CEBC · California Existing Building Code
When can an exit be taken out of service and what substitute egress is required?
You may only take a required exit out of service during occupied work if you provide an approved substitute egress that preserves safe escape (CEBC §1501.4). If you cannot provide an adequate temporary route (with signage and lighting where required), the area must be vacated until the work is complete.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
- §1501.4 of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) requires that required exits and related life‑safety elements be maintained at all times during alterations, repairs or additions.
- Exceptions in §1501.4 permit taking an exit out of service only if (1) the exit is being altered or repaired and adequate substitute provisions are made, or (2) the building is not occupied.
The bottom line: you may not remove an exit from service during occupied work unless you provide an approved, adequate substitute egress before doing so.
Important note: the user asked that §1508 be a controlling section for this topic. The search results provided did not include the full text of §1508, so this article grounds requirements in the retrieved CEBC text (especially §1501.4) and related CEBC/CBC sections referenced below. I state when I rely on other CEBC/CBC sections and include citations. If you need the exact wording of §1508, I can fetch it if you upload that page or allow a fuller search.
Requirements in detail
When an exit may be taken out of service
- Primary rule: Required exits must be maintained during alterations, repairs or additions — you cannot simply remove an exit while the building is occupied. §1501.4 mandates maintenance of required exits and provides only two limited exceptions.
- Practical trigger for allowed temporary removal:
- The exit is being altered or repaired (work requires it be closed), and
- Adequate substitute provisions are provided for the duration (see next subsection), and
- The work and substitution are acceptable to the code official.
- For special elements like horizontal exits, the California Building Code requires a substitute means of egress before the horizontal exit is destroyed (CBC §3303.3). This principle is consistent with CEBC §1501.4.
What “adequate substitute provisions” means (what you must provide)
The CEBC does not enumerate a single checklist in §1501.4; instead, adequacy is demonstrated by providing substitute means that preserve occupant egress. Relevant CEBC provisions that describe required characteristics for substitute egress during work include:
- Maintain the required number of exits where the work area requires them (CEBC means‑of‑egress work‑area rules such as §804.5/§804.6). For example, spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or travel distance > 75 feet must have not fewer than two egress doorways — so closing one of those without a replacement would be noncompliant.
- Provide means‑of‑egress lighting and exit signage where required for the work area; CEBC sections addressing means‑of‑egress lighting and exit signs for work areas are in §804 and §905.
- Temporary substitute egress may include temporary exterior doors, temporary stair(es), protected corridors, or other arrangements that provide an equivalent safe path to an exit discharge — and must be approved by the code official (see CEBC §1501.4 exception language).
- The CEBC allows some flexibility where the existing egress complies with the code under which the building was constructed and the code official determines there is no distinct hazard; but that is an enforcement discretion, not permission to reduce egress during occupied work. (CEBC §804.2 Exception).
Decision matrix (quick reference)
| Decision dimension | Key value / threshold | Required action (substitute egress) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work on a required exit while building is occupied | Any | Provide adequate substitute provisions before taking exit out of service; approval required | §1501.4 |
| Work affects a space with occupant load > 50 or travel > 75 ft | > 50 occupants (or travel > 75 ft) | Ensure two egress doorways remain available (or provide temporary equivalent) | §804.6.1.1 |
| Removing a horizontal exit or destroying it | Any | Substitute means of egress must be provided and approved before destruction | CBC §3303.3 |
| Egress serving a work area | Work area present | Maintain egress lighting and exit signs through the path to exit discharge | §804 and §905 |
Approval and notification
- Always coordinate with the enforcing agency/code official. §1501.4 contemplates that where required elements are being altered, adequate substitute provisions shall be made — this is an approval/acceptance determination by the authority having jurisdiction.
Exceptions & special cases
- Building unoccupied: If the existing building is not occupied during the work, maintenance of exits is not required (CEBC §1501.4, Exception 2).
- Work‑area rules: Some CEBC work‑area provisions apply only within the defined work area — where the work area is limited, substitute egress may need only serve the work area (see CEBC §804).
- Existing code compliance: Means of egress that comply with the code under which the building was originally constructed may be accepted as compliant by the code official if they do not constitute a distinct hazard (CEBC §804.2 exception). This is an enforcement discretion, not a blanket permission to reduce egress during occupied work.
- Horizontal exits (special): Horizontal exits have special protection and substitution requirements — you may not destroy a horizontal exit until a substitute egress is provided and approved (CBC §3303.3).
Common mistakes
- Taking an exit out of service during occupied work without providing an approved substitute egress (violates §1501.4).
- Assuming temporary lighting or signage is optional — CEBC work‑area provisions require means‑of‑egress lighting and exit signs for the path to the exit discharge (see §804 and §905).
- Closing a second exit in a space that already only meets the minimum exits for its occupant load — e.g., a space that requires two egress doorways because occupant load > 50 cannot have one removed without substitute egress.
- Failing to obtain plan review or field approval from the code official for the substitute arrangements — CEBC provisions require acceptance by the authority having jurisdiction.
Worked example — concrete scenario (numbers)
Scenario: A single floor office suite has an occupant load of 80 and two existing egress doorways. The owner needs to renovate the primary exit doorway and intends to close it for three days while work is done.
Step 1 — Code triggers:
- Because occupant load 80 > 50, CEBC work‑area rules require not fewer than two egress doorways for the space (CEBC §804.6.1.1). Closing one of two would leave the space with only one egress doorway — not acceptable unless substitute provisions are provided.
Step 2 — What must be provided:
- Before closing the primary exit, the owner must provide an adequate substitute egress (for example: a temporary exterior door cut into a wall that leads to the public way, or a temporary enclosed stair or protected corridor to the remaining exit discharge) and get approval from the code official. This is required by CEBC §1501.4 (exception for elements being altered or repaired provided adequate substitutes are made).
- The temporary route must be identified with exit signage and have means‑of‑egress lighting per CEBC §804 and §905 for the work area path to exit discharge.
Step 3 — Approval and occupancy:
- If the owner cannot provide an approved substitute egress that preserves safe egress for the 80 occupants, the code official may require the suite to be vacated/unoccupied during the work (CEBC §1501.4 Exception 2).
Outcome: With a temporary exterior door (or equivalent) installed and approved, proper signage and lighting maintained, the primary exit may be taken out of service for the three days. Without that approved substitute, the suite must not remain occupied during the closure.
(Notes: this example focuses on the number of exits and the requirement to provide an approved substitute; other numeric requirements such as minimum exit widths and exit capacity per occupant are covered elsewhere in the Building Code and must be checked for the specific occupancy and egress path during plan review.)
Related provisions (CEBC / CBC)
- §1501.4 — Maintenance of exits; exceptions (CEBC).
- §804 — Means of egress for work areas (CEBC) — includes §804.5 (number of exits), §804.6.1.1 (occupant load > 50 requires two egress doorways).
- §905 — CEBC provisions addressing means‑of‑egress lighting and exit signs for work areas.
- CBC §3303.3 — A horizontal exit shall not be destroyed unless and until a substitute means of egress has been provided and approved. (Relevant to demolition / horizontal exit removal.)
