CEBC · California Existing Building Code
State‑regulated healthcare prescriptive provisions (Chapter 5A / OSHPD)
If you’re altering an OSHPD hospital assigned SPC‑4D, Chapter 5A requires you to meet the California Building Code 1980 prescriptive detailing (or show equivalent seismic performance) and to document a continuous seismic load path; taller buildings or those with structural irregularities may be ineligible for the SPC‑4D prescriptive route.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Chapter 5A is the OSHPD (state‑regulated healthcare) version of the CEBC prescriptive compliance method for alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to hospital and similar facilities; it governs work on buildings under OSHPD jurisdiction. The controlling prescriptive rule for nonconforming buildings in Seismic Performance Category SPC‑4D is § 501A.3.1, which requires those buildings to comply with the California Building Code, 1980 (CBC 1980) as adopted in this chapter, or to demonstrate equivalent seismic performance, and to provide a justified continuous load path for seismic forces.
The single most important plain‑English rule: if you are altering an OSHPD hospital‑type building assigned SPC‑4D, you must either meet the CBC 1980 prescriptive detailing or show by analysis that your structure performs at least as well — and you must document a continuous seismic load path.
Requirements in detail
Scope & applicability
- Applies to existing buildings and structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information / OSHPD (applications listed in Section 1.10.1). Chapter 5A provides the prescriptive compliance path for those facilities.
- § 501A.3.1 specifically addresses prescriptive compliance provisions for SPC‑4D using the California Building Code, 1980 (CBC 1980) for nonconforming buildings.
Key structural requirements (decision‑relevant)
- Required standard: comply with CBC 1980 as used in Chapter 5A (UBC 1979 + specified California regulations) or demonstrate equivalent seismic performance as determined by the building official.
- Seismic Force Resisting System (SFRS) elements must satisfy CBC 1980 detailing or demonstrate equivalent seismic performance.
- A continuous load path capable of transferring seismic forces to the final point of resistance must be justified by analysis.
- Buildings with certain irregularities, or taller than 5 stories or 65', or with other unusual configurations, may be excluded from eligibility for the SPC‑4D prescriptive upgrade; see the Chapter exceptions.
Table — Decision dimensions and values
| Decision dimension | Value / threshold | What it means | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicable buildings | OSHPD‑regulated (e.g., OSHPD 1 hospitals) | Prescriptive Chapter 5A applies instead of generic Chapter 5 for these buildings | § 5A (Chapter 5A) |
| SPC addressed by § 501A.3.1 | SPC‑4D | Nonconforming buildings in SPC‑4D using CBC 1980 prescriptive provisions | § 501A.3.1 |
| Required code baseline | CBC 1980 (UBC 1979 + CA regs) | The historic code baseline used by § 501A.3.1 (must be met or shown equivalent) | § 501A.3.1 |
| Height eligibility limit | 5 stories or 65' | Buildings taller than this with irregularities may be ineligible for SPC‑4D prescriptive upgrade | § 501A exceptions |
| Structural detailing | SFRS must meet CBC 1980 detailing or equivalent | Detailing, overstrength, redundancy and ductility considerations | § 501A.3.1 and § 501A.3.2 |
| Load path | Continuous seismic load path required | Analysis must justify adequate strength & stiffness to transfer forces | § 501A.3.1 |
How equivalence is treated
- The code allows demonstration that existing elements “demonstrate that the level of seismic performance is equivalent to that given in the CBC 1980,” but the equivalence is subject to approval by the building official and requires analysis considering detailing, regularity, overstrength, redundancy and ductility.
Exceptions & special cases
- Buildings with prohibited irregularities per the referenced CBC/ASCE tables are not eligible for the SPC‑4D prescriptive upgrade. Do not apply § 501A.3.1 if those irregularities exist.
- Buildings taller than 5 stories or 65' with certain horizontal/vertical irregularities are excluded from the SPC‑4D prescriptive path.
- The chapter identifies that one may instead use the newer‑design prescriptive path: § 501A.3.2 allows structures satisfying new‑construction CBC requirements for general acute care hospitals to be deemed compliant with SPC‑4D requirements (alternative to CBC 1980).
- Supports/attachments of nonstructural components are regulated by other paragraphs of Chapter 5A; some may be permitted to follow older code provisions with an importance factor whereas others must meet new‑construction requirements. Check § 501A.3.3 series for nonstructural rules.
