CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Applicability and evaluation procedures for the performance method
If you choose the CEBC Performance Method (Chapter 13) for an addition, alteration or occupancy change, you must investigate and score the existing building (or the separated portion for partial changes), submit the investigation/analysis and proposed fixes, and get the code official’s acceptance; fire, maintenance and flood rules still apply.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
The Performance Compliance Method applies when work (additions, alterations or change of occupancy) is done on existing buildings and the owner/designer chooses to evaluate the project by scoring the building’s existing conditions and proposed work rather than applying the full prescriptive or work-area methods. The basic applicability rule is in § 1302.1 and the partial‑change (separated portion) rule is in § 1302.1.2. The building, or the separated portion, must be investigated, evaluated and submitted for acceptance by the code official under the acceptance rules in § 1303.
The Performance Method is an alternative path: when you pick it you must investigate and score the existing building (or the separated portion for partial changes), submit the evaluation, and obtain the code official’s acceptance before proceeding.
Requirements in detail
Which buildings / occupancies are in scope
- The Performance Method applies to existing buildings undergoing additions, alterations or change of occupancy. See § 1302.1.
- It explicitly applies to occupancies continuing to be or proposed to be in Groups A, B, E, F, I‑2, M, R and S and to Group U when undergoing a change or partial change with separation. Groups H, I‑1, I‑3 and I‑4 are excluded from these provisions. See § 1302.1.
Partial change in occupancy — what is evaluated
- Where only a portion of a building changes occupancy and that portion is separated by an approved fire barrier or horizontal assembly with the fire‑resistance rating required by IBC Table 508.4 or IRC Section R302 (or an approved alternative), only the separated portion is required to be evaluated under Chapter 13. See § 1302.1.2.
Acceptance, hazards and other required code compliance
- Compliance with the Performance Method is accepted by the code official when the project follows the Chapter 13 procedures and the code official determines the building meets the acceptance requirements in § 1303.1. Hazards found must be abated per Section 115. Buildings evaluated under Chapter 13 must still comply with the International Fire Code and International Property Maintenance Code; additional flood provisions apply where the work is a substantial improvement. See § 1303.1, § 1303.1.1, § 1303.1.2, and § 1303.1.3.
Investigation and structural analysis
- The owner must have the existing building investigated and evaluated per § 1304.1. A structural analysis is required to show the building with the proposed work can resist the loads specified in Chapter 16 of the IBC (i.e., demonstrate structural adequacy for the proposed work). The investigation results and proposed compliance alternatives are submitted to the code official. See § 1304.1, § 1304.1.1 and § 1304.1.2.
Evaluation / scoring and acceptance pathway
- The evaluation uses the Chapter 13 scoring/evaluation system (fire safety, means of egress, general safety) described in § 1305 and subsequent sections; the code official determines compliance based on that evaluation per § 1304.1.3 and § 1303.1. See § 1305 and § 1304.1.3.
Quick reference table — decision‑relevant dimensions
| Decision dimension | Values / threshold | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability — building types included | Existing buildings with additions, alterations or occupancy changes; Groups A, B, E, F, I‑2, M, R, S; selected Group U partial changes | § 1302.1 |
| Applicability — occupancies excluded | Groups H, I‑1, I‑3, I‑4 (not covered by §1302.1) | § 1302.1 |
| Partial change evaluation | If portion is separated by required fire barrier/horizontal assembly, evaluate only that separated portion | § 1302.1.2 |
| Acceptance by authority | Code official accepts compliance when Chapter 13 evaluation demonstrates conformance; unsafe conditions abated per Sec. 115 | § 1303.1, § 1303.1.1 |
| Other code compliance required | Must comply with International Fire Code & International Property Maintenance Code; flood rules if substantial improvement | § 1303.1.2, § 1303.1.3 |
| Investigation required | Owner must cause investigation/evaluation; structural analysis required to demonstrate Chapter 16 loads resisted | § 1304.1, § 1304.1.1 |
| Submittal / determination | Results and proposed compliance alternatives submitted; code official determines compliance using evaluation process | § 1304.1.2, § 1304.1.3 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Partial‑change exception: only the separated portion is evaluated when separation meets the required fire‑resistance rating or approved alternative — § 1302.1.2. Do not evaluate the whole building if the separation is proper.
- Flood hazard: in flood hazard areas, if the Chapter 13 work is a substantial improvement, the project must comply with IBC Section 1612 (or IRC R306); a connected horizontal addition that is not a substantial improvement may be exempt where it does not create or extend a nonconformity and the addition’s lowest floor meets the stated elevations — § 1303.1.3.
