CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Alteration Level 1 (replacement/covering) — scope and application
Level 1 alterations under the California Existing Building Code are limited repairs where you replace or cover existing materials, fixtures, or equipment with new items that serve the same purpose; these projects must follow Chapter 7 requirements (see § 602.1 and § 602.2).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Level 1 alterations are limited repairs that replace or cover existing materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures with new items that serve the same purpose; they do not reconfigure space or add new systems. This is the CEBC definition in § 602.1. Level 1 work must follow the rules found in Chapter 7 of the CEBC — see § 602.2.
The single most important rule: Level 1 = removal + replacement or covering using new items for the same purpose; follow Chapter 7. § 602.1 and § 602.2.
Requirements in detail
Core definition and application
What is a Level 1 alteration?
The code defines Level 1 alteration as 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. See § 602.1.Where do the rules live?
All Level 1 alterations are required to comply with Chapter 7 (Alterations — Level 1). See § 602.2 and Chapter 7 introductory text.
Decision table — when a job is Level 1 vs. higher
| Decision dimension | Level 1 (replacement/covering) | Not Level 1 (examples) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of activity | Removal & replacement or covering with same-purpose materials | Adding/removing doors/windows, reconfiguring space, extending systems | § 602.1 |
| Change to function | No change in purpose of the element | Change of use, new equipment that changes system function | § 602.1 |
| Area / work-area threshold | Area is not the deciding factor for Level 1; classification is by type of work | Work-area rules apply for Level 2/3 (e.g., ≤50% or >50%) | § 602.1; compare § 603.1 and § 604.1 for thresholds |
| Governing chapter | Chapter 7 requirements apply to Level 1 alterations | Chapter 8 (Level 2) or Chapter 9 (Level 3) apply when scope escalates | § 602.2 and Chapter 7 synopsis |
| Special technical triggers | Covered by specific Chapter 7 sections (e.g., interior finishes, reroofing, structural triggers) | Extensive structural changes or system extensions require higher-level chapters | See Chapter 7 sections (e.g., § 702.x, § 705.x, § 706.x) |
What Chapter 7 adds (high-level)
Chapter 7 supplies the technical details that apply to Level 1 work — for example:
- Interior finishes, floor finishes, and trim: new finishes installed under Level 1 must meet applicable CBC/energy/mechanical/plumbing material and installation standards referenced in Chapter 7 (see § 702.1–702.4, Chapter 7).
- Reroofing: Chapter 7 contains its own reroofing rules for Level 1 work (e.g., when a roof recover is allowed and listed exceptions). See § 705.1–705.4 for permitted recover situations and § 705.3.1 for special requirements when recovering over wood shingles/shakes.
- Structural triggers: even for replacement/covering, if the change increases design gravity load by more than 5%, structural replacement/alteration may be required (see § 706.2).
(Every Level 1 project must be checked against the specific Chapter 7 sections that govern the element being replaced/covered.)
Exceptions & special cases
The CEBC text for § 602.1–602.2 does not list direct exceptions to the Level 1 definition itself; it defines scope and points to Chapter 7. For element-specific exceptions (for example, reroof recover limitations and structural exceptions), see the applicable Chapter 7 sections such as § 705.x and § 706.x. Do not assume Level 1 always permits cover-over for every material — check the Chapter 7 provisions.
Historic buildings: alterations to qualified historic buildings are addressed separately and may follow the California Historical Building Code instead of Chapter 7 when applicable. See Chapter 6 notes and the CHBC references.
Work-area method boundaries: if the work involves added doors/windows, reconfiguration, or system extensions, the project is typically Level 2 (and Chapter 8 applies) even if portions of the job include replacement/covering. See § 603.1 for Level 2 scope.
Common mistakes
- Treating large-area replacement as automatically Level 2 or 3. The classification is based on the type of work (replacement/covering = Level 1) — area matters for Level 2/3 thresholds but does not by itself convert simple replacements into Level 2 unless the work adds/changes systems or reconfigures space. See § 602.1 and compare § 603.1/§ 604.1.
- Assuming every roof recover is allowed. Chapter 7 permits some recover operations but lists exceptions (e.g., water‑soaked existing roofing or roofs with two or more applications). Check § 705. before planning a recover.
