CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Classification of work and identifying the work area
You must classify every alteration, addition, or change of occupancy under Chapter 6 and clearly show the work area (per Chapter 2) on the construction documents — the CEBC requires this so reviewers can determine which alteration level and associated rules apply (see **§ 601.1** and **§ 601.2**).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
The work performed on an existing building must be classified under Chapter 6 so the correct rehabilitation rules apply (see § 601.1). The work area (the portion of the building being altered) must be identified on the construction documents; the code points you to the defined term in Chapter 2 for the exact boundary rules (see § 601.2).
The most important rule: identify the work area clearly on the plans and pick the correct Chapter‑6 classification for the work — that determines which alteration rules apply.
Requirements in detail
Core duties (what the designer/owner must do)
- Determine how the project is classified under Chapter 6 (Alteration—Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, addition or change of occupancy) — Chapter 6 is the controlling classification chapter (§ 601.1).
- Show the work area on the construction documents (plans/specs). The CEBC requires the work area to be identified and references the Chapter 2 definition of work area for the method of measuring and boundaries (§ 601.2).
Decision‑relevant dimensions and values
| Decision dimension | Typical values / thresholds | What it affects | Code reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement to classify work | Must be done for every alteration, addition, or change of occupancy | Determines which Chapter(s) (7–11) apply | § 601.1 |
| Requirement to identify the work area | Must be shown on construction documents; work area defined in Chapter 2 | Determines application of many alteration provisions (e.g., supplemental enclosure, finishes) | § 601.2 |
| Level‑2 trigger (example threshold) | Work area ≤ 50% of building area → Level 2 rules apply | Determines when Chapter 8 (Level 2) requirements apply | § 603.1 |
| Level‑1 scope (qualitative) | Removal/replacement or covering in‑kind | Directs application of Chapter 7 only | § 602.1 |
| Historic building treatment | Historic buildings follow Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. | Different compliance path | § 601.1 (historic buildings note) |
Notes:
- The table entries are drawn from Chapter 6 text (see the cited sections). Use the Chapter‑2 definition of work area to compute the area shown on the documents before applying the thresholds above.
How to show the work area on documents (practical minimum)
- Graphic: hatched or colored overlay on each affected floor plan showing the boundary of the work area.
- Label: add a note “Work area per CEBC Chapter 2 definition; identified per § 601.2.”
- Calculations: list gross floor area of building, floor-by-floor area, and calculated work area area (sq ft and % of building) so reviewers can confirm classification (e.g., Level 2 if ≤ 50%).
Exceptions & special cases
- Chapters 6–11 (the Work‑Area Method) are not permitted for certain occupancies and buildings regulated by other state agencies (exceptions listed in § 601.1). Check the two exceptions that appear directly in § 601.1.
- Historic buildings are handled under Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.; they are expressly referenced in § 601.1 and may follow a different compliance route.
- Where the work area calculation crosses other Chapter triggers (for example supplemental egress or enclosure rules that apply when a floor’s work area exceeds 50%), follow the specific Chapter provisions (see Chapter 8 examples tied to the work‑area percentage).
If you need to use an alternative compliance method, the code allows it where appropriate (see Section references within Chapter 6 that tie back to Chapter 301.3 alternatives). The CEBC requires use of Chapters 7–11 when using the Work‑Area Method; other alternatives exist under Section 301.3.
Common mistakes
- Not showing the work area on the drawings — the CEBC requires the work area to be identified on construction documents (§ 601.2). Reviewers will reject or query plans missing that callout.
- Failing to compute the work‑area percentage (sq ft and % of building) — many Chapter 8/9 triggers rely on that percentage (for example the 50% threshold found in Level‑2/Level‑3 triggers). Always include arithmetic.
- Misclassifying the level of alteration (e.g., treating a space reconfiguration as Level 1 when it meets Level 2 criteria) — classification must follow Chapter 6 and the Level scope statements.
- Ignoring the exceptions in § 601.1 — for certain occupancies the Work‑Area Method is not permitted; verify applicability early.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Project: Interior reconfiguration of a one‑story retail building.
- Building gross floor area = 10,000 ft² (single story).
- Scope: remove several nonload‑bearing partitions and install new fixed shelving leading to work within one tenant that totals 3,800 ft².
Steps and outcome:
- Identify and draw the work area on the plan; label it per § 601.2. The plans must include the hatched 3,800 ft² and a calculation showing 3,800 / 10,000 = 38%.
