CEBC · California Existing Building Code
How must adjoining property be protected during construction and demolition?
The CEBC requires contractors/owners to protect neighbors during work: notify adjoining owners at least 10 days before excavations, store materials so they don’t endanger people or property, and use an RDP-designed and monitored retention system when needed. Follow § 1505.1 and § 1501.2 and have a design/monitoring plan for deep/adjacent excavations.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
The California Existing Building Code requires that adjoining public and private property be protected from damage during construction and demolition; specific protections must be provided for footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys, skylights and roofs. The party responsible for an excavation must deliver written notice at least 10 days before work starts. These duties are stated in § 1505.1 and the storage/placement rule is in § 1501.2.
Protect adjacent buildings and utilities — and notify adjoining owners in advance. This is the single most important requirement: avoid damage and give neighbors time to protect themselves.
Requirements in detail
Who must protect adjoining property
- The person or party doing the construction or causing an excavation is responsible for protection of adjacent property per § 1505.1.
- Storage and placement of equipment and materials must be done so they do not endanger the public, workers or adjoining property for the duration of the project per § 1501.2.
Minimum actions the code requires
- Provide protection for structural elements on adjacent property (footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys, skylights, roofs) as part of construction/demolition operations — § 1505.1.
- When an excavation retention system is used to protect adjacent structures, the system must be: designed by a registered design professional, include monitoring for horizontal/vertical movement, and be removed only when replacement support is available — see § 1505.2.1, § 1505.2.2, § 1505.2.3.
- Provide written notice to owners of adjoining buildings not less than 10 days prior to the scheduled start of an excavation — § 1505.1.
Decision-relevant dimensions and values
| Decision item | Key value / threshold | What must you do | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notice to adjoining owners | 10 days before excavation | Deliver written notice to owners advising them to protect adjoining buildings | § 1505.1 |
| Items that must be protected | Footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys, skylights, roofs | Provide appropriate protection measures to prevent damage | § 1505.1 |
| Retention system design | By registered design professional | Design for vertical and lateral support | § 1505.2.1 |
| Retention system monitoring | Design must include monitoring requirements | Monitor adjacent structures for horizontal/vertical movement | § 1505.2.2 |
| Retention system removal | Only after adequate replacement support provided | Remove/decommission in a manner that protects adjacent property | § 1505.2.3 |
| Storage & placement | No numerical dimension; performance rule | Store/place so as not to endanger the public, workers or adjoining property | § 1501.2 |
Practical notes on methods
- The code requires performance (protect adjacent property) and prescribes duties (notice, RDP design for retention systems), but it generally does not prescribe exact shoring details or contractor-level techniques. For those design details rely on the registered design professional and the authority having jurisdiction. § 1505.2.1–.3 show the code requires professional design, monitoring, and controlled removal.
Exceptions & special cases
- The CEBC requires a retention system design by a registered design professional when a retention system is used; if no retention system is used the general duty to protect adjoining property (§ 1505.1) still applies. § 1505.1 and § 1505.2 apply only as written — design/monitoring duties attach when a retention system is employed.
- The code does not list every protective method; local enforcing agencies (and other CEBC sections) may impose additional requirements (for example, pedestrian protections, street/sidewalk barriers, and limitations on placing materials in public ways). See related provisions below for cross-references.
If you need a specific numeric shoring design, slope, or soil-retention capacity the CEBC points you to require a registered design professional; the code text does not itself prescribe the structural calculations. Do not invent a shoring design without an RDP.
Common mistakes
- Failing to deliver the required written notice at least 10 days before starting an excavation — owners miss the chance to protect their property. § 1505.1
- Assuming storage limits are only about space; § 1501.2 requires that storage/placement must not endanger the public, workers or adjoining property — this includes blocking hydrants, obstructing sight lines, or allowing water runoff that damages neighbors.
- Using a temporary retention system without an RDP-designed plan, monitoring provisions, or a removal sequence that provides replacement support — violates § 1505.2.1–.3.
- Removing shoring or temporary supports too quickly (before backfill or new structure provides support) — the code requires staged removal to protect adjacent property. § 1505.2.3
Worked example — townhouse excavation next to a neighbor
Scenario: You will excavate for a basement 12 feet deep, with the excavation edge located 4 feet from the neighboring building foundation line.
Steps and how the CEBC applies:
- Deliver written notice at least 10 days before the scheduled start to the owner(s) of the adjoining building telling them the excavation is to be made and advising protection measures. This is required by § 1505.1.
