of law.
Authority Cited – Health and Safety Code Section 18934.5.
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), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
Reference – Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.5, commencing with Section 18901.
(2) University of California, California State Universities, and California Community Colleges.
Application – Standards for lighting for parking lots and primary campus walkways at the University of Cali- fornia, California State Universities, and California Community Colleges.
Enforcing Agency – State or local agency specified by the applicable provisions of law.
Authority Cited – Government Code Section 14617.
Reference – Government Code Section 14617.
Frequently asked questions
Who must create the code compliance agency?
The jurisdiction adopting the CEBC must establish the agency (insert its departmental name) and designate a building official — required by § 103.1.
Who appoints the building official?
The chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction (for example, city manager or county administrative officer) appoints the building official per § 103.2.
Can the building official appoint deputies and inspectors?
Yes. The building official may appoint deputies, technical officers, inspectors and other employees, and may delegate powers to them in accordance with local procedures and concurred approvals as required by § 103.3.
Is the agency name fixed by the CEBC?
No — the CEBC uses a placeholder (“[INSERT NAME OF DEPARTMENT]”); local jurisdictions must insert their actual department name when establishing the agency per § 103.1.
Does § 103 set out the building official’s enforcement powers?
§ 103 establishes the agency and appointments. The building official’s specific duties and enforcement powers are described in the following sections (for example § 104.1 and § 104.2), which explain enforcement authority and determination of compliance.
More in California Existing Building Code
- Administration and Definitions (Scope, enforcement, code official duties, definitions)
- Provisions for All Compliance Methods (general requirements that apply to all compliance options; Chapter 3 / 3A)
- Seismic retrofit and evaluation (Appendix A and seismic provisions/sections for evaluation and retrofit)
- Referenced Standards and Appendices (Chapter 16 and Appendices A–E, Resource A)
- Repairs (Chapter 4 — repair-specific rules for materials, means of egress, structural, MEP, etc.)
- Alterations — Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 (technical requirements for each alteration level; Chapters 7–9)
- Change of Occupancy and Additions (requirements for occupancy changes and additions; Chapters 10–11)
- Compliance Methods — Prescriptive, Work Area, Performance (Chapters 5, 6–11, 13)
- Relocated Buildings (requirements for buildings moved or relocated; Chapter 14)
- Construction Safeguards (site safety, means of egress and life-safety during construction; Chapter 15)
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California Existing Building Code