CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Prescriptive method — scope and when Chapter 5 applies
If you choose the Prescriptive Compliance Method, Chapter 5 is the rulebook for alterations, additions and occupancy changes to existing buildings in California, but check the exceptions for historic buildings, relocated buildings, and state‑owned or OSHPD‑regulated structures; see **§ 501.1**, **§ 501.1.1** and **§ 501.1.2**.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
Chapter 5 is the Prescriptive Compliance Method that governs alterations, additions and changes of occupancy for existing buildings and structures (including some historic buildings), unless an exception applies. See § 501.1 for the general scope. The code also says you may choose Chapter 5 or one of the other compliance options identified in Section § 501.1.1 and § 301.3. For existing state‑owned structures certain seismic retrofit requirements are set out separately in § 501.1.2.
The single most important rule: If you elect the prescriptive path, Chapter 5 is the chapter that controls the required upgrades for alterations, additions and change of occupancy for existing buildings, subject to the exceptions listed in the same section.
Requirements in detail
Scope (what Chapter 5 covers)
- Chapter 5 controls the work for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures. § 501.1 is the controlling provision.
- Historic buildings have a special note: they are referenced to Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. as the applicable compliance path cited in § 501.1.
- Existing state‑owned structures (including UC, CSU and Judicial Council buildings) are subject to additional seismic retrofit minimums set out in § 501.1.2 (Sections 317–322).
Choice of compliance method
- Work may be performed under the Prescriptive Compliance Method (Chapter 5) or under one of the other methods cited by the code; § 501.1.1 states that alterations, additions and changes of occupancy shall comply with this chapter or with one of the methods provided in Section 301.3.
Decision matrix — when Chapter 5 applies
| Decision dimension | Values / thresholds | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Type of work | Alteration, Addition, Change of occupancy | § 501.1 |
| Historic buildings | Historic buildings referenced to Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. (special compliance) | § 501.1 |
| State‑owned buildings | Existing state‑owned structures have seismic retrofit rules in Sections 317–322 | § 501.1.2 |
| Alternative compliance allowed? | Yes — may use Chapter 5 or one of the methods in § 301.3 (Work Area or Performance methods) | § 501.1.1; see § 301.3 |
| Explicit exceptions | Relocated/moved buildings, mobilehome park rules, limited-density owner-built rural dwellings (listed exceptions) | § 501.1 (Exceptions) |
What the section does not do (limits)
- Chapter 5 provides prescriptive minimums and is one of the three compliance options; it does not replace repair provisions (Chapter 4) nor does it override other codes (mechanical, plumbing, fire, energy) where those codes apply — see the general coordination in Chapter 3.
Exceptions & special cases
- Relocated or moved buildings and certain mobilehome park structures are carved out in the exceptions to § 501.1 — these are regulated under Title 25 (HCD) and may follow those rules instead. § 501.1 lists these exceptions.
- Historic buildings: while Chapter 5 addresses many existing building actions, historic buildings are directed to comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. per § 501.1. Do not assume full Chapter 5 application without checking Part 8.
- Existing state‑owned structures: seismic retrofit requirements for these buildings are set out in § 501.1.2 (see Sections 317–322 for specifics). If the building is state‑owned, review those sections in addition to Chapter 5.
- OSHPD / hospitals: Chapter 5A exists for prescriptive compliance for certain OSHPD applications; the CEBC contains a separate Chapter 5A scope for those regulated facilities. If the project is an OSHPD application, check Chapter 5A / § 501A.1.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Chapter 5 is mandatory for every project. In reality you may choose Chapter 5 or another method — see § 501.1.1 and § 301.3.
- Treating historic buildings the same as non‑historic; historic work often follows Part 8, Title 24, not the standard Chapter 5 prescriptive items.
- Forgetting state‑specific rules: state‑owned structures have added seismic evaluation/retrofit minimums in § 501.1.2 and referenced sections. Always check those if the owner is a state entity.
