CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Level 3 technical requirements (Chapter 9)
Chapter 9 contains the CEBC technical rules that apply when alterations exceed 50% of a building and often require system and structural upgrades beyond the immediate work area.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapter 9 of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) contains the Level 3 technical requirements that apply when the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area (Level 3 per Section 604) and when larger, building‑wide safety upgrades may be required . The chapter is written to layer on Chapters 7 and 8 (Level 1 and Level 2 rules) while adding stricter requirements for building elements, systems and structural performance because of the greater scope of work involved .
Key parts of Chapter 9 address general application (§901), building elements and materials (§903), fire protection and life‑safety systems (§904 — including sprinkler and alarm requirements), means of egress (§905), structural requirements (§906) and emergency responder communications (§908) — each of which may require upgrades beyond the immediate work area depending on the project and occupancy . Practitioners should treat Chapter 9 as the mandatory technical layer for high‑scope alterations and coordinate its provisions with the referenced California Building and Fire Code sections where Chapter 9 points to new‑construction criteria (for example, automatic sprinklers per CBC/CFC references) .
In this section
- What egress, exit-sign and two-way communications provisions apply for Level 3?
- What makes an alteration Level 3 and what special occupancy rules apply (R-2.1, ambulatory care)?
- When are sprinklers, fire alarm/detection and site fire-protection measures required?
- When must structural evaluation or upgrades be performed for Level 3 alterations?
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
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 § 902.1 High relevance — show source text
2 Exception||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |902.1_Reserved_|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |902.2 – 902.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |902.2 – 902.3||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |903.4||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |904.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |904.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |904.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |908||||†|†||||||||||||||||||||
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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9 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3
User notes:
About this chapter : Chapter 9 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 3 alterations. 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 7 and 8 by involving alterations that cover 50 percent or more of the aggregate area of the building. In contrast, Level 1 alterations do not involve space reconfiguration, and Level 2 alterations involve extensive space reconfiguration that does not exceed 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. At times and under certain situations, this chapter also is intended 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.
SECTION 901—GENERAL
901.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations as described in Section 604 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.
901.2 Compliance. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, work shall comply with all of the requirements of Chapters 7 and 8. The requirements of Sections 802, 803, 804 and 805 shall apply within all work areas whether or not they include exits and corridors shared by more than one tenant and regardless of the occupant load.
Exception: Buildings in which the reconfiguration of space affecting exits or shared egress access is exclusively the result of compliance with the accessibility requirements of Section 306.7.1 shall not be required to comply with this chapter.
SECTION 902—SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY
902.1 Reserved.
902.2 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall be classified in accordance with Section 308.2 of the California Build- ing Code .
CWUIC § 2025 High relevance — show source text
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Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features.
Chapter 7 provisions present the fundamental concepts of fire performance that all buildings are expected to achieve in some form. This chapter identifies the acceptable materials, techniques and methods by which proposed construction can be designed and evaluated against to determine a building’s ability to limit the impact of fire.
Chapter 7A Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure.
Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Areas are now located in Part 7 of Title 24, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The provisions of Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, shall apply to buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) or Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Chapter 8 Interior Finishes.
Chapter 8 contains the performance requirements for controlling fire growth within buildings by restricting interior finish and decorative materials. The provisions of Chapter 8 require materials used as interior finishes and decorations to meet certain flame-spread index or flame-propagation criteria based on the relative fire hazard associated with the occupancy.
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 CFC; however, the CFC Chapter 9 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 Chapter 4 are duplicated in CFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.
Chapter 10 Means of Egress.
The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
Chapter 11 Reserved.
Chapter 11A Housing Accessibility. Chapter 11B Accessibility to Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings and Public Housing.
Verify compliance with accessibility provisions. In order to be considered as accessible, buildings and their individual elements must comply with the applicable scoping and technical provisions of Chapter 11A and/or Chapter 11B.
Chapter 12 Interior Environment.
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.)
CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text
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.
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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 Chapter 4 are duplicated in CFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.
Chapter 10 Means of Egress
The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7 of the CBC), interior finish (see Chapter 8 of the CBC), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings
Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and intends to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for retroactive requirements to install or upgrade fire safety features to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the CBC. Prior to the 2009 edition, its content existed in the CFC but in a random manner that was neither efficient nor user-friendly. In the 2007/2008 International Code Council (ICC) code development cycle, a code change (F294-07/ 08) was approved that consolidated the retroactive elements of CFC into a single chapter for easier and more efficient reference and application to existing buildings.
