CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Work Area Method & Alteration Levels (Chapters 6–11)
Chapters 6–11 of the CEBC implement the Work Area Method: classify alterations into Level 1–3 by scope and work‑area size and apply the linked technical rules in Chapters 7–11.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapters 6–11 of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) set out the Work Area Method — an alternative compliance path for rehabilitating existing buildings that focuses upgrades on the area being worked rather than requiring full new‑construction compliance. The Work Area Method is one of the CEBC compliance options listed in Section 301.3; use of Chapters 6–11 is the route described in Section 301.3.2.
Chapter 6 classifies work and defines the “work area” that must be shown on construction documents (see §601.2), and it establishes the three alteration levels: Level 1 (§602), Level 2 (§603) and Level 3 (§604). Level 1 covers removal/replacement or covering of existing materials; Level 2 covers space reconfiguration or system additions where the work area is up to 50% of the building; Level 3 applies when the work area exceeds 50% and can trigger broader improvements beyond the immediate work area.
Chapters 7 through 11 contain the technical requirements tied to those classifications — Chapter 7 for Level 1 work, Chapter 8 for Level 2, Chapter 9 for Level 3, Chapter 10 for changes of occupancy and Chapter 11 for additions — and coordinate required upgrades for means of egress, fire protection, structural systems, energy, and building services. The chapter synopses and table of contents summarize this arrangement.
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
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 § 601.1.1 High relevance — show source text
1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |601.1.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |607.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||||
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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6 CLASSIFICATION OF WORK
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method available as an option for rehabilitation of a building. The chapter defines the different classifications of alterations and provides general requirements for alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in Chapters 7 through 11.
SECTION 601—GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall be used in conjunction with Chapters 7 through 11 and shall apply to the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing structures, as referenced in Section 301.3.2. The work performed on an existing building shall be classified in accordance with this chapter. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.
Exceptions: 1. [SFM] Use of Chapters 6-11 is not permitted in H, I and L, R-2.1, R-3.1 occupancies and high-rise buildings. 2. [BSC] Use of Chapters 6-11 is not permitted in occupancies, buildings and applications regulated by Building Standards Commission and listed in Section 1.2.
601.1.1 Compliance with other alternatives. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 through 11 or with one of the alternatives provided in Section 301.3.
601.2 Work area. The work area, as defined in Chapter 2, shall be identified on the construction documents.
SECTION 602—ALTERATION—LEVEL 1
602.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.
602.2 Application. Level 1 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7.
SECTION 603—ALTERATION—LEVEL 2
603.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations include the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment, and shall apply where the work area is equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area.
Exception: The movement or addition of nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height shall not be considered a Level 2 alteration.
603.2 Application. Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 8.
SECTION 604—ALTERATION—LEVEL 3
CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
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Chapter 3 Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3 guides the use of the three compliance methods of the CEBC and provides requirements that apply globally. The globally applicable requirement include general requirements related to buildings materials and other applicable codes, storm shelters, structural loads, in-situ load tests, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection and exterior wall coverings.
Chapter 3A Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 4 Repairs.
Chapter 4, a chapter independent of the three compliance methods, governs the repair of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
Chapter 4A Repairs.
Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5 provides one of the three main options of compliance available in the CEBC for buildings and structures undergoing alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The base requirements are more administrative in nature. The structural triggers for upgrades are consistent with the Work Area Method.
Chapter 5A Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5A provides details for the prescriptive compliance method for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing build- ings and structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 6 Classification of Work.
Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method and defines the different classifications of work including alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in subsequent Chapters 7 through 11.
Chapter 7 Alterations—Level 1.
Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by only involving replacement of building components with new components with no reconfiguration of space.
Chapter 8 Alterations—Level 2.
A Level 2 alteration is an alteration involving space reconfiguration that could be up to and including 50 percent of the area of the building or addition of a new building system. Level 2 alterations also include the extension or addition of any system or equipment. The purpose of Chapter 8 is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, means of egress, fire protection, structural systems, energy efficiency, and other building systems include electrical, mechanical and plumbing when a building is being altered.
Chapter 9 Alterations—Level 3.
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 § 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.
CEBC § 5A-3 High relevance — show source text
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
601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
602 Alteration—Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
603 Alteration—Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
604 Alteration—Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
605 Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
606 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
607 Historic Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
CHAPTER 7 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
702 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECTS 1, 2 Administrative Requirements and Definitions 3 Provisions for all Compliance Methods 4 Repairs 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 6–11 Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 13 Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 14 Relocated Buildings 15 Construction Safeguards 16 Referenced Standards Appendix A Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings Appendix C Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix D Board of Appeals Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS
The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:
CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 15 Chapter 33 Construction safeguards Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
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Chapter 3 Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3 guides the use of the three compliance methods of the CEBC and provides requirements that apply globally. The globally applicable requirement include general requirements related to buildings materials and other applicable codes, storm shelters, structural loads, in-situ load tests, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection and exterior wall coverings.