- Overlooking structural triggers: small changes to a supported element that increase dead/live/snow loads by more than 5% can trigger structural upgrade requirements under Chapter 7 § 706.2.
- Forgetting cross-code requirements: Level 1 replacements must still meet applicable CBC materials/methods and California Energy Code provisions per Chapter 7 references (e.g., § 702.1, § 708.1).
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: You are replacing the vinyl composition tile (VCT) floor in a 2,000 sq ft office suite with new VCT over the same substrate; no door or wall is moved, no systems are altered.
- Classification: This is Level 1 — it is a removal and replacement of an existing finish with a like-purpose finish. Citation: § 602.1.
- Application: Comply with Chapter 7 finish requirements and material/method standards referenced there (e.g., interior floor finish rules in § 702.2 and materials/methods references). Document the work area on the construction documents as required by § 601.2.
- Watchouts: If the new flooring system increases loads on an intermediate structural element (unlikely in a floor finish swap), evaluate the 5% gravity-load trigger in § 706.2. If the project also added a new storefront or moved doors, the work could become Level 2 under § 603.1.
Related provisions (CEBC sections)
- § 602.1 — Alteration — Level 1 (definition/scope).
- § 602.2 — Application (Level 1 alterations comply with Chapter 7).
- § 601.2 — Work area identification requirements.
- § 701.1 — Chapter 7 general (scope/application of Chapter 7).
- § 702.1–702.4 — Building elements: interior finishes, floor finishes, trim, windows replacement notes.
- § 703.1–703.3 — Fire protection provisions for alterations.
- § 705.1–705.5 — Reroofing rules and recover exceptions (Chapter 7).
- § 706.1–706.3 — Structural provisions and the >5% gravity load trigger.
- § 603.1 — Level 2 scope (contrast with Level 1).
- California Historical Building Code (applicability for historic buildings).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 2.2 High relevance — show source text
2.2_|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |703.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |704.3||||†|†||||||||||||||||||||
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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7 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 603, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter, similar to other chapters of this code, covers all building-related subjects, such as structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and accessibility as well as the fire and life safety issues when the alterations are classified as Level 1. The purpose of this chapter is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, building spaces and building structural system. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by involving only replacement of building components with new components. In contrast, Level 2 alterations involve more space reconfiguration, and Level 3 alterations involve more extensive space reconfiguration, exceeding 50 percent of the building area.
SECTION 701—GENERAL
701.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. Alterations to historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.
701.2 Conformance. An existing building or portion thereof shall not be altered such that the building becomes less safe than its existing condition.
Exception: Where the current level of safety or sanitation is proposed to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of the California Building Code .
[BS] 701.3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, alterations that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 702—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
702.1 Interior finishes. Newly installed interior wall and ceiling finishes shall comply with Chapter 8 of the California Building Code .
702.2 Interior floor finish. New interior floor finish, including new carpeting used as an interior floor finish material, shall comply with Section 804 of the California Building Code .
702.3 Interior trim. Newly installed interior trim materials shall comply with Section 806 of the California Building Code .
702.4 Window fall prevention. In Group R-2 or R-3 buildings containing dwelling units and one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the California Residential Code, window opening control devices or other window fall prevention devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be installed where an existing window is replaced and where all of the following apply to the replacement window:
- The window is operable.
- One of the following applies: 2.1.
CEBC § 601.1.1 High relevance — show source text
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
604.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations apply where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area.
604.2 Application. Level 3 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 and 8 for Level 1 and 2 alterations, respectively, as well as the provisions of Chapter 9.
SECTION 605—CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
605.1 Scope. Change of occupancy provisions apply where the activity is classified as a change of occupancy as defined in Chapter 2.
605.2 Application. Changes of occupancy shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10.
SECTION 606—ADDITIONS
606.1 Scope. Provisions for additions shall apply where work is classified as an addition as defined in Chapter 2.
606.2 Application. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 11.
SECTION 607—HISTORIC BUILDINGS
607.1 Scope. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code (Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R) shall apply to qualified historical buildings or properties.