- CBC §1001.2 — It is unlawful to alter a building so as to reduce the number of exits or the capacity of means of egress to less than required. (General principle reinforcing CEBC §1501.4.)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 804.5.2 High relevance — show source text
804.5.2 Mezzanines. Mezzanines in the work area and with an occupant load of more than 50 or in which the travel distance to an exit exceeds 75 feet (22 860 mm) shall have access to not fewer than two independent means of egress.
Exception: Two independent means of egress are not required where the travel distance to an exit does not exceed 100 feet (30 480 mm) and the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.
804.5.3 Main entrance—Group A. Buildings of Group A with an occupant load of 300 or more shall be provided with a main entrance capable of serving as the main exit with an egress capacity of not less than one-half of the total occupant load. The remaining exits shall be capable of providing one-half of the total required exit capacity.
Exception: Where a main exit is not well defined or where multiple main exits are provided, exits shall be permitted to be distributed around the perimeter of the building provided that the total width of egress is not less than 100 percent of the required width.
804.6 Egress doorways. Egress doorways in any work area shall comply with Sections 804.6.1 through 804.6.5.
804.6.1 Two egress doorways required. Work areas shall be provided with two egress doorways in accordance with the requirements of Sections 804.6.1.1 and 804.6.1.2.
804.6.1.1 Occupant load and travel distance. In any work area, all rooms and spaces having an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance to an exit exceeds 75 feet (22 860 mm) shall have not fewer than two egress doorways.
Exceptions:
- Storage rooms having a maximum occupant load of 10.
- Where the work area is served by a single exit in accordance with Section 804.5.1.1.
804.6.2 Door swing. In the work area and in the egress path from any work area to the exit discharge, all egress doors serving an occupant load of 50 or more shall swing in the direction of exit travel.
804.6.2.1 Supplemental requirements for door swing. Where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area, door swing shall comply with Section 804.6.2 throughout the floor.
Exception: Means of egress within or serving only a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.
804.6.3 Door closing. In any work area, all doors opening onto an exit passageway at grade or an exit stairway shall be self-closing or automatic-closing by listed closing devices.
Exception: Where exit enclosure is not required by the California Building Code .
804.6.3.1 Supplemental requirements for door closing. Where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area, doors shall comply with Section 804.6.3 throughout the exit stairway from the work area to, and including, the level of exit discharge.
804.6.4 Panic and fire exit hardware. In any work area, and in the egress path from any work area to the exit discharge, in buildings or portions thereof of Group A assembly occupancies with an occupant load greater than 100, all required exit doors equipped with latching devices shall be equipped with approved panic or fire exit hardware in accordance with Section 1010.2.9 of the California Building Code .
CEBC § 3303.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 3303—DEMOLITION
3303.1 Construction documents. Construction documents and a schedule for demolition shall be submitted where required by the building official. Where such information is required, work shall not be done until such construction documents or schedule, or both, are approved.
3303.2 Pedestrian protection. The work of demolishing any building shall not be commenced until pedestrian protection is in place as required by this chapter.
3303.3 Means of egress. A horizontal exit shall not be destroyed unless and until a substitute means of egress has been provided and approved.
3303.4 Vacant lot. Where a structure has been demolished or removed, the vacant lot shall be filled and maintained to the existing grade or in accordance with the ordinances of the jurisdiction having authority.
3303.5 Water accumulation. Provision shall be made to prevent the accumulation of water or damage to any foundations on the premises or on adjacent property.
3303.6 Utility connections. Service utility connections shall be discontinued and capped in accordance with the approved rules and the requirements of the applicable governing authority.
[F] 3303.7 Fire safety during demolition. Fire safety during demolition shall comply with the applicable requirements of this code and the applicable provisions of Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code .
SECTION 3304—SITE WORK
3304.1 Excavation and fill. Excavation and fill for buildings and structures shall be constructed or protected so as not to endanger life or property. Stumps and roots shall be removed from the soil to a depth of not less than 12 inches (305 mm) below the surface of the ground in the area to be occupied by the building. Wood forms that have been used in placing concrete, if within the ground or between foundation sills and the ground, shall be removed before a building is occupied or used for any purpose. Before completion, loose or casual wood shall be removed from direct contact with the ground under the building.
3304.1.1 Slope limits. Slopes for permanent fill shall be not steeper than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope). Cut slopes for permanent excavations shall be not steeper than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope). Deviation from the foregoing limitations for cut slopes shall be permitted only upon the presentation of a soil investigation report acceptable to the building official.
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SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
3304.1.2 Surcharge. Fill or other surcharge loads shall not be placed adjacent to any building or structure unless such building or structure is capable of withstanding the additional loads caused by the fill or surcharge. Existing footings or foundations that can be affected by any excavation shall be underpinned adequately or otherwise protected against settlement and shall be protected against lateral movement.
3304.1.3 Footings on adjacent slopes. For footings on adjacent slopes, see Chapter 18.
3304.1.4 Fill supporting foundations. Fill to be used to support the foundations of any building or structure shall comply with Section 1804.6. Special inspections of compacted fill shall be in accordance with Section 1705.6.
CEBC § 3302.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
** The site safety director shall be responsible for the completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section. The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available for on-site inspection and review.
Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in the California Fire Code, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.
Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.
Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.
Fire apparatus access roads required by the California Fire Code are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.
The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.
Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 3311.
Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Section 3309 and for roofing operations in accordance with the California Fire Code .
Where a fire watch is required, fire watch records complying with the California Fire Code are up-to-date.
3302.3.1 Violations. Failure to properly conduct, document and maintain documentation required by this section shall constitute an unlawful act in accordance with Section 114.1 and shall result in the issuance of a notice of violation to the site safety director in accordance with Section 114.2. Upon the third offense, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order in accordance with Section 115, and work shall not resume until satisfactory assurances of future compliance have been presented to and approved by the building official.
SECTION 3303—DEMOLITION
3303.1 Construction documents. Construction documents and a schedule for demolition shall be submitted where required by the building official. Where such information is required, work shall not be done until such construction documents or schedule, or both, are approved.
3303.2 Pedestrian protection. The work of demolishing any building shall not be commenced until pedestrian protection is in place as required by this chapter.
3303.3 Means of egress. A horizontal exit shall not be destroyed unless and until a substitute means of egress has been provided and approved.
3303.4 Vacant lot. Where a structure has been demolished or removed, the vacant lot shall be filled and maintained to the existing grade or in accordance with the ordinances of the jurisdiction having authority.
3303.5 Water accumulation. Provision shall be made to prevent the accumulation of water or damage to any foundations on the premises or on adjacent property.
3303.6 Utility connections. Service utility connections shall be discontinued and capped in accordance with the approved rules and the requirements of the applicable governing authority.
[F] 3303.7 Fire safety during demolition. Fire safety during demolition shall comply with the applicable requirements of this code and the applicable provisions of Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code .
CEBC § 435.6.2 Medium relevance — show source text
435.6.2 Safety padding. Padding material used on walls, floors and ceilings in Group I and R-2.1 occupancies shall be of an approved type tested in accordance with the procedures established by State Fire Marshal Standard 12-8-100, Room Fire Test for Wall and Ceil- ing Materials, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 12.
435.7 Fire protection system provisions.
435.7.1 Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed where required in Section 903.