Chapter 3A Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 4 Repairs.
Chapter 4, a chapter independent of the three compliance methods, governs the repair of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
Chapter 4A Repairs.
Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
CEBC § 503A.4 High relevance — show source text
503 A .13 Voluntary lateral force-resisting system alterations. Structural alterations that are intended exclusively to improve the lateral force-resisting system and are not required by other sections of this code shall not be subject to the structural requirements of Section 503 A except as described below, provided that all of the following apply:
- With the alteration complete, the capacity of existing structural systems to resist forces is not reduced.
- New structural elements are detailed and connected to existing or new structural elements as required by the selected design criteria in accordance with Section 503A.4 or 304A.3.4 of this code. Exception: New lateral force-resisting systems designed in accordance with the California Building Code are permitted to be of a type designated as “Ordinary” or “Intermediate” where ASCE 7 Table 12.2-1 states these types of systems are not permitted.
- Supports and attachments for nonstructural elements removed and reinstalled to facilitate the work comply with the Cali- fornia Building Code for new construction.
- The alterations do not create a structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7 or make an existing structural irregularity more
severe.
Exception: Condition 4 need not be satisfied where the work complies with Section 304A.3.4 of this code.
503 A .14 Smoke compartments. Shall comply with California Building Standards Code.
503 A .15 Refuge areas. Shall comply with California Building Standards Code.
503 A .16 Reserved.
503 A .17 Ambulatory care facilities. Where a work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area and the work area includes an existing ambulatory care facility, the following shall be provided:
- A smoke compartment in accordance with Section 422.3 of the California Building Code where the alteration results in an ambulatory care facility greater than 10,000 square feet on one story.
- Separation from adjacent spaces in accordance with Section 422.2 of the California Building Code, where any such facility has the potential for four or more care recipients are to be incapable of self-preservation at any time.
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PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
503 A .18 Reserved.
503 A .19 Reserved.
503 A .20 Two-way communications systems. Where the work area for alterations exceeds 50 percent of the building area and the building has elevator service, a two-way communication systems shall be provided where required by Section 1009.8 of the Califor- nia Building Code.
SECTION 504 A
RESERVED
SECTION 505 A
RESERVED
SECTION 506 A —CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
California Existing Building Code High relevance — show source text
vertical; 3′ o.c. horizontal.|N/A|6 hrs|||7|23, 24|6| |W-10-M-16|101/2″|Cored concrete masonry; 2″ air cavity; see Notes 3, 19,
27, 34, 40; facings: fire side only; see Note 38.|80
psi|2 hrs||1||1, 20|2| |W-10-M-17|101/2″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 3, 18, 27, 34, 40;
facings: side 1 only; see Note 38.|80
psi|5 hrs||1||1, 20|5| |W-10-M-18|101/2″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 19, 26, 33, 40;
facings: fire side only; see Note 38.|80
psi|2 hrs
30 min||1||1, 20|21/2| |W-10-M-19|101/2″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 18, 26, 33, 40;
facings: one side; see Note 38.|80
psi|6 hrs||1||1, 20|6| |W-10-M-20|101/2″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 19, 26, 33, 41;
facings: fire side of wall only; see Note 38.|80
psi|2 hrs||1||1, 20|2| |W-10-M-21|101/2″|Cored concrete masonry; see Notes 2, 18, 26, 33, 41;
facings: one side only; see Note 38.|80
psi|5 hrs||1||1, 20|5| |W-10-M-22|101/2″|Cored concrete masonry (cavity type 2″ air space); see
Notes 3, 19, 27, 34, 42; facings: fire side only; see Note
38.|80
psi|1 hr
45 min||1||1, 20|13/4| |W-10-M-23|101/2″|Cored concrete masonry (cavity type 2″ air space); see
Notes 3, 18, 27, 34, 42; facings: one side only; see Note
38.|80
psi|1 hr
15 min||1||1, 20|11/4| |W-10-M-24|101/2″|Cored concrete masonry (cavity type 2″ air space); see
Notes 3, 19, 27, 34, 41; facings: fire side only; see Note
38.|80
psi|2 hrs||1||1, 20|2| |W-10-M-25|101/2″|Cored concrete masonry (cavity type 2″ air space); see
Notes 3, 18, 27, 34, 41; facings: one side only; see Note
38.|80
psi|4 hrs||1||1, 20|4| |W-10-M-26|105/8″|Core: 8″,CEBC § 1.1.3 High relevance — show source text
see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs||1|||2| |W-6-M-55|61/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 46, 51, 54;
facings: one side; see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs
30 min||1|||21/2| |W-6-M-56|61/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 46, 53, 54;
facings: one side; see Note 35.|N/A|4 hrs||1|||4| |W-6-M-57|61/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 53, 54;
facings: one side; see Note 35.|N/A|3 hrs||1|||3| |W-6-M-58|61/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 51, 54;
facings: one side; see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs||1|||2| |W-6-M-59|61/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 50, 54;
facings: one side; see Note 35.|N/A|1 hr