Chapter 12 Energy Systems
CEBC § 906.5 High relevance — show source text
[BS] 906.5 Anchorage for unreinforced masonry walls. For any building assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F with a structural system that includes unreinforced masonry bearing walls, the alteration shall comply with Section 304.3.2 by evaluation of the existing condition or by installation of wall anchors at the roof line.
[BS] 906.6 Bracing for unreinforced masonry parapets. Parapets constructed of unreinforced masonry in buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F shall comply with Section 304.3.2 by evaluation of the existing condition or by installation of parapet bracing.
[BS] 906.7 Anchorage of unreinforced masonry partitions. Where the building is assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F, unreinforced masonry partitions and nonstructural walls within the work area and adjacent to egress paths from the work area shall have their existing conditions evaluated or shall be anchored, removed or altered to resist out-of-plane seismic forces to comply with Section 304.3.2.
SECTION 907—ENERGY CONSERVATION
907.1 Minimum requirements. Level 3 alterations to existing buildings or structures shall comply with applicable provisions of the California Energy Code (Part 6, Title 24, C.C.R).
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ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3
SECTION 908—EMERGENCY RESPONDER COMMUNICATIONS ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM COVERAGE
908.1 Emergency responder communication enhancement system coverage. The existing building shall undergo an evaluation of the emergency responder communication signal strength and coverage area within the entire building in accordance with Sections 908.1.1 and 908.1.2.
Exception: Where it is determined by the fire code official that the emergency responder communication enhancement system (ERCES) is not needed.
908.1.1 Evaluation. The evaluation shall determine the current signal strength and coverage capabilities of the public safety communication systems utilized by the jurisdiction, measured at the exterior of the building.
908.1.2 Compliance. The evaluation report shall be submitted for approval by the fire code official and the frequency license holder. Where the coverage area, signal strength or DAQ does not comply with Section 510 of the California Fire Code, the existing building shall be provided with ERCES coverage. The fire code official is authorized to establish the timeframe for such installation or modification.
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 10 – CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
(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 § 8-5 High relevance — show source text
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
902 Special Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
903 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
904 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
905 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
906 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
907 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
908 Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement System Coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
CHAPTER 10 CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-3
1001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
1002 Special Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
1003 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
CEBC § 5706.4.7.7 High relevance — show source text
- Each line conveying Class I or II liquids leading to a wharf shall be provided with a block valve that has ready access and that is on shore, near the approach to the wharf and outside of any diked area. Where more than one line is involved, the valves shall be grouped in one location.
- Means shall be provided for easy access to cargo line valves located below the wharf deck.
- Piping systems shall contain a sufficient number of valves to operate the system properly and to control the flow of liquid in normal operation and in the event of physical damage.
- Piping on wharves shall be bonded and grounded where Class I and II liquids are transported. Where excessive stray currents are encountered, insulating joints shall be installed. Bonding and grounding connections on piping shall be located on the wharf side of hose riser insulating flanges, where used, and shall be in a location provided with ready access for inspection.
- Hose or articulated swivel-joint pipe connections used for cargo transfer shall be capable of accommodating the combined effects of change in draft and maximum tidal range, and mooring lines shall be kept adjusted to prevent surge of the vessel from placing stress on the cargo transfer system.
- Hoses shall be supported to avoid kinking and damage from chafing.
5706.4.7.7 Loading and unloading. Loading or discharging shall not commence until the wharf superintendent and officer in charge of the tank vessel agree that the tank vessel is properly moored and connections are properly made.
5706.4.7.8 Mechanical work. Mechanical work shall not be performed on the wharf during cargo transfer, except under special authorization by the fire code official based on a review of the area involved, methods to be employed and precautions
necessary.
5706.4.8 Sources of ignition. Class I, II or IIIA liquids shall not be used, drawn or dispensed where flammable vapors can reach a source of ignition. Smoking shall be prohibited except in designated locations. “No Smoking” signs complying with Section 310 shall be conspicuously posted where a hazard from flammable vapors is normally present.