- Code officials retain authority: the code official may require abatement of unsafe conditions (Section 115) even when Chapter 13 procedures are used — § 1303.1.1.
Common mistakes
- Treating excluded occupancies as eligible: mistakenly applying Chapter 13 to Group H or certain Institutional groups — § 1302.1 expressly excludes those groups.
- Failing to separate partial changes correctly: not providing the required fire‑rated barrier or using an unapproved alternative and then evaluating only the separated portion anyway — see § 1302.1.2.
- Assuming Performance Method removes other code obligations: fire code, property maintenance, flood rules still apply under § 1303.1.2 and § 1303.1.3.
- Skipping the structural analysis: omitting the required structural analysis demonstrating the completed building resists Chapter 16 loads (required by § 1304.1.1).
- Incomplete submittals: not submitting the investigation/evaluation and proposed compliance alternatives to the code official as required by § 1304.1.2.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A 2,000 ft² single‑story retail building (Group M) will convert a separated 600 ft² rear area to office use (Group B) and the owner wants to use the Performance Method.
- Confirm applicability:
- The project is an existing building with a change of occupancy to a Group covered under Chapter 13 (Groups M and B are within scope), so § 1302.1 applies.
- Check separation:
- The 600 ft² office area will be separated from the retail area by a fire barrier with the fire‑resistance rating required by IBC Table 508.4; therefore only the separated 600 ft² portion needs evaluation under Chapter 13 per § 1302.1.2.
- Investigation and structural analysis:
- Owner hires a registered design professional to perform the required investigation and a structural analysis demonstrating that the 600 ft² portion (as modified) resists loads per Chapter 16 of the IBC; the analysis and investigation report are prepared per § 1304.1 and § 1304.1.1.
- Scoring/evaluation:
- The design professional evaluates the separated area using the Chapter 13 scoring categories (fire safety, means of egress, general safety) in § 1305 and documents any required upgrades or acceptance justification.
- Submittal and acceptance:
- The owner submits the investigation, analysis and proposed compliance alternatives to the code official as required by § 1304.1.2. If the code official accepts the Chapter 13 evaluation (and any unsafe conditions are abated per § 1303.1.1), the project is accepted under § 1303.1 and can proceed.
Note: the numeric areas (2,000 ft² & 600 ft²) are example numbers to illustrate the steps; Chapter 13 prescribes the procedural requirements (investigate, evaluate, submit, accept) rather than numeric area thresholds for applicability.
Related provisions (CEBC)
- § 1304 — Investigation and evaluation (structural analysis and submittal requirements).
- § 1305 — Scoring and evaluation (fire safety, means of egress, general safety).
- § 1306 — Building score (how scores are compiled—see Chapter 13).
- § 1307 — Evaluation of building safety (how acceptance is judged).
- Section 115 — Abatement of unsafe conditions (referenced by § 1303.1.1).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 4-2 High relevance — show source text
The target displacement shall be calculated from:
Equation 4-2
where:
2 Δ d = C 1 C 2 S A ------4 [T] π [e] - 2
S A = spectral acceleration of the linear-elastic system at vibration period, which is computed from:
Equation 4-3
where:
T e = 2 π ---- [m] k e
m = seismic mass as defined in Section 3104F.2.3
k e = effective elastic lateral stiffness from idealized pushover
C 1 = modification factor to relate maximum inelastic displacement to displacement calculated for linear elastic response. For period less than 0.2 s, C 1 need not be taken greater than the value at T e = 0.2 s. For period greater than 1.0 s, C 1 = 1.0. For all other periods:
Equation 4-4
where:
C 1 = 1 + μ ------------------------- strength aT e2 – 1
a = Site class factor
= 130 for Site Class A or B,
= 90 for Site Class C, and
= 60 for Site Class D, E or F.
μ strength = ratio of elastic strength demand to yield strength coefficient calculated in accordance with Equation (4-6). The Coefficient Method is not applicable where μ strength exceeds μ max computed from Equation (4-7). μ strength shall not be taken as less than 1.0.
C 2 = modification factor to represent the effects of pinched hysteresis shape, cyclic stiffness degradation and strength deterioration on the maximum displacement response. For periods greater than 0.7s, C 2 = 1.0. For all other periods:
Equation 4-5
C 2 = 1 + --------8001 [μ] ------------------------- [strength] T e – 1 2
The strength ratio μ strength shall be computed from:
Equation 4-6
where:
μ strength = mS--------F y - A
F y = effective yield strength of the structure in the direction under consideration from the idealized pushover curve. For structures with negative post-yield stiffness, the maximum strength ratio μ max shall be computed from:
Equation 4-7
where:
μ max = Δ ----- d +
------ α e-– h Δ y 4Δ d = larger of target displacement or displacement corresponding to the maximum pushover force,
Δ y = displacement at effective yield strength
CEBC § 3.3. High relevance — show source text
BSE-C RESPONSE ACCELERATION PARAMETERS [BSC] are the parameters (S XS and S X1 ) taken from 5-percent/50-year maximum direction spectral response acceleration curves or by a Site Specific Response Spectrum developed in accordance with ASCE 41, Section 2.3.3.
