CEBC · California Existing Building Code
What is the scope of Level 2 and when must Chapter 7 also be applied?
For a homeowner: If your project reconfigures up to half of your building (work area ≤50%), it is a Level 2 alteration — you must follow Chapter 8 and also the fire-and-smoke and related rules in Chapter 7, except in the narrow case where the reconfiguration is done only to meet a specific accessibility requirement.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
Level 2 alterations (Level 2) are the category of alterations that include space reconfiguration up to and including 50 percent of the building area; they “shall comply with the requirements of this chapter” (Chapter 8) under § 801.1. In addition, all Level 2 work must also comply with the Level 1 (Chapter 7) requirements — i.e., Chapter 7 applies in addition to Chapter 8 — per § 801.2. Limited exceptions are provided (for certain accessibility-only reconfigurations and for limited system-only work) and new construction elements must meet the California Building Code as stated in § 801.4.
The single most important rule: If the work is a Level 2 alteration (reconfiguration ≤ 50% of building area) you must apply Chapter 8 and you must also apply Chapter 7 to the work, unless a specific exception applies.
Requirements in detail
Definitions and trigger for Level 2
- Level 2 alterations are defined by the Level categories in Chapter 6; specifically Section 603.1 defines Level 2 as work that includes additions/eliminations of doors or windows, reconfiguration or extension of systems, or installation of equipment where the work area is equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area.
Baseline application rule
- Chapter 8 (Alterations — Level 2) is the controlling chapter for Level 2 work: § 801.1 requires Level 2 alterations described in § 603 to comply with Chapter 8.
- Chapter 7 (Alterations — Level 1) also applies to Level 2 work: § 801.2 states “In addition to the requirements of this chapter, all work shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 7.”
When Chapter 7 alone is permitted
- Exception in § 801.1: If the space reconfiguration is exclusively the result of complying with the accessibility requirements of § 306.7.1, the project “shall be permitted to comply with Chapter 7” (i.e., Chapter 7 only). This is a narrow exception limited to accessibility-driven reconfiguration.
Limits to “work area” requirements
- § 801.3 lists situations where the requirements related to the work area are not applicable. When Level 2 alterations are limited solely to any of the following, the work-area-related requirements do not apply:
- Mechanical, electrical, fire protection systems, or hazardous-material abatement.
- Windows, hardware, operating controls, electrical outlets, and signs.
- Alterations undertaken primarily to increase accessibility.
These are scoped exceptions to certain Chapter 8 work-area provisions — not blanket deletions of all Chapter 7/8 requirements.
New construction elements
- § 801.4 requires that new construction elements, components, systems and spaces comply with the California Building Code (CBC). § 801.4 also lists specific exceptions (for example, added windows need not meet CBC light/ventilation rules, minimum ceiling heights for newly created habitable spaces, electrical installations subject to § 806, dead-end corridor length per § 804.8, etc.). Review § 801.4 for those exceptions when new construction is part of the Level 2 work.
Decision table — quick reference
| Decision dimension | Critical value / condition | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| What is a Level 2 alteration? | Work area ≤ 50% of building area; includes adding/removing doors/windows, reconfiguring/extending systems, installing equipment | § 603.1 |
| Primary chapter to apply | Chapter 8 (Alterations — Level 2) | § 801.1 |
| Is Chapter 7 required? | Yes — Chapter 7 applies in addition to Chapter 8 for all Level 2 work | § 801.2 |
| When may you use Chapter 7 only? | Reconfiguration solely to meet accessibility requirements of § 306.7.1 | Exception to § 801.1 |
| When are work-area rules not applied? | When Level 2 work is limited solely to systems (MEP/abatement), windows/hardware, or accessibility work | § 801.3 |
| New elements compliance | New elements must meet the CBC; see exceptions listed in § 801.4 | § 801.4 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Accessibility-only reconfiguration: The § 801.1 exception allows Chapter 7-only compliance when the reconfiguration is exclusively the result of complying with the accessibility rule cited (§ 306.7.1). That is a narrow, single-purpose path — if any other reconfiguration purpose exists, Chapter 8 + Chapter 7 apply.
