CEBC · California Existing Building Code
What work and buildings does the CEBC apply to (scope and exceptions)
The CEBC governs repairs, alterations, changes of occupancy, additions and relocations of existing buildings; detached single‑family and small townhouses (≤ three stories) may use either CEBC or the California Residential Code, appendices only apply if adopted, and work that’s also covered by the Fire Code must meet both codes (see **§ 101.2**, **§ 101.2.1**, **§ 101.2.2**, **§ 101.3**) .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
The California Existing Building Code (CEBC) applies to work on existing buildings that involves repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, and relocation — this is the core scope in § 101.2. Appendix provisions do not apply unless the jurisdiction specifically adopts them (§ 101.2.1). Where CEBC-regulated work overlaps existing-building provisions in the California Fire Code, the work must comply with both codes (§ 101.2.2). The code’s purpose is to permit flexible, alternative approaches to achieve a reasonable level of safety for those covered activities (§ 101.3) .
The CEBC governs repairs, alterations, changes of occupancy, additions and relocations of existing buildings — unless a specific exception applies. (See § 101.2.)
Requirements in detail
Quick glossary (first mentions are bolded)
- Repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, relocation — the five work types listed in § 101.2 as the CEBC’s jurisdiction. § 101.2 is the controlling scope statement.
- Appendices — do not apply unless adopted by the jurisdiction (§ 101.2.1).
- Overlap with the fire code — where Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code applies to existing-building construction requirements, work must meet both CEBC and fire-code requirements (§ 101.2.2).
Decision table — when the CEBC applies
| Decision dimension | Values / threshold to check | Does CEBC apply? | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of work | Repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, relocation | Yes — these are the activities the CEBC is written for | § 101.2 |
| Detached single/two‑family dwellings & townhouses | Detached one- and two‑family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane (and their accessory structures not more than three stories) | These may comply with the CEBC or the California Residential Code (i.e., the CEBC exception allows an alternative) | Exception to § 101.2 |
| Appendices | Adopted by jurisdiction? Yes / No | Only if specifically adopted or referenced by the authority having jurisdiction | § 101.2.1 |
| Work also regulated by Fire Code Chapter 11 | Same work covered in Fire Code Chapter 11 | Must satisfy applicable requirements in both codes | § 101.2.2 |
| Overall intent | Level of safety, flexibility, alternative approaches | CEBC provides flexible methods to achieve reasonable safety for covered work | § 101.3 |
How to read the scope in practice
- If your project is one of the five work types listed above, start with the CEBC — it is the intended regulatory vehicle for existing‑building work (§ 101.2) .
- If your project is a detached one‑ or two‑family dwelling or qualifying townhouse (≤ three stories above grade plane), you may choose the CEBC or the California Residential Code per the § 101.2 exception .
- If using any CEBC Appendix, confirm the local jurisdiction has adopted that Appendix first — appendices are not automatically in force (§ 101.2.1) .
- If the same work is covered by Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code, follow the applicable provisions of both codes — CEBC does not override overlapping fire‑code requirements (§ 101.2.2) .
Exceptions & special cases
- Residential exception: the CEBC’s text explicitly allows detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane to comply with either the CEBC or the California Residential Code. Check the dwelling height and that it has a separate means of egress before assuming the CEBC is mandatory (§ 101.2 exception) .
- Appendices: do not presume an appendix (for example seismic or accessibility guidance) is enforceable — it must be specifically adopted or referenced by the jurisdiction (§ 101.2.1) .
- Fire code overlap: when CEBC-regulated work is also regulated by the existing‑building construction requirements in Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code, comply with both sets of applicable requirements (§ 101.2.2) .
- Purpose-driven flexibility: the CEBC explicitly allows “alternative approaches” to reach a “reasonable level of safety” rather than full new‑construction compliance when dealing with the listed work types — that informs how strict a jurisdiction may require retrofit vs. repair (§ 101.3) .
Common mistakes
- Misreading the residential exception as a blanket exclusion — it only applies to detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane and their accessory structures (§ 101.2). Many assume all single‑family work is outside the CEBC — that’s not correct. .
- Assuming appendices automatically apply — they do not unless the jurisdiction adopts them (§ 101.2.1) .
