CEBC · California Existing Building Code

How do height/area limits and fire wall separation affect additions?

If you’re adding onto a building in California, the CEBC requires you to treat the addition like new construction for height and area: total area and height of the existing building plus the new addition must meet the limits in the building code’s Chapter 5 unless you provide a fire wall built to IBC/CBC Section 706 that legally separates the two. Also make sure the addition doesn’t create new problems for egress, accessibility or structural systems — CEBC §§ 1302.1.3 and 1101.1 explain the rules.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

An addition to an existing building must be treated like new construction for the purposes of height and area limits: the combined height and area (existing building + addition) must not exceed the limits in Chapter 5 of the building code. This is explicitly required by § 1302.1.3 of the CEBC. If the addition is separated from the existing building by a fire wall that meets IBC/CRC Section 706, the addition may be treated as a separate building for height/area calculations (CEBC § 1302.1.3). Also note CEBC § 1101.1 requires that additions comply with the California Building/Residential Code requirements for new construction and that the addition not put the existing building out of compliance.

The single most important rule: an addition must meet new‑construction height/area limits for the combined building — unless a compliant fire wall legally makes the addition a separate building.

Requirements in detail

Core requirements (plain language)

The CEBC treats additions as new construction for height/area — check the building code Chapter 5 limits for the combined building. § 1302.1.3 requires compliance with the IBC/IRC provisions for new construction.
A fire wall constructed in accordance with Section 706 of the IBC separates the addition from the existing building so each side can be considered a separate building for height/area limits. § 1302.1.3.
The CEBC’s Chapter 11 (Additions) reiterates that the addition must comply with the California Building Standards adopted for new construction and that the height and area provisions apply to the entire existing building with the additions (CEBC § 1101.1).

Decision points and where to look in the codes

Decision or value to determine	What it controls / how used	Code Reference
Whether the addition is treated as new construction for height/area	If yes → combine existing area + addition and compare to Chapter 5 limits; if separated by compliant fire wall → treat separately	CEBC § 1302.1.3
Which Chapter 5 table to use (allowable area/height)	Use occupancy group and construction type to read the allowed height/area from CBC (IBC) Chapter 5 (Tables 504, 506, etc.)	CBC Chapter 5 (see CEBC cross‑reference)
Fire wall effect	A fire wall complying with IBC § 706 makes each side a separate building for height/area (so each side’s area is compared to the table separately)	CEBC § 1302.1.3 referencing IBC § 706
Special appendages / openings	Infilling of floor openings and non‑occupiable appendages (shafts, elevator/stair shafts) are allowed beyond what IBC permits (CEBC exception)	CEBC § 1302.1.3 (Exception)
Effect on the existing building	Additions cannot create or extend nonconformities (means of egress, fire safety, accessibility, structural, etc.) — the result of the addition must not make the existing building less compliant.	CEBC § 1101.1 and § 1101.2

How to apply the rules (stepwise)

Identify occupancy group(s) and construction type for BOTH existing building and the addition. (Chapter 3 / CBC Chapters referenced by CEBC.)
If the portion to be added is NOT separated by a compliant fire wall, compute the combined area and height (existing + addition) and compare to the allowable values in CBC/IBC Chapter 5 for the applicable occupancy and construction type. (CEBC § 1302.1.3, CEBC § 1101.1.)
If a fire wall meeting IBC § 706 is provided between addition and existing building, treat the addition as a separate building; compare each part separately against Chapter 5 allowable area/height.
Verify addition does not create or extend any nonconformity in accessibility, egress, fire safety, structural integrity, or systems capacity (CEBC § 1101.2).

Exceptions & special cases

CEBC § 1302.1.3 Exception: In-filling of floor openings and non‑occupiable appendages (e.g., elevator shafts, exit stair shafts) are permitted beyond that permitted by the IBC; these limited infills are not treated the same as adding occupiable floor area.
If the addition or alteration raises the building’s risk category (see CEBC § 1101.3), additional rules for change of occupancy or systems may apply; a higher risk category can trigger Chapter 10 requirements.
Partial changes in occupancy: if you separate a changed portion with fire barriers/horizontal assemblies meeting the ratings in the IBC/IRC, only the separated portion must be made to conform to the provisions for the new occupancy (CEBC § 1302.1.2).

Common mistakes

Assuming the addition’s area is checked against an allowance for the addition only — you must include the existing building area unless a compliant fire wall separates the two. CEBC § 1302.1.3.
Treating any partition as a “fire wall.” Only a wall built to the fire‑resistance rating and details required by Section 706 (IBC/CBC) qualifies to make the addition a separate building. CEBC § 1302.1.3 (references IBC § 706).
Forgetting other triggers: even if height/area are within limits, the addition cannot create or extend nonconformities for egress, accessibility, structural safety, or building systems (CEBC § 1101.2).
Overlooking occupancy changes: a change that increases risk category can require additional upgrades; check CEBC § 1101.3.

Worked example — concrete scenario (illustrative numbers)

Note: the CEBC text requires the process; the actual allowable areas/heights come from the California Building Code (CBC/IBC) Chapter 5 tables. The numeric allowed values below are illustrative — always look up the CBC Chapter 5 tables for the jurisdictional code values.

Scenario (illustrative):

Existing building: Group B (office), Type III-B construction, existing floor area = 10,000 ft², two stories.
Proposed single‑story addition: new floor area = 6,000 ft², adjoining existing building (no new fire wall).