45 min||1|||13/4| |W-7-M-60|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 46, 53, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|5 hrs||1|||5| |W-7-M-61|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 46, 51, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|3 hrs
30 min||1|||31/2| |W-7-M-62|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 46, 50, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs 30
min||1|||21/2| |W-7-M-63|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 53, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|4 hrs||1|||4| |W-7-M-64|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 51, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs 30
min||1|||21/2| |W-7-M-65|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 50, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs||1|||2| |W-6-M-66|6″|Concrete wall with 4″ × 4″ No. 6 wire fabric (welded)
near wall center for reinforcement.|300
psi|2 hrs 30
min|||43|2|21/2|2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE RESOURCE A-31
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
RESOURCE A—GUIDELINES ON FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES
TABLE 1.1.3—continued
CEBC § 422.3 Medium relevance — show source text
503 A .16 Reserved.
503 A .17 Ambulatory care facilities. Where a work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area and the work area includes an existing ambulatory care facility, the following shall be provided:
- A smoke compartment in accordance with Section 422.3 of the California Building Code where the alteration results in an ambulatory care facility greater than 10,000 square feet on one story.
- Separation from adjacent spaces in accordance with Section 422.2 of the California Building Code, where any such facility has the potential for four or more care recipients are to be incapable of self-preservation at any time.
5A-6 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
503 A .18 Reserved.
503 A .19 Reserved.
503 A .20 Two-way communications systems. Where the work area for alterations exceeds 50 percent of the building area and the building has elevator service, a two-way communication systems shall be provided where required by Section 1009.8 of the Califor- nia Building Code.
SECTION 504 A
RESERVED
SECTION 505 A
RESERVED
SECTION 506 A —CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
506 A .1 Compliance. A change of occupancy shall not be made in any building unless that building is made to comply with the requirements of the California Building Code for the use or occupancy. Changes of occupancy in a building or portion thereof shall be such that the existing building is not less complying with the provisions of this code than the existing building or structure was prior to the change. Subject to the approval of the building official, changes of occupancy shall be permitted without complying with all of the requirements of this code for the new occupancy, provided that the new occupancy is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing occupancy.
Exception: The building need not be made to comply with Chapter 16 A of the California Building Code unless required by Section 506 A .5.
506 A .1.1 Change in function . A change in function shall require compliance with all the functional requirements for new construc- tion in the California Building Code, including requirements in California Building Code Section 1224. Compliance shall be only as necessary to meet the specific provisions and is not intended to require the entire building be brought into compliance.
Exception: Minimum room clearances, areas and dimensions may meet the requirements of the 2001 California Building Code for existing rooms re-used for a similar purpose, subject to the approval of OSHPD.
506 A .2 Certificate of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued where it has been determined that the requirements for the new occupancy classification have been met.
506 A .3 Stairways. An existing stairway shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 1011 of the California Build- ing Code where the existing space and construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether my project is Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3?
The classification is based on the scope and type of work and the size of the work area: Level 1 is limited to replacement or covering of existing components (§602); Level 2 includes reconfiguration or system extension where the work area is equal to or less than 50% of the building (§603); Level 3 applies where the work area exceeds 50% (§604). Identify the work area on the construction documents per §601.2.
Does choosing the Work Area Method mean I avoid all upgrades required by new construction rules?
No. The Work Area Method is an alternative that targets upgrades to the work area and specific systems, but it still requires prescribed improvements (egress, fire protection, structural, energy and other systems) as specified in Chapters 7–11 and coordination with other California codes where indicated. Use of Chapters 6–11 is explicitly the Work Area compliance option in Section 301.3.2.
Where is the work area shown and why does it matter?
The work area must be identified on the construction documents as required by §601.2; the size and extent of that work area determine which level of alteration and which chapter requirements apply.
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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