- Failing to confirm whether a relocated building or mobilehome park exception applies — those are explicitly listed as exceptions in § 501.1.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A private owner will perform an addition of 400 ft² to an existing 2,800 ft² office building and will not change the building’s occupancy classification.
- Step 1 — Decide compliance method: The owner may elect the Prescriptive Compliance Method (Chapter 5) or choose one of the other methods in Section § 301.3. If the owner elects Chapter 5, then Chapter 5 provisions control the addition. § 501.1 and § 501.1.1 apply.
- Step 2 — Check exceptions: The project is not a relocated building, not a mobilehome park, not a historic building, and not state‑owned — so no automatic exception under § 501.1 applies. Chapter 5 can be used.
- Step 3 — Apply Chapter 5 tables and provisions for additions (Chapter 5, Section 502 and associated sections) once Chapter 5 is selected (the CEBC table of contents shows the relevant sections: 502 Additions, 503 Alterations, etc.). The building official enforces the provisions in Chapter 5 when this compliance path is chosen.
Note: If instead the owner was a state agency, or the work involved a change to a hospital or OSHPD‑regulated facility, the owner would need to consult § 501.1.2 and Chapter 5A or the OSHPD chapters.
Related provisions
- § 501.1 — General scope for Chapter 5 (Prescriptive Compliance Method).
- § 501.1.1 — Compliance with other methods (choice to use Chapter 5 or methods in § 301.3).
- § 501.1.2 — Existing state‑owned structures; references to Sections 317–322 for seismic evaluation/retrofit.
- § 301.3 (and § 301.3.1) — Provisions for all compliance methods; explains prescriptive, work‑area and performance options.
- Chapter 4 — Repairs (repair work is governed separately from the compliance methods).
- Chapter 5A / § 501A.1 — Prescriptive compliance provisions for OSHPD‑regulated facilities (hospitals, certain health care facilities).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 505.2 High relevance — show source text
20|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |504|||X|†|†|†|||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |505|||X||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |505.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |506|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |506.1 –506.1.1|X||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.1.2|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |506.2 – 506.3|X||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.5_ Exception_|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |506.6||||†|†|†|||||||||||||||||||
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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5 PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 5 provides details for the prescriptive compliance method—one of the three main options of compliance available in this code for buildings and structures undergoing alteration, addition or change of occupancy.
SECTION 501—GENERAL
501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures, including historic buildings and structures, [BSC] including state-regulated structures in accordance with Section 501.1.2. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.
Exceptions: 1. [HCD 2] For relocated or moved buildings and maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.3. See California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapters 2 and 2.2. 2. [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings.
[HCD 1] In addition to the requirements in this chapter, maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures under the authority of the Department of Housing and Community Development, as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.1, shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.
501.1.1 Compliance with other methods. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this chapter or with one of the methods provided in Section 301.3.
501.1.2 Existing state-owned structures. [BSC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 322 establish minimum standards for earth- quake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing state-owned structures, including buildings owned by the University of California, the California State University and the Judicial Council.
CEBC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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5 A PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 5A provides details for the prescriptive compliance method for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings 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 Section 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1)].
SECTION 501 A —GENERAL
501 A .1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1 [OSHPD 1] regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).
501 A .1.1 Compliance with other methods. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this chapter or with one of the methods or procedures provided in Section 301 A .3.
501 A .2 Fire-resistance ratings. Fire-resistance ratings shall comply with the California Building Standards Code.
501A.3 Prescriptive compliance provisions. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to the following categories of existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this section.