5706.4.9 Drainage control. Loading and unloading areas shall be provided with drainage control in accordance with Section 5704.2.10.
5706.4.10 Fire protection. Fire protection shall be in accordance with Chapter 9 and Sections 5706.4.10.1 through 5706.4.10.4.
5706.4.10.1 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers with a rating of not less than 20-B and complying with Section 906 shall be located within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of hose connections, pumps and separator tanks.
5706.4.10.2 Fire hoses. Where piped water is available, ready-connected fire hose in a size appropriate for the water supply shall be provided in accordance with Section 905 so that manifolds where connections are made and broken can be reached by not less than one hose stream.
5706.4.10.3 Obstruction of equipment. Material shall not be placed on wharves in such a manner that would obstruct access to firefighting equipment or important pipeline control valves.
5706.4.10.4 Fire apparatus access. Where the wharf is designed for vehicular traffic, an unobstructed fire apparatus access road to the shore end of the wharf shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 5.
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 § 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 § 907.2.14 High relevance — show source text
907.2.14 Occupant evacuation elevators 3008.9 Underground buildings 405.8.2, 907.2.20 Allowable Stress Design 202 Load combinations 1605, 1605.2 Masonry design 2107 Wood design 2306 Alterations 101.4.7, D103.1 Means of egress 3301.4, 3310.2 Alternating Tread Devices 1011.14 Construction 1011.14.2 Equipment platform 505.3 Heliports 412.7.3 Technical production areas 410.5.3.4 Alternative Materials, Design and Methods 104.2.3, Appendix O Aluminum 1403.5.1, 1604.3.5, Chapter 20 Ambulatory Care Facilities 304.1, 422, Table 509.1, 709.5, Table 1020.3 Emergency and standby power 2702.2 Fire protection and detection 903.2.2.1, 903.3.2, 907.2.2.1 Medical gas systems 427 Smoke compartment 422.2, 422.3, 909.5.3, 1026.4.1 Amusement Area, Special 411 Alarm and detection 411.2, 411.3.3,
907.2.13 Automatic sprinkler system 411.2 Classification 411.1 Emergency voice/alarm communications system 411.3.3, 907.2.13.3 Exit marking 411.4, 411.4.1 Interior finish 411.5
Puzzle room 411.1
Amusement Park Structures 303 Accessibility 11B-234, 11B-1002 Anchor Building (see Covered Mall and Open Mall Building) 402 Construction type 402.4.1.2, 507.13 Means of egress 402.8.4.1 Occupant load 402.8.2.3 Separation 402.4.2.2, 402.4.2.3 Sprinkler protection 402.5 Anchorage 1604.8 Braced wall line sills 2308.7.1.1, 2308.7.1.2, 2308.10.7, 2308.10.7.3
Concrete 1901.3 Conventional light-frame construction 2308.7.1, 2308.8.10 Decks 1604.8.3 Seismic anchorage for masonry chimneys 2113.4 Seismic anchorage for masonry fireplaces 2111.5 Walls 1604.8.2
Wood sill plates 2308.7.1 Apartment Houses 310.3 Appeals 113, 1.8.8, Appendix B, G106 Approved (definition) 202 Approved Agency 104.4, 1703.1 Approved Listing Agency (definition) 202 Approved Testing Agency (definition) 202 Architect (see Definitions for Registered Design Professional and Registered
Frequently asked questions
When does Chapter 9 (Level 3) apply?
Chapter 9 applies when the work area exceeds 50% of the building area (Level 3 per Section 604.1) and when the nature or location of work triggers building‑wide improvements; it is used together with Chapters 7 and 8 .
Which sections normally drive upgrades beyond the work area?
Fire protection (§904 — sprinkler and alarm requirements), means of egress (§905), structural upgrades (§906), and emergency responder communications (§908) are the common drivers for improvements beyond the immediate work area .
Do Level 3 projects have to meet new‑construction standards?
Chapter 9 requires coordination with referenced CBC/CFC sections; some systems (e.g., sprinklers and alarms) are required in accordance with the new‑construction provisions cited by Chapter 9, meaning those specific systems may need to meet new‑construction criteria even if the entire project is not a full new building .
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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Scope & classification: When is an alteration Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3?
Level 1 technical requirements (Chapter 7)
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