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 7 – ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
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 § 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 § 601.1.1 High relevance — show source text
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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 § 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 § 6-3 High relevance — show source text
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
703 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
704 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
705 Reroofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
706 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
707 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
708 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
CHAPTER 8 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
802 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
CEBC § 705.5 High relevance — show source text
[BS] 705.5 Flashings. Flashings shall be reconstructed in accordance with approved manufacturer’s installation instructions. Metal flashing to which bituminous materials are to be adhered shall be primed prior to installation.
SECTION 706—STRUCTURAL
[BS] 706.1 General. Where alteration work includes replacement of equipment that is supported by the building or where a reroofing permit is required, the provisions of this section shall apply.
[BS] 706.2 Addition or replacement of roofing or replacement of equipment. Any existing gravity load-carrying structural element for which an alteration causes an increase in design dead, live or snow load, including snow drift effects, of more than 5 percent shall be replaced or altered as needed to carry the gravity loads required by the California Building Code for new structures.
Exceptions:
- Buildings of Group R occupancy with not more than five dwelling or sleeping units used solely for residential purposes where the altered building complies with the conventional light-frame construction methods of the California Building Code or the provisions of the California Residential Code .
- Buildings in which the increased dead load is due entirely to the addition of a second layer of roof covering weighing 3 pounds per square foot (0.1437 kN/m [2] ) or less over an existing single layer of roof covering.
[BS] 706.3 Additional requirements for reroof permits. The requirements of this section shall apply to alteration work requiring reroof permits.
[BS] 706.3.1 Bracing for unreinforced masonry bearing wall parapets. Where a permit is issued for reroofing for more than 25 percent of the roof area of a building assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F that has parapets constructed of unreinforced masonry, the work shall comply with Section 304.3.2 by evaluation of the existing condition or by installation of parapet bracing.
[BS] 706.3.2 Roof diaphragms resisting wind loads in high-wind regions. Where roofing materials are removed from more than 50 percent of the roof diaphragm or section of a building located where the basic wind speed, V, is greater than 130 mph (58 m/s), in accordance with Figure 1609.3(2) of the California Building Code, roof diaphragms, connections of the roof diaphragm to roof
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ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
framing members, and roof-to-wall connections shall be evaluated for the wind loads specified in the California Building Code, including wind uplift. If the diaphragms and connections in their current condition are not capable of resisting 75 percent of those wind loads, they shall be replaced or strengthened in accordance with the loads specified in the California Building Code.
Exception: Buildings that have been demonstrated to comply with the wind load provisions in ASCE 7—88 or later editions.
SECTION 707— RESERVED
SECTION 708—ENERGY CONSERVATION
708.1 Minimum requirements. Level 1 alterations to existing buildings or structures shall comply with applicable provisions of the California Energy Code (Part 6, Title 24, C.C.R).
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CEBC § 705.3.1. High relevance — show source text
** The installation of a new roof covering over an existing roof covering shall be permitted where any of the following conditions occur:
- The new roof covering is installed in accordance with the roof covering manufacturer’s approved instructions.
- Complete and separate roofing systems, such as standing-seam metal roof panel systems, that are designed to transmit the roof loads directly to the building’s structural system and that do not rely on existing roofs and roof coverings for support, shall not require the removal of existing roof coverings.
- Metal panel, metal shingle and concrete and clay tile roof coverings shall be permitted to be installed over existing wood shake roofs when applied in accordance with Section 705.3.1.
- The application of a new protective roof coating over an existing protective roof coating, a metal roof panel, built-up roof, spray polyurethane foam roofing system, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, modified bitumen roofing or thermoset and thermoplastic single-ply roofing shall be permitted without tear off of existing roof coverings.
Exception: A roof recover shall not be permitted where any of the following conditions occur:
- Where the existing roof or roof covering is water-soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing.
- Where the existing roof covering is slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile.
- Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering.
[BS] 705.3.1 Roof recovering over wood shingles or shakes. Where the application of a new roof covering over wood shingle or shake roofs creates a combustible concealed space, the entire existing surface shall be covered with gypsum panel products, mineral fiber, glass fiber or other approved materials securely fastened in place.
