CEBC · California Existing Building Code

How is the work area defined and mapped to alteration levels?

The CEBC requires you to show on the construction documents the **work area** — the reconfigured spaces — because that labelled area determines the alteration level. If the work area is ≤50% of the building area the project is Level 2; if it exceeds 50% it is Level 3; simple repairs or replacements with no reconfiguration are Level 1. Refer to **§ 601.2**, the Chapter 2 definition of **work area**, and **§§ 603.1/604.1** for the 50% threshold and related exceptions .

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English (controlling §)

The building plans must show the project work area as defined in Chapter 2 — that is, the portion(s) of the building containing all reconfigured spaces — and the work area is used to decide whether the alteration is Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. The CEBC requires that the work area be identified on the construction documents (§ 601.2) and it ties the Level 2 / Level 3 triggers to whether the work area is equal to or less than or exceeds 50 percent of the building area (see § 603.1 and § 604.1) .

The single most important rule: clearly label on the construction documents the portion(s) of the building that are the work area (all reconfigured spaces) — that labelled area determines whether the alteration stays Level 1, becomes Level 2 (≤ 50%) or Level 3 (> 50%) under the CEBC (see § 601.2, Chapter 2 definition, § 603.1, § 604.1) .

Requirements in detail

1) What the code calls the work area (definition)

  • Work area = "that portion or portions of a building consisting of all reconfigured spaces as indicated on the construction documents." The definition also explicitly excludes portions where only incidental work is needed and portions where the code requires work not originally intended by the owner .
    • Bold: Work area (first mention); the code phrase appears in Chapter 2 and must be used consistently on drawings .

2) Show it on the drawings (documenting the work area)

  • The CEBC requires the work area to be identified on the construction documents (§ 601.2) — plans without a labelled work area fail this requirement .

3) How the work area maps to alteration levels (decision thresholds)

  • Use the labeled work area to determine which Alteration Level applies:
    • Level 1 = work involving removal/replacement or covering of existing materials/elements without space reconfiguration (see § 602.1) .
    • Level 2 = work that includes space reconfiguration (or system extension/installation) and applies where the work area is equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area (see § 603.1) .
    • Level 3 = work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area (see § 604.1) .

Decision-relevant dimensions/values

Decision dimension Key values / thresholds How it affects classification Code Reference
Is the scope only replacement/covering (no reconfiguration)? N/A Level 1 (Chapter 7 applies) § 602.1
Extent of reconfigured area (work area) vs. building area ≤ 50% Level 2 (Chapters 7 + 8 apply) § 603.1
Extent of reconfigured area (work area) vs. building area > 50% Level 3 (Chapters 7, 8 + 9 apply) § 604.1
Work area labelling on plans Required Must be shown on construction documents § 601.2
Movable partitions / fixtures Partitions/fixtures ≤ 5 ft‑9 in (1753 mm) May be excluded from being treated as Level 2 reconfiguration (exception) § 603.1 Exception

Notes on the measuring element:

  • The code refers to the work area as the “reconfigured spaces as indicated on the construction documents” and compares that labelled work area to the building area when applying the 50% rule; the CEBC text in the retrieved files does not provide a prescriptive step‑by‑step measuring protocol (for example, how to treat mezzanines, basements, shared tenant spaces, or how to compute "building area" for multi‑tenant buildings). Where the CEBC text is silent on a measurement detail, confirm the measurement approach with the authority having jurisdiction or follow any local guidance (the code text requires identification on drawings but defers measurement specifics) .