Steps:

CEBC § 1302.1.3 tells you to treat the addition per new construction rules — so calculate the combined area = 10,000 + 6,000 = 16,000 ft² and combined height = existing height vs. added story height as required.
Consult CBC (IBC) Chapter 5 tables for Group B / Type III‑B allowed area. (Suppose, for illustration only, the table shows 12,000 ft² allowable for that group/type without sprinklers.) Because 16,000 ft² > 12,000 ft², the combined building would exceed the allowed area. (This is an illustrative comparison; use the actual CBC Table 504/506 for your project.)
Options if area is exceeded:
- Provide a compliant fire wall per IBC § 706 between the existing building and the addition. If the wall qualifies, treat the addition as a separate building and compare 6,000 ft² (addition alone) to the Table limit for a separate building. CEBC § 1302.1.3 allows this separation effect.
- Change construction type or provide sprinkler protection (both of which can increase allowable area under CBC Chapter 5) — these are Chapter 5 design options you would evaluate.
Also confirm the addition does not create/extend nonconformities (egress, fire safety, accessibility, structural). CEBC § 1101.2 / § 1101.1 require that the addition not make the existing building less compliant.

Related provisions — quick references

CEBC § 1302.1.3 — Additions must comply with IBC/IRC; combined height/area limit; fire wall makes addition a separate building.
CEBC § 1101.1 — Additions comply with California Building/Residential Code for new construction; height/area provisions apply to entire existing building with additions.
CEBC § 1101.2 — Additions shall not create or extend nonconformities (accessibility, egress, fire safety, structural, MEP capacity).
IBC / CBC Chapter 5 (General Building Heights and Areas) — governing tables and methods to find allowable area/height. (CEBC directs you here for numeric values.)
IBC / CBC Section 706 — fire wall requirements and effect on separation (referenced by CEBC § 1302.1.3).

Code references

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

CEBC § 803.11 High relevance — show source text
Occupancy classification also plays a key part in the appropriate protection measures. As such, threshold requirements for fire protection and means of egress systems are based on occupancy classification (see Chapters 9 and 10). Other sections of the code also contain requirements respective to the classification of building groups. For example, Section 706 specifies requirements for fire wall fire-resistance ratings that are tied to the occupancy classification of a building and Section 803.11 contains interior finish requirements that are dependent upon the occupancy classification. The use of the space, rather than the occupancy of the building, is utilized for determining occupant loading (Section 1004) and live loading (Section 1607).

Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use.

Chapter 4 contains the requirements for protecting special uses and occupancies which are supplemental to the remainder of the code. For example, the height and area limitations established in Chapter 5 apply to all special occupancies unless Chapter 4 contains height and area limitations. In this case, the limitations in Chapter 4 supersede those in other sections. An example of this is the height and area limitations for open parking garages given in Section 406.5.4, which supersede the limitations given in Sections 504 and 506.

In some instances, it may not be necessary to apply the provisions of Chapter 4. For example, if a covered mall building complies with the provisions of the code for Group M, Section 402 does not apply; however, other sections that address a use, process or operation must be applied to that specific occupancy, such as stages and platforms, special amusement buildings and hazardous materials (Sections 410, 411 and 414).

The chapter includes requirements for buildings and conditions that apply to one or more groups, such as high-rise buildings, underground buildings or atriums. Special uses may also imply specific occupancies and operations, such as for Group H, hazardous materials, and uses with associated combustibility hazards, which are coordinated with the CFC. Unique consideration is taken for special use areas, such as covered mall buildings, motor-vehicle-related occupancies, special amusement buildings and aircraftrelated occupancies. Special facilities within other occupancies are considered, such as stages and platforms, motion picture projection rooms, children’s play structures and storm shelters. Finally, in order that the overall package of protection features can be easily understood, unique considerations for specific occupancies are also addressed.

Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas.

Chapter 5 contains the provisions that regulate the minimum type of construction for area limits and height limits based on the occupancy of the building. Height and area increases are permitted based on open frontage for fire department access, separation and the type of sprinkler protection provided (Sections 503 through 506, 510). Provisions include the protection and/or separation of incidental uses (Table 509.1), accessory occupancies (Section 508.2) and mixed uses in the same building (Sections 506.2.2, 508.3, 508.4 and 510). Unlimited area buildings are permitted in certain occupancies when they meet special provisions (Section 507). Live/work units are provided for in Section 508.5.

Tables 504.3, 504.4 and 506.2 are the keystones in setting thresholds for building size based on the building’s use and the materials with which it is constructed. Respective to each group classification, the greater the fire-resistance rating of structural elements, as represented by the type of construction, the greater the floor area and height allowances. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type.
CEBC § 1101.5 Medium relevance — show source text
1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1101.5|||X|†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |1101.6||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |1102.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1102.3 Exception||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |1102.4|||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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11 ADDITIONS

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 11 provides the requirements for additions, which correlate to the code requirements for new construction. There are, however, some exceptions that are specifically stated within this chapter. An “Addition” is defined in Chapter 2 as “an extension or increase in the floor area, number of stories or height of a building or structure.” Chapter 11 contains the minimum requirements for an addition that is not separated from the existing building by a fire wall.