- Overlooking fire‑code obligations — if Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code applies to the same work, you must meet both codes’ applicable provisions (§ 101.2.2) .
- Treating the CEBC as a code of new construction — it is specifically scoped to existing‑building activities and its intent is to permit flexibility and alternative compliance methods, not to require new‑building conformity by default (§ 101.3) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: You are renovating an existing 2‑story commercial office building (no dwelling units). The scope includes removal and replacement of finishes, reconfiguring several offices (new doors and partitions), moving a nonbearing partition, and changing a small suite from office use to a retail use.
Step-by-step:
- Identify the work types: alteration (reconfiguring offices), change of occupancy (office → retail), and repair/finish replacement. These are all listed CEBC work types, so CEBC applies (§ 101.2) .
- Determine which compliance path to use (Prescriptive, Work Area, or Performance) per the CEBC chapters (Chapter 5, Chapters 6–11, Chapter 13) — the CEBC is structured to offer choices; pick the method consistent with scope and local adoption (see CEBC chapters for details). The CEBC’s intent allows flexible approaches to meet safety (§ 101.3) .
- Check fire-code overlap: if the fire‑code Chapter 11 contains existing‑building construction requirements that cover this change of occupancy (for example, fire protection or means‑of‑egress requirements), you must comply with both CEBC and the Fire Code (§ 101.2.2) .
- Residential exception does not apply because the building is commercial, so no alternative to CRC applies (the exception is limited to detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings/townhouses) (§ 101.2 exception) .
Numerical illustration: if the work area (per Chapter 2 definition) affects less than or equal to 50% of the floor area, many work‑area method Level 2 provisions will be triggered; if it exceeds 50%, Level 3/Chapter 9 provisions may be required — those thresholds are in the alteration chapters (see Chapters 6–9). The CEBC scope confirms the CEBC is the correct starting place for this assessment (§ 101.2) .
Related provisions
- § 101.4 — Applicability details (buildings previously or not previously occupied) — useful when determining which code edition controls (retrieved in the CEBC text).
- § 101.5 — Safeguards during construction (CEBC construction safeguards tie into Chapter 15).
- Section 301 (see CEBC chapters) — Compliance methods (Prescriptive, Work Area, Performance) — explains options for meeting the CEBC for alterations/additions/changes.
- See Chapter 14 — Relocated buildings — specific requirements that apply when relocation is part of the work (CEBC addresses relocation in its own chapter).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 101.1 High relevance — show source text
This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document, and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. 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 registered design professional, contractor and property owner.
Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition of the IEBC. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.
PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION
SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Existing Building Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], herein-after referred to as “this code.”
[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code.
[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted or referenced.
101.2.2 Application of fire code. Where work regulated by this code is also regulated by the construction requirements for existing buildings in Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code, such work shall comply with applicable requirements in both codes.
[A] 101.3 Purpose. The intent of this code is to provide flexibility to permit the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, property protection and general welfare insofar as they are affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings.
[A] 101.4 Applicability. This code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings, regardless of occupancy, subject to the criteria of Sections 101.4.1 and 101.4.2.
[A] 101.4.1 Buildings not previously occupied. A building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose, in accordance with the laws in existence at the time of its completion, shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of the laws in existence at the time of its original permit unless such permit has expired. Subsequent permits shall comply with the California Building Code or California Residential Code, as applicable, for new construction.
[A] 101.4.2 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 is specifically covered in this code, the California Fire Code, or the Inter- national Property Maintenance Code, or as is deemed necessary by the code official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
[A] 101.5 Safeguards during construction. Construction work covered in this code, including any related demolition, shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15.
CEBC § 317.2 High relevance — show source text
317.2 Scope. All alterations, structurally connected additions and/or repairs to existing structures or portions thereof shall, at a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this section. The structural system shall be evaluated by a registered design professional and, if not meeting or exceeding the minimum seismic design performance requirements of this section, shall be retrofitted in compliance with these requirements.
Exception: Those structures for which Section 317.3 determines that assessment is not required, or for which Section 317.4 determines that retrofit is not needed, then only the requirements of Section 317.11 apply.