435.7.2 Fire alarm systems in Group R-2.1 and R-4 occupancies. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed where required in Section 907.
435.7.3 Smoke alarms in Groups R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies. Smoke alarms shall be installed where required in Section 907.2.11.2.
435.7.4 Hearing impaired. See Section 907.5.2.3.4.
435.8 Means of egress provisions.
435.8.1 General. In addition to the general means of egress requirements of Chapter 10, this section shall apply to Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies.
435.8.2 Number of exits.
435.8.2.1 Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies shall have a minimum of two exits.
Exception: Ancillary use areas or occupancies shall have egress as required by Section 1021.
435.8.3 Egress arrangements.
435.8.3.1 Egress through adjoining dwelling units shall not be permitted.
435.8.3.2 Group R-3.1 occupancies housing non- ambulatory clients. In a Group R-3.1 occupancy, bedrooms used by nonambu- latory clients shall have access to at least one of the required exits which shall conform to one of the following: 1. Egress through a hallway or area into a bedroom in the immediate area which has an exit directly to the exterior and the corridor/hallway is constructed consistent with the dwelling unit interior walls. The hallway shall be separated from common areas by a solid wood door not less than 1 [3] / 8 inch (35 mm) in thickness, maintained self-closing or shall be auto- matic closing by actuation of a smoke detector installed in accordance with Section 716.2.6. 2. Egress through a hallway which has an exit directly to the exterior. The hallway shall be separated from the rest of the house by a wall constructed consistent with the dwelling unit interior walls and opening protected by a solid wood door not less than 1 [3] / 8 inch (35 mm) in thickness, maintained self-closing or shall be automatic closing by actuation of a smoke detector installed in accordance with Section 716.2.6.
CEBC § 903.3.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
Where interior exit stairways or ramps are interconnected by a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated corridor conforming to the requirements of Section 1020, the required exit separation shall be measured along the shortest direct line of travel within the corridor.
Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the separation distance shall be not less than one-third of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served.
1007.1.1.1 Measurement point. The separation distance required in Section 1007.1.1 shall be measured in accordance with the following:
- The separation distance to exit or exit access doorways shall be measured to any point along the width of the doorway.
- The separation distance to exit access stairways shall be measured to the closest riser.
- The separation distance to exit access ramps shall be measured to the start of the ramp run.
1007.1.2 Three or more exits or exit access doorways. Where access to three or more exits is required, not less than two exit or exit access doorways shall be arranged in accordance with the provisions of Section 1007.1.1. Additional required exit or exit access doorways shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if one becomes blocked, the others will be available.
1007.1.3 Remoteness of exit access stairways or ramps. Where two exit access stairways or ramps provide the required means of egress to exits at another story, the required separation distance shall be maintained for all portions of such exit access stair ways or ramps.
1007.1.3.1 Three or more exit access stairways or ramps. Where more than two exit access stairways or ramps provide the required means of egress, not less than two shall be arranged in accordance with Section 1007.1.3.
SECTION 1008 —MEANS OF EGRESS ILLUMINATION
1008.1 Means of egress illumination. Illumination shall be provided in the means of egress in accordance with Section 1008.2. In the event of power supply failure, means of egress illumination shall comply with Section 1008.2.4.
1008.2 Illumination required. The means of egress serving a room or space shall be illuminated at all times that the room or space is occupied.
Exceptions:
- Occupancies in Group U.
- Self-service storage units 400 square feet (37.2 m [2] ) or less in area and accessed directly from the exterior of the building.
- Aisle accessways in Group A.
- Dwelling units and sleeping units in Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3.
- Sleeping units of Group I, R-2.1 and R-4 occupancies.
1008.2.1 Illumination level under normal power. The means of egress illumination level shall be not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) at the walking surface. Along exit access stairways, exit stairways and at their required landings, the illumination level shall not be less than 10 footcandles (108 lux) at the walking surface when the stairway is in use.
CEBC § 505.3 Medium relevance — show source text
with or without wheels or rollers, that typically remains in_ one fixed location during its service life or use but is required to be periodically moved to facilitate cleaning or maintenance. (7) OTHER EQUIPMENT [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] means equipment that is not directly connected to a building service distribution system, with or without wheels or rollers, and is typically used at a single location during its service life. (8) TEMPORARY EQUIPMENT [OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] means fixed, movable, countertop or other equipment that is used during replacement, maintenance or repair for a time of service as defined in Section 108.
EQUIPMENT AREA. An area used for pool recirculation and purification equipment and related piping appurtenances.
[BG] EQUIPMENT PLATFORM. An unoccupied, elevated platform used exclusively for mechanical systems or industrial process equipment, including the associated elevated walkways, stairways, alternating tread devices and ladders necessary to access the platform (see Section 505.3).
EQUIVALENT FACILITATION. The use of designs, products or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed, resulting in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.
Note: In determining equivalent facilitation, consideration shall be given to means that provide for the maximum independence of persons with disabilities while presenting the least risk of harm, injury or other hazard to such persons or others.
[BS] ESSENTIAL FACILITIES. Buildings and other structures that are intended to remain operational in the event of extreme environmental loading from flood, wind, snow or earthquakes.
[F] EXHAUSTED ENCLOSURE. An appliance or piece of equipment that consists of a top, a back and two sides providing a means of local exhaust for capturing gases, fumes, vapors and mists. Such enclosures include laboratory hoods, exhaust fume hoods and similar appliances and equipment used to locally retain and exhaust the gases, fumes, vapors and mists that could be released. Rooms or areas provided with general ventilation, in themselves, are not exhausted enclosures.
[A] EXISTING BUILDING. A building erected prior to the date of adoption of the appropriate code, or one for which a legal building permit has been issued.
EXISTING BUILDING OR FACILITY. [DSA-AC] A facility in existence on any given date, without regard to whether the facility may also be considered newly constructed or altered under this code.
[A] EXISTING STRUCTURE. A structure erected prior to the date of adoption of the appropriate code, or one for which a legal building permit has been issued.
[BE] EXIT. That portion of a means of egress system between the exit access and the exit discharge or public way. Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways and ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and ramps and horizontal exits.
EXIT, HORIZONTAL. See “Horizontal exit.”
[BE] EXIT ACCESS. That portion of a means of egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a building or structure to an exit.
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DEFINITIONS
CEBC § 1001.1 Medium relevance — show source text
The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.
The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Sections 1003 through 1031 are duplicated text from Chapter 10 of the California Building Code ; however, the California Fire Code contains an additional Section 1032 on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings. Retroactive minimum means of egress requirements for existing buildings are found in Chapter 11.
SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION
1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof. Sections 1003 through 1031 shall apply to new construction. Section 1032 shall apply to existing buildings.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the California Residential Code .
[BE] 1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.
SECTION 1002—DEFINITIONS
[BE] 1002.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS.
AISLE.
AISLE ACCESSWAY.
ALTERNATING TREAD DEVICE.
AREA OF REFUGE.
AUTOMATIC FLUSH BOLT.
BLEACHERS.
BREAKOUT.
CIRCULATION PATH.
COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL.
CONSTANT LATCHING BOLT.
CORRIDOR.
DEAD BOLT.
DEFEND-IN-PLACE.