BSE-R RESPONSE ACCELERATION PARAMETERS [BSC] are the parameters (S XS and S X1 ) taken from 20-percent /50-year maximum direction spectral response acceleration curves or by a Site Specific Response Spectrum developed in accordance with ASCE 41, Section 2.3.3.
SECTION 319 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—SEISMIC CRITERIA SELECTION FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
319.1 Basis for evaluation and design. This section determines what technical approach is to be used for the seismic evaluation and design for existing buildings. For those buildings or portions of buildings for which Section 317 requires action, the procedures and limitations for the evaluation of existing buildings and design of retrofit systems and/or repair thereof shall be implemented in accordance with this section.
One of the following approaches must be used: 1. Method A of Section 320;
2. Method B of Section 321, with independent review of a peer reviewer as required in Section 322; or 3. For state-owned buildings only, the use of one of the specific procedures listed in Section 319.1.1.
When Method B is chosen it must be approved by the building official, and, where applicable, by the peer reviewer. All referenced standards in ASCE 41 shall be replaced by referenced standards listed in Chapter 35 of the California Building Code.
Exceptions: 1. [BSC] For buildings constructed to the requirements of California Building Code, 2019 or later edition, as adopted by the governing jurisdiction, that code is permitted to be used in place of those specified in Section 319.1. 2. [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] For the conversion of nonconforming buildings to conforming school buildings in accordance with Section 4-307 of the California Administrative Code, nonconforming buildings constructed to the requirements of California Building Code, 2019 or later edition, that code as it was adopted by the governing jurisdiction is permitted to be used in place of those specified in Section 319.1 provided the building complies with Seismic Design Category D or higher.
319.1.1 Specific procedures. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, the following specific procedures located in Appendix A may be used, without peer review, for their respective types of construction to comply with the seismic performance requirements for Risk Category I, II or III buildings: 1. Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Wall Buildings (Chapter A1). 2. Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Reinforced Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms (Chapter A2).
319.1.2 When a design project is begun under Method B the selection of the peer reviewer is subject to the approval of the building official. Following approval by the peer reviewer, the seismic criteria for the project and the planned evaluation provisions must be approved by the building official. The approved seismic criteria and evaluation provisions shall apply. Upon approval of the building official these are permitted to be modified.
CEBC § 3-20 High relevance — show source text
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
319.12.2 Public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] When Section 319.12 is the basis for structural modifications, the approved design documents must clearly indicate the scope of modifications and the acceptance criteria for the design.
SECTION 320 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—METHOD A
320.1 General. The retrofit design shall employ the Linear Static or Linear Dynamic Procedures of ASCE 41, Section 7.4.1 or 7.4.2, and comply with the applicable general requirements of ASCE 41, Chapters 6 and 7. The earthquake hazard level and performance level given specified in Section 317.5 for the building’s risk category shall be used. Structures shall be designed for seismic forces coming from any horizontal direction.
SECTION 321 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—METHOD B
321.1 The existing or retrofitted structure shall be demonstrated to have the capability to sustain the deformation response due to the specified earthquake ground motions and meet the seismic performance requirements of Section 317. The registered design professional shall provide an evaluation of the response of the existing structure in its modified configuration and condition to the ground motions specified. If the building’s seismic performance is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s) and the enforcement agency concurs, then no further structural retrofit and/or repair of the lateral load-resisting system is required.
When the evaluation indicates the building does not meet the required performance levels given in Table 317.5 for the risk category, then a retrofit and/or repair design shall be prepared that provides a structure that meets these performance objectives and reflects the appropriate consideration of existing conditions. Any approach to analysis and design is permitted to be used, provided that the approach shall be rational, shall be consistent with the established principals of mechanics and shall use the known performance characteristics of materials and assemblages under reversing loads typical of severe earthquake ground motions.
Exception: Further consideration of the structure’s seismic performance may be waived by the enforcement agency if both the registered design professional and peer reviewer(s) conclude that the structural system can be expected to perform at least as well as required by the provisions of this section without completing an analysis of the structure’s compliance with these requirements. A detailed report shall be submitted to the responsible building official that presents the reasons and basis for this conclusion. This report shall be prepared by the registered design professional. The peer reviewer(s) shall concur in this conclusion and affirm to it in writing. The building official shall either approve this decision or require completion of the indicated work specified in this section prior to approval.
