CEBC · California Existing Building Code
General provisions that apply to all compliance methods
Chapter 3 of the California Existing Building Code says that for any repair, alteration, addition, change of occupancy or relocation you must follow core Chapter 3 rules: the building official can require elimination of dangerous conditions (see § 302.1), and you must comply with the listed California codes (energy, fire, mechanical, plumbing, residential, electrical) with CEBC taking precedence where there’s a conflict (see § 302.2).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English (controlling §)
Chapter 3 sets the rules that apply no matter which CEBC compliance method you choose: the code official may require removal of any dangerous condition (see § 302.1), and every alteration, repair, addition, change of occupancy or relocation must also meet other California construction codes (energy, fire, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, residential) with this code taking precedence where there is a conflict (see § 302.2). These general provisions in Chapter 3 apply to all projects regardless of whether you use the Prescriptive, Work Area, or Performance method. § 302.1 and § 302.2 capture those two fundamentals.
The single most important rule: the code official can require elimination of any condition found to be dangerous, and every existing-building project must comply with CEBC Section 302 plus the listed California codes (CEBC controls if there’s conflict). § 302.1 and § 302.2 are the enforcement and scope anchors for Chapter 3.
Requirements in detail
Core duties and scope (what applies to every compliance method)
- Authority of the code official: the building official may require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous regardless of damage extent — this is the enforcement backstop for all CEBC work. § 302.1.
- Cross‑code coordination: alterations/repairs/additions/changes/relocations must comply with other California codes (Energy, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential, Electrical). If those other codes conflict with CEBC provisions, CEBC controls. § 302.2.
- Applicability across methods: Sections 302 through 309 are expressly required to apply to all work regardless of the compliance method selected. See Chapter 3 overview and Section 301.1.
Decision dimensions — quick reference table
| Decision area | Short rule | When it matters | Code reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dangerous conditions | Code official may require elimination | Any project when conditions are found unsafe | § 302.1 |
| Additional codes to follow | Must also meet CA Energy, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential, Electrical Codes | All alterations/repairs/additions/changes/relocations | § 302.2 |
| Health‑care special requirement | NFPA 99 applies in existing Group I‑2 / certain healthcare occupancies | Healthcare alterations/repairs/additions/relocations | § 302.2.1 |
| Existing materials allowed | Materials installed under rules in effect at their installation may remain unless unsafe | Repairs/retention of original materials | § 302.3 |
| New/replacement materials | Use materials permitted for new construction unless otherwise allowed | New members, replacements, alterations | § 302.4 |
| Which CEBC sections apply to all methods | Sections 302–309 apply regardless of selected compliance method | Any CEBC compliance method (Prescriptive/Work Area/Performance) | Chapter 3 / § 301.1 |
How these interact with compliance method selection
- The applicant selects one compliance method (Prescriptive Chapter 5, Work Area Chapters 6–12, or Performance Chapter 13) per § 301.3; those method choices do not remove the Chapter 3 requirements — Sections 302–309 still apply. Do not mix methods.
- For health‑care projects, additional CEBCA (3A) provisions and NFPA 99 may be required; see § 302.2.1 and Chapter 3A.
Exceptions & special cases
- State-owned buildings and public schools: there are special seismic procedures (Sections 317–323) that may replace or augment Chapter 3 rules for those state/public applications; see the exceptions in § 301.1. These are carved out for specific ownership/jurisdictional reasons.
- Health‑care occupancies: § 302.2.1 requires compliance with NFPA 99 for certain Group I‑2 and related facilities in addition to the CEBC and California Codes.
- Existing materials: Materials lawfully installed under prior codes may remain unless the code official finds them unsafe (see § 302.3). That means historic or original materials are not automatically required to be upgraded unless unsafe.
- Replacement residential garage doors: a specific exception prohibits connecting a replacement garage door to an existing operator without a battery backup under Health & Safety Code (noted under § 302.4 exception).
Common mistakes
- Assuming Chapter 3 is optional when using a particular compliance method — incorrect; Sections 302–309 apply regardless of method. Cite § 301.1 / Chapter 3.
- Trying to combine compliance methods (e.g., using prescriptive bits and Work Area bits together). The applicant must choose one method in § 301.3; Sections 301.3.1–3 are mutually exclusive.