501A.3.1 Prescriptive compliance provisions for SPC-4D using the California Building Code, 1980 (CBC 1980). Nonconforming buildings shall satisfy the following requirements: 1. The California Building Code, 1980 (CBC 1980), as used in this chapter, consists of the Uniform Building Code, 1979 (UBC 1979) along with requirements contained in: a) California Code of Regulations, Title 24- Building Standards, dated February 2, 1980 (Revision record for Register 80, No. 5). b) California Code of Regulations, Title 22 – Social Security, dated October 13, 1979 (Revision Record for Register 79, No 41). c) California Code of Regulations, Title 17 – Public Health, dated October 13, 1979 (Revision Record for Register 79, No 41-B). 2. All existing structural elements of Seismic Force Resisting System (SFRS) shall satisfy the detailing requirements in the CBC 1980 or demonstrate that the level of seismic performance is equivalent to that given in the CBC 1980, as determined by the building official. 3. A continuous load path or paths with adequate strength and stiffness to transfer all the forces from the point of origin to final point of resistance shall be justified by analysis. _4.
CEBC § 4A-5 High relevance — show source text
408A Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-5
CHAPTER 5 PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD . . . . . 5-3
501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
502 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
503 Alterations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
504 Fire Escapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
505 Windows and Emergency Escape Openings . . . . . . . 5-8
506 Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
507 Historic Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
CHAPTER 5A [OSHPD 1] PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE
METHOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-3
501A General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-3
502A Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-4
503A Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-5
504A Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7
505A Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7
506A Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7
CHAPTER 6 CLASSIFICATION OF WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
CBC § 301 High 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.
CBC § 301 High 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.
CRC § 301 High relevance — show source text
This change expands the current process from two independent 1-year cycles to a single continuous 3year cycle. There will be two groups of code development committees and they will meet in separate years. The current groups will be reworked. With the energy provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code ® (IECC®) and Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code ® (IRC®) now moved to the Code Council’s Standards Development Process, the reduced volume of code changes will be distributed between Groups A and B.
Code change proposals submitted for code sections that have a letter designation in front of them will be heard by the respective committee responsible for such code sections. Because different committees hold Committee Action Hearings in different years, proposals for most codes will be heard by committees in both the 2024 (Group A) and the 2025 (Group B) code development cycles. It is very important that anyone submitting code change proposals understands which code development committee is responsible for the section of the code that is the subject of the code change proposal.
Please visit the ICC website at iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/code-development/current-code-development-cycle for further information on the Code Development Committee responsibilities as it becomes available.
Coordination of the I-Codes
The coordination of technical provisions allows the I-Codes to be used as a complete set of complementary documents. Individual codes can also be used in subsets or as stand-alone documents. Some technical provisions that are relevant to more than one subject area are duplicated in multiple model codes.
INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE
The IEBC establishes minimum requirements for existing buildings using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles intended to encourage the use and reuse of existing buildings while requiring reasonable upgrades and improvements.
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 C
CBC § A301 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION A301—GENERAL
[BS] A301.1 Purpose. The provisions of this chapter are intended to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of earthquake-induced damage to existing wood-frame residential buildings. The requirements contained in this chapter are prescriptive minimum standards intended to improve the seismic performance of residential buildings; however, they will not necessarily prevent earthquake damage.
This chapter sets standards for strengthening that may be approved by the code official without requiring plans or calculations prepared by a registered design professional. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction not prescribed herein. The code official may require that construction documents for strengthening using alternative materials or methods be prepared by a registered design professional.
[BS] A301.2 Scope. The provisions of this chapter apply to residential buildings of light-frame wood construction containing one or more of the structural weaknesses specified in Section A303.
Exception: The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the buildings, or elements thereof, listed as follows. These buildings or elements require analysis by a registered design professional in accordance with Section A301.3 to determine appropriate strengthening:
- Group R-1.
- Group R with more than four dwelling units.
- Buildings with a lateral force-resisting system using poles or columns embedded in the ground.
- Cripple walls that exceed 4 feet (1219 mm) in height.
- Buildings exceeding three stories in height and any three-story building with cripple wall studs exceeding 14 inches (356 mm) in height.
- Buildings where the code official determines that conditions exist that are beyond the scope of the prescriptive requirements of this chapter.
- Buildings or portions thereof constructed on concrete slabs on grade.