- Because your excavation is deep and adjacent to a structure, install an excavation retention system (e.g., soldier piles and lagging or sheet piles). The system must be designed by a registered design professional to provide vertical and lateral support per § 1505.2.1. Engage an RDP to prepare plans and calculations.
- Require the RDP to include a monitoring plan that records allowable horizontal and vertical movements of the adjacent building and specifies instrumentation/inspection frequency, as required by § 1505.2.2. Implement that monitoring during excavation.
- Sequence the shoring removal so that backfill or the new structural elements provide adequate replacement support before removing elements of the retention system, per § 1505.2.3. Document the removal procedure.
- Store spoils, equipment and materials so they will not endanger the public, workers, or the adjoining property (keep materials away from the neighbor’s foundation edge, prevent water runoff toward neighbor) consistent with § 1501.2.
Result: Compliance requires written notice, an RDP-designed shoring/retention system with monitoring, careful removal sequencing, and safe storage/placement of materials — all specifically required in the CEBC.
Related provisions (other CEBC sections you should check)
- § 1505.1 — Protection required (main duty to protect adjoining property).
- § 1505.2.1 — Excavation retention system design (RDP required).
- § 1505.2.2 — Retention system monitoring requirements.
- § 1505.2.3 — Retention system removal sequencing and replacement support.
- § 1501.2 — Storage and placement of construction equipment and materials (must not endanger public/workers/adjoining property).
- § 1504.1.7 — Barriers for excavations adjacent to street lot lines (related public-safety measure; see for barrier heights and public protection).
- § 1506.1 / § 3308.1 — Temporary use of streets and storage in public right-of-way; restrictions on obstructing hydrants or intersections.
If a question requires specifics not in those CEBC sections (for example, exact shoring member sizes, soil parameters, or instrumentation tolerances), the code requires an RDP design and the authority having jurisdiction to approve the approach; the CEBC text does not prescribe those technical design numbers itself.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 1504.1.6 High relevance — show source text
[BS] 1504.1.6 Repair, maintenance and removal. Pedestrian protection required by Section 1504.1 shall be maintained in place and kept in good order for the entire length of time pedestrians are subject to being endangered. The owner or the owner’s authorized agent, on completion of the construction activity, shall immediately remove walkways, debris and other obstructions and leave such public property in as good a condition as it was before such work was commenced.
[BS] 1504.1.7 Adjacent to excavations. Every excavation on a site located 5 feet (1524 mm) or less from the street lot line shall be enclosed with a barrier not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height. Where located more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the street lot line, a barrier shall be erected where required by the code official. Barriers shall be of adequate strength to resist wind pressure as specified in Chapter 16 of the California Building Code .
SECTION 1505—PROTECTION OF ADJOINING PROPERTY
[BS] 1505.1 Protection required. Adjoining public and private property shall be protected from damage during construction and demolition work. Protection must be provided for footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys, skylights and roofs. Provisions shall be made to control water runoff and erosion during construction or demolition activities. The person making or causing an excavation to be made shall provide written notice to the owners of adjoining buildings advising them that the excavation is to be made and that the adjoining buildings should be protected. Said notification shall be delivered not less than 10 days prior to the scheduled starting date of the excavation.
[BS] 1505.2 Excavation retention systems. Where a retention system is used to provide support of an excavation for protection of adjacent structures, the system shall conform to the requirements in Section 1505.2.1 through 1505.2.3.
[BS] 1505.2.1 Excavation retention system design. Excavation retention systems shall be designed by a registered design professional to provide vertical and lateral support.
[BS] 1505.2.2 Excavation retention system monitoring. The retention system design shall include requirements for monitoring of the system and adjacent structures for horizontal and vertical movement.
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CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
[BS] 1505.2.3 Retention system removal. Elements of the system shall only be removed or decommissioned where adequate replacement support is provided by backfill or by the new structure. Removal or decommissioning shall be performed in such a manner that protects the adjacent property.
SECTION 1506—TEMPORARY USE OF STREETS, ALLEYS AND PUBLIC PROPERTY
[BG] 1506.1 Storage and handling of materials. The temporary use of streets or public property for the storage or handling of materials or equipment required for construction or demolition, and the protection provided to the public shall comply with the provisions of the applicable governing authority and this chapter.
CEBC § 3.6 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Roofs and supporting structures of covered walkways for new, light-frame construction not exceeding two stories above grade plane are permitted to be designed for a live load of 75 psf (3.6 kN/m [2] ) or the loads imposed on them, whichever is greater. In lieu of such designs, the roof and supporting structure of a covered walkway are permitted to be constructed as follows:
- Footings shall be continuous 2-inch by 6-inch (51 mm by 152 mm) members.