- Forgetting cross‑code obligations: energy, fire, mechanical, plumbing and electrical code requirements still apply and must be addressed; where they conflict, CEBC controls per § 302.2.
- Keeping existing materials that are unsafe: existing materials are allowed only until the code official determines they are unsafe (see § 302.3). Do not assume "grandfathered" means permanent.
Worked example — concrete scenario with numbers
Scenario: A 10,000 ft² office building owner proposes an alteration that reconfigures 4,000 ft² (work area = 40% of building area). The owner wants to keep original exterior siding and reuse existing HVAC equipment.
Step 1 — Determine alteration category and method:
- 4,000 ft² is 40% of 10,000 ft², so the work area is ≤ 50% and the project fits a Level 2 alteration under Chapter 6/Section 603.1. That means use the Work Area Method (Chapters 6–12) or select another permitted method but you must not mix methods.
Step 2 — Apply Chapter 3 requirements:
- Because § 302.2 requires compliance with other California codes, the owner must verify the HVAC meets the current California Mechanical Code and any required energy upgrades before reuse. If the HVAC conflicts with CEBC requirements, CEBC controls. § 302.2.
- Because § 302.3 allows existing materials to remain if they were code‑compliant when installed, the exterior siding may remain unless the code official deems it unsafe under § 302.1. If the code official identifies a dangerous condition (e.g., hazardous material or structural failure), elimination or upgrade will be required per § 302.1.
Step 3 — Practical outcome:
- If siding is intact and not unsafe, it can remain (no mandatory full replacement). If HVAC lacks required energy efficiency or creates a hazard, the owner must upgrade or replace to comply with the relevant California codes — and any conflict deferentially resolves to CEBC language where specified. § 302.2, § 302.3, § 302.1.
Related provisions (quick list)
- § 301.1 — Applicability and that Sections 302–309 apply to all work.
- § 301.3 — Choice of compliance methods (Prescriptive, Work Area, Performance) and that they are not to be combined.
- § 302.1 — Dangerous conditions (authority to require elimination).
- § 302.2 — Additional California codes and precedence rule.
- § 302.2.1 — Additional codes in health care (NFPA 99).
- § 302.3 — Existing materials may remain unless unsafe.
- § 302.4 — New and replacement materials follow new‑construction code requirements.
- Sections 302–309 — Other Chapter 3 provisions that apply across methods (storm shelters, loads, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide, exterior walls).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
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Chapter 3 Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3 guides the use of the three compliance methods of the CEBC and provides requirements that apply globally. The globally applicable requirement include general requirements related to buildings materials and other applicable codes, storm shelters, structural loads, in-situ load tests, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection and exterior wall coverings.
Chapter 3A Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 4 Repairs.
Chapter 4, a chapter independent of the three compliance methods, governs the repair of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
Chapter 4A Repairs.
Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5 provides one of the three main options of compliance available in the CEBC for buildings and structures undergoing alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The base requirements are more administrative in nature. The structural triggers for upgrades are consistent with the Work Area Method.
Chapter 5A Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5A provides details for the prescriptive compliance method for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing build- ings and structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 6 Classification of Work.
Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method and defines the different classifications of work including alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in subsequent Chapters 7 through 11.
Chapter 7 Alterations—Level 1.
Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by only involving replacement of building components with new components with no reconfiguration of space.
Chapter 8 Alterations—Level 2.
A Level 2 alteration is an alteration involving space reconfiguration that could be up to and including 50 percent of the area of the building or addition of a new building system. Level 2 alterations also include the extension or addition of any system or equipment. The purpose of Chapter 8 is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, means of egress, fire protection, structural systems, energy efficiency, and other building systems include electrical, mechanical and plumbing when a building is being altered.
Chapter 9 Alterations—Level 3.
CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECTS 1, 2 Administrative Requirements and Definitions 3 Provisions for all Compliance Methods 4 Repairs 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 6–11 Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 13 Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 14 Relocated Buildings 15 Construction Safeguards 16 Referenced Standards Appendix A Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings Appendix C Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix D Board of Appeals Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS
The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:
CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 15 Chapter 33 Construction safeguards Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
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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).