DOOR, BALANCED.
EGRESS COURT.
EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENING.
EXIT.
EXIT ACCESS.
EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY.
EXIT ACCESS RAMP.
EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAY.
EXIT DISCHARGE.
EXIT DISCHARGE, LEVEL OF.
EXIT PASSAGEWAY.
EXTERIOR EXIT RAMP.
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MEANS OF EGRESS
EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY.
FIRE EXIT HARDWARE.
FIXED SEATING.
FLIGHT.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS.
FLOOR AREA, NET.
FOLDING AND TELESCOPIC SEATING.
GRADE FLOOR EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS.
GRANDSTAND.
GUARD.
HANDRAIL.
HORIZONTAL EXIT.
INTERIOR EXIT RAMP.
INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY.
LOW ENERGY POWER-OPERATED DOOR.
MANUAL BOLT.
MEANS OF EGRESS.
MERCHANDISE PAD.
NOSING.
OCCUPANT LOAD.
OPEN-AIR ASSEMBLY SEATING.
OPEN-ENDED CORRIDOR.
CEBC § 1001.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 10 of this code is duplicated in Chapter 10 the California Fire Code; however, the California Fire Code contains one additional section on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION
1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof.
1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.
SECTION 1002—MAINTENANCE AND PLANS
[F] 1002.1 Maintenance. Means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code .
[F] 1002.2 Fire safety and evacuation plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided for all occupancies and buildings where required by the California Fire Code . Such fire safety and evacuation plans shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 401.2 and 404 of the California Fire Code .
SECTION 1003—GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS
1003.1 Applicability. The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 through 1015 shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter.
[DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] In addition to the requirement of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, build- ings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.8.2.1.2 regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development, or Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, as applicable.
Exception: [SFM] Exiting requirements for Fixed Guideway Transit Systems shall be as per Section 443.
1003.1.1 Means of egress for hospitals. [OSHPD 1] In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress for hospitals shall comply with Part 10 California Existing Building Code Section 311A.
1003.1.2 Means of egress for hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities and acute psychiatric hospitals. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress for hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities and acute psychiatric hospi- tals shall comply with OSHPD amendments to Part 10 California Existing Building Code Section 311.
1003.2 Ceiling height. The means of egress shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm) above the finished floor.
Exceptions:
Sloped ceilings in accordance with Section 1208.2.
Ceilings of dwelling units and sleeping units within residential occupancies in accordance with Section 1208.2.
Allowable projections in accordance with Section 1003.3.
Stair headroom in accordance with Section 1011.3.
CEBC § 8-410.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Buildings with floors above 75 feet, NFPA 13.
When the building is free standing or with property line separation, two floors and 1500 square feet per floor or less, NFPA 13D.
For exterior wall and opening protection. As required by this chapter.
Exception: When the automatic sprinkler systems are used to reach compliance using this code, in three or more occasions, NFPA 13D standard shall be increased to NFPA 13R standard, or NFPA 13R standard shall be increased to a NFPA 13 standard.
8-410.3 Automatic sprinkler systems shall not be used to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits from any facility. (See Chapter 8-5 for exiting requirements.)
8-410.4 An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all detention facilities.
SECTION 8-411 — OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
Fire alarm systems, smoke and heat detection systems, occupant notification and annunciation systems, smoke control systems and fire modeling, timed egress analysis and modeling, as well as other engineering methods and technologies may be accepted by the enforcing agency to address areas of nonconformance.
SECTION 8-412 — HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
Qualified historical buildings having floors for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access shall conform to the provisions of the regular code for existing high-rise buildings as amended by the CHBC.
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8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS
SECTION 8-501 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
8-501.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum means of egress regulations for qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept reasonably equivalent alternatives to the means of egress requirements in the regular code.
8-501.2 Intent. The intent of these regulations is to provide an adequate means of egress.
8-501.3 Scope. Every qualified historical building or portion thereof shall be provided with exits as required by the CHBC when required by the provisions of Section 8-102.
SECTION 8-502 — GENERAL
8-502.1 General. The enforcing agency shall grant reasonable exceptions to the specific provisions of applicable egress regulations where such exceptions will not adversely affect life safety.
8-502.2. Existing door openings and corridor widths of less than dimensions required by regular code shall be permitted where there is sufficient width and height for the occupants to pass through the opening or traverse the exit.
8-502.3 Stairs. Existing stairs having risers and treads or width at variance with the regular code are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard. Handrails with nonconforming grip size or extensions are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard.
8-502.4 Main entry doors. The front or main entry doors need not be rehung to swing in the direction of exit travel, provided other means or conditions of exiting, as necessary to serve the total occupant load, are provided.
CEBC § 903.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
903.2.1 Separation required. Where the work area is in any attached dwelling unit in Group R-3 or any multiple single-family dwelling (townhouse), walls separating the dwelling units that are not continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing shall be constructed to provide a continuous fire separation using construction materials consistent with the existing wall or complying with the requirements for new structures. Work shall be performed on the side of the dwelling unit wall that is part of the work area.
Exception: Where alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, walls are not required to be continuous through concealed floor spaces.
903.3 Interior finish. Interior finish in exits serving the work area shall comply with Section 802.4 between the highest floor on which there is a work area to the floor of exit discharge.
903.4 Enhanced classroom acoustics. In Group E occupancies, where the work area is a Level 3 alteration, enhanced classroom acoustics shall be provided in all classrooms with a volume of 20,000 cubic feet (565 m [3] ) or less. Enhanced classroom acoustics shall comply with the reverberation time in Section 808 of ICC A117.1.
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ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3
SECTION 904—FIRE PROTECTION
904.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with Section 903 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.
904.2 Fire alarm and detection systems. Fire alarm and detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907 of the California Building Code as required for new construction in accordance with California Fire Code Sections 907 and 1103.7.
904.2.1 Systems out of service. Existing fire alarm and detection systems shall be maintained in accordance with Section 901.7 of the California Fire Code. Site fire protection during construction shall be in accordance with Chapter 33 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.
SECTION 905—MEANS OF EGRESS
905.1 General. The means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Section 804 except as specifically required in Sections 905.2 and 905.3.
905.2 Means-of-egress lighting. Means of egress from the highest work area floor to the floor of exit discharge shall be provided with artificial lighting within the exit enclosure in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code .
905.3 Exit signs. Means of egress from the highest work area floor to the floor of exit discharge shall be provided with exit signs in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code .
905.4 Two-way communications systems. In buildings with elevator service, a two-way communication system shall be provided where required by Section 1009.8 of the California Building Code .
SECTION 906—STRUCTURAL
[BS] 906.1 General. Where buildings are undergoing Level 3 alterations, the provisions of this section shall apply.
CEBC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
Entire Chapter|X||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)||||||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopt only those sections
that are listed below||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section||||||||||||||||||||||||| |1501||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |1505||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |1506||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |1508||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |1511||||X|X||||||||||||||||||||The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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15-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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15 CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 15 looks to the construction process. Parameters are provided for demolition and for protecting adjacent property during demolition and construction. Issues such as how to provide egress and adequate water supply while the building is growing, the timing of standpipe and sprinkler installation, and protection of pedestrians are addressed. Note that this chapter is consistent with Chapter 33 of the California Building Code and Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code.