SECTION 1101—GENERAL

1101.1 Scope. An addition to a building or structure shall comply with the California Building Standards Codes as adopted for new construction without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with any requirements of those codes or of these provisions, except as required by this chapter. Where an addition or alteration impacts the existing building or structure, the result of the addition or alteration shall not put the existing building or structure out of compliance with the California Building or Residential Code as applicable. The provisions of height and area of the California Building or Residential Code shall apply to the entire existing building with the additions.

1101.2 Creation or extension of nonconformity. An addition shall not create or extend any nonconformity in the existing building to which the addition is being made with regard to accessibility, structural strength, supports and attachments for nonstructural components, fire safety, means of egress or the capacity of mechanical, plumbing or electrical systems.

Exception: Nonconforming supports and attachments for nonstructural components that serve the addition from within the existing building need not be altered to comply with California Building Code Section 1613 unless the components are part of the addition’s life safety system or are required to serve an addition assigned to Risk Category IV.

[BS] 1101.3 Risk category assignment. Where the addition and the existing building have different occupancies, the risk category of each existing and added occupancy shall be determined in accordance with Section 1604.5.1 of the California Building Code . Where application of that section results in a higher risk category for the existing building compared with the risk category for the existing building before the addition, such a change shall be considered a change of occupancy and shall comply with Chapter 10 of this code. Where application of that section results in a higher risk category for the addition compared with the risk category for the addition by itself, the addition and any systems in the existing building required to serve the addition shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code for new construction for the higher risk category.
CEBC § 10-3 Medium relevance — show source text
1003 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

1004 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

1005 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

1006 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

1007 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

1008 Mechanical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

1009 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

1010 Other Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

1011 Change of Occupancy Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

CHAPTER 11 ADDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-3

1101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

1102 Heights and Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

1103 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

1104 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

CHAPTER 12 HISTORIC BUILDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1

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CHAPTER 13 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS. . 13-3

1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3

1302 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3

1303 Acceptance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
CEBC § 11-3 Medium relevance — show source text
1101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

1102 Heights and Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

1103 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

1104 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

CHAPTER 12 HISTORIC BUILDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1

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CHAPTER 13 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS. . 13-3

1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3

1302 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3

1303 Acceptance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4

1304 Investigation and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4

1305 Scoring and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4

1306 Building Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14

1307 Evaluation of Building Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16

CHAPTER 14 RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS . . . . . . 14-3

1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3

1402 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3

CHAPTER 15 CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS . . . . . . . . . . 15-3

1501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3

1502 Owner’s Responsibility for Fire Protection . . . . . . . 15-3

1503 Sanitary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
CEBC § 1.11. Medium 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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13 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS

Not adopted by the State of California (May be available for adoption by local ordinance. See Section 1.1.11.) (See Section 104.11 for consideration of alternative means of compliance.)

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 13 allows for existing buildings to be evaluated so as to show that alterations, while not meeting new construction requirements, will improve the current existing situation. Provisions are based on a numerical scoring system involving 21 various safety parameters and the degree of code compliance for each issue.

SECTION 1301—GENERAL

1301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing structures, including historic structures, as referenced in Section 301.3.3. The provisions of this chapter are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety, health and general welfare in existing buildings while permitting, alteration, addition and change of occupancy without requiring full compliance with Chapters 6 through 12, except where compliance with the prescriptive method of Chapter 5 or the work area method of other provisions of this code is specifically required in this chapter.

1301.1.1 Compliance with other methods. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions of this chapter or with one of the methods provided in Section 301.3.

SECTION 1302—APPLICABILITY

1302.1 General. Existing buildings in which there is work involving additions, alterations or changes of occupancy shall be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter or the provisions of Chapters 6 through 12. The provisions of Sections 1302.1.1 through 1302.1.6 shall apply to existing occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to be, in Groups A, B, E, F, I-2, M, R and S. These provisions shall also apply to Group U occupancies where such occupancies are undergoing a change of occupancy or a partial change in occupancy with separations in accordance with Section 1302.1.2. These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H, I-1, I-3 or I-4.

1302.1.1 Change in occupancy. Where an existing building is changed to a new occupancy classification and this section is applicable, the provisions of this section for the new occupancy shall be used to determine compliance with this code.

1302.1.2 Partial change in occupancy. Where a portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy classification and that portion is separated from the remainder of the building with fire barrier or horizontal assemblies having a fire-resistance rating as required by Table 508.4 of the International Building Code or Section R302 of the International Residential Code for the separate occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the portion changed shall be made to conform to the provisions of this section. Only the portion separated shall be required to be evaluated for compliance.
CEBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 302 A —GENERAL PROVISIONS

302 A .1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.

302 A .2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and struc- tures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in the California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code and California Electrical Code. Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall take precedence.

302 A .2.1 Additional codes in health care. In existing Group I-2 occupancies, ambulatory health care facilities, outpatient clinics and hyperbaric facilities, alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall also comply with NFPA 99.

302 A .3 Existing materials and equipment. Materials and equipment already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the code official to be unsafe in accordance with California Building Code Section 116.

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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

302A.3.1 Existing seismic force-resisting systems. Where the existing seismic force-resisting system is a type that can be designated ordinary or is a welded steel moment frame constructed under a permit issued prior to October 25, 1994, values of R, W0 and Cd for the existing seismic force-resisting system shall be those specified by the California Building Code for an ordinary system unless it is demonstrated that the existing system will provide performance equivalent to that of a detailed, intermediate or special system.