4) Code consequences tied to the work-area threshold

  • When the work area exceeds 50%, additional structural and seismic evaluation/upgrade triggers apply (e.g., anchorage/bracing requirements and lateral system considerations referenced elsewhere in the CEBC and the CBC) — see the seismic-related provisions that activate at the >50% work area threshold .
  • Level 2 work (≤50%) brings in Chapter 8 requirements; Level 3 (>50%) brings Chapter 9 requirements; both include specific requirements for means-of-egress, fire protection, structural work, and energy as identified in those chapters .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Movable/nonfixed fixtures and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height are not considered Level 2 alterations (they are excluded from the Level 2 reconfiguration calculation) — see the exception in § 603.1 .
  • Chapters 6–11 usage is limited by occupancy and building type per § 601.1 (some occupancies and high‑rise buildings cannot use the Work Area Method) — check § 601.1 exceptions before applying the Level mapping .
  • The work area definition excludes incidental work and parts of the building where the code later requires additional work that the owner did not intend; those excluded areas should not be counted in the labelled work area unless they are reconfigured spaces shown on the construction documents .
  • Where the CEBC cross‑references seismic or structural provisions (for large work areas), those referenced sections (for example, structural upgrade triggers and anchorage requirements) can impose obligations that extend beyond the labelled work area — review the cross-references triggered by exceeding the 50% threshold .

Common mistakes

  • Failing to label the work area on the construction documents — the CEBC requires that the work area be identified (§ 601.2) .
  • Treating every partition or fixture change as reconfiguration — movable/nonfixed items under 5 ft‑9 in may be excluded from Level 2 classification per the exception in § 603.1 .
  • Assuming the code gives a detailed measurement protocol for “building area” or complex multi‑tenant buildings — the retrieved CEBC text defines work area and uses the 50% threshold but does not prescribe detailed stepwise measurement rules; do not invent a method — confirm with the AHJ if unsure .
  • Overlooking that some required upgrades (seismic, fire protection, egress) are triggered once the work area crosses the 50% threshold — review the seismic/structural cross‑references linked to major alterations .

Worked example — concrete numbers

Scenario: 3-story office building, total building area = 12,000 sq ft (aggregate area of all floors). The owner’s scope reconfigures two suites; the construction documents label the reconfigured spaces with measured area = 5,800 sq ft.

  1. Compute percentage:
    • Work area = 5,800 sq ft. Building area = 12,000 sq ft.
    • 5,800 / 12,000 = 0.4833 → 48.33% of the building area.
  2. Classification:
    • Because the labelled work area ≤ 50%, the project is a Level 2 alteration and Chapters 7 and 8 requirements apply (and Chapter 7 Level 1 requirements as applicable) — see § 603.1 and § 603.2 .
  3. If the work area had been 6,500 sq ft:
    • 6,500 / 12,000 = 54.17% → > 50% → Level 3 (Chapters 7, 8 and 9 apply) per § 604.1 and § 604.2 .
  4. If the reconfiguration had only removed/added movable shelving and low partitions ≤ 5 ft‑9 in, confirm whether the exception in § 603.1 removes that scope from Level 2 consideration; if so, the work may remain Level 1 depending on other changes .

Related provisions (CEBC sections you should check)

  • § 601.2 — Work area must be identified on construction documents (see text) .
  • § 602.1 – § 602.2 — Alteration — Level 1 scope and application (Chapter 7) .
  • § 603.1 – § 603.2 — Alteration — Level 2 scope (≤ 50%) and application (Chapters 7 + 8) .
  • § 604.1 – § 604.2 — Alteration — Level 3 scope (> 50%) and application (Chapters 7, 8 + 9) .
  • Chapter 2 — Definitions (WORK AREA) — definition text for Work area (Chapter 2) .
  • [BS] § 503.11 and related seismic items — structural/seismic upgrade triggers referenced when work area exceeds 50% (see seismic/structural cross references) .
  • § 806.1 — Electrical installations in work areas (new wiring requirements) — check Chapter 8/806 when work in a work area affects electrical systems .

(If you need, I can pull the exact CEBC page excerpts for any of the sections above and place the relevant snippet next to your project drawing for review.)

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • 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 § 503.7 High relevance — show source text

    [BS] 503.7 Anchorage for concrete and reinforced masonry walls. Where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area, the building is assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F and the building’s structural system includes concrete or reinforced masonry walls with a flexible roof diaphragm, the alteration shall comply with Section 304.3.2 by evaluation of the existing condition or by installation of wall anchors at the roof line.

    [BS] 503.8 Anchorage for unreinforced masonry walls in major alterations. Where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area, the building is assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F and the building’s structural system includes unreinforced masonry bearing walls, the alteration shall comply with Section 304.3.2 by evaluation of the existing condition or by installation of wall anchors at the floor and roof lines.