SECTION 1501—GENERAL
[BG] 1501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern safety during construction and the protection of adjacent public and private properties. Fire safety during construction shall also comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code.
[BG] 1501.2 Storage and placement of construction equipment and materials. Construction equipment and materials shall be stored and placed so as not to endanger the public, the workers or adjoining property for the duration of the construction project.
[BS] 1501.3 Roof loads. Structural roof components shall be capable of supporting the roof-covering system and the material and equipment loads that will be encountered during installation of the system.
[BG] 1501.4 Maintenance of exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices and sanitary safeguards. Required exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices and sanitary safeguards shall be maintained at all times during alterations, repairs or additions to any building or structure.
Exceptions:
- Where such required elements or devices are being altered or repaired, adequate substitute provisions shall be made.
- Maintenance of such elements and devices is not required where the existing building is not occupied.
[BG] 1501.5 Removal of waste materials. Waste materials shall be removed in a manner that prevents injury or damage to persons, adjoining properties and public rights-of-way.
SECTION 1502—OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIRE PROTECTION
CEBC § 1103.10 Medium relevance — show source text
No person shall install, market, distribute, offer for sale or sell any carbon monoxide device in the state of California unless the device and instructions have been approved and listed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
1103.10 Medical gases. Medical gases stored and transferred in health-care-related facilities shall be in accordance with Chapter 53.
SECTION 1104—MEANS OF EGRESS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
1104.1 General. Means of egress in existing buildings shall comply with the minimum egress requirements where specified in Table 1103.1 as further enumerated in Sections 1104.2 through 1104.25, and the building code that applied at the time of construction. Where the provisions of this chapter conflict with the building code that applied at the time of construction, the most restrictive provision shall apply. Existing buildings that were not required to comply with a building code at the time of construction shall comply with the minimum egress requirements where specified in Table 1103.1 as further enumerated in Sections 1104.2 through 1104.25.
1104.2 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Elevators, escalators and moving walks shall not be used as a component of a required means of egress.
Exceptions:
- Elevators used as an accessible means of egress where allowed by Section 1009.4.
- Previously approved elevators, escalators and moving walks in existing buildings.
1104.3 Exit sign illumination. Exit signs shall be internally or externally illuminated. The face of an exit sign illuminated from an external source shall have an intensity of not less than 5 footcandles (54 lux). Internally illuminated signs shall provide equivalent luminance and be listed for the purpose.
Exception: Approved self-luminous signs that provide evenly illuminated letters shall have a minimum luminance of 0.06 footlamberts (0.21 cd/m [2] ).
1104.4 Power source. Where emergency illumination is required in Section 1104.5, exit signs shall be visible under emergency illumination conditions.
Exception: Approved signs that provide continuous illumination independent of external power sources are not required to be connected to an emergency electrical system.
1104.5 Illumination emergency power. Where means of egress illumination is provided, the power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises’ electrical supply. In the event of power supply failure, illumination shall be automatically provided from an emergency system for the following occupancies where such occupancies require two or more means of egress:
- Group A having 50 or more occupants.
Exception: Assembly occupancies used exclusively as a place of worship and having an occupant load of less than 300.
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CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
Group B buildings three or more stories in height, buildings with 100 or more occupants above or below a level of exit discharge serving the occupants or buildings with 1,000 or more total occupants.
Group E in interior exit access and exit stairways and ramps, corridors, windowless areas with student occupancy, shops and laboratories.
Group F having more than 100 occupants.
Exception: Buildings used only during daylight hours and that are provided with windows for natural light in accordance with the California Building Code .
- Group I.
CEBC § 102.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Conflict 102.1, 102.4.1, 102.4.2, 104.2.4.1, 113.1, 302.2, 1302.1.2 Construction Documents 104.3, 105.3, 105.3.1, 105.4, 106, 113.4, 202, 601.2, A105.4, A205.3, A301.1, A406, A407.1 Construction Safeguards 101.5, Chapter 15 Accessibility 1511 Adjoining property 1505 Automatic sprinklers 1510 Fire extinguishers 1507 Means of egress 1508 Owner’s responsibilities 1502 Protection of pedestrians 1504 Sanitary 1503 Standpipes 1509 Water supply 1512 Corridor
Dead-end 801.4, 804.8, 1011.5.1, 1305.2.12, 1305.2.12.1, Table 1306.1 Doors 804.7.1, 1011.5.1 Exit access 801.4, 802.2.1, 802.4, 802.4.1, 901.2, 1011.8.2 Openings 804.7, 804.7.1, 804.7.2, 804.7.3, 804.7.3.1, 804.7.4, 1011.5.1,
1011.8.2
Projections 704.1.1 Rating 803.1.1, 1011.5.1, 1305.2.5, 1305.2.5.1, Table 1305.2.5, Table
1306.1
Dangerous Nonstructural 115.1, 116.1 Structural 104.4, 114.1, 117.1, 202,
302.1
Deferred Submittal 106.3.4, 106.6, 202 Definitions 202 Demolition 101.5, 104.3, 106.2.6, 108.5, 113.2, 115.5, 117, 1501.6, 1501.6.1, 1501.7, 1502.1, 1503.1, 1504.1, 1505.2 Department of Building Safety 104.2.4, 105.3, 109.3.8 Disproportionate Earthquake Damage 202, 405.2.2, 502.2
Egress (see Means of Egress) Electrical A102.1, 105.1, 105.1.1, 105.2, 108.3, 109.3.4, 202, 406, 801.3, 801.4, 806, 1007, 1101.2 Elevator 905.4, 1011.8.3, 1102.2, 1305.2.14, 1305.2.14.1, Table 1305.2.14, Table 1306.1 Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings 202, 505, 506.4, 702.4, 702.5, 702.5.1, 702.6 Emergency Power 804.6.