- Posts not less than 4 inches by 6 inches (102 mm by 152 mm) shall be provided on both sides of the roof and spaced not more than 12 feet (3658 mm) on center.
- Stringers not less than 4 inches by 12 inches (102 mm by 305 mm) shall be placed on edge on the posts.
- Joists resting on the stringers shall be not less than 2 inches by 8 inches (51 mm by 203 mm) and shall be spaced not more than 2 feet (610 mm) on center.
- The deck shall be planks not less than 2 inches (51 mm) thick or wood structural panels with an exterior exposure durability classification not less than [23] / 32 inch (18.3 mm) thick nailed to the joists.
- Each post shall be knee-braced to joists and stringers by members not less than 2 inches by 4 inches (51 mm by 102 mm); 4 feet (1219 mm) in length.
- A curb that is not less than 2 inches by 4 inches (51 mm by 102 mm) shall be set on edge along the outside edge of the deck.
[BS] 1504.1.6 Repair, maintenance and removal. Pedestrian protection required by Section 1504.1 shall be maintained in place and kept in good order for the entire length of time pedestrians are subject to being endangered. The owner or the owner’s authorized agent, on completion of the construction activity, shall immediately remove walkways, debris and other obstructions and leave such public property in as good a condition as it was before such work was commenced.
[BS] 1504.1.7 Adjacent to excavations. Every excavation on a site located 5 feet (1524 mm) or less from the street lot line shall be enclosed with a barrier not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height. Where located more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the street lot line, a barrier shall be erected where required by the code official. Barriers shall be of adequate strength to resist wind pressure as specified in Chapter 16 of the California Building Code .
SECTION 1505—PROTECTION OF ADJOINING PROPERTY
[BS] 1505.1 Protection required. Adjoining public and private property shall be protected from damage during construction and demolition work. Protection must be provided for footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys, skylights and roofs. Provisions shall be made to control water runoff and erosion during construction or demolition activities. The person making or causing an excavation to be made shall provide written notice to the owners of adjoining buildings advising them that the excavation is to be made and that the adjoining buildings should be protected. Said notification shall be delivered not less than 10 days prior to the scheduled starting date of the excavation.
CEBC § 18.3 High relevance — show source text
- The deck shall be planks not less than 2 inches (51 mm) thick or wood structural panels with an exterior exposure durability classification not less than [23] / 32 inch (18.3 mm) thick nailed to the joists.
- Each post shall be knee braced to joists and stringers by members not less than 2 inches by 4 inches (51 mm by 102 mm); 4 feet (1219 mm) in length.
- A curb that is not less than 2 inches by 4 inches (51 mm by 102 mm) shall be set on edge along the outside edge of the deck.
[BS] 3306.8 Repair, maintenance and removal. Pedestrian protection required by this chapter shall be maintained in place and kept in good order for the entire length of time pedestrians are subject to being endangered. The owner or the owner’s authorized agent, on completion of the construction activity, shall immediately remove walkways, debris and other obstructions and leave such public property in as good a condition as it was before such work was commenced.
[BS] 3306.9 Adjacent to excavations. Every excavation on a site located 5 feet (1524 mm) or less from the street lot line shall be enclosed with a barrier not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height. Where located more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the street lot line, a barrier shall be erected where required by the building official. Barriers shall be of adequate strength to resist wind pressure as specified in Chapter 16.
SECTION 3307—PROTECTION OF ADJACENT PROPERTY
[BS] 3307.1 Protection required. Adjacent public and private property shall be protected from damage during construction, remodeling and demolition work. Protection shall be provided for footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys, skylights and roofs. Provisions shall be made to control water runoff and erosion during construction or demolition activities. The person making or causing an excavation to be made shall provide written notice to the owners of adjacent property advising them that the excavation is to be made and that the adjacent property should be protected. Said notification shall be delivered not less than 10 days prior to the scheduled starting date of the excavation.
[BS] 3307.2 Excavation retention systems. Where a retention system is used to provide support of an excavation for protection of adjacent property or structures, the system shall conform to the requirements in Sections 3307.2.1 through 3307.2.3.
[BS] 3307.2.1 Excavation retention system design. Excavation retention systems shall be designed by a registered design professional to provide vertical and lateral support.
[BS] 3307.2.2 Excavation retention system monitoring. The retention system design shall include requirements for monitoring of the system and adjacent property or structures for horizontal and vertical movement.
[BS] 3307.2.3 Retention system removal. Elements of the system shall only be removed or decommissioned where adequate replacement support is provided by backfill or by the new structure. Removal or decommissioning shall be performed in such a manner that protects the adjacent property.