Common mistakes
- Treating Chapter 5 (generic) as applicable instead of Chapter 5A for OSHPD buildings. Always confirm OSHPD jurisdiction via Section 1.10.1 before choosing compliance path.
- Assuming any SPC‑4D building can use § 501A.3.1 without checking irregularities, height limits, or unusual configurations — the exceptions explicitly exclude some buildings.
- Failing to document or analyze the continuous load path; the code requires justification by analysis, not just a note on plans. § 501A.3.1 requires a demonstrated continuous load path.
- Submitting a “meets CBC 1980” claim without identifying or reconciling the specific components of CBC 1980 (UBC 1979 + listed California Title 24 references). § 501A.3.1(1) defines what CBC 1980 consists of.
- Overlooking that some nonstructural supports have different requirements or importance factors under adjacent clauses of Chapter 5A.
Worked example — SPC‑4D nonconforming hospital, numbers applied
Scenario: A four‑story, 60‑ft high hospital building (nonconforming) assigned SPC‑4D proposes a Level‑2 alteration.
Step 1 — Confirm applicability: The building is OSHPD‑regulated (OSHPD 1), so Chapter 5A prescriptive method applies.
Step 2 — Eligibility check: Building is under 5 stories and under 65', so it is not excluded by the height exception; still check for prohibited irregularities or unusual configuration. If none exist, § 501A.3.1 may apply.
Step 3 — Code baseline: The project must comply with CBC 1980 requirements as defined in § 501A.3.1(1) (i.e., UBC 1979 plus the listed Title 24 references), unless the owner demonstrates equivalence. Prepare documentation that identifies CBC 1980 requirements used.
Step 4 — SFRS and detailing: All existing SFRS elements must meet CBC 1980 detailing or a technical equivalence demonstration must be prepared for building official review (address detailing, redundancy and ductility).
Step 5 — Continuous load path: Provide an analysis showing a continuous load path from nonstructural and structural elements to foundations with adequate strength and stiffness to resist seismic forces (this is required by § 501A.3.1(3)).
Step 6 — Submit to building official: Include the CBC 1980 compliance matrix or equivalence demonstration, structural analyses, and documentation of any exceptions or ineligibilities. The building official evaluates equivalence if claimed.
If the building had been 70 ft tall or had the prohibited irregularities, the SPC‑4D prescriptive route under § 501A.3.1 would likely be unavailable and a different method (e.g., § 501A.3.2 new‑construction criteria, or a performance/alternative method) would be required.
Related provisions
- § 501A.1 — General (Chapter 5A scope and application).
- § 501A.3.1 — Prescriptive compliance provisions for SPC‑4D (controlling).
- § 501A.3.2 — Prescriptive compliance provisions allowing new‑construction CBC design to satisfy SPC‑4D requirements.
- § 501A.3.3 — Nonstructural component support requirements, importance factors and exceptions.
- § 301.3.1 (and Chapter 3A equivalents) — Where prescriptive compliance is an accepted method in the CEBC; check Chapter 3A for OSHPD‑specific administrative provisions.
- Section 1.10.1 — Identifies applications under OSHPD 1 and the adoption/amendment indications for OSHPD chapters.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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 § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 5A Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5A provides details for the prescriptive compliance method for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing build- ings and structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 6 Classification of Work.
Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method and defines the different classifications of work including alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in subsequent Chapters 7 through 11.
Chapter 7 Alterations—Level 1.
Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by only involving replacement of building components with new components with no reconfiguration of space.
Chapter 8 Alterations—Level 2.
A Level 2 alteration is an alteration involving space reconfiguration that could be up to and including 50 percent of the area of the building or addition of a new building system. Level 2 alterations also include the extension or addition of any system or equipment. The purpose of Chapter 8 is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, means of egress, fire protection, structural systems, energy efficiency, and other building systems include electrical, mechanical and plumbing when a building is being altered.
Chapter 9 Alterations—Level 3.
Chapter 9 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 3 alterations. Level 3 alterations are those involving alterations that cover 50 percent of the aggregate area of the building. Under certain situations, this chapter also intends to improve the safety of certain building features beyond the work area and in other parts of the building where no alteration work might be taking place.
Chapter 10 Change of Occupancy.
The purpose of Chapter 10 is to address existing buildings that are subject to a change of occupancy. This chapter is an assembly of requirements to upgrade safety without having to comply fully as a new building. A change of occupancy classification is considered a change of occupancy, however, it will involve a higher level of regulation since the use of the building has made a more significant change.