[BS] 705.4 Reinstallation of materials. Existing slate, clay or cement tile shall be permitted for reinstallation, except that damaged, cracked or broken slate or tile shall not be reinstalled. Existing vent flashing, metal edgings, drain outlets, collars and metal counterflashings shall not be reinstalled where rusted, damaged or deteriorated. Existing ballast that is damaged, cracked or broken shall not be reinstalled. Existing aggregate surfacing materials from built-up roofs shall not be reinstalled.
[BS] 705.5 Flashings. Flashings shall be reconstructed in accordance with approved manufacturer’s installation instructions. Metal flashing to which bituminous materials are to be adhered shall be primed prior to installation.
SECTION 706—STRUCTURAL
[BS] 706.1 General. Where alteration work includes replacement of equipment that is supported by the building or where a reroofing permit is required, the provisions of this section shall apply.
[BS] 706.2 Addition or replacement of roofing or replacement of equipment. Any existing gravity load-carrying structural element for which an alteration causes an increase in design dead, live or snow load, including snow drift effects, of more than 5 percent shall be replaced or altered as needed to carry the gravity loads required by the California Building Code for new structures.
Exceptions:
- Buildings of Group R occupancy with not more than five dwelling or sleeping units used solely for residential purposes where the altered building complies with the conventional light-frame construction methods of the California Building Code or the provisions of the California Residential Code .
- Buildings in which the increased dead load is due entirely to the addition of a second layer of roof covering weighing 3 pounds per square foot (0.1437 kN/m [2] ) or less over an existing single layer of roof covering.
CEBC § 6.1 High relevance — show source text
Site Class E also includes any soil profile with more than 10 feet of soft clay (defined as a soil with a plasticity index, PI > 20, water content > 40 percent and Su < 500 psf)._
2. The plasticity index, P1, and the moisture content shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D4318 [6.1] and ASTM D2216 [6.2], respectively.
3. Conversion of CPT data to estimate equivalent Vs, SPT blow count, or Su is allowed.|3106F.3 Seismic loads for geotechnical evaluations. Section 3103F.4 defines the earthquake loads to be used for structural and geotechnical evaluations in terms of design Peak Ground Accelerations (PGA), spectral accelerations and design earthquake magnitude. Values used for analyses are based on Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analyses (PSHA) using two levels of seismic performance criteria (Section 3104F.2.1 and Table 31F-4-1).
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MARINE OIL TERMINALS
3106F.4 Liquefaction potential. The liquefaction potential of the soils in the immediate vicinity of or beneath each MOT, and associated slopes, embankments or rock dikes shall be evaluated for the PGAs associated with seismic performance Levels 1 and 2. Liquefaction potential evaluation should follow the procedures outlined in NCEER report [6.3], SCEC [6.4] and CGS Special Publication 117A [6.5].
If liquefaction is shown to be initiated in the above evaluations, the particular liquefiable strata and their thicknesses shall be clearly shown on site profiles. Resulting hazards associated with liquefaction shall be addressed including translational or rotational deformations of slopes or embankment systems and post liquefaction settlement of slopes or embankment systems and underlying foundation soils, as noted below. If such analyses indicate the potential for partial or gross (flow) failure of a slope or embankment, adequate evaluations shall be performed to confirm such a condition exists, together with analyses to evaluate potential slope displacements (lateral spreads). In these situations and for projects where more detailed numerical analyses are performed, a peer review (see Section 3101F.8.2) may be required.
3106F.5 Slope or embankment stability and seismically induced lateral spreading. Slope or embankment stability related to the MOT facility, shall be evaluated for static and seismic loading conditions.
3106F.5.1 Static slope stability. Static stability analysis using conventional limit equilibrium methods shall be performed for site related slope or embankment systems. Live load surcharge shall be considered in analyses based on project-specific information. The long-term static factor of safety of the slope or embankment shall not be less than 1.5.
3106F.5.2 Pseudo-static seismic slope stability. Pseudo-static seismic slope or embankment stability analyses shall be performed to estimate the horizontal yield acceleration for the slope for the Level 1 and Level 2 earthquakes. During the seismic event, appropri- ate live load surcharge shall be considered.
CEBC § 807.4 Medium relevance — show source text
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1325] Labeling Required .