[BS] A301.3 Alternative design procedures. The details and prescriptive provisions herein are not intended to be the only acceptable strengthening methods permitted. Alternative details and methods shall be permitted to be used where approved by the code official. Approval of alternatives shall be based on a demonstration that the method or material used is at least equivalent in terms of strength, deflection and capacity to that provided by the prescriptive methods and materials.
Where analysis by a registered design professional is required, such analysis shall be in accordance with all requirements of the building code, except that the seismic forces may be taken as 75 percent of those specified in the California Building Code .
SECTION A302—DEFINITIONS
[BS] A302.1 Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, in addition to the applicable definitions in the building code, certain additional terms are defined as follows:
[BS] ADHESIVE ANCHOR. An assembly consisting of a threaded rod, washer, nut, and chemical adhesive approved by the code official for installation in existing concrete or masonry.
CODE OFFICIAL. “Code Official” shall have the same meaning as Enforcing Agency.
[BS] CRIPPLE WALL. A wood-frame stud wall extending from the top of the foundation to the underside of the lowest floor framing.
ENFORCING AGENCY. The designated department or agency as specified by statute or regulation.
[BS] EXPANSION ANCHOR. An approved post-installed anchor, inserted into a predrilled hole in existing concrete or masonry, that transfers loads to or from the concrete or masonry by direct bearing or friction or both.
[BS] PERIMETER FOUNDATION. A foundation system that is located under the exterior walls of a building.
CEBC § 1001.3 Medium relevance — show source text
1001.3 Change of Occupancy Chapter 10, 101.2, 101.3, 101.4, 104.3, 104.3.2, 106.2.6, 110.1, 115.5, 202, 301.1, 301.3, 307.1, 308.1, 501.1, 505.3, 506, 601.1, 605, 702.5, 1301.1, 1302.1, 1302.1.6, 1304.1.1, 1304.1.3, 1305.2.17, 1307.1.1, 1401.2, B101.2, B101.3, B101.4, C101.1, C201.1 Change of Use 202 Classroom Acoustics 502.6, 503.16, 506.6, 903.4, 1011.4, 1101.4 Code Official Chapter 1, 202, 301.3, 302.1, 302.3, 303.2.1, 304.2, 405.2.3.1, 501.2, 506.1, 506.1.1, 802.6, 804.2, 1001.2, 1011.5.1, 1303.1, 1303.1.1, 1304.1.2, 1304.1.3, 1402.7, 1501.6.7, 1509.1, A102.2, A107.1, A108.1, A113.7, A205.3.2, A301.1, A301.2, A301.3, A302.1, A303.1, A304.2.1, A304.2.2, A304.2.3, Table A304.2.3(1), A304.2.3(2), Table A304.2.3(2), A304.5, A403.8, A403.9.3.2, A404.1, A405.3, A405.3.2 Compartmentation 1305.2.3, Table 1305.2.3, 1305.2.20, Table 1305.2.20, Table
1306.1 Compliance Methods Chapter 3 Performance compliance method Chapter 13, 301.3.3 Prescriptive compliance method Chapter 5, 301.3.1 Work area compliance method Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, 301.3.2
CEBC § 4A-3 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 4A [OSHPD 1] REPAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
401A General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
402A Building Elements and Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
403A Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
404A Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
405A Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
406A Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-4
407A Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-4
408A Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-5
CHAPTER 5 PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD . . . . . 5-3
501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
502 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
503 Alterations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
504 Fire Escapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
505 Windows and Emergency Escape Openings . . . . . . . 5-8
506 Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
507 Historic Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
CHAPTER 5A [OSHPD 1] PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE
CEBC § 3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1_CODE OFFICIAL_||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |A302.1_ENFORCING AGENCY_||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |TABLE A304.3.1||||||||||||||||||||||||| |TABLE A304.3.2||||||||||||||||||||||||| |FIGURES A304.1.3 – A304.4.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |A304.3.1(1)ANCHORING||||||||||||||||||||||||| |A304.4.1(3)||||||||||||||||||||||||| |A304.4.2||||||||||||||||||||||||| |A304.5||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |A304.6||||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.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE APPENDIX A-25
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APPENDIX A-26 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
CHAPTER A3
PRESCRIPTIVE PROVISIONS FOR SEISMIC STRENGTHENING OF CRIPPLE
WALLS AND SILL PLATE ANCHORAGE OF LIGHT, WOOD-FRAME RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SECTION A301—GENERAL
[BS] A301.1 Purpose. The provisions of this chapter are intended to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of earthquake-induced damage to existing wood-frame residential buildings. The requirements contained in this chapter are prescriptive minimum standards intended to improve the seismic performance of residential buildings; however, they will not necessarily prevent earthquake damage.