[HCD 1 & HCD 2] Note: See Civil Code Section 832 for additional requirements related to adjoining properties and excavations.
SECTION 3308—TEMPORARY USE OF STREETS, ALLEYS AND PUBLIC PROPERTY
CEBC § 1.5 High relevance — show source text
entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)||||||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopt only those sections
that are listed below||||X|X||X|||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section||||||||||||||||||||||||| |3301||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |3302||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |3303||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |3304||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |3304.1.5||||X||||||||||||||||||||| |3305||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |3306||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |3306.2||||X|X||X|||||||||||||||||| |3307||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |3307.1,Note||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |3308||||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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33 SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
User notes:
About this chapter: While the balance of the chapters in this code specify how a building is to be designed and constructed in order to be in compliance with the code, Chapter 33 looks to the actual construction process. Parameters are provided for demolition and for protecting adjacent property during demolition and construction. This chapter also addresses the need for a fire watch during nonworking hours for certain buildings once the construction has progressed significantly. Issues such as how to provide egress while the building is growing, the timing of standpipe and sprinkler installation, and protection of pedestrians are addressed.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [F] will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. All other code change proposals will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 3301—GENERAL
3301.1 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 .
3301.2 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] 3301.3 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.
3301.4 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:
CEBC § 3307.2 High relevance — show source text
[BS] 3307.2 Excavation retention systems. Where a retention system is used to provide support of an excavation for protection of adjacent property or structures, the system shall conform to the requirements in Sections 3307.2.1 through 3307.2.3.
[BS] 3307.2.1 Excavation retention system design. Excavation retention systems shall be designed by a registered design professional to provide vertical and lateral support.
[BS] 3307.2.2 Excavation retention system monitoring. The retention system design shall include requirements for monitoring of the system and adjacent property or structures for horizontal and vertical movement.
[BS] 3307.2.3 Retention system removal. Elements of the system shall only be removed or decommissioned where adequate replacement support is provided by backfill or by the new structure. Removal or decommissioning shall be performed in such a manner that protects the adjacent property.
[HCD 1 & HCD 2] Note: See Civil Code Section 832 for additional requirements related to adjoining properties and excavations.
SECTION 3308—TEMPORARY USE OF STREETS, ALLEYS AND PUBLIC PROPERTY
3308.1 Storage and handling of materials. The temporary use of streets or public property for the storage or handling of materials or of equipment required for construction or demolition, and the protection provided to the public shall comply with the provisions of the applicable governing authority and this chapter.
3308.1.1 Obstructions. Construction materials and equipment shall not be placed or stored so as to obstruct access to fire hydrants, standpipes, fire or police alarm boxes, catch basins or manholes, nor shall such material or equipment be located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of a street intersection, or placed so as to obstruct normal observations of traffic signals or to hinder the use of public transit loading platforms.
3308.2 Utility fixtures. Building materials, fences, sheds or any obstruction of any kind shall not be placed so as to obstruct free approach to any fire hydrant, fire department connection, utility pole, manhole, fire alarm box or catch basin, or so as to interfere with the passage of water in the gutter. Protection against damage shall be provided to such utility fixtures during the progress of the work, but sight of them shall not be obstructed.
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SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 3309—FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
[F] 3309.1 Where required. Structures under construction, alteration or demolition shall be provided with not fewer than one approved portable fire extinguisher in accordance with Section 906 and sized for not less than ordinary hazard as follows:
- At each stairway on all floor levels where combustible materials have accumulated.
- In every storage and construction shed.
- Additional portable fire extinguishers shall be provided where special hazards exist, such as the storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids.
[F] 3309.2 Fire hazards. The provisions of this code and the California Fire Code shall be strictly observed to safeguard against all fire hazards attendant upon construction operations.
SECTION 3310—MEANS OF EGRESS
CEBC § 1.11. High 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 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 § 301.3 High 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 § 102.1 High 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 § 13-4 High relevance — show source text
1304 Investigation and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1305 Scoring and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1306 Building Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
1307 Evaluation of Building Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
CHAPTER 14 RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS . . . . . . 14-3
1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
1402 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
CHAPTER 15 CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1502 Owner’s Responsibility for Fire Protection . . . . . . . 15-3
1503 Sanitary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
1504 Protection of Pedestrians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
1505 Protection of Adjoining Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-5
1506 Temporary Use of Streets, Alleys and Public Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1507 Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1508 Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1509 Standpipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1510 Automatic Sprinkler System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1511 Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
1512 Water Supply for Fire Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
CHAPTER 16 REFERENCED STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-3
APPENDIX A GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT
CEBC § 1501.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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
[F] 1502.1 Site safety plan. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued, Any changes to the plan shall address the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of the California Fire Code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted for approval in accordance with the California Fire Code .