CEBC § 309.2.1 High relevance — show source text
2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |309.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |310 – 311|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |312|||||||||||X|||||||||||||| |313 – 316|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |317 – 322|X|||||||X|X|||||||||||||||| |323||||||||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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User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 3 explains the three compliance options for alterations and additions available in the code. In addition, this chapter also lays out the methods to be used for seismic design and evaluation throughout this code. Finally, this chapter clarifies that provisions in other I-Codes related to repairs, alterations, additions, relocation and changes of occupancy must also be addressed unless they conflict with this code. In that case, this code takes precedence.
SECTION 301—ADMINISTRATION
301.1 Applicability. The repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing buildings shall comply with Section 301.2, 301.3 or 301.4. The provisions of Sections 302 through 309 shall apply to all alterations, repairs, additions, relocation of structures and changes of occupancy regardless of compliance method. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Section 301.4 not permitted by OSHPD.
Exceptions: 1. Existing state-owned structures. [BSC] The repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of Sections 317 through 322 as the minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing state-owned structures, including buildings owned by the University of California, the California State University or the Judicial Council. The provisions of Sections 317 through 322 may be adopted by a local jurisdiction for earthquake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing buildings. 2. Public school buildings [DSA-SS] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as public school buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety (DSA-SS, refer to Section 1.9.2.1) where required by Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code. The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing public school buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS. 3. _**Community college buildings.
CEBC § 3-3 High relevance — show source text
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members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code . This exception shall not apply to the following:
Alterations for accessibility required by the California Building Code, Chapter 11A.
Alterations that constitute substantial improvement in flood hazard areas, which shall comply with Sections 503.2, 701.3 or 1303.1.3.
Structural provisions of Section 304, Chapter 5 or to the structural provisions of Sections 706, 805 and 906.
301.3.1 Prescriptive compliance. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 of this code in buildings complying with the California Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Exception: Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Refer to Chapter 3A for services, systems and utilities that serve OSHPD 1 buildings.
301.3.2 Work area compliance method. A lterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with the applicable requirements of Chapters 6 through 12 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
301.3.3 Performance compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 13 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Note: [HCD 1 & HCD 2] The provisions contained in Chapter 13 are not adopted by HCD, but may be available for adoption by a local ordinance. (See Section 1.1.11.)
301.4 Relocated or moved buildings. Relocated or moved buildings shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 14.
SECTION 302—GENERAL PROVISIONS
302.1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302.1.1 Dangerous conditions. [BSC] Regardless of the extent of structural or nonstructural damage, the code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302.2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in this code and the California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Residential Code and California Electrical Code . Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall take precedence.
CEBC § 2.1 High 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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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 § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
**_ The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Functional service spaces shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227 and 1228.
301.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
301.2 Repairs. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4.
301.3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The alteration, addition or change of occupancy of all existing buildings shall comply with one of the methods listed in Section 301.3.1, 301.3.2 or 301.3.3 as selected by the applicant. Sections 301.3.1 through 301.3.3 shall not be applied in combination with each other. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Sections 301.3.2 and 301.3.3, not adopted by OSHPD.
Exception: Subject to the approval of the code official, alterations complying with the laws in existence at the time the building or the affected portion of the building was built shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code. New structural
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members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code . This exception shall not apply to the following:
Alterations for accessibility required by the California Building Code, Chapter 11A.
Alterations that constitute substantial improvement in flood hazard areas, which shall comply with Sections 503.2, 701.3 or 1303.1.3.
Structural provisions of Section 304, Chapter 5 or to the structural provisions of Sections 706, 805 and 906.
301.3.1 Prescriptive compliance. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 of this code in buildings complying with the California Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Exception: Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Refer to Chapter 3A for services, systems and utilities that serve OSHPD 1 buildings.
CEBC § 3A-3 High relevance — show source text
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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 .
302A.6 Maintenance. Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safe- guards which are required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which they were installed. The owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings and structures. To determine compliance with this subsection, the building official shall have the authority to require a building or structure to be re-inspected. The requirements of this chapter shall not provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures.
302A.7 Construction documents for retrofit or rehabilitation. The design loads and other information pertinent to the structural design required by California Building Code Section 1603A shall be included in the drawings. In addition to the information required by California Building Code Section 1603A.1.5, the drawings shall show the ground motion hazard used for the retrofit or rehabilitation as either a percentage of the California Building Code prescribed ground motion for new hospital buildings, or ASCE 41 seismic hazard designation, or a probability of exceedance in a specified time period, or a return period for exceedance of the specified ground motion.