No drape, hanging, curtain, drop or similar decorative material or exterior fabric which has been treated by a registered flame-retardant application concern, either as yardage or after fabrication, or which is made from a registered approved fabric shall be installed after the effective date of these rules and regulations [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8] in any place or under any condition governed by Sections 13115 and 13119 of the Health and Safety Code unless such drape, hanging, curtain, drop, or similar decorative material or exterior fabric shall be labeled as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1324.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1326] Retreatment.
In cases where instructions are issued by the State Fire Marshal requiring retreatment or replacement of fabrics or materials previously treated with a flame-retardant chemical or registered as an approved fabric or material, the retreatment or replacement shall be made within ten (10) days after date of the order so requiring. A new certificate of flame resistance covering each such retreatment shall be delivered as for an original job as is provided for by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1321. A new sample of the retreated fabric or material shall be attached to the certificate of flame resistance submitted to the State Fire Marshal.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1327] Installation.
The standard fire-resistance tests presume installation of approved registered fabrics in a normal vertical position. Some decorative materials installed otherwise, such as in narrow strips or suspended overhead in a horizontal position, may exhibit different burning characteristics. Since it is not feasible to devise tests for all such installations differing from normal, they must be judged on an individual basis. Where indicated, the State Fire Marshal may perform such additional tests as he deems necessary to ensure adequate fire resis- tance of materials as installed.
807.4 Artificial decorative vegetation. Artificial decorative vegetation shall comply with this section and the requirements of Sections 806.2 and 806.3. Natural decorative vegetation shall comply with Section 806.
Exception: Testing of artificial vegetation is not required in Group I-1; Group I-2, Condition 1; Group R-2; Group R-3; or Group R-4 occupancies equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1, where such artificial vegetation complies with the following:
Wreaths and other decorative items on doors shall not obstruct the door operation and shall not exceed 50 percent of the surface area of the door.
Decorative artificial vegetation shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which it is attached.
Decorative artificial vegetation not on doors or walls shall not exceed 3 feet (914 mm) in any dimension.
807.4.1 Flammability. Artificial decorative vegetation shall meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701. Meeting such criteria shall be documented and certified by the manufacturer in an approved manner. Alternatively, the artificial decorative vegetation shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW ignition source, and shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW.
CBC § 301 Medium relevance — show source text
The IEBC is a model code in the International Code family of codes intended to provide requirements for repair and alternative approaches for alterations, changes of occupancy and additions to existing buildings. A large number of existing buildings and structures do not comply with the current building code requirements for new construction. Although many of these buildings are potentially salvageable, rehabilitation is often cost-prohibitive because compliance with all the requirements for new construction could require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of the building or the original scope of the alteration. At the same time, it is necessary to regulate construction in existing buildings that undergo additions, alterations, extensive repairs or change of occupancy. Such activity represents an opportunity to ensure that new construction complies with the current building codes and that existing conditions are maintained, at a minimum, to their current level of compliance or are improved as required to meet basic safety levels. To accomplish this objective, and to make the alteration process easier, this code allows for options for controlled departure from full compliance with the International Codes dealing with new construction, while maintaining basic levels for fire safety, structural and life safety features of the rehabilitated building.
This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:
Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.
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Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.
Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC
The format of the CEBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CEBC is divided. The subsequent table shows CEBC requirements that are correlated with other California Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CEBC.
Frequently asked questions
When is a simple in-kind replacement NOT Level 1?
If the work adds or extends systems, reconfigures space, or changes the function of an element (for example, adding a new mechanical unit that changes the building system), it is not Level 1. See § 602.1 and the Level 2 scope in § 603.1.
Does Level 1 work ever require structural upgrades?
Yes—Chapter 7 requires structural action where the alteration increases the design gravity load on an existing structural element by more than 5%. See § 706.2.
Can I install a new roof over an existing roof under Level 1?
Sometimes. Chapter 7 permits certain roof recover operations but lists exceptions (e.g., water-soaked existing roofing, certain tile roofs, or more than two existing layers). Check § 705. before planning a recover.
Do accessibility or energy rules still apply to Level 1?
Yes. Level 1 replacements must meet applicable material/method and energy requirements referenced by Chapter 7 (see § 702.x and § 708.1).
Where do I document the work area for a Level 1 project?
The CEBC requires the work area to be identified on the construction documents (see § 601.2).
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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