CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Level 2 technical requirements (Chapter 8)
Chapter 8 of the CEBC sets the technical rules for Level 2 alterations—space reconfiguration and system additions up to 50% of a building—covering egress, fire protection, structural and building systems.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapter 8 of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) contains the technical requirements for Level 2 alterations — work that typically involves space reconfiguration or the addition/extension of building systems (up to 50 percent of the building area) and may trigger upgrades to building elements, means of egress, fire protection, structural systems and other building systems such as electrical, mechanical and plumbing. See the chapter purpose and scope in the CEBC table of contents and chapter intro for Chapter 8.
Level 2 is defined in the classification of work (Section 603.1, §603.1) and, by design, sits between Level 1 (replacement/no reconfiguration) and Level 3 (extensive reconfiguration). Chapter 8 starts with general provisions (§801) and then organizes requirements by subject: Building elements and materials (§802), Fire protection (§803), Means of egress (§804), Structural (§805), Electrical (§806), Mechanical (§807) and Energy (§809), among others.
Practical application notes: Level 2 work must also satisfy Level 1 provisions where applicable, and the chapter includes specific exceptions and interaction rules (for example §801.1–§801.4) that explain when elements of new construction must meet the California Building Code and when limited exceptions apply. Review those general sections first to understand scope, exceptions and how Chapter 8 dovetails with Chapters 6 and 7.
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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 § 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 § 71.4 High relevance — show source text
reinforcement: verti-
cal, four5/8″ rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at
7″ pitch; cover: 11/2″.|71.4
tons|2 hrs|||7|2, 7|2| |C-11-RC-20|11″|11″ square columns; gravel concrete (4530
psi); reinforcement: vertical, four5/8″
rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″ with1/2″ plaster.|58.8
tons|2 hrs|||7|2, 3, 9|2| |C-11-RC-21|11″|11″ square columns; gravel concrete (3520
psi); reinforcement: vertical, four5/8″
rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|Vari-
able|1 hr
24 min|||7|1, 8|11/4| |C-11-RC-22|11″|11″ square columns; aggregate concrete
(3710 psi); reinforcement: vertical, four5/8″
rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|58.8
tons|2 hrs|||7|2, 3,
10|2| |C-11-RC-23|11″|11″ square columns; aggregate concrete
(3190 psi); reinforcement: vertical, four5/8″
rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|58.8
tons|2 hrs|||7|2, 3,
10|2| |C-11-RC-24|11″|11″ square columns; aggregate concrete
(4860 psi); reinforcement: vertical, four
5/8″ rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|86.1
tons|1 hr
20 min|||7|1|11/3| |C-11-RC-25|11″|11″ square columns; aggregate concrete
(4850 psi); reinforcement: vertical, four 5/8″
rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|58.8
tons|1 hr
59 min|||7|1|13/4| |C-11-RC-26|11″|11″ square columns; aggregate concrete
(3834 psi); reinforcement: vertical, four 5/8″
rebars; horizontal,5/16″ ties at 41/2″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|71.4
tons|53 min|||7|1|3/4|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa, 1 ton = 8.896 kN.
CEBC § 7-3 High relevance — show source text
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
803 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
804 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
805 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
806 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
807 Mechanical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
808 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
809 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
CHAPTER 9 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-3
901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
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.
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 § 7-21 High relevance — show source text
713 Shaft Enclosures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
714 Penetrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
715 Joints and Voids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26
716 Opening Protectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27
717 Ducts and Air Transfer Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34
718 Concealed Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40
719 Fire-Resistance Requirements for Plaster . . . . . . . . 7-42
720 Thermal- and Sound-Insulating Materials . . . . . . . . 7-42
721 Prescriptive Fire Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43
722 Calculated Fire Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66
CHAPTER 7A [SFM] MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE EXPOSURE . . . . . . . 7A-1
CHAPTER 8 INTERIOR FINISHES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1
801 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
802 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
803 Wall and Ceiling Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
804 Interior Floor Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
805 Combustible Materials in Types I and II Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
806 Decorative Materials and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
807 Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
808 Acoustical Ceiling Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE
CEBC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
2.1 Exceptions 4 – 9 and
13-14||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |802.3||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |803.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |803.2.3||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |803.3_Reserved_|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |803.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |803.4.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.3_Reserved_|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.5.1.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.5.1.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.5.3||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |804.6.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.6.4||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |804.6.4.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.7.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.7.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.8|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.12||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |804.13|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.13.1|||X|†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |804.14.2 Exceptions||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |806.2|||X|†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |806.3|||X|†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |808_Reserved_|||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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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.