SECTION 303 A — RESERVED
SECTION 304 A —STRUCTURAL DESIGN LOADS AND EVALUATION AND DESIGN PROCEDURES
CEBC § 301.3.1 High relevance — show source text
1 – 301.3.1|||X||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |301.1||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |301.1_Exception 1_|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |301.1_Exception 2_||||||||X||||||||||||||||| |301.1_Exception 3_|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |301.1_Exception 4_||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |301.1_Exception 5_|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |301.1.1|X|||||||X|X|||||||||||||||| |301.3||||X|X|X|||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |301.3.1_Exception_|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |301.3.2|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |301.3.3||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |301.4||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |302|||X||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |302.1.1|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |302.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |302.4||||X||||||||||||||||||||| |302.5|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |304||||X|X||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |304.1|X|||||||X|X|||||||||||||||| |304.2|X|||||||X|X|||||||||||||||| |305|X|||||||X|X||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |307 – 308|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |308.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |309.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |310 – 311|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |312|||||||||||X|||||||||||||| |313 – 316|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |317 – 322|X|||||||X|X|||||||||||||||| |323||||||||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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User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 3 explains the three compliance options for alterations and additions available in the code. In addition, this chapter also lays out the methods to be used for seismic design and evaluation throughout this code. Finally, this chapter clarifies that provisions in other I-Codes related to repairs, alterations, additions, relocation and changes of occupancy must also be addressed unless they conflict with this code. In that case, this code takes precedence.
SECTION 301—ADMINISTRATION
CEBC § 317.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing public buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS.
317.1.2.1 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 or 22 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
317.1.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as community college buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC], refer to Section 1.9.2.2.
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing community college buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS/CC.
317.1.3.1 Reference to other chapters. For community colleges, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 17 or 18 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 17A and 18A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
317.2 Scope. All alterations, structurally connected additions and/or repairs to existing structures or portions thereof shall, at a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this section. The structural system shall be evaluated by a registered design professional and, if not meeting or exceeding the minimum seismic design performance requirements of this section, shall be retrofitted in compliance with these requirements.
Exception: Those structures for which Section 317.3 determines that assessment is not required, or for which Section 317.4 determines that retrofit is not needed, then only the requirements of Section 317.11 apply.
317.3 Applicability.
317.3.1 Existing state-owned buildings. [BSC, DSA-SS] For existing state-owned structures including all buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University, the requirements of Section 317 apply whenever the structure is to be retrofitted, repaired or modified and any of the following apply: 1. Total construction cost, not including cost of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or normal maintenance, for the building exceeds 25 percent of the construction cost for the replacement of the existing building. The changes are cumulative for past modifications to the building that occurred after adoption of the 1995 California Building Code and did not require seismic retrofit.
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
CEBC § 101.3 High relevance — show source text
[A] 101.3 Purpose. The intent of this code is to provide flexibility to permit the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, property protection and general welfare insofar as they are affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings.
[A] 101.4 Applicability. This code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings, regardless of occupancy, subject to the criteria of Sections 101.4.1 and 101.4.2.
[A] 101.4.1 Buildings not previously occupied. A building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose, in accordance with the laws in existence at the time of its completion, shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of the laws in existence at the time of its original permit unless such permit has expired. Subsequent permits shall comply with the California Building Code or California Residential Code, as applicable, for new construction.
[A] 101.4.2 Buildings previously occupied. The legal occupancy of any building existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code, the California Fire Code, or the Inter- national Property Maintenance Code, or as is deemed necessary by the code official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
[A] 101.5 Safeguards during construction. Construction work covered in this code, including any related demolition, shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15.
[A] 101.6 Correction of violations of other codes. Repairs or alterations mandated by any property, housing or fire safety maintenance code, or mandated by any licensing rule or ordinance adopted pursuant to law, shall conform only to the requirements of that code, rule or ordinance, and shall not be required to conform to this code unless the code requiring such repair or alteration so provides.
101.7 Maintenance. [BSC, DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC, HCD 1, HCD 2] Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards which are required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings and structures. The requirements of this chapter shall not provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures.
[BSC, HCD 1, HCD 2] To determine compliance with this subsection, the building official shall have the authority to require a building or structure to be re-inspected.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 1-21
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 102—APPLICABILITY
[A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
[A] 102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.