- System-only work: Where Level 2 work is limited solely to mechanical/electrical/fire-protection/abatement, or limited to windows/hardware/controls/outlets/signs, or is undertaken primarily to increase accessibility, certain work-area-related requirements of Chapter 8 do not apply per § 801.3. This does not automatically negate other Chapter 7 or CBC obligations — check both chapters.
- New construction within a Level 2 project: New elements added as part of the alteration must comply with the CBC (see § 801.4 and its listed exceptions). Do not assume “existing building” relaxation applies to brand-new construction elements.
Common mistakes
- Treating Chapter 8 as exclusive. Many practitioners stop at Chapter 8 for Level 2 work; the code expressly requires Chapter 7 compliance as well (§ 801.2). Don’t omit Chapter 7 checks for fire-and-smoke protection, penetrations, joints, doors/windows, etc.
- Miscounting the work-area threshold. Level 2 requires the work area to be equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area (see § 603.1). If the work area exceeds 50%, Level 3 rules apply and Chapter 9 obligations may be triggered. Confirm area calculations against the Chapter 2 definition of “work area.”
- Misapplying the § 801.1 accessibility exception. The exception permits Chapter 7-only compliance only where reconfiguration is exclusively the result of complying with § 306.7.1. If the program change or other alterations are included, you cannot rely on the exception.
- Ignoring new-construction requirements. When new elements (e.g., new stair, newly created room) are introduced as part of the Level 2 work, they must meet the CBC per § 801.4; some limited exceptions are listed there but they are specific and should not be assumed broadly.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: existing office building, total building area = 10,000 ft². Proposed scope: reconfigure two tenant suites and add a new interior stair; the area of the work area (the sum of spaces being altered) = 4,200 ft².
- Step 1 — Level determination: 4,200 ft² is 42% of 10,000 ft² → this is ≤ 50%, so the alteration is Level 2 per § 603.1.
- Step 2 — Chapters to apply: Apply Chapter 8 (Level 2) per § 801.1 and also apply Chapter 7 per § 801.2 because § 801.2 requires all Level 2 work to comply with Chapter 7 in addition to Chapter 8.
- Step 3 — Check exceptions: If the work had been only to modify HVAC and electrical equipment and nothing else, some work-area provisions might not apply under § 801.3, but here there is reconfiguration and a new stair so the exception does not apply.
- Step 4 — New construction elements: The newly added interior stair is a new construction element and must comply with the CBC unless a specific § 801.4 exception applies; verify applicable CBC provisions for means of egress and structural requirements.
Result: Design and documentation should show compliance with Chapter 8 (Level 2 rules), Chapter 7 (fire/smoke/penetration/joint/door requirements), and applicable CBC requirements for the new stair per § 801.4.
Related provisions
- Alteration levels and definitions: § 603.1 (Level 2 scope and work-area threshold) — defines the 50% threshold.
- Level 1 alterations (Chapter 7) application: § 602.2 — Level 1 work shall comply with Chapter 7 (useful when comparing requirements).
- Chapter 7 topics to check for every Level 2 project: Chapter 7 sections for fire-and-smoke protection features (e.g., penetrations, joints, doors, ducts) — see Chapter 7 table of contents and text. § 701–708 (Chapter 7 content).
- New installations and electrical rules referenced in Chapter 8: § 806.1–806.2 for electrical installations and upgrades in work areas.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 8-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
8-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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
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.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 6-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
6-4 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 8-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
8-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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:
- With the alteration complete, the capacity of existing structural systems to resist forces is not reduced.
- New structural elements are detailed and connected to existing or new structural elements as required by the selected design criteria. Exception: New lateral force-resisting systems designed in accordance with the California Building Code are permitted to be of a type designated as “Ordinary” or “Intermediate” where ASCE 7 Table 12.2-1 states these types of systems are not permitted.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 8-9
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2
- Supports and attachments for nonstructural elements removed and reinstalled to facilitate the work comply with the Cali- fornia Building Code for new construction.
- The alterations do not create a structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7 or make an existing structural irregularity more
severe.
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.