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Chapter 11 Additions.
Chapter 11 provides the requirements for additions, which are considered new construction. The requirements focus on safely integrating the addition with the existing building. This includes issues such as limiting the overall height and area of the building where the addition is not separated by a fire wall.
Chapter 12 Historic Buildings —Reserved
Chapter 12 is not adopted by the State of California. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, California Code of Regulations.
Chapter 13 Performance Compliance Methods.
Chapter 13 allows for existing buildings to be evaluated to show that alterations or a change of occupancy, while not meeting new construction requirements, will provide a level of safety to demonstrate compliance. Provisions are based on a numerical scoring system involving 21 safety parameters where, when evaluated, such buildings must meet a minimum overall safety score.
CEBC § 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
CEBC § 1617A.1.10. Medium relevance — show source text
The most critical load effect may_ be deemed to be satisfied if members and their foundations are evaluated for 100 percent of the forces for one direction plus 30 percent of the forces for the perpendicular direction, whereby the combination produces the maximum effect. Exceptions: The following buildings (with structural irregularities or unusual configuration/system) shall not be eligible for the SPC-4D upgrade using the prescriptive provisions in this section: 1. Buildings with prohibited irregularities in accordance with California Building Code 2022 Section 1617A.1.10.
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2. Buildings taller than 5 stories or 65' height above the base having horizontal or vertical irregularities in accordance with ASCE 7-10 Tables 12.3-1 Items #1a, 1b and 3 or 12.3-2 Items #1a, 1b, 5a and 5b.
3. Buildings with unusual configuration or structural system, as determined by the building official.
501A.3.2 Prescriptive compliance provisions for SPC-4D using the new building design requirements of this code. Structures satisfying the requirements of the California Building Code for new general acute care hospital buildings design shall be deemed to satisfy the SPC-4D requirements of Table 2.5.3, Chapter 6 of the California Administrative Code.
All existing structural elements of a Seismic Force-Resisting System (SFRS) shall satisfy the detailing requirements of the California Building Code for new construction or demonstrate that the level of seismic performance is equivalent, as determined by the building official. A demonstration of equivalence shall consider the regularity, overstrength, redundancy and ductility of the structure.
Elements not part of the Seismic Force-Resisting System (SFRS), including those identified in the California Administrative Code Chapter 6, Article 10, shall be evaluated using seismic forces and the requirements of this code for new general acute care hospital buildings.
501A.3.3 Prescriptive compliance provisions for NPC 2, NPC 3, NPC 4 or NPC 4D and NPC 5.
501A.3.3.1 Supports and attachments of nonstructural components, except those listed in Section 501A.3.3.2 below, in buildings in seismic performance categories SPC 1 or SPC 2 with a performance level of NPC 3 or higher, and SPC 3, SPC 4 or SPC-4D, shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of Section 1630B of the 1998 California Building Code using an importance factor I p =1.5. The capacity of welds, anchors and fasteners shall be determined in accordance with requirements of the California Building Code for new construction.
501A.3.3.2 Supports and attachments for systems listed under NPC-2 and NPC-5 (excluding those specifically listed for NPC-3 and NPC-4 or NPC-4D) in the California Administrative Code, Chapter 6, Table 11.1 shall satisfy the requirements of the California Build- ing Code for new construction and Section 501A.3.3.1 above shall not be applicable.
CEBC § 1.10.1 Medium relevance — show source text
**_ The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Functional service spaces shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227 and 1228.
301.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
301.2 Repairs. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4.
301.3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The alteration, addition or change of occupancy of all existing buildings shall comply with one of the methods listed in Section 301.3.1, 301.3.2 or 301.3.3 as selected by the applicant. Sections 301.3.1 through 301.3.3 shall not be applied in combination with each other. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Sections 301.3.2 and 301.3.3, not adopted by OSHPD.
Exception: Subject to the approval of the code official, alterations complying with the laws in existence at the time the building or the affected portion of the building was built shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code. New structural
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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.
CEBC § 505.2 Medium 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 § 1.10.3 Medium relevance — show source text
1.10.3 OSHPD 3. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Licensed clinics and any freestanding building under a hospital license where outpatient clinical services are provided.
Enforcing agency— Local building department.
1.10.3.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
3. Title 24, Part 10, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
1.10.3.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provisions of Title 24, Part 10, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.3.