CEBC § 407.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Smoke partitions 407.3 Sprinkler protection 407.7, 903.2.6, 903.3.2
Yards 407.10
Institutional I-3 [see Institutional Occupancy (see Group I)] 308.4, 408 Accessibility Chapter 11B Alarm and detection 408.10, 907.2.6.3 Combustible decorations 806.1 Means of egress 408.2, 408.3, 408.4 Occupancy condition 308.4 Security glazing 408.7 Separation 408.5, 408.6 Smoke barrier 408.6
Smoke compartment 408.4.1, 408.6, 408.9 Sprinkler protection 408.11, 903.2.6 Standby/emergency power 2702.2 Institutional I-4 [see Institutional Occupancy (Group I)] 308.5 Accessibility Chapter 11B Adult care 308.5
Alarms and detection 907.2.6
Child care 308.5
Educational 308.5.1 Means of egress Table 1006.2.1, Table 1017.2
Corridor 1020.2
Hardware 1010.2.7, 1010.2.12.1 Sprinkler protection 903.2.6 Institutional Occupancy (Group I) 308 Accessory 508.2 Adult care 308.5
Area 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Child care 303.1.3, 308.5, 310.4 Group specific provisions Group I-1 (see Institutional I-1) 308.2 Group I-2 (see Institutional I-2) 407, 308.3 Group I-3 (see Institutional I-3) 408, 308.4 Group I-4 (see Institutional I-4) 308.1, 308.5 Height 503, 504, 505, 508 Incidental uses 509
Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1 Means of egress Corridors 1020.3
Stairway, exit access 1019
Travel distance 407, 1006.3, 1017.2,
1006.2.1
Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Occupancy exceptions 303.1.1, 303.1.2, 308.5.1, 308.5.4, 310.4.1 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Risk category Table 1604.5 Standby, emergency power 2702.2 Insulation
Concealed 720.2
Duct insulation 720.1
Exposed 720.3 Fiberboard 720.1, Table 1508.2, 2303.1.6.2, 2303.1.6.3 Foam plastic (see Foam Plastics) 720.1
Loose fill 720.4, 720.6 Pipe insulation 720.1, 720.7 Reflective plastic core 2614 Roof 720.5, 1508 Sound 720, 807, 1206 Thermal 720, 807, 1508 Interior Environment Lighting 1204 Rodentproofing Appendix F Sound transmission 1206
CEBC § 301.3 Medium relevance — show source text
202, 301.3, 302.1, 302.3, 303.2.1, 304.2, 405.2.3.1, 501.2, 506.1, 506.1.1, 802.6, 804.2, 1001.2, 1011.5.1, 1303.1, 1303.1.1, 1304.1.2, 1304.1.3, 1402.7, 1501.6.7, 1509.1, A102.2, A107.1, A108.1, A113.7, A205.3.2, A301.1, A301.2, A301.3, A302.1, A303.1, A304.2.1, A304.2.2, A304.2.3, Table A304.2.3(1), A304.2.3(2), Table A304.2.3(2), A304.5, A403.8, A403.9.3.2, A404.1, A405.3, A405.3.2 Compartmentation 1305.2.3, Table 1305.2.3, 1305.2.20, Table 1305.2.20, Table
1306.1 Compliance Methods Chapter 3 Performance compliance method Chapter 13, 301.3.3 Prescriptive compliance method Chapter 5, 301.3.1 Work area compliance method Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, 301.3.2
Conflict 102.1, 102.4.1, 102.4.2, 104.2.4.1, 113.1, 302.2, 1302.1.2 Construction Documents 104.3, 105.3, 105.3.1, 105.4, 106, 113.4, 202, 601.2, A105.4, A205.3, A301.1, A406, A407.1 Construction Safeguards 101.5, Chapter 15 Accessibility 1511 Adjoining property 1505 Automatic sprinklers 1510 Fire extinguishers 1507 Means of egress 1508 Owner’s responsibilities 1502 Protection of pedestrians 1504 Sanitary 1503 Standpipes 1509 Water supply 1512 Corridor
Dead-end 801.4, 804.8, 1011.5.1, 1305.2.12, 1305.2.12.1, Table 1306.1 Doors 804.7.1, 1011.5.1 Exit access 801.4, 802.2.1, 802.4, 802.4.1, 901.2, 1011.8.2 Openings 804.7, 804.7.1, 804.7.2, 804.7.3, 804.7.3.1, 804.7.4, 1011.5.1,
1011.8.2
CEBC § 1305.2.12 Medium relevance — show source text
- Category d—The number of exits provided exceeds the number of exits required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code . Exits shall be located a distance apart from each other equal to not less than that specified in Section 1007 of the International Building Code .
- Category e—The area being evaluated meets both Categories c and d.
1305.2.12 Dead ends. In spaces required to be served by more than one means of egress, evaluate the length of the exit access travel path in which the building occupants are confined to a single path of travel. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1305.2.12, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1306.1 under Safety Parameter 1305.2.12, Dead Ends, for means of egress and general safety.
TABLE 1305.2.12—DEAD-END VALUES Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 OCCUPANCY CATEGORIESa CATEGORIESa CATEGORIESa CATEGORIESa OCCUPANCY a b c d A-1, A-3, A-4, B, F, M, R, S -2 0 2 -4 A-2, E -2 0 2 -4 I-2 -2 0 2 -6 a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation. a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation. a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation. a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation. a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation. 1305.2.12.1 Categories. The categories for dead ends are:
- Category a—Dead end of 35 feet (10 670 mm) in nonsprinklered buildings or 70 feet (21 340 mm) in sprinklered buildings.
- Category b—Dead end of 20 feet (6096 mm); or 50 feet (15 240 mm) in Group B in accordance with Section 1020.5, Exception 2, of the International Building Code .
- Category c—No dead ends; or ratio of length to width (l/w) is less than 2.5:1.
- Category d—Dead ends exceeding Category a.
1305.2.13 Maximum exit access travel distance to an exit. Evaluate the length of exit access travel to an approved exit. Determine the appropriate points in accordance with the following equation and enter that value into Table 1306.1 under Safety Parameter 1305.2.13, Maximum Exit Access Travel Distance, for means of egress and general safety. The maximum allowable exit access travel distance shall be determined in accordance with Section 1017 of the International Building Code .
Equation 13-7
Points = 20
Maximum allowable – Maximum actual
× -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------travel distance travel distance - Maximum allowable travel distance
CEBC § 402.8.2 Medium relevance — show source text
[BE] 402.8.2 Determination of occupant load. The occupant load permitted in any individual tenant space in a covered or open mall building shall be determined as required by this code. Means of egress requirements for individual tenant spaces shall be based on the occupant load thus determined.
[BE] 402.8.2.1 Occupant formula. In determining required means of egress of the mall, the number of occupants for whom means of egress are to be provided shall be based on gross leasable area of the covered or open mall building (excluding anchor buildings) and the occupant load factor as determined by Equation 4-1.
Equation 4-1 OLF = (0.00007)( GLA ) + 25
where:
OLF = The occupant load factor (square feet per person).
GLA = The gross leasable area (square feet).
Exception: Tenant spaces attached to a covered or open mall building but with a means of egress system that is totally independent of the open mall of an open mall building or of a covered mall building shall not be considered as gross leasable area for determining the required means of egress for the mall building.
[BE] 402.8.2.2 OLF range. The occupant load factor (OLF) is not required to be less than 30 and shall not exceed 50.
[BE] 402.8.2.3 Anchor buildings. The occupant load of anchor buildings opening into the mall shall not be included in computing the total number of occupants for the mall.
[BE] 402.8.2.4 Food courts. The occupant load of a food court shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004. For the purposes of determining the means of egress requirements for the mall, the food court occupant load shall be added to the occupant load of the covered or open mall building as calculated in Section 402.8.2.1.
[BE] 402.8.3 Number of means of egress. Wherever the distance of travel to the mall from any location within a tenant space used by persons other than employees is greater than 75 feet (22 860 mm) or the tenant space has an occupant load of 50 or more, not fewer than two means of egress shall be provided.
[BE] 402.8.4 Arrangements of means of egress. Assembly occupancies with an occupant load of 500 or more located within a covered mall building shall be so located such that their entrance will be immediately adjacent to a principal entrance to the mall and shall have not less than one-half of their required means of egress opening directly to the exterior of the covered mall building. Assembly occupancies located within the perimeter line of an open mall building shall be permitted to have their main exit open to the open mall.