302 A .4 New and replacement materials. Except as otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials and equipment permitted by the applicable code for new construction shall be used. Like materials shall be permitted for repairs and alterations, provided no hazard to life, health or property is c reated. Hazardous materials shall not be used where the code for new construction would not permit their use in buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location.

302 A .4.1 New structural members and connections. New structural members and connections shall comply with the detailing provisions of the California Building Code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.

Exception: Where alternative design criteria are specifically permitted.

302 A .5 Occupancy and use. Where determining the appropriate application of the referenced sections of this code, the occupancy and use of a building shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of the California Building Code .
CEBC § 109.3.11 Medium relevance — show source text
3 – 109.3.11||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |109.3.6|X||X|||||X|X|||||||||||||||| |109.3.7|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |110|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |111|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |113|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |114|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |115|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |116.1|||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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1 ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1.1—GENERAL

1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Existing Building Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Existing Building Code is Part 10 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption the 2024 International Existing Building Code of the International Code Council with necessary California amendments.

1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California. [HCD 1 & 2] The provisions of this code shall apply to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of every existing building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.

1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.
CEBC § 1.11.3.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Plans and spec-_ ifications shall be prepared by an engineer duly qualified in that branch of engineering necessary to perform such services. Administration of the work of construction shall be under the charge of the responsible architect or engineer except that where plans and specifications involve alterations or repairs, such work of construction may be administered by an engi- neer duly qualified to perform such services and holding a valid certificate under Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 65700) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code for performance of services in that branch of engineering in which said plans, specifications and estimates and work of construction are applicable.

This section shall not be construed as preventing the design of fire-extinguishing systems by persons holding a C-16 license issued pursuant to Division 3, Chapter 9, Business and Professions Code. In such instances, however, the responsibility charge of this section shall prevail.

1.11.3.4 Existing high-rise buildings. 1. Complete plans or specifications, or both, shall be prepared covering all work required by California Fire Code Chapter 11 and California Existing Building Code for existing high-rise buildings. Such plans or specifications shall be submitted to the enforcing agency having jurisdiction. 2. When new construction is required to conform with the provisions of these regulations, complete plans or specifications, or both, shall be prepared in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. As used in this section, “new construction” is not intended to include repairs, replacements or minor alterations which do not disrupt or appreciably add to or affect the structural aspects of the building.

1.11.3.5 Retention of plans. Refer to Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Sections 19850 and 19851 for permanent retention of plans.

1.11.4 Fees.

1.11.4.1 Other fees. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13146.2, a city, county or district which inspects a hotel, motel, lodg- ing house or apartment house may charge and collect a fee for the inspection from the owner of the structure in an amount, as determined by the city, county or district, sufficient to pay its costs of that inspection.

1.11.4.2 Large family day-care. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1597.46, Large Family Day-Care Homes, the local government shall process any required permit as economically as possible, and fees charged for review shall not exceed the costs of the review and permit process.

1.11.4.3 High-Rise. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13217, High-Rise Structure Inspection: Fees and costs, a local agency which inspects a high-rise structure pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13217 may charge and collect a fee for the inspection from the owner of the high-rise structure in an amount, as determined by the local agency, sufficient to pay its costs of that inspection.

_**1.11.4.4 Fire clearance pre-inspection.

CEBC § 109.3 Medium relevance — show source text

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	HCD	Col6	Col7	DSA	Col9	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	Col17	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	SS/CC	1	1R	2	3	4	5	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections that are listed below	X		X	X	X		X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Chapter / Section
109.3 – 109.3.11				X	X
109.3.6	X		X					X	X
109.3.7			X
110			X
111			X
113			X
114			X
115			X
116.1			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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1 ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1.1—GENERAL

1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Existing Building Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Existing Building Code is Part 10 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption the 2024 International Existing Building Code of the International Code Council with necessary California amendments.

CEBC § 3A-9 Medium relevance — show source text
305 A .1 General. Where used, in-situ load tests shall be conducted in accordance with Section 1708 A of the California Building Code .

SECTION 306 A —ACCESSIBILITY FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

306 A .1 Scope. Accessibility requirements for existing buildings shall comply with the California Building Code, Part 2, Volume 1, Chapter 11B.

SECTION 307 A —SMOKE ALARMS

Shall comply with the California Building Standards Code.

SECTION 308 A —CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION

Shall comply with the California Building Standards Code.

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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

SECTION 309 A — RESERVED

SECTION 310A — COMPLIANCE ALTERNATIVES FOR SERVICES/SYSTEMS AND UTILITIES

310A.1 General. The provisions of this section are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety, health and general welfare in existing buildings while permitting repair, alteration, addition and change of occupancy without requiring full compli- ance with California Building Code Chapters 2 through 33, or Sections 302A.3 and 502A through 506A, except where compliance with other provisions of this code is specifically required in this section.

Services/systems and utilities that originate in and pass through or under buildings and are necessary to the operation of the hospital buildings shall meet the structural requirements of this section. Examples of services/systems and utilities include but are not limited to normal power; emergency power; nurse call; fire alarm; communication and data systems; space-heating systems; process load systems; cooling systems; domestic hot and cold water systems; means of egress systems; fire-suppression systems; building drain and sewer systems; and medical gas systems that support basic and supplemental services.

