CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Level 1 technical requirements (Chapter 7)
Chapter 7 of the CEBC sets the technical requirements for Level 1 alterations—component replacements or coverings that preserve the building’s existing safety and address materials, fire protection, egress, reroofing, structural, and energy issues.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapter 7 of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) contains the technical rules that apply when existing building materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures are removed and replaced or covered with new materials serving the same purpose—i.e., Level 1 alterations described in §602.1. Chapter 7 is meant to control repairs and component replacements without space reconfiguration and to ensure the work does not reduce the existing level of safety (§701.1–§701.2) .
This chapter covers building-related subjects that can be affected even by simple replacements: interior finishes, floor and trim materials, fire protection, means of egress, reroofing, structural attachments and energy provisions. Important sections to check include §701 (General), §702 (Building elements and materials), §703 (Fire protection), §704 (Means of egress), §705 (Reroofing), §706 (Structural) and §708 (Energy conservation) as organized in the chapter table of contents .
Level 1 work is distinguished from Level 2 and Level 3 by its limited scope (no space reconfiguration); Chapter 7 is applied directly to Level 1 work and also forms the baseline requirements that higher alteration levels reference (see the classification of work in Chapter 6 and related cross-references) .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 2.2 High relevance — show source text
2.2_|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |703.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |704.3||||†|†||||||||||||||||||||
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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7 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 603, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter, similar to other chapters of this code, covers all building-related subjects, such as structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and accessibility as well as the fire and life safety issues when the alterations are classified as Level 1. The purpose of this chapter is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, building spaces and building structural system. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by involving only replacement of building components with new components. In contrast, Level 2 alterations involve more space reconfiguration, and Level 3 alterations involve more extensive space reconfiguration, exceeding 50 percent of the building area.
SECTION 701—GENERAL
701.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. Alterations to historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.
701.2 Conformance. An existing building or portion thereof shall not be altered such that the building becomes less safe than its existing condition.
Exception: Where the current level of safety or sanitation is proposed to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of the California Building Code .
[BS] 701.3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, alterations that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 702—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
702.1 Interior finishes. Newly installed interior wall and ceiling finishes shall comply with Chapter 8 of the California Building Code .
702.2 Interior floor finish. New interior floor finish, including new carpeting used as an interior floor finish material, shall comply with Section 804 of the California Building Code .
702.3 Interior trim. Newly installed interior trim materials shall comply with Section 806 of the California Building Code .
702.4 Window fall prevention. In Group R-2 or R-3 buildings containing dwelling units and one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the California Residential Code, window opening control devices or other window fall prevention devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be installed where an existing window is replaced and where all of the following apply to the replacement window:
- The window is operable.
- One of the following applies: 2.1.
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 § 701.1 High relevance — show source text
Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 Col17 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Adopt Entire Chapter X X Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)X Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowChapter / Section 701.1 X 702.7 X 703.2 X 703.2.1 X 703.2.2 X 703.3 X 704.3 † † 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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7 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 603, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter, similar to other chapters of this code, covers all building-related subjects, such as structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and accessibility as well as the fire and life safety issues when the alterations are classified as Level 1. The purpose of this chapter is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, building spaces and building structural system. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by involving only replacement of building components with new components. In contrast, Level 2 alterations involve more space reconfiguration, and Level 3 alterations involve more extensive space reconfiguration, exceeding 50 percent of the building area.
SECTION 701—GENERAL
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 § 6-3 High relevance — show source text
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
703 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
704 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
705 Reroofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
706 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
707 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
708 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
CHAPTER 8 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
802 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
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 § 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 § 5-8 High relevance — show source text
505 Mezzanines and Equipment Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
506 Building Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
507 Unlimited Area Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
508 Mixed Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
509 Incidental Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
510 Special Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
CHAPTER 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
602 Construction Classification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
603 Combustible Material in Types I and II Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES. . 7-1
701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
702 Multiple-Use Fire Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
703 Fire-Resistance Ratings and Fire Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
704 Fire-Resistance Rating of Structural Members . . . . . 7-4
705 Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
706 Fire Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
707 Fire Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
708 Fire Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
709 Smoke Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
710 Smoke Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
711 Floor and Roof Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
CEBC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
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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8 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2
User notes:
About this chapter: Like Chapter 7, the purpose of this chapter is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, building spaces and building structural system when a building is being altered. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 7 and 9 by involving space reconfiguration that could be up to and including 50 percent of the area of the building. In contrast, Level 1 alterations (Chapter 7) do not involve space reconfiguration, and Level 3 alterations (Chapter 9) involve extensive space reconfiguration that exceeds 50 percent of the building area. Depending on the nature of alteration work, its location within the building, and whether it encompasses one or more tenants, improvements and upgrades could be required for the open floor penetrations, sprinkler system or the installation of additional means of egress such as stairs or fire escapes.