    [BS] 503.9 Bracing for unreinforced masonry parapets in major alterations. Where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area, and where the building is assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F, and the building has parapets constructed of unreinforced masonry, the alteration shall comply with Section 304.3.2 by evaluation of the existing condition or by installation of parapet bracing to resist out-of-plane seismic forces.

    [BS] 503.10 Anchorage of unreinforced masonry partitions in major alterations. Where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area, or where the building is assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F, and the building has unreinforced masonry partitions and nonstructural walls, the alteration work shall include evaluation of the existing condition or removal, anchoring or alteration of any such partitions or walls within the work area and adjacent to egress paths from the work area, to comply with Section 304.3.2.

    [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:

    1. 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 .
    2. 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

  • CEBC § 601.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |601.1.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |607.1|||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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    6 CLASSIFICATION OF WORK

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method available as an option for rehabilitation of a building. The chapter defines the different classifications of alterations and provides general requirements for alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in Chapters 7 through 11.

    SECTION 601—GENERAL

    601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall be used in conjunction with Chapters 7 through 11 and shall apply to the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing structures, as referenced in Section 301.3.2. The work performed on an existing building shall be classified in accordance with this chapter. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.

    Exceptions: 1. [SFM] Use of Chapters 6-11 is not permitted in H, I and L, R-2.1, R-3.1 occupancies and high-rise buildings. 2. [BSC] Use of Chapters 6-11 is not permitted in occupancies, buildings and applications regulated by Building Standards Commission and listed in Section 1.2.

    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

  • 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:

    1. 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 .
    2. 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:

    1. With the alteration complete, the capacity of existing structural systems to resist forces is not reduced.
    2. 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.
    3. Supports and attachments for nonstructural elements removed and reinstalled to facilitate the work comply with the Cali- fornia Building Code for new construction.
    4. The alterations do not create a structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7 or make an existing structural irregularity more

    severe.

  • CEBC § 1.10.1 High 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 § 906.2 High relevance — show source text

    [BS] 906.2 Existing structural elements resisting lateral loads. Where work involves a substantial structural alteration,the lateral load-resisting system of the altered building shall be shown to 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:

    1. 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 .
    2. Where the intended alteration involves only the lowest story of a building, structural components of the lateral load resisting system above that story need not comply with this section.

    [BS] 906.3 Seismic Design Category F. Where the building is assigned to Seismic Design Category F, the lateral force-resisting system of the altered building shall meet the requirements of Section 1609 of the California Building Code and Section 304.3.2 of this code. Supports and attachments for nonstructural components serving any portion of the building with a use included in Risk Cate- gory 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.

    [BS] 906.4 Anchorage for concrete and masonry buildings. For any building assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F with a structural system that includes concrete or reinforced masonry walls with a flexible roof diaphragm, the alteration shall comply with Section 304.3.2 by evaluation of the existing condition or by installation of wall anchors at the roof line of all subject buildings and at the floor lines of unreinforced masonry.

    [BS] 906.5 Anchorage for unreinforced masonry walls. For any building assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F with a structural system that includes unreinforced masonry bearing walls, the alteration shall comply with Section 304.3.2 by evaluation of the existing condition or by installation of wall anchors at the roof line.

    [BS] 906.6 Bracing for unreinforced masonry parapets. Parapets constructed of unreinforced masonry in buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F shall comply with Section 304.3.2 by evaluation of the existing condition or by installation of parapet bracing.

    [BS] 906.7 Anchorage of unreinforced masonry partitions. Where the building is assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F, unreinforced masonry partitions and nonstructural walls within the work area and adjacent to egress paths from the work area shall have their existing conditions evaluated or shall be anchored, removed or altered to resist out-of-plane seismic forces to comply with Section 304.3.2.

    SECTION 907—ENERGY CONSERVATION

    907.1 Minimum requirements. Level 3 alterations to existing buildings or structures shall comply with applicable provisions of the California Energy Code (Part 6, Title 24, C.C.R).