After January 1, 2030, services/systems and utilities for acute care hospital buildings shall not originate in or pass through or under a nonhospital or hospital building unless it has approved performance categories of SPC-3 or higher and NPC-5.

310A.1.1 Services/systems and utilities. Services/systems and utilities that are necessary to the operation of the hospital buildings shall meet the structural requirements of this section, based upon the approved Structural Performance Category (SPC) of the build- ing receiving the services/systems and utilities.

Services from a conforming building shall be permitted to serve a nonconforming building with prior approval of the Office. The services/systems and utilities in the nonconforming building shall be equipped with fail safe valves, switches or other equivalent devices that allow the nonconforming building to be isolated from the conforming building.

Exception: Remodel projects that use available existing services/systems and utilities are exempted from the requirements of this section. The enforcing agency shall be permitted to exempt minor addition, minor alteration and minor remodel projects and proj- ects to upgrade existing services/systems and utilities from the requirements of this section.

310A.1.1.1 Services/systems and utilities for hospital buildings.
CBC § A207 Medium relevance — show source text
The capacity of the collector need not exceed the capacity of the diaphragm to deliver loads to the collector. A connection shall be provided from the collector to the reentrant wall to transfer the full collector internal force. If a truss or beam other than a rafter or purlin is supported by the reentrant wall or by a column integral with the reentrant wall, then an independent secondary column is required to support the roof or floor members whenever rocking or shear capacity of the reentrant wall is less than the tributary shear.

[BS] A206.8 Mezzanines. Existing mezzanines relying on reinforced concrete or reinforced masonry walls for vertical or lateral support shall be anchored to the walls for the tributary mezzanine load. Walls depending on the mezzanine for lateral support shall be anchored per Sections A206.1, A206.2 and A206.3.

Exception: Existing mezzanines that have independent lateral and vertical support need not be anchored to the walls.

SECTION A207—MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION

[BS] A207.1 Materials. Materials permitted by the building code, including their appropriate strength or allowable stresses, shall be used to meet the requirements of this chapter.

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APPENDIX A-24 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

APPENDIX A

CHAPTER A3 – PRESCRIPTIVE PROVISIONS FOR SEISMIC STRENGTHENING

OF CRIPPLE WALLS AND SILL PLATE ANCHORAGE OF LIGHT, WOOD-FRAME RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

(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 § 14-3 Medium relevance — show source text

2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 14-3

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RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS

[BS] 1402.7 Required inspection and repairs. The code official shall be authorized to inspect, or to require approved professionals to inspect at the expense of the owner, the various structural parts of a relocated building to verify that structural components and connections have not sustained structural damage. Any repairs required by the code official as a result of such inspection shall be made prior to the final approval.

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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 15 – CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	HCD	Col6	Col7	DSA	Col9	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	Col17	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	SS/CC	1	1R	2	3	4	5	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6
Adopt Entire Chapter	X		X
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections that are listed below				X	X
Chapter / Section
1501				X	X
1505				X	X
1506				X	X
1508				X	X
1511				X	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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15 CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS

User notes:

CEBC § 1302.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 1302—APPLICABILITY

1302.1 General. Existing buildings in which there is work involving additions, alterations or changes of occupancy shall be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter or the provisions of Chapters 6 through 12. The provisions of Sections 1302.1.1 through 1302.1.6 shall apply to existing occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to be, in Groups A, B, E, F, I-2, M, R and S. These provisions shall also apply to Group U occupancies where such occupancies are undergoing a change of occupancy or a partial change in occupancy with separations in accordance with Section 1302.1.2. These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H, I-1, I-3 or I-4.

1302.1.1 Change in occupancy. Where an existing building is changed to a new occupancy classification and this section is applicable, the provisions of this section for the new occupancy shall be used to determine compliance with this code.

1302.1.2 Partial change in occupancy. Where a portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy classification and that portion is separated from the remainder of the building with fire barrier or horizontal assemblies having a fire-resistance rating as required by Table 508.4 of the International Building Code or Section R302 of the International Residential Code for the separate occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the portion changed shall be made to conform to the provisions of this section. Only the portion separated shall be required to be evaluated for compliance.

Where a portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy classification and that portion is not separated from the remainder of the building with fire barriers or horizontal assemblies having a fire-resistance rating as required by Table 508.4 of the International Building Code or Section R302 of the International Residential Code for the separate occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the provisions of this section which apply to each occupancy shall apply to the entire building. Where there are conflicting provisions, those requirements which secure the greater public safety shall apply to the entire building or structure.

1302.1.3 Additions. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with the requirements of the International Building Code or the International Residential Code for new construction. The combined height and area of the existing building and the new addition shall not exceed the height and area allowed by Chapter 5 of the International Building Code . Where a fire wall that complies with Section 706 of the International Building Code is provided between the addition and the existing building, the addition shall be considered a separate building. Where a new occupiable roof is added to a building or structure, the occupiable roof shall comply with the provisions of the International Building Code .

Exception: In-filling of floor openings and nonoccupiable appendages, such as elevator and exit stairway shafts, shall be permitted beyond that permitted by the International Building Code .

1302.1.4 Alterations. An existing building or portion thereof shall not be altered in such a manner that results in the building being less safe or sanitary than such building is currently.

Exception: Where the current level of safety or sanitation is proposed to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of the International Building Code .