317.3 Applicability.
317.3.1 Existing state-owned buildings. [BSC, DSA-SS] For existing state-owned structures including all buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University, the requirements of Section 317 apply whenever the structure is to be retrofitted, repaired or modified and any of the following apply: 1. Total construction cost, not including cost of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or normal maintenance, for the building exceeds 25 percent of the construction cost for the replacement of the existing building. The changes are cumulative for past modifications to the building that occurred after adoption of the 1995 California Building Code and did not require seismic retrofit.
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
2. There are changes in risk category. 3. The modification to the structural components increases the seismic forces in or strength requirements of any structural component of the existing structure by more than 10 percent cumulative since the original construction, unless the component has the capacity to resist the increased forces determined in accordance with Section 319. If the building’s seismic base shear capacity has been increased since the original construction, the percent change in base shear may be calculated relative to the increased value.
4. Structural elements need repair where the damage has reduced the lateral-load-resisting capacity of the structural system by more than 10 percent. 5. Changes in live or dead load increase story shear by more than 10 percent.
317.3.2 Public school buildings. [DSA-SS] For public schools, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.
317.3.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] For community colleges, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.
317.4 Evaluation required. If the criteria in Section 317.3 apply to the project under consideration, the design professional of record shall provide an evaluation in accordance with Section 317 to determine the seismic performance of the building in its current configuration and condition. If the structure's seismic performance as required by Section 317.5 is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s), when Method B of Section 321 is used, concur, then no structural retrofit is required.
_**317.5 Minimum seismic design performance levels for structural and nonstructural components.
CEBC § 8-706 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 8-706 — LATERAL LOAD REGULATIONS
8-706.1 Seismic forces. Strength-level seismic forces used to evaluate the structure for resistance to seismic loads shall be based on the R -values tabulated in the regular code for similar lateral-force-resisting systems including consideration of the structural detailing of the members where such R -values exist. Where such R -values do not exist, an appropriate R -value shall be rationally assigned considering the structural detailing of the members.
Exceptions:
- The forces need not exceed 0.75 times the seismic forces prescribed by the regular code requirements.
- For Risk Category I, II or III structures, near-fault increases in ground motion (maximum considered earthquake ground motion of 0.2 second spectral response greater than 150 percent at 5 percent damping) need not be considered when the fundamental period of the building is 0.5 seconds in the direction under consideration.
- For Risk Category I or II structures, the seismic base shear need not exceed 0.30W.
- For Risk Category III or IV structures, the seismic base shear need not exceed 0.40W.
8-706.1.1 When a building is to be strengthened with the addition of a new lateral force resisting system, the R -value of the new system can be used when the new lateral force resisting system resists at least 75 percent of the building’s base shear regardless of its relative rigidity.
8-706.1.2 Evaluation and seismic improvement of unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings shall comply with the California Existing Building Code (CEBC), Appendix Chapter A1 2013 Edition, and as modified by the CHBC.
Exceptions:
- Alternative standards may be used on a case-by-case basis when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. It shall be permitted to exceed the strength limitation of 100 psi in Section A108.2 of the CEBC when test data and building configuration supports higher values subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
- CEBC Section A102.2 shall not apply to Qualified Historical Buildings in Risk Category III buildings and other structures whose primary occupancies are public assembly with an occupancy load greater than 300.
8-706.1.3 All deviations from the detailing provisions of the lateral-force-resisting systems shall be evaluated for stability and the ability to maintain load-carrying capacity at the expected inelastic deformations.
8-706.2 Existing building performance. The seismic resistance may be based upon the ultimate capacity of the structure to perform, giving due consideration to ductility and reserve strength of the lateral-force-resisting system and materials while maintaining a reasonable factor of safety. Broad judgment may be exercised regarding the strength and performance of materials not recognized by regular code requirements. (See Chapter 8-8, Archaic Materials and Methods of Construction.)
8-706.2.1 All structural materials or members that do not comply with detailing and proportioning requirements of the regular code shall be evaluated for potential seismic performance and the consequence of non-compliance. All members that would be reasonably expected to fail and lead to collapse or life threatening injury when subjected to seismic demands shall be judged unacceptable, and appropriate structural strengthening shall be developed.