California Existing Building Code High relevance — show source text
20|21/2| |W-8-M-99|81/2″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 3, 19, 23, 27, 41;
no facings.|80 psi|1 hr
15
min||1||1, 20|11/4| |W-8-M-100|81/2″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 3, 18, 23, 27, 41;
no facings.|80 psi|3 hrs
30
min||1||1, 20|31/2| |W-8-M-101|81/2″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 3, 18, 26, 34, 41;
facings: 33/4″ brick face; one side only; see Note 38.|80 psi|6 hrs||1||1, 20|6| |W-8-M-102|81/2″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 19, 26, 30, 43;
facings: fire side only; see Note 38.|80 psi|30
min||1||1, 20|1/2| |W-8-M-103|81/2″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 18, 26, 30, 43;
facings: one side only; see Note 38.|80 psi|12
min||1||1, 20|1/5| |W-9-M-104|9″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 18, 26, 34, 40;
facings: both sides; see Note 38.|80 psi|6 hrs||1||1, 20|6| |W-9-M-105|9″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 18, 26, 31, 40;
facings: both sides; see Note 38.|80 psi|5 hrs||1||1, 20|5| |W-9-M-106|9″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 18, 26, 36, 41;
facings: both sides of wall; see Note 38.|80 psi|5 hrs||1||1, 20|5| |W-9-M-107|9″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 18, 26, 34, 41;
facings: both sides; see Note 38.|80 psi|4 hrs||1||1, 20|4| |W-9-M-108|9″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 18, 26, 29, 41;
facings: both sides; see Note 38.|80 psi|3 hrs
30
min||1||1, 20|31/2| |W-9-M-109|9″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 3, 19, 23, 27, 40;
facings: fire side only; see Note 38.|80 psi|1 hr
45
min||1||1, 20|13/4| |W-9-M-110|9″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 3, 18, 23, 27, 41;
facings: one side only; see Note 38.CEBC § 106.8.1.1 High relevance — show source text
A4.106.8.1.1 Identification. The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device designated for future EV charging purposes as “EV READY” in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The receptacle or blank cover shall be identified as “EV READY.”
A4.106.8.2 New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels shall meet the following requirements.
A4.106.8.2.1 Multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels.
Tier 1. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels.
- EV ready parking spaces with receptacles. a. Hotels and motels. Sixty (60) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles. b. Raceway capacity requirements. To allow for future upgrades to the electrical conductors serving low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles, the listed raceway serving such receptacles shall be sized to allow
APPENDIX A4-6 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
the installation of a dedicated 208/240-volt 40-ampere branch circuit. Where no raceway is used, the conductors shall be sized to accommodate a 208/240-volt 40-ampere receptacle.
Exception: Hotels and motels may substitute Level 2 EV chargers for some or all of the required EV charging receptacles. 2. EV ready parking spaces with EV chargers. a. Hotels and motels. Forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces for hotels and motels shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers. b. Multifamily parking facilities with unassigned or common use parking. In addition to the low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle requirements of Section A4.106.8 (Tier 1, subsection 1), forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers and shall be made available for use by all residents or guests.
Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to automated mechanicalaccess open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging.
A4.106.8.2.2 Technical requirements. The EV spaces required by Section A4.106.8.2 shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 4.106.4.2, 4.106.4.2.2.1.1, 4.106.4.2.2.1.2, and 4.106.4.2.5.
SECTION A4.107 (RESERVED)
SECTION A4.108 —INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
A4.108.1 Innovative concepts and local environmental conditions. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, method, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code. This code does not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county government to make necessary changes to the provisions contained in this code pursuant to Section 101.7.1.
CEBC § 8-1 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 8 INTERIOR FINISHES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1
801 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
802 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
803 Wall and Ceiling Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
804 Interior Floor Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
805 Combustible Materials in Types I and II Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
806 Decorative Materials and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
807 Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
808 Acoustical Ceiling Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE
SAFETY SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1
901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
902 Fire Pump and Riser Room Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
905 Standpipe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
906 Portable Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
909 Smoke Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
910 Smoke and Heat Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
CEBC § 8-8 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 8-8 ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF
CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section
8-801 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8-802 General Engineering Approaches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8-803 Nonstructural Archaic Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
8-804 Allowable Conditions for Specific Materials . . . . . . . 15 8-805 Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8-806 Adobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8-807 Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8-808 Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8-809 Steel and Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
8-810 Hollow Clay Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
8-811 Veneers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
8-812 Glass and Glazing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
CHAPTER 8-9 MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section
8-901 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 8-902 Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
8-903 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 8-904 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
CHAPTER 8-10 QUALIFIED HISTORICAL DISTRICTS,
SITES AND OPEN SPACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Section
Frequently asked questions
When is an alteration considered Level 2 rather than Level 1 or Level 3?
An alteration is Level 2 when it involves the addition or elimination of doors/windows, reconfiguration or extension of any system, or installation of additional equipment where the work area is equal to or less than 50% of the building area; Level 1 is limited to replacement/covering without reconfiguration and Level 3 exceeds 50% of the area. See §603.1.
Do newly added or replaced systems under Level 2 have to meet the requirements for new construction?
Newly installed construction elements and systems generally must comply with the California Building Code, but Chapter 8 lists specific exceptions and conditions (see §801.4 and related provisions) that limit full new‑construction requirements in certain cases. Review §801.4 for the common exceptions.
Will Chapter 8 upgrades apply beyond the immediate work area?
Some Chapter 8 provisions are limited to the work area, but others explicitly apply beyond the work area where specified; see the building elements and materials scope and related sections for when upgrades extend past the immediate alteration zone.
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 1 technical requirements (Chapter 7)
Alterations — Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 (technical requirements for each alteration level; Chapters 7–9)
California Existing Building Code