1302.1.5 Escalators. Where escalators are 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).
CEBC § 8.2. High relevance — show source text
For continuous aluminum structural members supporting edge of glass, the total load deflection shall not exceed_L_/175 for each glass lite or
L/60 for the entire length of the member, whichever is more stringent. For sandwich panels used in roofs or walls of sunroom additions or patio covers, the total load deflec-
tion shall not exceed_L_/120.
d. Deflection for exterior walls with interior gypsum board finish shall be limited to an allowable deflection of_H_/180.
e. Refer to Section R703.8.2. The dead load of supported materials shall be included when calculating the deflection of these members.|Note: L = span length,H = span height.
a. For the purpose of the determining deflection limits herein, the wind load shall be permitted to be taken as 0.7 times the component and cladding (ASD) loads obtained from
Table R301.2.1(1).
b. For cantilever members,L shall be taken as twice the length of the cantilever.
c. For aluminum structural members or panels used in roofs or walls of sunroom additions or patio covers, not supporting edge of glass or sandwich panels, the total load
deflection shall not exceed_L_/60. For continuous aluminum structural members supporting edge of glass, the total load deflection shall not exceed_L_/175 for each glass lite or
L/60 for the entire length of the member, whichever is more stringent. For sandwich panels used in roofs or walls of sunroom additions or patio covers, the total load deflec-
tion shall not exceed_L_/120.
d. Deflection for exterior walls with interior gypsum board finish shall be limited to an allowable deflection of_H_/180.
e. Refer to Section R703.8.2. The dead load of supported materials shall be included when calculating the deflection of these members.|

R301.8 Nominal sizes. For the purposes of this code, dimensions of lumber specified shall be deemed to be nominal dimensions unless specifically designated as actual dimensions.

SECTION R302 —FIRE-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

R302.1 Exterior walls. Construction, projections, openings and penetrations of exterior walls of dwellings , townhouses and accessory buildings shall comply with Table R302.1(1) based on fire separation distance; or dwellings and accessory buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section R309 shall comply with Table R302.1(2) based on fire separation distance.

For the purposes of determining fire separation distance, dwellings and townhouses on the same lot shall be assumed to have an imaginary line between them. Where a new dwelling or townhouse is to be erected on the same lot as an existing dwelling or townhouse, the location of the assumed imaginary line with relation to the existing dwelling or townhouse shall be such that the existing dwelling or townhouse meets requirements of this section.

Where a lot line exists between adjacent townhouse units, fire separation distance of exterior walls shall be measured to the lot line. Where a lot line does not exist between adjacent townhouse units, an imaginary line shall be assumed between the adjacent townhouse units and fire separation distance of exterior walls shall be measured to the imaginary line. Fire separation distance and requirements of Section R302.1 shall not apply to walls separating townhouse units that are required by Section R302.2.

Exceptions:
1. Walls, projections, openings or penetrations in walls perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance.
2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 3-23
CEBC § 5-2 High relevance — show source text
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5 GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 5 establishes the limits to which a building can be built. Building height, number of stories and building area are specified in this chapter. Chapter 5 must be used in conjunction with the occupancies established in Chapter 3 and the types of construction established in Chapter 6. This chapter also specifies the impact that mezzanines, accessory occupancies and mixed occupancies have on the overall size of a building.

ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [F] or [BE] will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. All other code change proposals will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

SECTION 501—GENERAL

501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter control the height and area of structures hereafter erected and additions to existing

structures.

SECTION 502—BUILDING ADDRESS

[F] 502.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm). Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building address cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

SECTION 503—GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHT AND AREA LIMITATIONS

503.1 General. Unless otherwise specifically modified in Chapter 4 and this chapter, building height, number of stories and building area shall not exceed the limits specified in Sections 504 and 506 based on the type of construction as determined by Section 602 and the occupancies as determined by Section 302 except as modified hereafter. Building height, number of stories and building area provisions shall be applied independently. For the purposes of determining area limitations, height limitations and type of construction, each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls complying with Section 706 shall be considered to be a separate building.

Exceptions: 1. [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings may be of any type of construction which will provide for a sound struc- tural condition. Structural hazards which result in an unsound condition and which may constitute a substandard building are delineated by Section 17920.3 of the Health and Safety Code. 2. Other than structural requirements, solar photovoltaic panels supported by a structure with no use underneath shall not constitute additional story or additional floor area and may exceed the height limit when constructed on a roof top of a building provided the following conditions are met: 1. For all occupancies, the highest point of the structure/panel shall meet the lower of the two values below: _1.
CEBC § 316.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 316 [SFM]—EXISTING GROUP L OCCUPANCIES

316.1 Repairs general. Additions, alterations or repairs may be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with all the requirements of this code section, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to the requirements of this section.

316.2 Unsafe condition. Additions, repairs or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure that will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code, nor shall such additions or alterations cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe, or to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not provide adequate egress in compliance with the provisions of this code or will obstruct existing exits; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.

316.3 Changes in use or occupancy. Any buildings that have alternations or additions, which involves a change in use or occupancy, shall not exceed the height, number of stories and area permitted for new buildings.

316.4 Buildings not in compliance with code. Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure when such existing building or structure is not in full compliance with the provisions of this code except when such addition or alteration will result in the existing building or structure being no more hazardous, based on life safety, fire safety and sanitation, than before such additions or alterations are undertaken.