  • CRC § 301 High relevance — show source text

    This change expands the current process from two independent 1-year cycles to a single continuous 3year cycle. There will be two groups of code development committees and they will meet in separate years. The current groups will be reworked. With the energy provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code ® (IECC®) and Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code ® (IRC®) now moved to the Code Council’s Standards Development Process, the reduced volume of code changes will be distributed between Groups A and B.

    Code change proposals submitted for code sections that have a letter designation in front of them will be heard by the respective committee responsible for such code sections. Because different committees hold Committee Action Hearings in different years, proposals for most codes will be heard by committees in both the 2024 (Group A) and the 2025 (Group B) code development cycles. It is very important that anyone submitting code change proposals understands which code development committee is responsible for the section of the code that is the subject of the code change proposal.

    Please visit the ICC website at iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/code-development/current-code-development-cycle for further information on the Code Development Committee responsibilities as it becomes available.

    Coordination of the I-Codes

    The coordination of technical provisions allows the I-Codes to be used as a complete set of complementary documents. Individual codes can also be used in subsets or as stand-alone documents. Some technical provisions that are relevant to more than one subject area are duplicated in multiple model codes.

    INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE

    The IEBC establishes minimum requirements for existing buildings using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles intended to encourage the use and reuse of existing buildings while requiring reasonable upgrades and improvements.

    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 C

  • CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text

    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.

    Chapter 9 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 3 alterations. Level 3 alterations are those involving alterations that cover 50 percent of the aggregate area of the building. Under certain situations, this chapter also intends to improve the safety of certain building features beyond the work area and in other parts of the building where no alteration work might be taking place.

    Chapter 10 Change of Occupancy.

    The purpose of Chapter 10 is to address existing buildings that are subject to a change of occupancy. This chapter is an assembly of requirements to upgrade safety without having to comply fully as a new building. A change of occupancy classification is considered a change of occupancy, however, it will involve a higher level of regulation since the use of the building has made a more significant change.

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    Chapter 11 Additions.

    Chapter 11 provides the requirements for additions, which are considered new construction. The requirements focus on safely integrating the addition with the existing building. This includes issues such as limiting the overall height and area of the building where the addition is not separated by a fire wall.

    Chapter 12 Historic Buildings —Reserved

    Chapter 12 is not adopted by the State of California. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, California Code of Regulations.

    Chapter 13 Performance Compliance Methods.

    Chapter 13 allows for existing buildings to be evaluated to show that alterations or a change of occupancy, while not meeting new construction requirements, will provide a level of safety to demonstrate compliance. Provisions are based on a numerical scoring system involving 21 safety parameters where, when evaluated, such buildings must meet a minimum overall safety score.

  • CEBC § 0.20 High relevance — show source text

    The door area shall be the
    door area of the existing building.|If the proposed_U_-factor is < 0.20, the standard
    design shall be based on the existing_U_-factor value
    as verified. Otherwise, the standard design shall be
    based on the_U_-factor of 0.20. The door area shall
    be the door area of the existing building.| |Space-heating and space-cooling
    equipment|Table 150.1-A for equipment efficiency
    requirements; Section 150.2(b)1C for entirely new
    or complete replacement systems; Section
    150.2(b)1F for refrigerant charge verification
    requirements.|The existing efficiency levels.| |Air distribution system – duct sealing|The requirements of Sections 150.2(b)1D and 150.2(b)1E|The requirements of Sections 150.2(b)1D and 150.2(b)1E| |Air distribution system – duct insulation|The proposed efficiency levels.|The existing efficiency levels.| |Water heating systems|The requirements of Section 150.2(b)1Hii.|The existing efficiency levels.| |Roofing products|The requirements of Section 150.2(b)1I.|The requirements of Section 150.2(b)1I.| |All other measures|The proposed efficiency levels.|The existing efficiency levels.|

    C. The proposed design shall be based on the actual values of the altered components. Notes to Section 150.2(b)2:

    1. If an existing component must be replaced with a new component, that component is considered an altered component for the purpose of determining the standard design altered component energy budget and must meet the requirements of Section 150.2(b)2B.
    2. The standard design shall assume the same geometry and orientation as the proposed design.
    3. The “existing efficiency level” modeling rules, including situations where nameplate data are not available, are described in Sections 10-109(c) and 10-116. Exception 1 to Section 150.2(b): Any dual- glazed greenhouse or/garden window installed as part of an alteration complies with the U -factor requirements in Section 150.1(c)3. Exception 2 to Section 150.2(b): Where the space in the attic or rafter area is not large enough to accommodate the required R -value, the entire space shall be filled with insulation, provided such installation does not violate Section 1203.2 of Title 24, Part 2.