CEBC § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
5,
8|2| |F/C-HT-6|8″|Floor cover: 11/2″ gravel cement (4300 psi);
three-cell hollow clay tiles, 12″ × 12″ × 6″; 31/2″
space between tiles, including two1/2″ rebars
with 1″ cover from concrete bottom;1/2″ plaster
cover, lower.|165 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 3, 9,
10|4| |F/C-HT-7|9″ (nom.)|Deck:7/8″ T&G on 2″ × 11/2″ bottoms (18″ o.c.),
11/2″ concrete cover (4600 psi); three-cell
hollow clay tiles, 12″ × 12″ × 4″; 3″ concrete
between tiles, including one3/4″ rebar3/4″ from
tile bottom;3/4″ plaster cover.|95 psf|2 hrs
26 min|||7|4,
11–13|21/3| |F/C-HT-8|9″ (nom.)|Deck:7/8″ T&G on 2″ × 11/2″ bottoms (18″ o.c.),
11/2″ concrete cover (3850 psi); three-cell
hollow clay tiles, 12″ × 12″ × 4″; 3″ concrete
between tiles, including one3/4″ rebar3/4″ from
tile bottoms;1/2″ plaster cover.|95 psf|3 hrs
28 min|||7|4,
11–13|| |F/C-HT-9|9″ (nom.)|Deck:7/8″ T&G on 2″ × 11/2″ bottoms (18″ o.c.),
11/2″ concrete cover (4200 psi); three-cell
hollow clay tiles, 12″ × 12″ × 4″; 3″ concrete
between tiles, including one3/4″ rebar3/4″ from
tile bottoms;1/2″ plaster cover.|95 psf|2 hrs
14 min|||7|3, 5, 8,
11|| |F/C-HT-10|51/2″|Fire clay tile (4″ thick); 11/2″ concrete cover; for
general details, see Note 15.|See
Note 14|1 hr|||43|15|1| |F/C-HT-11|8″|Fire clay tile (6″ thick); 2″ cover.|See
Note 14|1 hr|||43|15|1| |F/C-HT-12|51/2″|Fire clay tile (4″ thick); 11/2″ cover;
5/8″ gypsum plaster, lower.|See
Note 14|1 hr
30 min|||43|15|11/2| |F/C-HT-13|8″|Fire clay tile (6″ thick); 2″ cover;
5/8″ gypsum plaster, lower.|See
Note 14|2 hrs|||43|15|11/2|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa, 1 pound per square foot = 47.9 N/m [2] .
CEBC § 509.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION A4.509 —INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
A4.509.1 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.
APPENDIX A4-20 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A4.6 – TIER I AND TIER 2
SECTION A4.601—GENERAL
A4.601.1 Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating additional green building measures. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level.
A4.601.2 Prerequisite measures. Tier 1 and Tier 2 thresholds require compliance with the mandatory provisions of this code and incorporation of the required prerequisite measures listed in Section A4.601.4.2 for Tier 1 and A4.601.5.2 for Tier 2. Prerequisite measures are also identified in the Residential Occupancies Application Checklist in Section A4.602.
As specified in Section 101.7, additional prerequisite measures may be included by the enforcing agency to address specific local environmental conditions and may be listed in the Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions portions of the checklist.
A4.601.3 Elective measures. In addition to the required measures, Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings must incorporate at least the number of elective measures specified in Sections A4.601.4.2 and A4.601.5.2.
A4.601.4 Tier 1. To achieve Tier 1 status a project must comply with the following:
A4.601.4.1 Mandatory measures for Tier 1. The project shall meet or exceed all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 4, Divisions 4.1 through 4.5 and Chapter 7 as applicable.
A4.601.4.2 Prerequisite and elective measures for Tier 1. In addition to the mandatory measures, compliance with the following prerequisite and elective measures from Appendix A4 is also required to achieve Tier 1 status:
- From Division A4.1, Planning and Design. 1.1. Comply with the topsoil protection requirements in Section A4.106.2.3. 1.2. Comply with the 20 percent permeable paving requirements in Section A4.106.4. 1.3. Comply with the cool roof requirements in Section A4.106.5. 1.4. Comply with the Tier 1 electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements in Section A4.106.8. 1.5. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.1.
- From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency. 2.1.
CFC § 701 Medium relevance — show source text
PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS
Chapter 3 General Requirements
General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.
PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features
The requirements of Chapter 5 apply to all buildings and occupancies and pertain to access roads, access to building openings and roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire command centers, fire department access to equipment, and in-building emergency responder communication system coverage.
Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems
Chapter 6 provides a more systematic view of building systems and services as they relate to potential safety hazards and when and how they should be installed.
Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features
The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.
xiv 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC
California Existing Building Code Medium relevance — show source text
; 2′ C.R.S. with 1″ cover on
both top and bottom flanges; 13′1″ span
restrained.|60 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-6-RC-34|61/4″|61/4″ thick; 43/4″ (5120 psi) concrete core;
1″ T&G board flooring;1/2″ plaster under-
coat; 4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush
with top surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-6-RC-35|61/4″|43/4″ (3600 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush with top
surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|2 hrs
30 min|||7|1, 5|21/2| |F/C-6-RC-36|61/4″|43/4″ (2800 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush with top
surface concrete; 12″ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|80 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-7-RC-37|7″|(3640 psi) concrete deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 6″ pitch with 11/2″ cover;1/4″
reinforcement bars at 5″ pitch perpendic-
ular with 11/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|169 psf|6 hrs|||7|1, 14|6| |F/C-7-RC-38|7″|(4060 psi) concrete deck; 4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs
R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S. with 11/2″ cover on both
top and bottom flanges; 4″ × 6″ × 13 SWG
mesh reinforcement 11/2″ from bottom of
slab; 13′1″ span restrained.|175 psf|6 hrs|||7|1, 14|6| |F/C-7-RC-39|71/4″|53/4″ (4010 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat;
4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.CEBC § 317.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
2. There are changes in risk category. 3. The modification to the structural components increases the seismic forces in or strength requirements of any structural component of the existing structure by more than 10 percent cumulative since the original construction, unless the component has the capacity to resist the increased forces determined in accordance with Section 319. If the building’s seismic base shear capacity has been increased since the original construction, the percent change in base shear may be calculated relative to the increased value.
4. Structural elements need repair where the damage has reduced the lateral-load-resisting capacity of the structural system by more than 10 percent. 5. Changes in live or dead load increase story shear by more than 10 percent.
317.3.2 Public school buildings. [DSA-SS] For public schools, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.
317.3.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] For community colleges, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.
317.4 Evaluation required. If the criteria in Section 317.3 apply to the project under consideration, the design professional of record shall provide an evaluation in accordance with Section 317 to determine the seismic performance of the building in its current configuration and condition. If the structure's seismic performance as required by Section 317.5 is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s), when Method B of Section 321 is used, concur, then no structural retrofit is required.
317.5 Minimum seismic design performance levels for structural and nonstructural components. Following the notations of ASCE 41, the seismic requirements for design and assessment are based upon a prescribed Seismic Hazard Level (BSE-1N, BSE-2N, BSE-1E, BSE-R or BSE-C), a specified structural performance level (S-1 through S-5) and a nonstructural performance level (N-A through N-E). The minimum seismic performance criteria are given in Table 317.5 according to the Building Regulatory Authority and the Risk Category as determined in Chapter 16 of the California Building Code or by the regulatory authority. The building shall be evaluated in accordance with a Tier 3 Systematic Evaluation and Retrofit per ASCE 41 Chapter 6 for both the Level 1 and Level 2 performance levels, and the more restrictive requirements shall apply.
Exception: If the floor area of an addition is greater than the larger of 50 percent of the floor area of the original building or 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ), then the Table 317.5 entries for BSE-R (or BSE-1E) and BSE-C are replaced by BSE-1N and BSE-2N, respectively.
|TABLE 317.5—SEISMIC PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS2,
CMC § 2025 Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 7 Combustion Air. Chapter 7 regulates combustion air requirements for ventilation and dilution of flue gases for appliances installed in buildings. Fuel-gas appliances not regulated by chapter include direct vent appliances and Type I clothes dryers. Makeup air requirements for Type I clothes dryers are located in Chapter 5. Chapter 7 provides acceptable methods for supplying satisfactory combustion air to ensure proper combustion. Combustion air can be supplied by using indoor combustion air or by introducing the air from the outdoors.