[BE] 402.8.4.1 Anchor building means of egress. Required means of egress for anchor buildings shall be provided independently from the mall means of egress system. The occupant load of anchor buildings opening into the mall shall not be included in determining means of egress requirements for the mall. The path of egress travel of malls shall not exit through anchor buildings. Malls terminating at an anchor building where other means of egress has not been provided shall be considered as a dead-end mall.
CEBC § 2.3. Medium relevance — show source text
2.3. Exit passageways. 2.4. Vestibules and areas on the level of discharge used for exit discharge in accordance with Section 1028.2. 2.5. Exterior landings as required by Section 1010.1.5 for exit doorways that lead directly to the exit discharge. 3. In other rooms and spaces: 3.1. Electrical equipment rooms.
3.2. Fire command centers.
3.3. Fire pump rooms.
3.4. Generator rooms.
3.5. Public restrooms with an area greater than 300 square feet (27.87 m [2] ). 4. Group I-2 exit discharge stairways, ramps, aisles, walkways and escalators leading to a public way or to a safe dispersal area in accordance with Section 1028.5.
[BE] 1008.3.1 Duration. The emergency power system shall provide power for a duration of not less than 90 minutes and shall consist of storage batteries, unit equipment or an on-site generator. The installation of the emergency power system shall be in accordance with Section 2702 of the California Building Code .
[BE] 1008.3.2 Illumination level under emergency power. Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is not less than an average of 1 footcandle (11 lux) and a minimum at any point of 0.1 footcandle (1 lux) measured
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MEANS OF EGRESS
along the path of egress at floor level. Illumination levels shall be permitted to decline to 0.6 footcandle (6 lux) average and a minimum at any point of 0.06 footcandle (0.6 lux) at the end of the emergency lighting time duration. A maximum-to-minimum illumination uniformity ratio of 40 to 1 shall not be exceeded. In Group I-2 occupancies, failure of a single lamp in a luminaire shall not reduce the illumination level to less than 0.2 footcandle (2.2 lux).
SECTION 1009—ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS
[BE] 1009.1 Accessible means of egress required. Accessible means of egress shall comply with this section. Accessible spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible means of egress. Where more than one means of egress is required by Section 1006.2 or 1006.3 from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by not less than two accessible means of egress in at least the same number as required by Section 1006.2 or 1006.3. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings for persons with disabilities, shall also comply with the requirements of Chap- ter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code, as applicable. Exceptions:
- One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1009.3, 1009.4 or 1009.5 and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
CEBC § 402.8.2.4 Medium relevance — show source text
[BE] 402.8.2.4 Food courts. The occupant load of a food court shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004. For the purposes of determining the means of egress requirements for the mall, the food court occupant load shall be added to the occupant load of the covered or open mall building as calculated in Section 402.8.2.1.
[BE] 402.8.3 Number of means of egress. Wherever the distance of travel to the mall from any location within a tenant space used by persons other than employees is greater than 75 feet (22 860 mm) or the tenant space has an occupant load of 50 or more, not fewer than two means of egress shall be provided.
[BE] 402.8.4 Arrangements of means of egress. Assembly occupancies with an occupant load of 500 or more located within a covered mall building shall be so located such that their entrance will be immediately adjacent to a principal entrance to the mall and shall have not less than one-half of their required means of egress opening directly to the exterior of the covered mall building. Assembly occupancies located within the perimeter line of an open mall building shall be permitted to have their main exit open to the open mall.
[BE] 402.8.4.1 Anchor building means of egress. Required means of egress for anchor buildings shall be provided independently from the mall means of egress system. The occupant load of anchor buildings opening into the mall shall not be included in determining means of egress requirements for the mall. The path of egress travel of malls shall not exit through anchor buildings. Malls terminating at an anchor building where other means of egress has not been provided shall be considered as a dead-end mall.
[BE] 402.8.5 Distance to exits. Within each individual tenant space in a covered or open mall building, the distance of travel from any point to an exit or entrance to the mall shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).
The distance of travel from any point within a mall of a covered mall building to an exit shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm). The maximum distance of travel from any point within an open mall to an exit or to the perimeter line of the open mall building shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).
[BE] 402.8.6 Access to exits. Where more than one exit is required, they shall be so arranged that it is possible to travel in either direction from any point in a mall of a covered mall building to separate exits or from any point in an open mall of an open mall building to two separate locations on the perimeter line, provided that neither location is an exterior wall of an anchor building or parking garage. The width of an exit passageway or corridor from a mall shall be not less than 66 inches (1676 mm).
Exception: Access to exits is permitted by way of a dead-end mall that does not exceed a length equal to twice the width of the mall measured at the narrowest location within the dead-end portion of the mall.
[BE] 402.8.6.1 Exit passageways. Where exit passageways provide a secondary means of egress from a tenant space, the exit passageways shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1024.
CEBC § 803.13 Medium relevance — show source text
Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1 Means of egress Corridors 1020.3
Stairway, exit access 1019
Travel distance 407, 1006.3, 1017.2,
1006.2.1
Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Occupancy exceptions 303.1.1, 303.1.2, 308.5.1, 308.5.4, 310.4.1 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Risk category Table 1604.5 Standby, emergency power 2702.2 Insulation
Concealed 720.2
Duct insulation 720.1
Exposed 720.3 Fiberboard 720.1, Table 1508.2, 2303.1.6.2, 2303.1.6.3 Foam plastic (see Foam Plastics) 720.1
Loose fill 720.4, 720.6 Pipe insulation 720.1, 720.7 Reflective plastic core 2614 Roof 720.5, 1508 Sound 720, 807, 1206 Thermal 720, 807, 1508 Interior Environment Lighting 1204 Rodentproofing Appendix F Sound transmission 1206
Space dimensions 1208 Temperature control 1203 Ventilation 409.3, 414.3, 415.9.1.7,
1202.5
Yards or courts 1205.2, 1205.3 Interior Finishes Chapter 8 Acoustical ceiling systems 807, 808 Application 803.13, 804.4 Atriums 404.8 Children’s play structures 424 Covered and open mall buildings 402.6
Decorative materials 419, 802.3, 806 Floor finish 804, 805 Foam plastic insulation 2603.3, 2603.4 Foam plastic trim 806.6.1, 2604.2 Insulation 807 Light-transmitting plastics 2606 Signs 402.6.4, 2611 Site-fabricated stretch systems 803.10 Trim 806.6, 806.7 Wall and ceiling finishes 803 Wet location 1210 Intermodal Shipping Container 3114 Interpretation, Code 104.1
Jails [see Institutional (see Group I-3)] 308.5, 408 Joint Gypsum board 2508.5 Lumber sheathing 2308.11.10 Waterproofing 1805.3.3 Joints, Fire-resistant Systems 715 Special inspection 1705.18
Kiosks 402.6.2
Kitchens 303.3, 306.2 Accessibility 1133A, 11B-212 Dimensions 1209 Means of egress 1016.2 Occupant load Table 1004.5 Sinks Chapter 29
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INDEX
Marquees 3106, H113 Construction 3106.5
CEBC § 1025.5 Medium relevance — show source text
UL 1994.
ASTM E2072, except that the charging source shall be 1 footcandle (11 lux) of fluorescent illumination for 60 minutes, and the minimum luminance shall be 30 milicandelas per square meter at 10 minutes and 5 milicandelas per square meter after 90 minutes.