- Classify the work: because the alteration is a space reconfiguration and the work area is equal to or less than 50% of the building area, the project meets the Level‑2 description in § 603.1 (Level 2). Apply Chapter 8 requirements in addition to those of Chapter 7 as required by the CEBC.
- If instead the work area had been 5,500 ft² (55%), several supplemental requirements tied to >50% thresholds (for example additional enclosure, stairs, compartment rules) could apply; those are triggered by the work‑area percentage in the related alteration chapters.
Related provisions (CEBC sections)
- § 601.1 — General; scope; classification of work (primary controlling section).
- § 601.2 — Work area must be identified on construction documents (primary controlling section).
- § 602.1 — Definition/scope for Alteration — Level 1 (replacement/covering in‑kind).
- § 603.1 — Alteration — Level 2 (includes space reconfiguration; notes work area ≤ 50% trigger).
- § 604 — Alteration — Level 3 (see Chapter 6 table of contents for existence of Level 3 rules).
- Chapter 2 — Definitions (see definition of work area referenced by § 601.2).
If you want, I can:
- produce a plan‑callout text block you can paste into sheets and plan notes that explicitly cites § 601.2, or
- create a small worksheet (Excel or PDF) that calculates work‑area % and recommends classification (Level 1/2/3) for each floor.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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.
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
CBC § 301 Medium relevance — show source text
This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:
Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.
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Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.
Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC
The format of the CEBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CEBC is divided. The subsequent table shows CEBC requirements that are correlated with other California Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CEBC.
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECTS 1, 2 Administrative Requirements and Definitions 3 Provisions for all Compliance Methods 4 Repairs 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 6–11 Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 13 Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 14 Relocated Buildings 15 Construction Safeguards 16 Referenced Standards Appendix A Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings Appendix C Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix D Board of Appeals Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS
The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:
CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 15 Chapter 33 Construction safeguards Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
CEBC § 5-8 Medium relevance — show source text
505 Mezzanines and Equipment Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
506 Building Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
507 Unlimited Area Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
508 Mixed Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
509 Incidental Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
510 Special Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
CHAPTER 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
602 Construction Classification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
603 Combustible Material in Types I and II Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES. . 7-1
701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
702 Multiple-Use Fire Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
703 Fire-Resistance Ratings and Fire Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
704 Fire-Resistance Rating of Structural Members . . . . . 7-4
705 Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
706 Fire Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
707 Fire Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
708 Fire Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
709 Smoke Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
710 Smoke Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
711 Floor and Roof Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
CEBC § 508.2. Medium relevance — show source text
Exception s : 1. Dwelling or sleeping units that include an office that is less than 10 percent of the area of the dwelling unit are permitted to be classified as dwelling units with accessory occupancies in accordance with Section 508.2. 2. Live/work units complying with the requirements of Section 508.5 shall be permitted to be constructed as one- and two- family dwellings or townhouses in accordance with the California Residential Code, as applicable.
508.5.1 Limitations. The following shall apply to live/work areas:
- The live/work unit is permitted to be not greater than 3,000 square feet (279 m [2] ) in area.
- The nonresidential area is permitted to be not more than 50 percent of the area of each live/work unit.
- The nonresidential area function shall be limited to the first or main floor only of the live/work unit.
508.5.2 Occupancies. Live/work units shall be classified as a Group R-2 occupancy. Separation requirements found in Sections 420 and 508 shall not apply within the live/work unit where the live/work unit is in compliance with Section 508.5. Nonresidential uses that would otherwise be classified as either a Group H or S occupancy shall not be permitted in a live/work unit.
Exception: Storage shall be permitted in the live/work unit provided that the aggregate area of storage in the nonresidential portion of the live/work unit shall be limited to 10 percent of the space dedicated to nonresidential activities.
[BE] 508.5.3 Means of egress. Except as modified by this section, the means of egress components for a live/work unit shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 10 for the function served.
Exception: Residential areas of live/work units constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code shall not be required to comply with Chapter 10.
[BE] 508.5.4 Egress capacity. The egress capacity for each element of the live/work unit shall be based on the occupant load for the function served in accordance with Table 1004.5.
[BE] 508.5.5 Spiral stairways. Spiral stairways that conform to the requirements of Section 1011.10 shall be permitted.
[BE] 508.5.6 Vertical openings. Floor openings between floor levels of a live/work unit are permitted without enclosure.