321.2 The approach, models, analysis procedures, assumptions on material and system behavior and conclusions shall be peer reviewed in accordance with the requirements of Section 322 and accepted by the peer reviewer(s).
Exceptions: 1. The enforcement agency may perform the work of peer review when qualified staff is available within the jurisdiction. 2. The enforcement agency may modify or waive the requirements for peer review when appropriate.
CEBC § 319.8. High relevance — show source text
unless it can be demonstrated that_ reduced capacity meets the requirements of Section 319.8. 2. The lateral loading to or strength requirement of existing structural components is not increased beyond their capacity. 3. New structural components are detailed and connected to the existing structural components as required by the California Building Code. 4. New or relocated nonstructural components are detailed and connected to existing or new structural components as required by the California Building Code. 5. A dangerous condition is not created.
Use of ASCE 41 Tier 1 and Tier 2 deficiency only retrofit procedures are pre-approved for use where Section 317.3 does not require an
assessment.
319.12.1 State-owned buildings. [BSC] Voluntary modifications to lateral force-resisting systems conducted in accordance with Appendix A of this code and the referenced standards of the California Building Code shall be permitted.
319.12.1.1 Design documents. [BSC] When Section 319.12 is the basis for structural modifications, the approved design documents must clearly state the scope of the seismic modifications and the accepted criteria for the design. The approved design documents must clearly have the phrase “The seismic requirements of the California Existing Building Code have not been checked to determine if these structural modifications meet the full seismic evaluation and strengthening requirements of Sections 317-322: the modifications proposed are to a different seismic performance standard than would be required in Section 319 if they were not voluntary as allowed in Section 319.12.”
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
319.12.2 Public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] When Section 319.12 is the basis for structural modifications, the approved design documents must clearly indicate the scope of modifications and the acceptance criteria for the design.
SECTION 320 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—METHOD A
320.1 General. The retrofit design shall employ the Linear Static or Linear Dynamic Procedures of ASCE 41, Section 7.4.1 or 7.4.2, and comply with the applicable general requirements of ASCE 41, Chapters 6 and 7. The earthquake hazard level and performance level given specified in Section 317.5 for the building’s risk category shall be used. Structures shall be designed for seismic forces coming from any horizontal direction.
SECTION 321 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—METHOD B
321.1 The existing or retrofitted structure shall be demonstrated to have the capability to sustain the deformation response due to the specified earthquake ground motions and meet the seismic performance requirements of Section 317. The registered design professional shall provide an evaluation of the response of the existing structure in its modified configuration and condition to the ground motions specified. If the building’s seismic performance is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s) and the enforcement agency concurs, then no further structural retrofit and/or repair of the lateral load-resisting system is required.
CEBC § 304A.3.5.13 High relevance — show source text
304A.3.5.13 ASCE 41-13 Section 10.7.1.1. Modify ASCE 41-13 Section 10.7.1.1 with the following:
Monolithic Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls and Wall Segments. For nonlinear procedures, shear walls or wall segments with axial loads greater than 0.35 Po shall be included in the model as primary elements with appropriate strength and stiffness degrading properties assigned to those components subject to the approval of the enforcement agent. For linear procedures, the effects of deformation compatibility shall be investigated using moment-curvature section analyses and cyclic testing results of similar components to determine whether strengthening is necessary to maintain the gravity load-carrying capacity of that component.
Horizontal wall segments or spandrels reinforced similar to vertical wall segments or piers shall be classified as wall segments, not shear wall coupling beams, in Tables 10-19 through 10-22.
304A.3.5.14 ASCE 41-13 Section 10.12.3 Modify ASCE 41-13 Section 10.12.3 as follows:
Exception: Component actions that are deformation controlled are permitted to use their expected strengths for the accep- tance criteria.
304A.3.5.15 ASCE 41-13 Section 11.1. Modify ASCE 41-13 Section 11.1 by the following:
Scope: Unreinforced masonry walls (including unreinforced infill walls) and partitions are not permitted for General Acute Care (GAC) hospital buildings.
304A.3.5.16 ASCE 41-13 Section 14.1. Modify ASCE 41-13 Section 14.1 by the following:
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:
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.
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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.
CEBC § 1.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
- Performance. This heading is subdivided into two columns. The column labeled “Load” will either list the load that the building element was subjected to during the fire test or it will contain a note number which will list the load and any other significant details. If the building element was not subjected to a load during the test, this column will contain “n/a,” which means “not applicable.”