This chapter sets standards for strengthening that may be approved by the code official without requiring plans or calculations prepared by a registered design professional. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction not prescribed herein. The code official may require that construction documents for strengthening using alternative materials or methods be prepared by a registered design professional.
[BS] A301.2 Scope. The provisions of this chapter apply to residential buildings of light-frame wood construction containing one or more of the structural weaknesses specified in Section A303.
Exception: The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the buildings, or elements thereof, listed as follows. These buildings or elements require analysis by a registered design professional in accordance with Section A301.3 to determine appropriate strengthening:
- Group R-1.
- Group R with more than four dwelling units.
- Buildings with a lateral force-resisting system using poles or columns embedded in the ground.
- Cripple walls that exceed 4 feet (1219 mm) in height.
- Buildings exceeding three stories in height and any three-story building with cripple wall studs exceeding 14 inches (356 mm) in height.
- Buildings where the code official determines that conditions exist that are beyond the scope of the prescriptive requirements of this chapter.
- Buildings or portions thereof constructed on concrete slabs on grade.
CEBC § 3-3 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 3-3
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
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 § 501.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1|X|||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |501.1 –501.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |501.1.2|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |501.3||||†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |501.4 –501.5.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |501.5||||X||||||||||||||||||||| |502|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |502.1|X||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |502.1.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |502.2 –502.3|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |502.5|X||X|†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |502.6||||†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |503|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |503.1|X||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |503.2|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |503.3|X|||||||X|X|||||||||||||||| |503.14|||X|†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |503.15|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |503.16 –503.17|||X|†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |503.18||||†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |503.19|||X|†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |503.20|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |504|||X|†|†|†|||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |505|||X||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |505.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |506|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |506.1 –506.1.1|X||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.1.2|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |506.2 – 506.3|X||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.5_ Exception_|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |506.6||||†|†|†|||||||||||||||||||
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 5-1
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5-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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5 PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 5 provides details for the prescriptive compliance method—one of the three main options of compliance available in this code for buildings and structures undergoing alteration, addition or change of occupancy.
SECTION 501—GENERAL
Frequently asked questions
When must I follow Chapter 5?
If you elect the Prescriptive Compliance Method for an alteration, addition, or change of occupancy, Chapter 5 controls, per § 501.1; you may also choose other methods identified in § 501.1.1 and § 301.3.
Do historic buildings follow Chapter 5?
No — historic buildings are directed to Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. per § 501.1. Always check Part 8 for the historic‑specific requirements.
Does Chapter 5 apply to state‑owned buildings?
State‑owned structures have special seismic retrofit minimums; see § 501.1.2 and the referenced Sections 317–322 for those requirements. Chapter 5 may not be the sole controlling text for those buildings.
What if my project is in a hospital or OSHPD facility?
OSHPD‑regulated applications have their own prescriptive provisions in Chapter 5A (see § 501A.1 and the Chapter 5A scope). Don’t assume Chapter 5 is the correct or complete path — verify the OSHPD chapters.
Can I use another compliance method instead of Chapter 5?
Yes. § 501.1.1 explicitly allows compliance with Chapter 5 or with one of the methods in § 301.3 (Work Area or Performance). Pick the method that best suits the project and document it for the building official.
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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