[F] 1502.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code .
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .
[F] 1502.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with the California Fire Code, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
CBC § 301 Medium relevance — show source text
This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:
Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xi
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.
Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC
The format of the CEBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CEBC is divided. The subsequent table shows CEBC requirements that are correlated with other California Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CEBC.
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECTS 1, 2 Administrative Requirements and Definitions 3 Provisions for all Compliance Methods 4 Repairs 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 6–11 Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 13 Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 14 Relocated Buildings 15 Construction Safeguards 16 Referenced Standards Appendix A Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings Appendix C Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix D Board of Appeals Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS
The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:
CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 15 Chapter 33 Construction safeguards Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
CEBC § 3111.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
3111.1.2
Materials Chapter 6 Penetration of fire-resistant assemblies
714 Protection from adjacent construction 3307.1
Rain loads 1611
Roof deck 1609.6.1 Signs, roof mounted H110 Slope, minimum Chapter 15
Snow load 1608 Solar systems, rooftop-mounted 3111.1, 3111.3.2 Trusses 2206.1.3, 2303.4, 2308.11.12 Ventilation 1202.2
Wood (see Roof Construction, Wood) Roof Construction, Wood 602.4, 602.5 Anchorage to walls 1604.8.2 Attic access 1209.2 Ceiling joists 2308.11.1 Diaphragms 2305.1, 2306.2 Fastening requirements 2304.10 Fire-retardant-treated Table 601,
603.1
Framing 2304.11.4, 2308.11 Rafters 2306.1.1, 2308.11.2 Sheathing 2304.8.2, 2308.11.9 Trusses 2303.4, 2308.11.12 Ventilation, attic 1202.2 Wind uplift 2308.11.4 Roof Coverings 1507 Asphalt shingles 1507.2, 1609.2.1 Built up 1507.10 Clay tile 1507.3, 1513 Concrete tile 1507.3, 1513 Fire district D102.2.4
Fire resistance 603.1, 1505 Flashing 1503.2, 1503.5, 1507.2.8, 1507.3.9, 1507.5.7, 1507.7.7, 1507.8.8, 1507.9.9 Impact resistance 1504.7 Insulation 1508 Liquid-applied coating 1507.14 Membrane 3102 Metal roof panels 1507.4 Metal roof shingles 1507.5 Modified bitumen 1507.11 Photovoltaic roof panels, buildingintegrated 1507.17 Photovoltaic shingles 1507.16 Plastics, light-transmitting panels 2609 Reroofing 1512 Roll 1507.6
Roof recover 1512.3 Roof replacement 1512.2 Single-ply membrane 1507.12 Slate shingles 1504.4.4, 1507.7, 1513 Sprayed polyurethane foam 1507.13 Thermoplastic single-ply 1507.13 Wind loads 1504.1, 1609.6 Wood shakes 1507.9 Wood shingles 1507.8 Roof Deck 1609.6.1 Roof Drainage 1502 Scuppers 1502.2 Room Dimensions 1209 Rooming House (see Boarding House) 310 Safeguards During Construction Chapter 33 Accessibility Chapters 11A and 11B Adjoining property protection 3307 Construction 3302
Demolition 3303
Excavations 1804.1 Fire extinguishers 3309 Fire watch 3314
Frequently asked questions
Who must notify adjoining owners and when?
The person making or causing the excavation must provide written notice to owners of adjoining buildings not less than 10 days before the scheduled start of the excavation, per § 1505.1.
Do I need an engineer for a retaining system?
Yes. When a retention system is used to support an excavation for protection of adjacent structures it must be designed by a registered design professional per § 1505.2.1.
Can I store materials on the street next to my job site?
Possibly, but storage and placement must not endanger the public, workers or adjoining property and must follow the governing authority’s rules for temporary street use; see § 1501.2 and related temporary-use sections.
What monitoring is required for a shoring system?
The retention system design must include monitoring requirements for horizontal and vertical movement of adjacent structures; the specifics are to be provided by the registered design professional in the design documents per § 1505.2.2.
Is there a code-prescribed shoring method I must use?
No single method is prescribed. The CEBC requires performance (prevent damage) and professional design/monitoring when retention systems are used; the RDP selects and sizes the method. § 1505.1 and § 1505.2.1–.3 govern these duties.
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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When is temporary use of streets, alleys or public property permitted for construction operations?
What pedestrian protection (sidewalk/pedestrian walkway) is required at construction sites?
Pedestrian protection, adjoining-property safeguards and temporary public-use of streets
California Existing Building Code