316.5 Maintenance of structural and fire resistive integrity. Alterations or repairs to an existing building or structure that are nonstructural and do not adversely affect any structural member of any part of the building or structure having required fire resistance may be made with the same materials of which the building or structure is constructed. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations.

316.6 Continuation of existing use. Buildings in existence at the time of the adoption of this code may have their existing use or occupancy continued if such use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this code, provided such continued use is not dangerous to life.

316.7 Maximum allowable quantities. Laboratory suites approved prior to January 1, 2008 shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities listed in Tables 316.1 and 316.2.

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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

|TABLE 316.7(1)—EXEMPT AMOUNTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, LIQUIDS AND CHEMICALS
PRESENTING A PHYSICAL HAZARD BASIC QUANTITIES PER LABORATORY SUITE1
When two units are given, values within parentheses are in cubic feet (cu.
CEBC § 1.10.1 Medium 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 § 903.2.6 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception: When an approved automatic sprinkler system conforming to Section 903.2.6 of the California Building Code is installed, a separate fire alarm system as specified in this section need not be provided.

SECTION 1116—EXISTING GROUP L AND GROUP H-8 OCCUPANCIES [SFM]

1116.1 Repairs general. Additions, alterations or repairs may be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing build- ing or structure to comply with all the requirements of this code section, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to the requirements of this section.

1116.2 Unsafe condition. Additions, repairs or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure that will cause the exist- ing building or structure to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code, nor shall such additions or alterations cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe, or to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not provide adequate egress in compliance with the provisions of this code or will obstruct existing exits; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.

1116.3 Changes in use or occupancy. Any buildings that have alternations or additions, which involves a change in use or occupancy, shall not exceed the height, number of stories and area permitted for new buildings.

1116.4 Buildings not in compliance with code. Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure when such existing building or structure is not in full compliance with the provisions of this code except when such addition or alteration will result in the existing building or structure being no more hazardous, based on life safety, fire safety and sanitation, than before such additions or alterations are undertaken.

1116.5 Maintenance of structural and fire resistive integrity. Alterations or repairs to an existing building or structure that are nonstructural and do not adversely affect any structural member of any part of the building or structure having required fire resistance may be made with the same materials of which the building or structure is constructed. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations.

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CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

1116.6 Continuation of existing use. Buildings in existence at the time of the adoption of this code may have their existing use or occu- pancy continued if such use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this code, provided such continued use is not dangerous to life.

1116.7 Maximum allowable quantities. Existing Group H-8 laboratory suites approved prior to January 1, 2008 shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities listed in Tables 1116.7(1) and 1116.7(2).

|TABLE 1116.7(1)–EXEMPT AMOUNTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, LIQUIDS AND CHEMICALS
PRESENTING A PHYSICAL HAZARD BASIC QUANTITIES PER LABORATORY SUITE1
When two units are given, values within parentheses are in cubic feet (cu.

CEBC § 0.13 Medium relevance — show source text

The height of a URM parapet above any wall anchor shall be not less than 12 inches (305 mm).

Exception: If a reinforced concrete beam is provided at the top of the wall, the height above the wall anchor is permitted to be not less than 6 inches (152 mm).

[BS] TABLE A113.6—MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE HEIGHT-TO-THICKNESS RATIO FOR PARAPETS	Col2	Col3	Col4
	_SD_1	_SD_1	_SD_1
	0.13g ≤_SD_1 ≤ 0.25g	0.25g ≤_SD_1 < 0.4g	_SD_1 ≥ 0.4g
Maximum allowable height-to-thickness ratios	2.5	2.5	1.5

[BS] A113.7 Veneer.

Veneer shall be anchored with approved anchor ties conforming to the required design capacity specified in the building code and shall be placed at a maximum spacing of 24 inches (610 mm) with a maximum supported area of 4 square feet (0.372 m [2] ).

Exception: Existing anchor ties for attaching brick veneer to brick backing shall be acceptable, provided that the ties are in good condition and conform to the following minimum size and material requirements.

Existing veneer anchor ties shall be considered adequate if they are of corrugated galvanized iron strips not less than 1 inch (25 mm) in width, 8 inches (203 mm) in length and [1] / 16 inch (1.6 mm) in thickness, or the equivalent. 2. The location and condition of existing veneer anchor ties shall be verified as follows: 2.1. An approved testing laboratory shall verify the location and spacing of the ties and shall submit a report to the code official for approval as part of the structural analysis. 2.2. The veneer in a selected area shall be removed to expose a representative sample of ties (not less than four) for inspection by the code official.

[BS] A113.8 Nonstructural masonry walls. Unreinforced masonry walls that do not carry design vertical or lateral loads and that are not required by the design to be part of the lateral force-resisting system shall be adequately anchored to new or existing supporting elements. The anchors and elements shall be designed for the out-of-plane forces specified in the building code. The height- or length-to-thickness ratio between such supporting elements for such walls shall not exceed nine.

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APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

[BS] A113.9 Truss and beam supports. Where trusses and beams other than rafters or joists are supported on masonry, independent secondary columns shall be installed to support vertical loads of the roof or floor members.

Exception: Secondary supports are not required where S D1 is less than 0.3g.