The second column under performance is labeled “Time” and denotes the actual fire endurance time observed in the fire test.
- Reference Number. This heading is subdivided into three columns: Pre-BMS-92; BMS-92; and Post-BMS-92. The table entry under this column is the number in the Bibliography of the original source reference for the test data.
- Notes. Notes are provided at the end of each table to allow a more detailed explanation of certain aspects of the test. In certain tables the notes given to this column have also been listed under the “Construction Details” and/or “Load” columns.
- Rec. Hours. This column lists the recommended fire endurance rating, in hours, of a building element. In some cases, the recommended fire endurance will be less than that listed under the “Time” column. In no case is the “Rec. Hours” greater than given in the “Time” column.
EXAMPLE ENTRY Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 Col8 Col9 Col10 ITEM
CODETHICKNESS CONSTRUCTION DETAILS PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE REFERENCE NUMBER REFERENCE NUMBER REFERENCE NUMBER NOTES REC.
HOURSITEM
CODETHICKNESS CONSTRUCTION DETAILS LOAD TIME PRE-
BMS-92BMS-92 POST-
BMS-92POST-
BMS-92POST-
BMS-92W-4-
M-5045/8″ Core: structural clay tile, see Notes 12,
16, 21; facings on unexposed side
only, see Note 18.N/A 25 min 1 3, 4, 24 1/3 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE RESOURCE A-19
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RESOURCE A—GUIDELINES ON FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES
SECTION I—WALLS
FIGURE 1.1.1
MASONRY WALLS 0 ″ TO LESS THAN 4 ″ THICK
10
5
0
CEBC § 8-706 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 8-706 — LATERAL LOAD REGULATIONS
8-706.1 Seismic forces. Strength-level seismic forces used to evaluate the structure for resistance to seismic loads shall be based on the R -values tabulated in the regular code for similar lateral-force-resisting systems including consideration of the structural detailing of the members where such R -values exist. Where such R -values do not exist, an appropriate R -value shall be rationally assigned considering the structural detailing of the members.
Exceptions:
- The forces need not exceed 0.75 times the seismic forces prescribed by the regular code requirements.
- For Risk Category I, II or III structures, near-fault increases in ground motion (maximum considered earthquake ground motion of 0.2 second spectral response greater than 150 percent at 5 percent damping) need not be considered when the fundamental period of the building is 0.5 seconds in the direction under consideration.
- For Risk Category I or II structures, the seismic base shear need not exceed 0.30W.
- For Risk Category III or IV structures, the seismic base shear need not exceed 0.40W.
8-706.1.1 When a building is to be strengthened with the addition of a new lateral force resisting system, the R -value of the new system can be used when the new lateral force resisting system resists at least 75 percent of the building’s base shear regardless of its relative rigidity.
8-706.1.2 Evaluation and seismic improvement of unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings shall comply with the California Existing Building Code (CEBC), Appendix Chapter A1 2013 Edition, and as modified by the CHBC.
Exceptions:
- Alternative standards may be used on a case-by-case basis when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. It shall be permitted to exceed the strength limitation of 100 psi in Section A108.2 of the CEBC when test data and building configuration supports higher values subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
- CEBC Section A102.2 shall not apply to Qualified Historical Buildings in Risk Category III buildings and other structures whose primary occupancies are public assembly with an occupancy load greater than 300.
8-706.1.3 All deviations from the detailing provisions of the lateral-force-resisting systems shall be evaluated for stability and the ability to maintain load-carrying capacity at the expected inelastic deformations.
8-706.2 Existing building performance. The seismic resistance may be based upon the ultimate capacity of the structure to perform, giving due consideration to ductility and reserve strength of the lateral-force-resisting system and materials while maintaining a reasonable factor of safety. Broad judgment may be exercised regarding the strength and performance of materials not recognized by regular code requirements. (See Chapter 8-8, Archaic Materials and Methods of Construction.)
8-706.2.1 All structural materials or members that do not comply with detailing and proportioning requirements of the regular code shall be evaluated for potential seismic performance and the consequence of non-compliance. All members that would be reasonably expected to fail and lead to collapse or life threatening injury when subjected to seismic demands shall be judged unacceptable, and appropriate structural strengthening shall be developed.
8-706.3 Load path. A complete and continuous load path, including connections, from every part or portion of the structure to the ground shall be provided for the required forces. It shall be verified that the structure is adequately tied together to perform as a unit when subjected to earthquake forces.
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 § 1.10.1 Medium 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 § 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 § 8-706.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
- Alternative standards may be used on a case-by-case basis when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. It shall be permitted to exceed the strength limitation of 100 psi in Section A108.2 of the CEBC when test data and building configuration supports higher values subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
- CEBC Section A102.2 shall not apply to Qualified Historical Buildings in Risk Category III buildings and other structures whose primary occupancies are public assembly with an occupancy load greater than 300.