    (c) Whole building. Any addition or alteration may comply with the requirements of Title 24, Part 6 by meeting the requirements for the entire building.

    Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 25910, and 25943, Public Resources Code .

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    CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 4, CHAPTER 6, DUCT SYSTEMS

  • CEBC § 503A.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    4. Drift limits based on original design code shall be permitted to be used in lieu of the drift limits required by ASCE 7.

    503 A .5 Seismic Design Category F. Not permitted by OSHPD.

    503 A .6 Bracing for unreinforced masonry parapets on reroofing. Not permitted by OSHPD.

    503 A .7 Anchorage for concrete and reinforced masonry walls. Not permitted by OSHPD.

    503 A .8 Anchorage for unreinforced masonry walls in major alterations. Not permitted by OSHPD.

    503 A .9 Bracing for unreinforced masonry parapets in major alterations. Not permitted by OSHPD.

    503 A .10 Anchorage of unreinforced masonry partitions in major alterations. Not permitted by OSHPD.

    503 A .11 Substantial structural alteration. Not permitted by OSHPD.

    503 A .12 Roof diaphragms resisting wind loads in high-wind regions. Not permitted by OSHPD.

    503 A .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 A except as described below, provided that all of the following apply:

    1. With the alteration complete, the capacity of existing structural systems to resist forces is not reduced.
    2. New structural elements are detailed and connected to existing or new structural elements as required by the selected design criteria in accordance with Section 503A.4 or 304A.3.4 of this code. 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.
    3. Supports and attachments for nonstructural elements removed and reinstalled to facilitate the work comply with the Cali- fornia Building Code for new construction.
    4. The alterations do not create a structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7 or make an existing structural irregularity more

    severe.

    Exception: Condition 4 need not be satisfied where the work complies with Section 304A.3.4 of this code.

    503 A .14 Smoke compartments. Shall comply with California Building Standards Code.

    503 A .15 Refuge areas. Shall comply with California Building Standards Code.

    503 A .16 Reserved.

  • CEBC § 202.3. Medium relevance — show source text
    1. Residential dwelling units not required to be accessible in compliance with this code shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 202.3.

    11B- 202.3.1 Prohibited reduction in access. An alteration that decreases or has the effect of decreasing the accessibility of a building or facility below the requirements for new construction at the time of the alteration is prohibited.

    11B- 202.3.2 Extent of application. An alteration of an existing element, space or area of a building or facility shall not impose a requirement for accessibility greater than required for new construction.

    11B-202.3.3 Alteration of single elements. If alterations of single elements, when considered together, amount to an alteration of a room or space in a building or facility, the entire room or space shall be made accessible.

    11B- 202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs. When alterations or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, an accessible path of travel to the specific area of alteration or addition shall be provided. The primary accessible path of travel shall include:

    1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,

    4. Public telephones serving the area, and

    5. Signs.

    Exceptions:

    1. Residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-233.3.4.2. 2. If the following elements of a path of travel have been constructed or altered in compliance with the accessibility require- ments of the immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code, it shall not be required to retrofit such elements to reflect the incremental changes in this code solely because of an alteration to an area served by those elements of the path of travel:

    1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,

    4. Public telephones serving the area, and

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    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    5. Signs.

    Note: The language in this exception, which refers to the “immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code,” shall permit a reference back to one CBC edition only and is not accumulative to prior editions. 3. Additions or alterations to meet accessibility requirements consisting of one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4: 1. Altering one building entrance. 2. Altering one existing toilet facility. 3. Altering existing elevators. 4. Altering existing steps. 5. Altering existing handrails. 4. Alterations solely for the purpose of barrier removal undertaken pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabil- _ities Act (Public Law 101-336, 28 C.F.R. Section 36.