8-706.3 Load path. A complete and continuous load path, including connections, from every part or portion of the structure to the ground shall be provided for the required forces. It shall be verified that the structure is adequately tied together to perform as a unit when subjected to earthquake forces.
CEBC § 1402.2 High relevance — show source text
[BS] 1402.2 Foundation. The foundation system of relocated buildings shall comply with the California Building Code or the Califor- nia Residential Code, as applicable.
[BS] 1402.2.1 Connection to the foundation. The connection of the relocated building to the foundation shall comply with the California Building Code or the California Residential Code, as applicable.
[BS] 1402.3 Wind loads. Buildings shall comply with California Building Code or California Residential Code wind provisions, as applicable.
Exceptions:
- Detached one- and two-family dwellings and Group U occupancies where wind loads at the new location are not higher than those at the previous location.
- Structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 10 percent.
[BS] 1402.4 Seismic loads. Buildings shall comply with California Building Code or California Residential Code seismic provisions at the new location, as applicable.
Exceptions:
- Structures in Seismic Design Categories A and B and detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories A, B and C where the seismic loads at the new location are not higher than those at the previous location.
- Structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 10 percent.
[BS] 1402.5 Snow loads. Structures shall comply with California Building Code or California Residential Code snow loads, as applicable, where snow loads at the new location are higher than those at the previous location.
Exception: Structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 5 percent.
[BS] 1402.6 Flood hazard areas. If relocated or moved into a flood hazard area, structures shall comply with Section 1612 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
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RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS
[BS] 1402.7 Required inspection and repairs. The code official shall be authorized to inspect, or to require approved professionals to inspect at the expense of the owner, the various structural parts of a relocated building to verify that structural components and connections have not sustained structural damage. Any repairs required by the code official as a result of such inspection shall be made prior to the final approval.
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 15 – CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 Col17 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting CEBC § 804.9 High relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
Where dead-end corridors of greater length are permitted by the California Building Code .
In other than Group A occupancies, the maximum length of an existing dead-end corridor shall be 50 feet (15 240 mm) in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system installed in accordance with the California Building Code .
In other than Group A occupancies, the maximum length of an existing dead-end corridor shall be 70 feet (21 356 mm) in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the California Building Code .
In other than Group A occupancies, the maximum length of an existing, newly constructed, or extended dead-end corridor shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm) on floors equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the California Building Code .
804.9 Means-of-egress lighting. Means-of-egress lighting shall be in accordance with this section, as applicable.
804.9.1 Artificial lighting required. Means of egress in all work areas shall be provided with artificial lighting in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code.
804.9.2 Supplemental requirements for means-of-egress lighting. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, means of egress throughout the floor shall comply with Section 804.9.1.
Exception: Means of egress within or serving only a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.
804.10 Exit signs. Exit signs shall be in accordance with this section, as applicable.
804.10.1 Work areas. Means of egress in all work areas shall be provided with exit signs in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code .
804.10.2 Supplemental requirements for exit signs. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, means of egress throughout the floor shall comply with Section 804.10.1.
Exception: Means of egress within a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.
804.11 Stairways. An existing stairway shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 1011 of the California Build- ing Code where the existing space and construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope.
804.12 Escalators. Where provided in below-grade transportation stations, existing and new escalators shall be permitted to have a clear width of less than 32 inches (813 mm).
804.13 Handrails. The requirements of Section 804.13.1 shall apply to handrails from the work area floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge.
804.13. 1 Design. Handrails shall be designed and installed in accordance with the provisions of the California Building Code .
804.14 Guards. The requirements of 804.14.1 and 804.14.2 shall apply to guards from the work area floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge but shall be confined to the egress path of any work area.
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ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2
CEBC § 1.1.2 High relevance — show source text
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California. [HCD 1 & 2] The provisions of this code shall apply to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of every existing building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.
1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.
1.1.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” in the front of the code. 1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California, and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2 for additional scope provisions. 2. Section 1.3 is reserved for the Board of State Community Corrections. 3. Section 1.4 is reserved for the Department of Consumer Affairs. 4. Section 1.5 is reserved for the California Energy Commission. 5. Section 1.6 is reserved for the Department of Food and Agriculture. 6. Section 1.7 is reserved for the Department of Public Health. 7. Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping _accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities.