8-706.1.3 All deviations from the detailing provisions of the lateral-force-resisting systems shall be evaluated for stability and the ability to maintain load-carrying capacity at the expected inelastic deformations.
8-706.2 Existing building performance. The seismic resistance may be based upon the ultimate capacity of the structure to perform, giving due consideration to ductility and reserve strength of the lateral-force-resisting system and materials while maintaining a reasonable factor of safety. Broad judgment may be exercised regarding the strength and performance of materials not recognized by regular code requirements. (See Chapter 8-8, Archaic Materials and Methods of Construction.)
8-706.2.1 All structural materials or members that do not comply with detailing and proportioning requirements of the regular code shall be evaluated for potential seismic performance and the consequence of non-compliance. All members that would be reasonably expected to fail and lead to collapse or life threatening injury when subjected to seismic demands shall be judged unacceptable, and appropriate structural strengthening shall be developed.
8-706.3 Load path. A complete and continuous load path, including connections, from every part or portion of the structure to the ground shall be provided for the required forces. It shall be verified that the structure is adequately tied together to perform as a unit when subjected to earthquake forces.
8-706.4 Parapets. Parapets and exterior decoration shall be investigated for conformance with regular code requirements for anchorage and ability to resist prescribed seismic forces.
An exception to regular code requirements shall be permitted for those parapets and decorations which are judged not to be a hazard to life safety.
8-706.5 Nonstructural features. Nonstructural features of historical structure, such as exterior veneer, cornices and decorations, which might fall and create a life safety hazard in an earthquake, shall be evaluated. Their ability to resist seismic forces shall be verified, or the feature shall be strengthened with improved anchorage when appropriate.
8-706.5.1 Partitions and ceilings of corridors and stairways serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall be investigated to determine their ability to remain in place when the building is subjected to earthquake forces.
8-706.5.2 Seismic forces used to evaluate and improve nonstructural components and their anchorage, where required, shall comply with ASCE 41 or need not exceed 0.75 times the seismic forces prescribed by the requirements of the regular code.
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8-8 ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 8-801 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
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 § 1303.1 Medium relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS
SECTION 1303—ACCEPTANCE
1303.1 General. For repairs, alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section, compliance with this section shall be accepted by the code official.
1303.1.1 Hazards. Where the code official determines that an unsafe condition exists as provided for in Section 115, such unsafe condition shall be abated in accordance with Section 115.
1303.1.2 Compliance with other codes. Buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section shall comply with the Inter- national Fire Code and International Property Maintenance Code .
[BS] 1303.1.3 Compliance with flood hazard provisions. In flood hazard areas, buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section shall comply with Section 1612 of the International Building Code, or Section R306 of the International Residential Code, as applicable, if the work covered by this section constitutes substantial improvement. If the work covered by this section is a structurally connected horizontal addition that does not constitute substantial improvement, the addition is not required to comply with the flood design requirements for new construction, provided that both of the following apply.
- The addition shall not create or extend any nonconformity of the existing building with the flood-resistant construction requirements.
- The lowest floor of the addition shall be at or above the lower of the lowest floor of the existing building or the lowest floor elevation required in Section 1612 of the International Building Code or Section R306 of the International Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 1304—INVESTIGATION AND EVALUATION
1304.1 General. For proposed work covered by this chapter, the building owner shall cause the existing building to be investigated and evaluated in accordance with the provisions of Sections 1304.1 through 1307.1.
[BS] 1304.1.1 Structural analysis. The owner shall have a structural analysis of the existing building made to determine adequacy of structural systems for the proposed alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The analysis shall demonstrate that the building with the work completed is capable of resisting the loads specified in Chapter 16 of the International Building Code .
1304.1.2 Submittal. The results of the investigation and evaluation as required in Section 1304.1, along with proposed compliance alternatives, shall be submitted to the code official.
1304.1.3 Determination of compliance. The code official shall determine whether the existing building, with the proposed addition, alteration or change of occupancy, complies with the provisions of this section in accordance with the evaluation process in Sections 1305.1 through 1307.1.
SECTION 1305—SCORING AND EVALUATION
1305.1 Safety categories. The evaluation shall be composed of three categories: fire safety, means of egress and general safety, as defined in Sections 1305.1.1 through 1305.1.3.
1305.1.1 Fire safety. Included within the fire safety category are the structural fire resistance, automatic fire detection, fire alarm, automatic sprinkler system and fire suppression system features of the facility.