CEBC § 1-31 High relevance — show source text
114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
115 Unsafe Structures and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
116 Emergency Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
117 Demolition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
202 General Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
CHAPTER 3 PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE
METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
301 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
302 General Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
303 Storm Shelters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
304 Structural Design Loads and Evaluation and Design Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
305 In-Situ Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
306 Accessibility for Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
307 Smoke Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
308 Carbon Monoxide Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
309 Additions and Replacements of Exterior Wall Coverings and Exterior Wall Envelopes . . . . . . . . . 3-7
310 [OSHPD 1R, 2 and 5] Services/Systems and Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
311 [OSHPD 1R, 2 and 5] Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
CEBC § 304A.3.5.17 High relevance — show source text
Scope: For buildings located in Seismic Design Category F, verification of the interstory lateral displacements, the strength adequacy of the seismic force-resisting system and anchorage to the foundation shall be accomplished using the Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure.
304A.3.5.17 ASCE 41-13 Chapter 15 and 16. Not permitted by OSHPD.
304A.3.6 Modifications to ASCE 41-23. The text of ASCE 41-23 shall be modified as indicated in Sections 304A.3.6.1 through 304A.3.6.9.
304A.3.6.1 ASCE 41-23 Section 2.1. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 2.1 with the following:
Seismic evaluations shall be performed for performance objective specified in Section 304A.3.4 of this code (CEBC) using proce- dure of this standard (ASCE 41-23) as follows:
1. Structural components shall be evaluated in accordance with Tier 3 systematic evaluations procedure in Chapter 6.
2. Nonstructural components shall be evaluated in accordance with Chapter 13.
Exception: For general acute care hospitals, seismic evaluation shall be permitted to be in accordance with Chapter 6 of the California Administrative Code (CAC) when required by provisions of that chapter.
304A.3.6.2 ASCE 41-23 Section 6.2. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 6.2 with the following:
Data Collection Requirements. The extent of data collection shall be at Comprehensive level for all structures, including struc- tures upgraded to SPC-4D. A testing program for materials properties shall be approved by the enforcement agent prior to commencement of material testing work. Previously approved material test results shall be permitted to be used to satisfy part of the comprehensive data collection requirements.
3A-8 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
Tension testing of reinforcing bars shall be in accordance with ASTM A615. All test specimens shall be the full section of the bar as rolled (8-in. gage length) and shall not be reduced.
At test sample locations, structural members, slabs and walls shall be repaired to a state that is equivalent to their original condition.
For buildings built under an OSHPD permit based on the 1976 or later edition of the CBC, where materials properties are shown on design drawings and original materials test data are available, no materials testing shall be required when approved by the enforcement agent.
304A.3.6.3 ASCE 41-23 Section 7.2.9.1. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 7.2.9.1 with the following:
For the evaluation of one-story light-framed walls with or without hold-downs, ASCE 41-23 Equation 7-6 is permitted to be used. If Equation 7-6 is satisfied, no further evaluation or retrofit of the existing hold-down, if any, is required. If Equation 7-6 is not _satisfied, hold-down shall be provided or retrofitted using ASCE 41-23 Equations 7-39 and 7-40.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides whether a condition is “dangerous” and what happens next?
The code official has the authority to determine and require elimination of dangerous conditions under § 302.1. If a condition is declared dangerous, the official can require repairs, removal, or other actions necessary to eliminate the hazard.
Can I keep historic materials during an alteration?
Yes — existing materials installed under earlier codes may remain unless the code official finds them unsafe (see § 302.3). If unsafe, they must be repaired or replaced consistent with CEBC requirements.
Do I still need to comply with the California Fire Code and Energy Code?
Yes. § 302.2 requires that alterations/repairs/additions/changes/relocations comply with the California Energy Code, Fire Code, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential and Electrical Codes; where conflicts exist, CEBC controls.
Can I mix the Prescriptive and Work Area compliance methods to avoid certain upgrades?
No — the applicant must select one method per § 301.3, and Sections 301.3.1–3 are not to be combined.
Are there special additional rules for hospitals or Group I‑2 facilities?
Yes — CEBC adds health‑care specific requirements, including NFPA 99 for certain Group I‑2 occupancies under § 302.2.1, and Chapter 3A contains additional healthcare provisions.
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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