SECTION 801—GENERAL
801.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations as described in Section 603 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.
Exception: Buildings in which the reconfiguration is exclusively the result of compliance with the accessibility requirements of Section 306.7.1 shall be permitted to comply with Chapter 7.
801.2 Alteration Level 1 compliance. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, all work shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 7.
801.3 System installations. Requirements related to work area are not applicable where the Level 2 alterations are limited solely to one or more of the following:
- Mechanical systems, electrical systems, fire protection systems and abatement of hazardous materials.
- Windows, hardware, operating controls, electrical outlets and signs.
- Alterations undertaken for the primary purpose of increasing the accessibility of a facility.
801.4 Compliance. New construction elements, components, systems and spaces shall comply with the requirements of the Califor- nia Building Code .
Exceptions:
Where windows are added they are not required to comply with the light and ventilation requirements of the California Building Code .
Newly installed electrical equipment shall comply with the requirements of Section 806.
The length of dead-end corridors in newly constructed spaces shall only be required to comply with the provisions of Section 804.8.
The minimum ceiling height of the newly created habitable and occupiable spaces and corridors shall be 7 feet (2134 mm).
Where provided in below-grade transportation stations, existing and new escalators shall be permitted to have a clear width of less than 32 inches (815 mm).
New structural members and connections shall be permitted to comply with alternative design criteria in accordance with Section 302.
SECTION 802—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
802.1 Scope. The requirements of this section are limited to work areas in which Level 2 alterations are being performed and shall apply beyond the work area where specified.
California Existing Building Code High relevance — show source text
3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 57/8″ pitch
with7/8″ concrete cover;3/8″ main rein-
forcement bars at 41/2″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ concrete cover;
13′1″ span restrained.|195 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-4-RC-7|4″|4″ (5025 psi) concrete deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/2″ pitch with3/4″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|140 psf|1 hr
16 min|||7|1, 2|11/4| |F/C-4-RC-8|4″|4″ thick (4905 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|100 psf|1 hr
23 min|||7|1, 2|11/3| |F/C-4-RC-9|4″|4″ deep (4370 psi);1/4″ reinforcement bars
at 6″ pitch with3/4″ cover;1/4″ main rein-
forcement bars at 4″ pitch perpendicular
with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-10|4″|4″ thick (5140 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|140 psf|1 hr
16 min|||7|1, 5|11/4| |F/C-4-RC-11|4″|4″ thick (4000 psi) concrete deck;
3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.; flush
with top surface; 4″ × 6″ x 13 SWG mesh
reinforcement 1″ from bottom of slab; 6′6″
span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-12|4″|4″ deep (2380 psi) concrete deck;
3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.CEBC § 5A-3 High 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 § 6-3 High relevance — show source text
603 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards . . . . . . . . . 6-3 604 Elevator Operation, Maintenance and Fire Service Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 605 Fuel-Fired Appliances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 606 Commercial Cooking Equipment and Systems . . . . . 6-9 607 Commercial Cooking Oil Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 608 Mechanical Refrigeration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 609 Hyperbaric Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 610 Clothes Dryer Exhaust Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION
FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
701 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
702 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
703 Penetrations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
704 Joints and Voids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
705 Door and Window Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 706 Duct and Air Transfer Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 707 Concealed Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 708 Spray Fire-Resistant Materials and Intumescent Fire-Resistant Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
709 Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
CHAPTER 8 INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE
MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
801 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Frequently asked questions
What specifically qualifies as a Level 1 alteration?
Level 1 alterations are the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures with new items that serve the same purpose, per §602.1. They do not include adding, moving, or reconfiguring doors, windows, systems, or spaces .
Will a Level 1 replacement trigger structural or life-safety upgrades?
Not automatically. Chapter 7 requires that alterations not make the building less safe; where the work would reduce safety, the altered portion must conform to applicable code provisions. Specific structural or fire‑safety upgrades are addressed in the chapter sections such as §706 (Structural) and §703 (Fire protection) and apply where the replacement affects those systems .
Which sections should I read first when planning Level 1 work?
Start with §701 (General) for scope and conformance, then §702 for material and element requirements, §703–§704 for fire and egress implications, and §706 if the work affects structural components; Chapter 6 is useful to confirm the correct alteration level classification .
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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Start Free TrialRelated in the CEBC
Scope & classification: When is an alteration Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3?
Level 3 technical requirements (Chapter 9)
Level 2 technical requirements (Chapter 8)
Alterations — Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 (technical requirements for each alteration level; Chapters 7–9)
California Existing Building Code