  • CEBC § 5A-3 Medium relevance — show source text

    METHOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-3

    501A General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-3

    502A Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-4

    503A Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-5

    504A Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7

    505A Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7

    506A Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7

    CHAPTER 6 CLASSIFICATION OF WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    602 Alteration—Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    603 Alteration—Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    604 Alteration—Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    605 Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    606 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    607 Historic Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

    CHAPTER 7 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

    701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

    702 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

  • CEBC § 422.3 High relevance — show source text

    503 A .16 Reserved.

    503 A .17 Ambulatory care facilities. Where a work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area and the work area includes an existing ambulatory care facility, the following shall be provided:

    1. A smoke compartment in accordance with Section 422.3 of the California Building Code where the alteration results in an ambulatory care facility greater than 10,000 square feet on one story.
    2. Separation from adjacent spaces in accordance with Section 422.2 of the California Building Code, where any such facility has the potential for four or more care recipients are to be incapable of self-preservation at any time.

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    PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD

    503 A .18 Reserved.

    503 A .19 Reserved.

    503 A .20 Two-way communications systems. Where the work area for alterations exceeds 50 percent of the building area and the building has elevator service, a two-way communication systems shall be provided where required by Section 1009.8 of the Califor- nia Building Code.

    SECTION 504 A

    RESERVED

    SECTION 505 A

    RESERVED

    SECTION 506 A —CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

    506 A .1 Compliance. A change of occupancy shall not be made in any building unless that building is made to comply with the requirements of the California Building Code for the use or occupancy. Changes of occupancy in a building or portion thereof shall be such that the existing building is not less complying with the provisions of this code than the existing building or structure was prior to the change. Subject to the approval of the building official, changes of occupancy shall be permitted without complying with all of the requirements of this code for the new occupancy, provided that the new occupancy is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing occupancy.

    Exception: The building need not be made to comply with Chapter 16 A of the California Building Code unless required by Section 506 A .5.

    506 A .1.1 Change in function . A change in function shall require compliance with all the functional requirements for new construc- tion in the California Building Code, including requirements in California Building Code Section 1224. Compliance shall be only as necessary to meet the specific provisions and is not intended to require the entire building be brought into compliance.

    Exception: Minimum room clearances, areas and dimensions may meet the requirements of the 2001 California Building Code for existing rooms re-used for a similar purpose, subject to the approval of OSHPD.

    506 A .2 Certificate of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued where it has been determined that the requirements for the new occupancy classification have been met.

    506 A .3 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.

  • CEBC § 503A.4 High relevance — show source text

    503 A .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 A except as described below, provided that all of the following apply:

    1. With the alteration complete, the capacity of existing structural systems to resist forces is not reduced.
    2. New structural elements are detailed and connected to existing or new structural elements as required by the selected design criteria in accordance with Section 503A.4 or 304A.3.4 of this code. 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.
    3. Supports and attachments for nonstructural elements removed and reinstalled to facilitate the work comply with the Cali- fornia Building Code for new construction.
    4. The alterations do not create a structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7 or make an existing structural irregularity more

    severe.

    Exception: Condition 4 need not be satisfied where the work complies with Section 304A.3.4 of this code.

    503 A .14 Smoke compartments. Shall comply with California Building Standards Code.

    503 A .15 Refuge areas. Shall comply with California Building Standards Code.

    503 A .16 Reserved.

    503 A .17 Ambulatory care facilities. Where a work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area and the work area includes an existing ambulatory care facility, the following shall be provided:

    1. A smoke compartment in accordance with Section 422.3 of the California Building Code where the alteration results in an ambulatory care facility greater than 10,000 square feet on one story.
    2. Separation from adjacent spaces in accordance with Section 422.2 of the California Building Code, where any such facility has the potential for four or more care recipients are to be incapable of self-preservation at any time.

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    PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD

    503 A .18 Reserved.

    503 A .19 Reserved.

    503 A .20 Two-way communications systems. Where the work area for alterations exceeds 50 percent of the building area and the building has elevator service, a two-way communication systems shall be provided where required by Section 1009.8 of the Califor- nia Building Code.