1025.5 Illumination. Where photoluminescent exit path markings are installed, they shall be provided with not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) of illumination for not less than 60 minutes prior to periods when the building is occupied and continuously during
occupancy.
SECTION 1026—HORIZONTAL EXITS
1026.1 General. Horizontal exits serving as an exit in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. A horizontal exit shall not serve as the only exit from a portion of a building, and where two or more exits are required, not more than one-half of the total number of exits or total exit minimum width or required capacity shall be horizontal exits.
Exceptions:
- Horizontal exits are permitted to comprise two-thirds of the required exits from any building or floor area for occupancies in Group I-2.
- Horizontal exits are permitted to comprise 100 percent of the exits required for occupancies in Group I-3. Not less than 6 square feet (0.6 m [2] ) of accessible space per occupant shall be provided on each side of the horizontal exit for the total number of people in adjoining compartments.
1026.2 Separation. The separation between buildings or refuge areas connected by a horizontal exit shall be provided by a fire wall complying with Section 706; or by a fire barrier complying with Section 707 or a horizontal assembly complying with Section 711, or both. The minimum fire-resistance rating of the separation shall be 2 hours. Opening protectives in horizontal exits shall also comply with Section 716. Duct and air transfer openings in a fire wall or fire barrier that serves as a horizontal exit shall also comply with
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MEANS OF EGRESS
Section 717. The horizontal exit separation shall extend vertically through all levels of the building unless floor assemblies have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours and do not have unprotected openings.
Exception: A fire-resistance rating is not required at horizontal exits between a building area and an above-grade pedestrian walkway constructed in accordance with Section 3104, provided that the distance between connected buildings is more than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Horizontal exits constructed as fire barriers shall be continuous from exterior wall to exterior wall so as to divide completely the floor served by the horizontal exit.
1026.3 Opening protectives. Fire doors in horizontal exits shall be self-closing or automatic-closing when activated by a smoke detector in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6. Doors, where located in a cross-corridor condition, shall be automatic-closing by activation of a smoke detector installed in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6.
CEBC § 804.9 Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
Where dead-end corridors of greater length are permitted by the California Building Code .
In other than Group A occupancies, the maximum length of an existing dead-end corridor shall be 50 feet (15 240 mm) in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system installed in accordance with the California Building Code .
In other than Group A occupancies, the maximum length of an existing dead-end corridor shall be 70 feet (21 356 mm) in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the California Building Code .
In other than Group A occupancies, the maximum length of an existing, newly constructed, or extended dead-end corridor shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm) on floors equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the California Building Code .
804.9 Means-of-egress lighting. Means-of-egress lighting shall be in accordance with this section, as applicable.
804.9.1 Artificial lighting required. Means of egress in all work areas shall be provided with artificial lighting in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code.
804.9.2 Supplemental requirements for means-of-egress lighting. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, means of egress throughout the floor shall comply with Section 804.9.1.
Exception: Means of egress within or serving only a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.
804.10 Exit signs. Exit signs shall be in accordance with this section, as applicable.
804.10.1 Work areas. Means of egress in all work areas shall be provided with exit signs in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code .
804.10.2 Supplemental requirements for exit signs. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, means of egress throughout the floor shall comply with Section 804.10.1.
Exception: Means of egress within a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.
804.11 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.
804.12 Escalators. Where provided in below-grade transportation stations, existing and new escalators shall be permitted to have a clear width of less than 32 inches (813 mm).
804.13 Handrails. The requirements of Section 804.13.1 shall apply to handrails from the work area floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge.
804.13. 1 Design. Handrails shall be designed and installed in accordance with the provisions of the California Building Code .
804.14 Guards. The requirements of 804.14.1 and 804.14.2 shall apply to guards from the work area floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge but shall be confined to the egress path of any work area.
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CEBC § 803.2 Medium relevance — show source text
803.2 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 903 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.
803.3 Reserved.
803.4 Fire alarm and detection. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with California Fire Code Sections 907 and 1103.7.
803.4.1 Systems out of service. Existing fire alarm and detection systems shall be maintained in accordance with Section 901.7 of the California Fire Code. Site fire protection during construction shall be in accordance with Chapter 33 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.
SECTION 804—MEANS OF EGRESS
804.1 Scope. The requirements of this section shall be limited to work areas that include exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant within the work area in which Level 2 alterations are being performed, and where specified they shall apply throughout the floor on which the work areas are located or otherwise beyond the work area.
804.2 General. The means of egress shall comply with the requirements of this section.
Exceptions:
- Where the work area and the means of egress serving it complies with NFPA 101.
- Means of egress complying with the requirements of the building code under which the building was constructed shall be considered to be compliant means of egress if, in the opinion of the code official, they do not constitute a distinct hazard to life.
804.3 Reserved.
804.4 Refuge areas. Where alterations affect the configuration of an area utilized as a refuge area, the capacity of the refuge area shall not be reduced below the required capacity of the refuge area for horizontal exits in accordance with Section 1026.4 of the Cali- fornia Building Code . Where the horizontal exit also forms a smoke compartment, the capacity of the refuge area for ambulatory care facilities shall not be reduced below that required in Sections 407.5.3, 408.6.2, 420.6.1 and 422.3.2 of the California Building Code, as applicable.
804.5 Number of exits. The number of exits or access to exits shall be in accordance with Sections 804.5.1 through 804.5.3.
804.5.1 Minimum number. Every story utilized for human occupancy on which there is a work area that includes exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant within the work area shall be provided with the minimum number of exits based on the occupancy and the occupant load in accordance with the California Building Code . In addition, the exits shall comply with Sections 804.5.1.1 and 804.5.1.2.
804.5.1.1 Single-exit buildings. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted from spaces, any story or any occupiable roof where one of the following conditions exists:
- The occupant load, number of dwelling units and exit access travel distance do not exceed the values in Table 804.5.1.1(1) or 804.5.1.1(2).
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Frequently asked questions
Can I close an exit for a day to do quick repairs while people remain in the building?
Only if you provide an approved substitute egress that maintains safe escape for the occupants before you close the exit. Otherwise the building (or affected portion) must be vacated. This is required by CEBC §1501.4.
What counts as an “adequate substitute” egress?
An adequate substitute is an alternate path that provides equivalent safe travel to the exit discharge — for example, a temporary exterior door or temporary protected stair — and must include required signage and lighting for the path and be accepted by the code official. See CEBC §1501.4, §804, and §905.
If the building is unoccupied, can I remove all exits for renovation?
If the building is truly not occupied, CEBC §1501.4 Exception 2 relieves the maintenance requirement; however, coordinate with the enforcing agency — demolition or major work may trigger other requirements (e.g., CBC §3303).
Do I need to post exit signage for a temporary egress route?
Yes — CEBC requires exit signs and means‑of‑egress lighting for work areas where those are required to reach the exit discharge. See CEBC §804 and §905.
Who decides whether a substitute egress is “adequate”?
The authority having jurisdiction / code official reviews and approves substitute egress provisions; CEBC §1501.4 anticipates that adequacy be demonstrated and accepted.
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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