[F] 508.5.7 Fire protection. Live/work units in buildings constructed in accordance with this code shall be provided with all of the following:
An automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
Smoke alarms in accordance with Section 907.2.11.
Where required by Section 907.2.9.2, a manual fire alarm system.
Live/work units in buildings constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system and smoke alarms. The automatic sprinkler system shall comply with California Residential Code Section R309, and smoke alarms shall comply with California Residential Code Section 310.
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GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
508.5.8 Structural. Floors within a live/work unit shall be designed for the live loads in Table 1607.1, based on the function within the space.
CEBC § 3105.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Canopies 3105.3 Concealed spaces 718.5 Fastening 2304.10.6 Fire wall vertical continuity 706.6 Partitions 603.1
Platforms 410.3
Projections 705.2.3 Roof construction Table 601, 705.12, 706.6, 1505 Shakes and shingles 1505.6 Type I and II construction 603.1 Type III construction 602.3 Type IV construction 602.4 Veneer 1404.6 Firestop 714, 1705.18.1 Fireworks 307.2, 307.3, 307.5 Flamespread 803.1.2, Table 803.13 Flammable Finishes 307.1, 416 Flammable Liquids 307.4, 307.5, 406.8.2, 412, 414, 415 Flammable Solids 307.5, 415 Flashing Roof 1503.2, 1507.2.8, 1507.3.9, 1507.5.7, 1507.7.7, 1507.8.8, 1507.9.9, 1512.5 Wall, veneer 1404.4, 1404.13.7 Flood Hazard Areas Appendix G, 1612.3 Coastal A zone 1402.10, 1603.1.7, 1612.2, 1612.4 Coastal high hazard area 1402.10, 1603.1.7, 1612.2, 1612.4 Flood insurance rate map 1603.1.7, 1612.3 Flood-Resistant Construction Appendix G Administration G101, G106, 107.2.6.1 Elevation certification 110.3.3
Existing 101.4.7 Flood elevation, design 107.2.6.1, 1612.3.1
Flood loads 1603.1, 1603.1.7, 1612,
3001.2
Flood resistance 1402.10, 1402.9 Grading and fill 1804.5, 1805.1.2.1
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INDEX
Gas detection system 406.8.2, 916 Sprinkler protection 406.8.3, 903.2.9.1 Ventilation 406.8.1
Garages, Truck and Bus Live load 1607.8
Sprinkler protection 903.2.10.1 Garages and Carports, Private Area limitations 406.3.1
Classification 406.3.1
CEBC § 1.10.1 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECTS 1, 2 Administrative Requirements and Definitions 3 Provisions for all Compliance Methods 4 Repairs 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 6–11 Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 13 Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 14 Relocated Buildings 15 Construction Safeguards 16 Referenced Standards Appendix A Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings Appendix C Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix D Board of Appeals Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS
The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:
CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 15 Chapter 33 Construction safeguards Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
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Chapter 3 Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3 guides the use of the three compliance methods of the CEBC and provides requirements that apply globally. The globally applicable requirement include general requirements related to buildings materials and other applicable codes, storm shelters, structural loads, in-situ load tests, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection and exterior wall coverings.
Chapter 3A Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 4 Repairs.
Chapter 4, a chapter independent of the three compliance methods, governs the repair of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
Chapter 4A Repairs.
Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
CEBC § 1404.8 Medium relevance — show source text
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INDEX
Stone 1404.8, 1411 Terra cotta 1404.10, 1411 Vinyl 1404.15, 1411 Wood 1404.6, 1411 Ventilation (see Mechanical) 101.4.2 Aircraft paint hangars 412.5.6 Attic 1202.2, 1503.4 Bathrooms 1202.5.2.1 California Energy Code and International Energy Conservation Code Climate Zones 1202.3.1, Table 1202.3.1 Crawl space 1202.4 Exhaust, hazardous 1202.6 Exhaust, HPM 415.11.1.6 Hazardous 414.3, 415.11.1.6, 415.11.1.8.1, 415.11.11.1, 415.11.11.2, 415.11.3.2, 415.11.6.4, 415.11.6.8, 415.11.7.4, 415.9.1.7 High-rise stairways 1023.11 HPM service corridors 415.11.3.2
Live/work unit 508.5.10 Mechanical 1202.1
Natural 1202.5 Parking 406.5.10, 406.5.2, 406.5.5, 406.6.2
Projection rooms 409.3 Repair garages 406.8.1 Roof 1202.2
Smoke exhaust 910 Smoke removal, high-rise buildings 403.4.7 Smokeproof enclosure 909.20.3, 909.20.5, 1023.12 Spray rooms and spaces 416.2.2, 416.3 Stages 410.2.5, 410.2.7 Under-floor ventilation 202.4 Vents, Penetration Protection 714 Vermiculite, Fire Resistant 721 Vertical Opening Protection Atriums 404.6
Duct penetrations 717.1 Elevators 713.14, 3007.6.1, 3008.6.1 Exceptions 1019, 1023.2 Group I-3 408.5 High-rise 403.2.1.2, 403.2.2, 403.5.1 Live/work units 508.5.6 Open parking garages 406.5.9 Permitted vertical openings 712 Shaft enclosure 713, 1019, 1023.2 Vestibules, Exit Discharge 1028.2 Vinyl Expanded 803.7, 803.8 Rigid 1404.15 Violations 114 Voice Alarm (see Alarms, Voice) Walkway 402.4.3.1, 3104 During construction 3306 Encroachment, public right-of-way 3202.3.4
Fire resistance Table 601
Live load Table 1607.1 Materials per construction type Chapter 6 Opening protection 716, 717, 1026.2 Wall, Exterior 705, 1401 Bearing Chapter 6
CEBC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by 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 FIRE CODE 35-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
35-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
35 WELDING AND OTHER HOT WORK
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 35 covers requirements for safety in welding and other types of hot work by reducing the potential for fire ignitions that usually result in large losses. Several different types of hot work would fall under the requirements found in Chapter 35, including both gas and electric arc methods and any open-torch operations. Many of the activities of this chapter focus on the actions of the occupants.
SECTION 3501—GENERAL
3501.1 Scope. Welding, cutting, open torches and other hot work operations and equipment shall comply with this chapter.
3501.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.
3501.3 Restricted areas. Hot work shall only be conducted in areas designed or authorized for that purpose by the personnel responsible for a hot work program. Hot work shall not be conducted in the following areas unless approval has been obtained from the fire code official:
Areas where the automatic sprinkler system is impaired.
Areas where there exists the potential of an explosive atmosphere, such as locations where flammable gases, liquids or vapors are present.
Areas with readily ignitable materials, such as storage of large quantities of bulk sulfur, baled paper, cotton, lint, dust or loose combustible materials.
On board ships at dock or ships under construction or repair.
At other locations as specified by the fire code official.
3501.4 Cylinders and containers. Compressed gas cylinders and fuel containers shall comply with this chapter and Chapter 53.
3501.5 Design and installation of oxygen-fuel gas systems. An oxygen-fuel gas system with two or more manifolded cylinders of oxygen shall be in accordance with NFPA 51.
SECTION 3502—DEFINITIONS
3502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
HOT WORK.
HOT WORK AREA.
HOT WORK EQUIPMENT.
HOT WORK PERMITS.
HOT WORK PROGRAM.
RESPONSIBLE PERSON.
SECTION 3503—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3503.1 General. Hot work conditions and operations shall comply with this chapter.
3503.2 Temporary and fixed hot work areas. Temporary and fixed hot work areas shall comply with this section.
3503.3 Hot work program permit. Hot work permits, issued by an approved responsible person under a hot work program, shall be available for review by the fire code official at the time the work is conducted and for 48 hours after work is complete.