Combustion is the rapid oxidation of fuel to release energy. The oxygen required to release the energy from the fuel normally comes from the air. Incomplete combustion of fuel occurs when inadequate oxygen is provided to the appliance. Combustion is needed to provide ventilation cooling for the casing and internal controls. When a lack of oxygen occurs, some of the carbon is not oxidized, and carbon monoxide forms.
Chapter 8 Chimneys and Vents. Chapter 8 regulates the installation, design, and construction of venting systems for fuel-burning appliances. The provisions addressed within this chapter follow procedures an installer would use to design or evaluate a venting system. Many requirements apply to the design and construction of venting systems, chimneys, installation of gas vents, and the sizing of venting system for a Category I appliance. Sizing venting systems require rigorous engineering calculations. However, the venting sizing requirements and sizing tables in this chapter already perform the calculations for the benefit of the end user.
Combustion appliances produce products of incomplete combustion, including potentially harmful carbon monoxide (CO). It is desirable to vent these products to the outdoors. Although the gas is clean-burning fuel, the products of combustion must not be allowed to collect within a building.
Chapter 9 Installation of Specific Appliances. Chapter 9 regulates the minimum requirements for the design, construction and installation of specific appliances. The provisions address the minimum requirements for gas-fired appliances, oil-fired appliances, wood-fired appliances, and electric-type appliances. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, appliances are also required to comply with the general requirements of Chapter 3.
Chapter 10 Boilers and Pressure Vessels. Chapter 10 regulates the construction, installation, operation, repair, and alteration of boilers and pressure vessels. The safety provisions within this chapter address controls and limit devices for automatic boilers, methods of determining expansion tank capacities, discharge piping, relief valves, shutoff valves, gas-pressure and combustion regulators, and inspections and tests. Potable water heaters are free from the requirements of Chapter 10 as they are within the scope of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Pressure vessels store large amounts of energy and must comply with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII.1. The stored energy must be contained to prevent disastrous failures. Boilers must comply with ASME BPVC Section I, ASME BPVC Section IV, or NFPA 85. Installing a safety relief valve and expansion tank prevents pressures in the tank from exceeding the design threshold.
Chapter 11 Refrigeration. Chapter 11 regulates the design, installation, and construction requirements of refrigeration systems and the installation and construction of cooling towers. Refrigeration is a method used for achieving heat transfer to cool spaces. Refrigerants are the most common medium used to transfer the heat energy from the low-temperature level to the high-temperature level. Table
2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE xv
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
FORMAT OF THE UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE
CEBC § 71.4 Medium 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.
California Existing Building Code Medium 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.
Frequently asked questions
When do I apply Chapter 8 only (and not Chapter 7)?
You generally do not. For a Level 2 project Chapter 8 applies and Chapter 7 also applies by § 801.2; the narrow exception in § 801.1 allows Chapter 7-only compliance only when the reconfiguration is exclusively to satisfy accessibility requirements in § 306.7.1.
How do I know whether my job is Level 1, 2 or 3?
Use Chapter 6: Level 1 is limited repairs/replacements (Chapter 7 applies alone), Level 2 is work-area reconfiguration ≤ 50% of building area (Chapter 8 + Chapter 7), Level 3 applies when the work area exceeds 50% (Chapter 9 and other provisions may apply). See §§ 602, 603, 604.
If I’m only replacing HVAC equipment, do I need to apply Level 2 rules?
If the Level 2 alteration is limited solely to mechanical, electrical, fire protection or hazardous-material abatement, the work-area-related requirements of Chapter 8 are not applicable per § 801.3 — but other Chapter 7 requirements and specific system installation rules still apply.
Do new stairs or newly created rooms in a Level 2 project have to meet new-construction code?
Yes. § 801.4 requires new construction elements, components, systems and spaces to comply with the California Building Code, subject to the limited exceptions listed in § 801.4.
Who decides whether an exception applies (e.g., accessibility-only reconfiguration)?
The enforcing authority (local building official) makes final determinations; code language provides the tests and exceptions, but you must demonstrate the alteration is “exclusively” for the accessibility requirement to qualify under the § 801.1 exception.
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)
Ask about the CEBC
Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Existing Building Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.
Start Free Trial