1305.1.2 Means of egress. Included within the means of egress category are the configuration, characteristics and support features for means of egress in the facility.
CBC § 301 Medium relevance — show source text
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.
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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.
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.
CEBC § 104.2.3 Medium relevance — show source text
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MARGINAL MARKINGS
Symbols in the margin indicate the status of code changes as follows:
This symbol indicates that a change has been made to a California amendment.
�
This symbol indicates deletion of California amendment language.
This symbol indicates that a change has been made to International Code Council model language.
This symbol indicates deletion of International Code Council model language.
A single asterisk [*] placed in the margin indicates that text or a table has been relocated within the code. A double asterisk [**] placed in the margin indicates that the text or table immediately following it has been relocated there from elsewhere in the code.
RELOCATION OF TEXT OR TABLES
The following table indicates relocation of sections and tables in the 2024 edition of the IEBC from the 2021 edition.
RELOCATIONS Col2 2024 LOCATION 2021 LOCATION 104.2.3 104.11 104.2.3.5 104.11.2 104.2.3.6 104.11.1 104.2.4 104.10 1041.2.4.1 104.10.1 104.6 104.3 104.7.2 104.4 503.2 503.18 804.4 804.11 804.1 804.9 804.13 804.1 1302 Applicability New 1302.1-1302.1.6 1301.2-1301.2.6 Section 1303 Acceptance New 1303.1-1303.1.3 1301.3-1301.3.3 Section 1304 Investigation and Evaluation New 1304.1-1304.1.3 1301.4-1301.4.3 Section 1305 Scoring and Evaluation New 1305.1-1305.2.21.3 1301.5-1301.6.21.3.1 Section 1306 Building Score New 1306.1-1306.2 1301.7-1301.8 Section 1307 Evaluation of Building Safety New 1307.1-1307.1.1 1301.9-1301.9.1 1503.1 1501.7 1504.1 1501.6 1504.1.1 1501.6.1 1504.1.2 1501.6.2 1504.1.3 1501.6.3 1504.1.4 1501.6.4 1504.1.4.1 1501.6.4.1 1504.1.5 1501.6.5 1504.1.6 1501.6.6 1504.1.7 1501.6. 1505 1502 1506 1503 1507 1504 1508 1505 1509 1506 1510 1507 1511 508 1512 1509 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE ix
CEBC § 170.2 Medium relevance — show source text
The rated energy capacity shall be not less than the Minimum Rated Useable Energy Capacity determined by Equation 170.2-E, or by Equation 170.2-F if SARA was used to determine the PV capacity in Section 170.2-D, and the rated power capacity shall be not less than the Minimum Power Capacity determined by Equation 170.2-G. In mixed occupancy buildings, the total battery system capacity for the building shall be determined by applying the Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity to each of the listed building types and summing the capacities determined for each.
EQUATION 170.2-E—BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED USABLE ENERGY CAPACITY kWh batt = k((CFA × B)/(1000 × C [0.5] ))
— EQUATION 170.2-F BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED USABLE ENERGY CAPACITY, SARA-ADJUSTED kWh batt = k((CFA × B)/(1000 × C [0.5] )) × (kWP Vdc,SARA /kWP Vdc )
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MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES
where:
kWh batt = Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity of the BESS in kWh.
kW PVdc = Minimum Rated PV System Capacity in kW from Equation 170.2D. kW PVdc, SARA = Minimum Rated PV System Capacity in kW from the SARA calculation. CFA = Conditioned floor area that is subject to the PV system requirements of Section 170.2(g) in square feet.
B = BESS Capacity Factor in Wh/square foot as specified in Table 170.2-V for the building type.
C = Rated single charge-discharge cycle AC to AC (round-trip) efficiency of the BESS.
EQUATION 170.2-G—BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED POWER CAPACITY
kW batt = kW batt /4
where:
kW batt = Minimum Rated Power Capacity of the BESS in kW dc .
kWh batt = Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity of the BESS in kWh.
Exception 1 to Section 170.2(h): No BESS is required if the installed PV system capacity is less than 15 percent of the capacity determined by Equation 170.2-D.
Exception 2 to Section 170.2(h): No BESS is required in buildings with BESS requirements with less than 10 kWh minimum rated usable energy capacity.
|TABLE 170.
CEBC § 8-804 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 8-804 — ALLOWABLE CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC MATERIALS
Archaic materials which exist and are to remain in qualified historical buildings or structures shall be evaluated for their condition and for loads required by this code. The structural survey required in Section 8-703 of the CHBC shall document existing conditions, reinforcement, anchorage, deterioration and other factors pertinent to establishing allowable stresses, strength levels and adequacy of the archaic materials. The remaining portion of this chapter provides additional specific requirements for commonly encountered archaic materials.