CEBC § 317.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing public buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS.
317.1.2.1 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 or 22 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
317.1.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as community college buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC], refer to Section 1.9.2.2.
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing community college buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS/CC.
317.1.3.1 Reference to other chapters. For community colleges, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 17 or 18 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 17A and 18A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
317.2 Scope. All alterations, structurally connected additions and/or repairs to existing structures or portions thereof shall, at a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this section. The structural system shall be evaluated by a registered design professional and, if not meeting or exceeding the minimum seismic design performance requirements of this section, shall be retrofitted in compliance with these requirements.
Exception: Those structures for which Section 317.3 determines that assessment is not required, or for which Section 317.4 determines that retrofit is not needed, then only the requirements of Section 317.11 apply.
317.3 Applicability.
317.3.1 Existing state-owned buildings. [BSC, DSA-SS] For existing state-owned structures including all buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University, the requirements of Section 317 apply whenever the structure is to be retrofitted, repaired or modified and any of the following apply: 1. Total construction cost, not including cost of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or normal maintenance, for the building exceeds 25 percent of the construction cost for the replacement of the existing building. The changes are cumulative for past modifications to the building that occurred after adoption of the 1995 California Building Code and did not require seismic retrofit.
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CEBC § 8-706.1.3 High relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
- Alternative standards may be used on a case-by-case basis when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. It shall be permitted to exceed the strength limitation of 100 psi in Section A108.2 of the CEBC when test data and building configuration supports higher values subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
- CEBC Section A102.2 shall not apply to Qualified Historical Buildings in Risk Category III buildings and other structures whose primary occupancies are public assembly with an occupancy load greater than 300.
8-706.1.3 All deviations from the detailing provisions of the lateral-force-resisting systems shall be evaluated for stability and the ability to maintain load-carrying capacity at the expected inelastic deformations.
8-706.2 Existing building performance. The seismic resistance may be based upon the ultimate capacity of the structure to perform, giving due consideration to ductility and reserve strength of the lateral-force-resisting system and materials while maintaining a reasonable factor of safety. Broad judgment may be exercised regarding the strength and performance of materials not recognized by regular code requirements. (See Chapter 8-8, Archaic Materials and Methods of Construction.)
8-706.2.1 All structural materials or members that do not comply with detailing and proportioning requirements of the regular code shall be evaluated for potential seismic performance and the consequence of non-compliance. All members that would be reasonably expected to fail and lead to collapse or life threatening injury when subjected to seismic demands shall be judged unacceptable, and appropriate structural strengthening shall be developed.
8-706.3 Load path. A complete and continuous load path, including connections, from every part or portion of the structure to the ground shall be provided for the required forces. It shall be verified that the structure is adequately tied together to perform as a unit when subjected to earthquake forces.
8-706.4 Parapets. Parapets and exterior decoration shall be investigated for conformance with regular code requirements for anchorage and ability to resist prescribed seismic forces.
An exception to regular code requirements shall be permitted for those parapets and decorations which are judged not to be a hazard to life safety.
8-706.5 Nonstructural features. Nonstructural features of historical structure, such as exterior veneer, cornices and decorations, which might fall and create a life safety hazard in an earthquake, shall be evaluated. Their ability to resist seismic forces shall be verified, or the feature shall be strengthened with improved anchorage when appropriate.
8-706.5.1 Partitions and ceilings of corridors and stairways serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall be investigated to determine their ability to remain in place when the building is subjected to earthquake forces.
8-706.5.2 Seismic forces used to evaluate and improve nonstructural components and their anchorage, where required, shall comply with ASCE 41 or need not exceed 0.75 times the seismic forces prescribed by the requirements of the regular code.
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8-8 ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 8-801 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
CEBC § 802.3 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Where stairway enclosure is not required by the California Building Code or the California Fire Code .
802.3 Smoke compartments. In Group I-2 occupancies where the work area is on a story used for sleeping rooms for more than 30 care recipients, the story shall be divided into not less than two compartments by smoke barrier walls in accordance with Section 407.5 of the California Building Code as required for new construction.
802.4 Interior finish. The interior finish and trim of walls and ceilings in exits and corridors in any work area shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code .