OSHPD 3 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 10: Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 16.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015 and 1226.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 129885 and 1226, Government Code Section 54350 and State Constitution Article 11, Section 7.
1.10.4 OSHPD 4. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Correctional treatment centers.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall enforce the California Energy Commission – Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations, and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility types.
1.10.4.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7.
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2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
3. Title 24, Part 10, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
1.10.4.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
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 § 1.10.4 Medium relevance — show source text
1.10.4 OSHPD 4. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Correctional treatment centers.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall enforce the California Energy Commission – Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations, and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility types.
1.10.4.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7.
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2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
3. Title 24, Part 10, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
1.10.4.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provisions of Title 24, Part 10, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.4.
OSHPD 4 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 10: Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 16.
1.10.4.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.4, amendments in this code appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 4], unless the entire chapter is applicable.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129790.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129674 through 130070.
1.10.5 OSHPD 5. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Acute psychiatric hospital buildings.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall enforce the California Energy Commission – Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations, and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility types.
1.10.5.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
CEBC § 1.10.4.3 Medium relevance — show source text
OSHPD 4 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 10: Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 16.
1.10.4.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.4, amendments in this code appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 4], unless the entire chapter is applicable.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129790.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129674 through 130070.
1.10.5 OSHPD 5. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Acute psychiatric hospital buildings.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall enforce the California Energy Commission – Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations, and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility types.
1.10.5.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
3. Title 24, Part 10, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
1.10.5.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provision of Title 24, Part 10, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.5.
OSHPD 5 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 10: Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 16.
1.10.5.3 Identification of amendments . For applications listed in Section 1.10.5, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 5].
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 129680, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.6 OSHPD 6. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Chemical dependency recovery hospital buildings and any freestanding building under a general acute care or acute psychiatric hospital license where chemical dependency recovery services are provided.
Enforcing agency— Local building department.
CEBC § 1.10.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text
OSHPD 1 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 10: Chapters 2, 3A, 4A, 5A and 16.
OSHPD 1R adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 10: Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 16.
1.10.1.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.1, amendments in this code appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 1], unless the entire chapter is applicable. For nonconforming hospital buildings removed from acute-care service, amendments are preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 1R].
1.10.1.4 Reference to other chapters. Where reference is made within the California Building Standards Code to sections in Chapters 3, 4 and 5, the respective section in Chapters 3A, 4A and 5A, shall apply instead for hospital buildings under OSHPD 1.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 19958, 127010, 127015, 129680, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.2 OSHPD 2. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Skilled nursing facility and intermediate care facility buildings.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall enforce the California Energy Commission – Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations, and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility types.
1.10.2.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
3. Title 24, Part 10, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter 1, Division II.
1.10.2.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provisions of Title 24, Part 10, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.2.
OSHPD 2 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 10: Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 16.
1.10.2.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.2, amendments in this code appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 2], unless the entire chapter is applicable.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.
CEBC § 3-3 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 3-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply the CEBC Chapter 5 (non‑OSHPD) prescriptive method to an OSHPD hospital building?
No. If the building is under OSHPD jurisdiction (see Section 1.10.1), you must use Chapter 5A (the OSHPD prescriptive version) rather than Chapter 5.
Does § 501A.3.1 allow use of the current CBC (e.g., 2022) instead of CBC 1980?
Not under § 501A.3.1 itself: that section specifically uses CBC 1980 as the baseline. However, § 501A.3.2 provides an alternate path where structures meeting the current CBC new‑construction requirements for general acute care hospitals can be deemed to satisfy SPC‑4D requirements.
What is required to “demonstrate equivalence” to CBC 1980?
The building official must be satisfied that the existing SFRS achieves a level of seismic performance equivalent to CBC 1980; analyses should address detailing, regularity, overstrength, redundancy and ductility per the code language. The building official has discretion to accept the demonstration.
Are nonstructural attachments treated the same as structural elements under Chapter 5A?
Not always. Chapter 5A contains specific rules for supports and attachments of nonstructural components (see § 501A.3.3), including where older provisions may apply with an importance factor and where new‑construction requirements apply. Check § 501A.3.3 for the particular system.
If my building is taller than 65' but otherwise simple, can I still use § 501A.3.1?
Section 501A contains exceptions that specifically exclude buildings taller than 5 stories or 65' with certain irregularities from the SPC‑4D prescriptive upgrade; you must confirm applicability and consult 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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