SECTION 8-805 — MASONRY
For adobe, see Section 8-806.
8-805.1 Existing solid masonry. Existing solid masonry walls of any type, except adobe, may be allowed, without testing, a maximum ultimate strength of 9 pounds per square inch (62.1 kPa) in shear where there is a qualifying statement by the architect or engineer that an inspection has been made, that mortar joints are filled and that both brick and mortar are reasonably good. The shear stress above applies to unreinforced masonry, except adobe, where the maximum ratio of unsupported height or length to thickness does not exceed 13, and where minimum quality mortar is used or exists. Wall height or length is measured to supporting or resisting elements that are at least twice as stiff as the tributary wall. Stiffness is based on the gross section. Shear stress may be increased by the addition of 10 percent of the axial direct stress due to the weight of the wall directly above. Higher-quality mortar may provide a greater shear value and shall be tested in accordance with Appendix A, Chapter A1 of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) 2010 edition, and as modified by the CHBC.
8-805.2 Stone masonry.
8-805.2.1 Solid-backed stone masonry. Stone masonry solidly backed with brick masonry shall be treated as solid brick masonry as described in Section 8-805.1 and in the 2009 International Existing Building Code [®] (IEBC [®] ), provided representative testing and inspection verifies solid collar joints between stone and brick and that a reasonable number of stones lap with the brick wythes as headers or that steel anchors are present. Solid stone masonry where the wythes of stone effectively overlap to provide the equivalent header courses may also be treated as solid brick masonry.
8-805.2.2 Independent wythe stone masonry. Stone masonry with independent face wythes may be treated as solid brick masonry as described in Section 8-805.1 and the CEBC, provided representative testing and inspection verify that the core is essentially solid in the masonry wall and that steel ties are epoxied in drilled holes between outer stone wythes at floors, roof and not to exceed 4 feet (1219 mm) on center in each direction, between floors and roof. A reinforcing element shall exist or be provided at or near the top of all stone masonry walls.
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ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION
8-805.2.3 Testing of stone masonry. Testing of stone masonry shall be similar to the 2010 CEBC requirements for brick masonry, except that representative stones which are not interlocked shall be pulled outward from the wall and shear area appropriately calculated after the test.
CEBC § 1302.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text
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).
1302.1.6 Plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixtures shall be provided in accordance with Section 1009 for a change of occupancy and Section 808 for alterations. Plumbing fixtures for additions shall be in accordance with the International Plumbing Code .
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PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS
SECTION 1303—ACCEPTANCE
1303.1 General. For repairs, alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section, compliance with this section shall be accepted by the code official.
1303.1.1 Hazards. Where the code official determines that an unsafe condition exists as provided for in Section 115, such unsafe condition shall be abated in accordance with Section 115.
1303.1.2 Compliance with other codes. Buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section shall comply with the Inter- national Fire Code and International Property Maintenance Code .
[BS] 1303.1.3 Compliance with flood hazard provisions. In flood hazard areas, buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section shall comply with Section 1612 of the International Building Code, or Section R306 of the International Residential Code, as applicable, if the work covered by this section constitutes substantial improvement. If the work covered by this section is a structurally connected horizontal addition that does not constitute substantial improvement, the addition is not required to comply with the flood design requirements for new construction, provided that both of the following apply.
- The addition shall not create or extend any nonconformity of the existing building with the flood-resistant construction requirements.
- The lowest floor of the addition shall be at or above the lower of the lowest floor of the existing building or the lowest floor elevation required in Section 1612 of the International Building Code or Section R306 of the International Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 1304—INVESTIGATION AND EVALUATION
Frequently asked questions
Who decides if Chapter 13 is an acceptable method for my project?
The owner/designer may propose Chapter 13, but the code official must accept the evaluation and evidence submitted under § 1303 and § 1304.
If only part of my building changes use, do I have to evaluate the whole building?
No — when the changed portion is separated by the required fire barrier/horizontal assembly, only that separated portion must be evaluated under § 1302.1.2.
Does using the Performance Method waive fire code requirements?
No — buildings evaluated under Chapter 13 must still comply with the International Fire Code and the International Property Maintenance Code per § 1303.1.2.
What must I submit to the code official?
You must submit the investigation and evaluation results plus any proposed compliance alternatives as required by § 1304.1.2; the code official then determines compliance under § 1304.1.3.
If the evaluation finds unsafe conditions, what happens?
Unsafe conditions must be abated in accordance with Section 115; the code official may require corrections before acceptance under § 1303.1.1.
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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