Exception: Existing materials that do not comply with the requirements of the California Building Code shall be permitted to be treated with an approved fire-retardant coating in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the required classification. Compliance with this section shall be demonstrated by testing the fire-retardant coating on the same material and achieving the required performance. Where the same material is not available, testing on a similar material shall be permitted.
802.4.1 Supplemental interior finish requirements. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50 percent of the floor area, Section 802.4 shall apply to the interior finish and trim in exits and corridors serving the work area throughout the floor.
Exception: Interior finish within tenant spaces that are entirely outside the work area.
802.5 Guards. The requirements of Sections 802.5.1 and 802.5.2 shall apply in all work areas.
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ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2
802.5.1 Minimum requirement. Every portion of a floor, such as a balcony or a loading dock, that is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below and is not provided with guards, or those in which the existing guards are judged to be in danger of collapsing, shall be provided with guards.
802.5.2 Design. Where there are no guards or where existing guards must be replaced, the guards shall be designed and installed in accordance with the California Building Code .
802.6 Fire-resistance ratings. Where approved by the code official, buildings where an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 of the California Building Code has been added, and the building is now sprinklered throughout, the required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and materials shall be permitted to meet the requirements of the current building code. The building is required to meet the other applicable requirements of the California Building Code .
Plans, investigation and evaluation reports, and other data shall be submitted indicating which building elements and materials the applicant is requesting the code official to review and approve for determination of applying the current building code fire-resistance ratings. Any special construction features, including fire-resistance-rated assemblies and smoke-resistive assemblies, conditions of occupancy, means-of-egress conditions, fire code deficiencies, approved modifications or approved alternative materials, design and methods of construction, and equipment applying to the building that impact required fire-resistance ratings shall be identified in the evaluation reports submitted.
SECTION 803—FIRE PROTECTION
803.1 Scope. The requirements of this section shall be limited to work areas in which Level 2 alterations are being performed, and where specified they shall apply throughout the floor on which the work areas are located or otherwise beyond the work area.
CEBC § 101.3 High relevance — show source text
[A] 101.3 Purpose. The intent of this code is to provide flexibility to permit the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, property protection and general welfare insofar as they are affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings.
[A] 101.4 Applicability. This code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings, regardless of occupancy, subject to the criteria of Sections 101.4.1 and 101.4.2.
[A] 101.4.1 Buildings not previously occupied. A building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose, in accordance with the laws in existence at the time of its completion, shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of the laws in existence at the time of its original permit unless such permit has expired. Subsequent permits shall comply with the California Building Code or California Residential Code, as applicable, for new construction.
[A] 101.4.2 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 is specifically covered in this code, the California Fire Code, or the Inter- national Property Maintenance Code, or as is deemed necessary by the code official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
[A] 101.5 Safeguards during construction. Construction work covered in this code, including any related demolition, shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15.
[A] 101.6 Correction of violations of other codes. Repairs or alterations mandated by any property, housing or fire safety maintenance code, or mandated by any licensing rule or ordinance adopted pursuant to law, shall conform only to the requirements of that code, rule or ordinance, and shall not be required to conform to this code unless the code requiring such repair or alteration so provides.
101.7 Maintenance. [BSC, DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC, HCD 1, HCD 2] Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards which are required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings and structures. The requirements of this chapter shall not provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures.
[BSC, HCD 1, HCD 2] To determine compliance with this subsection, the building official shall have the authority to require a building or structure to be re-inspected.
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ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 102—APPLICABILITY
[A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
[A] 102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.
CEBC § 601.1.1 High relevance — show source text
601.1.1 Compliance with other alternatives. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 through 11 or with one of the alternatives provided in Section 301.3.
601.2 Work area. The work area, as defined in Chapter 2, shall be identified on the construction documents.
SECTION 602—ALTERATION—LEVEL 1
602.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.
602.2 Application. Level 1 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7.
SECTION 603—ALTERATION—LEVEL 2
603.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations include the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment, and shall apply where the work area is equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area.
Exception: The movement or addition of nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height shall not be considered a Level 2 alteration.
603.2 Application. Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 8.
SECTION 604—ALTERATION—LEVEL 3
604.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations apply where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area.