CEBC § 107.2.4 Medium relevance — show source text
INDEX
Exterior Wall (see Walls, Exterior) 107.2.4, Table 601, 602, 705, Chapter 7A, Chapter 14 Factored Load 1604.2 Factory Occupancy (Group F) 306 Alarm and detection 907.2.4
Area 503, 503.1.1, 505, 506, 507, 508 Equipment platforms 505.3 Groups Low-hazard occupancy 306.3 Moderate-hazard occupancy 306.2 Height 503, 504, 505, 508 Incidental uses 509
Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1 Means of Egress Aisles 1018.5
Dead end corridor 1020.5
Stairway, exit access 1019 Travel distance 1006.2, 1006.3, 1017.2, 1017.2.2, 1006.2.1 Mixed occupancies 508.2, 508.3, 508.4 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Risk category Table 1604.5 Sprinkler protection 903.2.4 Unlimited area 507.3, 507.4, 507.5 Farm Buildings Table 1604.3, Appendix C Fees, Permit 109 Refunds 109.6
Related fees 109.5 Work commencing before issuance 109.4
Fences 105.2, 312.1 Fiberboard 2303.1.6 Shear Wall Table 2306.3(2) Fill Material 1804, 3304 Finger-Jointed Lumber (see End-Jointed Lumber) Fire Alarm and Smoke Detection Systems Aerosol storage 907.2.17 Aircraft hangars, residential 412.4.3, 907.2.22 Airport traffic control towers 412.2.3.1, 907.2.23 Ambulatory care facilities 422.5, 907.2.2.1 Assembly 907.2.1 Atriums 404.4, 907.2.15 Audible alarm 907.5.2.1
Battery room 907.2.23 Construction documents 907.1.1 Covered and open mall building 402.7, 907.2.21 Education 907.2.3 Emergency alarm system 908 Factory 907.2.4 Group H 907.2.5 Group I 907.2.6, 907.5.2.3.2 Group M 907.2.6.3.4 Group R 420.5, 907.2.8, 907.2.9, 907.2.11, 907.2.12, 907.5.2.3.2,
907.5.2.3.3
High-rise 403.4.1, 403.4.2, 907.2.14 Live/work 508.5.7 Lumber mills 907.2.18
Occupancy requirements 907.2 Play structure 424.3 Special amusement buildings 411.2, 411.3.3, 907.2.13
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE INDEX-7
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
INDEX
CEBC § 8.8 Medium relevance — show source text
8.8, 1507.9.9, 1512.5 Wall, veneer 1404.4, 1404.13.7 Flood Hazard Areas Appendix G, 1612.3 Coastal A zone 1402.10, 1603.1.7, 1612.2, 1612.4 Coastal high hazard area 1402.10, 1603.1.7, 1612.2, 1612.4 Flood insurance rate map 1603.1.7, 1612.3 Flood-Resistant Construction Appendix G Administration G101, G106, 107.2.6.1 Elevation certification 110.3.3
Existing 101.4.7 Flood elevation, design 107.2.6.1, 1612.3.1
Flood loads 1603.1, 1603.1.7, 1612,
3001.2
Flood resistance 1402.10, 1402.9 Grading and fill 1804.5, 1805.1.2.1
INDEX-8 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
INDEX
Gas detection system 406.8.2, 916 Sprinkler protection 406.8.3, 903.2.9.1 Ventilation 406.8.1
Garages, Truck and Bus Live load 1607.8
Sprinkler protection 903.2.10.1 Garages and Carports, Private Area limitations 406.3.1
Classification 406.3.1
Door openers 406.2.1 Door springs 1212 Parking surfaces 406.2.4 Separation 406.2.5, 406.3.2 Gas 101.4.1, 105.2, 112 Gas detection system 406.8.2, 415.11.8, 421.5, 916 Hydrogen cutoff room 421.6 Motor fuel-dispensing 406.7 Gates 1010.4
Vehicular 406.2.1, 3110 Gift Shops 407.2.4 Girders
Fire resistance Table 601
Materials Chapter 6 Wood construction 2304.12.1.1,
2308.8.1 Glass (see Glazing) Glass Block (see Glass Unit Masonry) Glass Mat Gypsum Panel Table 2506.2 Glass Unit Masonry 2110 Atrium enclosure 404.6
Fire resistance 2110.1.1
Hazardous locations 2406.1.3 Glazing Athletic facilities 2408
Atrium enclosure 404.6
Frequently asked questions
What exactly must appear on the plans to satisfy § 601.2?
Show a graphic boundary (hatched/colored) of the work area on each affected floor plan, list the work area square footage and show the calculation as a percent of the building; add a note referencing § 601.2.
If the work area is 50% exactly, which level applies?
Per the CEBC text for Level 2, a work area equal to or less than 50% is within the Level‑2 scope (§ 603.1).
Do historic buildings follow the same Chapter 6 rules?
Historic buildings are handled under Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.; Chapter 6 text explicitly references that historic buildings follow that Part. Confirm the historic path before applying Chapters 6–11.
What if my occupancy is listed in the exceptions in § 601.1?
Some occupancies/buildings regulated by other state agencies cannot use Chapters 6–11; review the exceptions in § 601.1 and coordinate with the authority having jurisdiction.
Who decides the work‑area boundary if the owner and reviewer disagree?
The code requires the work area to be identified on the construction documents; the building official (plan reviewer) may require revision if the submitted boundary is unclear or inconsistent with the Chapter‑2 definition. Show clear calculations to avoid dispute.
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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