[BS] A113.10 Adjacent buildings. Where elements of adjacent buildings do not have a separation of 5 inches (127 mm) or greater, the allowable height-to-thickness ratios for “all other buildings” per Table A110.2 shall be used in the direction of consideration.

CEBC § 6304.1.5 Medium relevance — show source text

TABLE 6304.1.5(2)—STORAGE OF CLASS 3 OXIDIZER LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS	Col2	Col3
STORAGE CONFIGURATION	LIMITS	LIMITS
STORAGE CONFIGURATION	Group H occupancy storage	Detached storage
Piles	Piles	Piles
Maximum width	16 feet	20 feet
Maximum height	Note a	Note a
Maximum distance to aisle	10 feet	10 feet
Minimum distance to next pile	Note b	Note b
Minimum distance to walls	4 feetc	4 feetc
Maximum quantity per pile	30 tons	100 tons
Maximum quantity per building	1,200 tons	No Limit
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 ton = 0.907185 metric ton. a. Maximum storage height in nonsprinklered buildings is limited to 6 feet. In sprinklered buildings see NFPA 400 for storage heights based on ceiling sprinkler protection. b. The minimum aisle width shall be equal to the pile height, but not less than 4 feet and not greater than 8 feet. c. For protection level and detached storage under 2,300 pounds, there shall not be a minimum separation distance between the pile and any wall.	For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 ton = 0.907185 metric ton. a. Maximum storage height in nonsprinklered buildings is limited to 6 feet. In sprinklered buildings see NFPA 400 for storage heights based on ceiling sprinkler protection. b. The minimum aisle width shall be equal to the pile height, but not less than 4 feet and not greater than 8 feet. c. For protection level and detached storage under 2,300 pounds, there shall not be a minimum separation distance between the pile and any wall.	For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 ton = 0.907185 metric ton. a. Maximum storage height in nonsprinklered buildings is limited to 6 feet. In sprinklered buildings see NFPA 400 for storage heights based on ceiling sprinkler protection. b. The minimum aisle width shall be equal to the pile height, but not less than 4 feet and not greater than 8 feet. c. For protection level and detached storage under 2,300 pounds, there shall not be a minimum separation distance between the pile and any wall.

TABLE 6304.1.5(3)—STORAGE OF CLASS 4 OXIDIZER LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS	Col2
STORAGE CONFIGURATION	LIMITS (feet)
Piles	Piles
Maximum length	10
Maximum width	4
Maximum height	8
Minimum distance to next pile	8
Maximum quantity per building	No Limit
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.	For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

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OXIDIZERS, OXIDIZING GASES AND OXIDIZING CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

CBC § 301 Medium relevance — show source text
The IEBC is a model code in the International Code family of codes intended to provide requirements for repair and alternative approaches for alterations, changes of occupancy and additions to existing buildings. A large number of existing buildings and structures do not comply with the current building code requirements for new construction. Although many of these buildings are potentially salvageable, rehabilitation is often cost-prohibitive because compliance with all the requirements for new construction could require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of the building or the original scope of the alteration. At the same time, it is necessary to regulate construction in existing buildings that undergo additions, alterations, extensive repairs or change of occupancy. Such activity represents an opportunity to ensure that new construction complies with the current building codes and that existing conditions are maintained, at a minimum, to their current level of compliance or are improved as required to meet basic safety levels. To accomplish this objective, and to make the alteration process easier, this code allows for options for controlled departure from full compliance with the International Codes dealing with new construction, while maintaining basic levels for fire safety, structural and life safety features of the rehabilitated building.

This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:

Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).

Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.

2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xi

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).

Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.

Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.

ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC

The format of the CEBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CEBC is divided. The subsequent table shows CEBC requirements that are correlated with other California Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CEBC.

Frequently asked questions

If I add a one‑story bump‑out, do I always have to combine areas with the existing building?

Yes — unless you provide a fire wall that meets IBC/CBC Section 706 between the addition and the existing building, the CEBC requires you to treat the addition as part of the existing building when checking height/area limits (CEBC § 1302.1.3).

Does a simple partition qualify as a fire wall so the addition is separate?

No. A fire wall must meet the construction and fire‑resistance requirements of IBC/CBC Section 706. Only a wall built to those specifications will allow the addition to be considered a separate building per CEBC § 1302.1.3.

If the combined building stays under the Chapter 5 limits, can I ignore other code impacts?

No. CEBC § 1101.2 requires that the addition not create or extend nonconformities — check egress, accessibility, structural capacity, and mechanical/plumbing/electrical systems, even if height/area limits are satisfied.

Where do I find the numeric allowable area and height to compare against?

Use the California Building Code (CBC / IBC) Chapter 5 tables (Tables in Sections 504/506 and related) to look up allowable area and height by occupancy group and construction type. The CEBC directs you to those tables for the numeric limits (CEBC § 1302.1.3 and CEBC § 1101.1).

If I add sprinklers, does that affect allowable area for the combined building?

Yes — Chapter 5 of the CBC/IBC includes area increases for automatic sprinkler protection; sprinklers are one of the standard ways to gain more allowable area. The CEBC requires using those Chapter 5 provisions when evaluating additions (CEBC § 1302.1.3).

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Related in the CEBC

When do addition provisions apply and do additions follow new-construction rules?

Can an addition create or extend a nonconforming condition?

When does adding to a building change its risk category or trigger change-of-occupancy requirements?

Additions — new-construction requirements and integration with existing building

California Existing Building Code