604.2 Application. Level 3 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 and 8 for Level 1 and 2 alterations, respectively, as well as the provisions of Chapter 9.
SECTION 605—CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
605.1 Scope. Change of occupancy provisions apply where the activity is classified as a change of occupancy as defined in Chapter 2.
605.2 Application. Changes of occupancy shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10.
SECTION 606—ADDITIONS
606.1 Scope. Provisions for additions shall apply where work is classified as an addition as defined in Chapter 2.
606.2 Application. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 11.
SECTION 607—HISTORIC BUILDINGS
607.1 Scope. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code (Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R) shall apply to qualified historical buildings or properties.
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 7 – ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CEBC § 503.11 High relevance — show source text
[BS] 503.11 Substantial structural alteration. Where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area and where work involves a substantial structural alteration, the lateral load-resisting system of the altered building shall satisfy the requirements of Section 1609 of the California Building Code and Section 304.3.2 of this code. Where the building is assigned to Seismic Design Category D or F, supports and attachments for nonstructural components required to serve any portion of the building with a use included in Risk Category IV shall comply with Section 1613 of the California Building Code or shall comply with ASCE 41 using an objective of Position Retention nonstructural performance with the BSE-1E earthquake hazard level.
Exceptions:
- Buildings of Group R occupancy with not more than five dwelling or sleeping units used solely for residential purposes that are altered based on the conventional light-frame construction methods of the California Building Code or in compliance with the provisions of the California Residential Code .
- Where the intended alteration involves structural components of the lowest story of a building, only the lateral loadresisting system above that story need not comply with this section.
[BS] 503.12 Roof diaphragms resisting wind loads in high-wind regions. Where the intended alteration requires a permit for reroofing and involves removal of roofing materials from more than 50 percent of the roof diaphragm of a building or section of a building located where the basic wind speed, V, is greater than 130 mph (58 m/s) in accordance with Figure 1609.3(2) of the California
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PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
Building Code, roof diaphragms, connections of the roof diaphragm to roof framing members, and roof-to-wall connections shall be evaluated for the wind loads specified in Section 1609 of the California Building Code, including wind uplift. If the diaphragms and connections in their current condition are not capable of resisting 75 percent of those wind loads, they shall be replaced or strengthened in accordance with the loads specified in Section 1609 of the California Building Code .
Exception: Buildings that have been demonstrated to comply with the wind load provisions in ASCE 7—88 or later editions.
[BS] 503.13 Voluntary lateral force-resisting system alterations. Structural alterations that are intended exclusively to improve the lateral force-resisting system and are not required by other sections of this code shall not be subject to the structural requirements of Section 503, provided that all of the following apply:
- With the alteration complete, the capacity of existing structural systems to resist forces is not reduced.
- New structural elements are detailed and connected to existing or new structural elements as required by the selected design criteria. Exception: New lateral force-resisting systems designed in accordance with the California Building Code are permitted to be of a type designated as “Ordinary” or “Intermediate” where ASCE 7 Table 12.2-1 states these types of systems are not permitted.
- Supports and attachments for nonstructural elements removed and reinstalled to facilitate the work comply with the Cali- fornia Building Code for new construction.
- The alterations do not create a structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7 or make an existing structural irregularity more
severe.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CEBC apply to replacing a water heater in an existing single‑family house?
Yes — replacement is a repair which falls within CEBC work types (repair). However, detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings may instead use the California Residential Code per the § 101.2 exception; confirm which code the local jurisdiction requires. § 101.2
Are CEBC appendices enforceable statewide?
No — appendices do not apply unless specifically adopted or referenced by the authority having jurisdiction; always confirm local adoption before assuming an appendix is enforceable (§ 101.2.1)
If a CEBC requirement and Chapter 11 of the Fire Code both cover the same retrofit, which do I follow?
You must comply with the applicable requirements of both codes when they regulate the same work — the CEBC explicitly requires coordination with the Fire Code in that situation (§ 101.2.2)
Is the CEBC meant to force existing buildings to meet new‑building standards?
No — the CEBC’s stated purpose is to provide flexibility and permit alternative approaches to achieve a reasonable level of safety for repairs, alterations, changes of occupancy, additions, and relocations (§ 101.3)
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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