    SECTION 504 A

    RESERVED

    SECTION 505 A

    RESERVED

    SECTION 506 A —CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

  • CBC § 301 High 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 § 304.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    When calculating demandcapacity ratios for wind, the date of original construction shall be permitted to be taken as the date of completion of a prior addition, alteration or repair in compliance with Section 1609 of the California Building Code or the code wind forces in effect at the time. When calculating demand-capacity ratios for earthquake, the date of original construction shall be permitted to be taken as the date of completion of a prior addition, alteration or repair in compliance with Section 304.3.1 or 304.3.2 Item 1 or 3 or the full or reduced seismic forces in effect at the time.

    1. Buildings in which the increase in the demand-capacity ratio is due entirely to the addition of rooftop-supported mechanical equipment individually having an operating weight less than 400 pounds (181.4 kg) and where the total additional weight of all rooftop equipment placed after initial construction of the building is less than 10 percent of the roof dead load. For purposes of this exception, “roof” shall mean the roof level above a particular story.
    2. Increases in the demand-capacity ratio due to lateral loads from seismic forces need not be evaluated for the installation of rooftop photovoltaic panel systems where the additional roof dead load due to the system, including ballast where applicable, does not exceed 5 pounds per square foot (psf) (0.2394 kN/m [2] ) and does not exceed 10 percent of the dead load of the existing roof.

    [BS] 805.4 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 this chapter or Chapter 7, provided that the following conditions are met:

    1. With the alteration complete, the capacity of existing structural systems to resist forces is not reduced.
    2. 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.

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    ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2

    1. Supports and attachments for nonstructural elements removed and reinstalled to facilitate the work comply with the Cali- fornia Building Code for new construction.
    2. The alterations do not create a structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7 or make an existing structural irregularity more

    severe.

    Exception: Condition 4 need not be satisfied where the work complies with Section 304.3.2 Item 3.

    SECTION 806—ELECTRICAL

    806.1 New installations. Newly installed electrical equipment and wiring relating to work done in any work area shall comply with all applicable requirements of the California Electrical Code except as provided for in Section 806.4.

    806.2 Existing installations. Existing wiring in all work areas in Group A-1, A-2 and A-5 occupancies shall be upgraded to meet the materials and methods requirements of Chapter 7.

    806.3 Reserved.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly must appear on the construction documents to meet § 601.2?

You must identify (label) the work area on the plans — the portion(s) of the building that contain all reconfigured spaces. The CEBC requires this identification; the labelled area is used to determine the alteration level (see § 601.2 and Chapter 2 definition) .

Do temporary or movable partitions count toward the work area?

Movable or nonfixed fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 ft‑9 in (1753 mm) in height are excluded from being considered Level 2 reconfiguration under the exception in § 603.1; treat fixed reconfigured spaces as the work area unless the exception applies .

If my project is exactly 50% work area, which level applies?

If the work area is equal to or less than 50%, the project is Level 2 (Chapter 8 applies in addition to Level 1 provisions) per § 603.1 and § 603.2 .

Does the CEBC give a precise method to measure "building area" for the 50% test?

The retrieved CEBC passages define work area and use the 50% threshold but do not provide a prescriptive, step‑by‑step measurement protocol for complex cases in the excerpts. Where you need a precise measurement method for atypical layouts, confirm with the AHJ or local guidance; the code text requires the work area to be labelled but does not, in the provided excerpts, define an exhaustive measurement procedure .

What happens if the work area exceeds 50% — what extra checks should I expect?

Exceeding 50% can trigger structural and seismic evaluation and upgrade provisions (referenced in CEBC seismic/structural sections), plus Chapter 9 requirements for means of egress, fire protection and energy. Review the seismic anchors/bracing and lateral system items referenced for major alterations when >50% is reached .

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Related in the CEBC

What exceptions or limited-scope system work may be treated differently?

How does CEBC define Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 alterations and which chapters apply?

Scope & classification: When is an alteration Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3?

California Existing Building Code