CEBC · California Existing Building Code
When are work items considered repairs (Chapter 4) versus alterations or additions?
If the work simply restores damaged parts of your building to how they were before — using like materials and without changing layout, adding conditioned area, or installing new systems — it is a repair under Chapter 4 of the CEBC (see **§ 401** and **§ 301.2**). Work that reconfigures space, increases area/volume, or adds systems must be treated as an alteration or addition and follow the CEBC alteration methods (Chapters 5–13); relocated buildings are handled by Chapter 14 (**§ 301.4**).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
In plain English: work that restores existing components to their pre‑damage or pre‑existing condition and does not change the building’s configuration, increase conditioned area/volume, or add new systems is treated as a repair and is governed by § 401 of the CEBC. The CEBC directs that repairs shall comply with Chapter 4 (see § 301.2) and that relocated or moved buildings are addressed separately in § 301.4. Repairs must “not make the building less complying than it was before the repair” and work on nondamaged components required solely to complete the repair is considered part of the repair (see § 401.2) .
The most important rule: If the work merely restores or replaces damaged material using like methods/materials and does not reconfigure space, add area, or add new building systems, it is a repair under Chapter 4 (see § 401 and § 301.2) .
Requirements in detail
1) The baseline: what makes something a “repair”
- Repair (Chapter 4): work to fix or restore existing building elements. Repairs “shall comply with the requirements of this chapter” (§ 401.1) and must not reduce the building’s existing level of code compliance (§ 401.2) .
- Work on nondamaged components that is necessary to complete a required repair is part of the repair and is not automatically treated as an alteration (§ 401.2) .
2) Key contrasts that push work from “repair” into “alteration” or “addition”
- If the work adds conditioned area, volume, or new systems, or reconfigures space, it is not a simple repair and must be treated under the CEBC alteration/addition compliance methods (Chapters 5–13) (CEBC guidance on methods; see § 301 series) .
- Relocated or moved buildings are not governed by Chapter 4 repairs; instead they must follow Chapter 14 (see § 301.4) .
3) Compliance requirement for repairs
- Repairs must be performed so the building is not less complying than before. Where repairs occur in flood hazard areas and they meet the threshold of substantial improvement, flood‑related upgrade requirements apply (see § 401.3) .
Decision matrix (quick reference)
| Decision dimension | Typical values / threshold | Outcome (repair vs alteration/addition) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose of work | Restore to pre‑damage / like‑for‑like | Repair | § 401.1, § 401.2 |
| Space reconfiguration | None vs any reconfiguration (e.g., removing/adding walls) | Reconfiguration → Alteration | § 301.3 / Chapters 6–12 overview |
| New conditioned area or volume | Increase vs none | Increase → Addition (Chapters 5 / 6–12 / 13) | § 301.1.1 / § 301.3 |
| New building systems | Adding or extending systems (HVAC, sprinklers) | Typically Alteration | Chapter summaries (Chapters 7–9) |
| Work on nondamaged adjacent components | Necessary to complete the repair vs discretionary | Necessary → still Repair (not Alteration) | § 401.2 |
| Relocating/moving building | Any moved/relocated building | Follow Chapter 14 (not Chapter 4 repairs) | § 301.4 |
| Flood hazard / substantial improvement | Meets substantial improvement? | Flood upgrades apply even if repair | § 401.3 |
| Historic building repairs | Historic building exceptions | See Part 8, Title 24; repairs to historic buildings have special provisions | § 401.1 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Historic buildings: Repairs to historic buildings must follow the special historic provisions (Part 8, Title 24) rather than only Chapter 4 functional requirements; Chapter 4 notes that historic repairs are handled under those rules (§ 401.1) .
- Bleachers, grandstands, folding/telescopic seating: repairs to these elements must comply with ICC 300 (see § 401.1.1) .
- Flood hazard areas: repairs that rise to the level of substantial improvement trigger flood elevation/mitigation requirements in the CBC/CRC as directed by § 401.3 .
- Relocated or moved buildings: not treated as Chapter 4 repairs — they must follow Chapter 14 requirements (§ 301.4) .
- Note (external code context): other California codes (for example CALGreen) explicitly note that superficial actions such as resurfacing, restriping, or maintaining lighting fixtures are not alterations for that code’s application; this is a code‑specific distinction and not a substitute for CEBC analysis — always check the CEBC provisions above and local enforcement practices (CALGreen note) .
Common mistakes
- Treating any visible replacement as an “alteration.” If the work is a like‑for‑like repair to restore a damaged element and does not reconfigure or add area/systems, it is a repair (see § 401.1–§ 401.2) .
- Assuming work on adjacent undamaged areas automatically converts the job to an alteration. If that work is required to complete the repair it remains part of the repair per § 401.2 .
- Overlooking flood rules: in flood hazard zones, repairs that meet the jurisdiction’s substantial improvement threshold will require flood‑compliance upgrades even if the work would otherwise be classified as a repair (§ 401.3) .
- Moving a building and calling follow‑up work a simple repair — moved/relocated buildings follow Chapter 14, not Chapter 4 (§ 301.4) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A small retail tenant suffers water damage to one suite (2,000 ft²) in a 10,000 ft² building. Damaged work includes replacement of all drywall and carpeting in the suite and repair of a wet HVAC duct section. The owner will not change the suite layout or add conditioned area; no new systems are installed beyond replacing the damaged duct section.
Apply the code:
- The work restores damaged elements to pre‑damage condition, and there is no change in area, volume, or space configuration — this matches the definition of a repair governed by § 401.1 and the compliance rule in § 401.2 (work must not make the building less complying) .
- The replacement HVAC duct section (a like‑for‑like repair of a damaged system component) is repair work if sized/installed to restore previous function, not an extension or upgrade of the building system (Chapter 4 approach applies) .
- If the owner instead reconfigures the suite (moves partition walls) or installs a new HVAC zone, the work becomes an alteration, calling for the applicable Chapter 7–9 or Chapter 5 requirements (see Chapter summaries and § 301 guidance on compliance methods) .
Conclusion: As described, the project is a repair under Chapter 4 (CEBC § 401); if the scope expands to reconfiguration, additional area, or new systems, treat it as an alteration/addition per the CEBC methods (see § 301 series) .
Related provisions (CEBC sections to check)
- § 301.2 — Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4.
- § 301.4 — Relocated or moved buildings shall comply with Chapter 14 (moved buildings are not Chapter 4 repairs).
- § 301.3 — Alteration/addition compliance methods overview (Chapters 5, 6–12, 13). Useful to determine when work is an alteration/addition.
- § 401.1 – § 401.3 — Chapter 4 scope, general repair compliance, and flood hazard rules.
- Chapter 7–9 summaries — Definitions of Level 1–3 alterations (replacement only vs reconfiguration vs major work) — use these to decide when repair becomes alteration.
- § 302.4 — Use of new and replacement materials; like materials permitted for repairs when they do not create unsafe conditions.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 4.106.4.2 High relevance — show source text
The mandatory provisions of Section 4.106.4.2 may apply to additions or alterations of existing parking facilities or the addition of new parking facilities serving existing multifamily buildings. See Section 4.106.4.3 for application.
Note: Repairs including, but not limited to, resurfacing, restriping, and repairing or maintaining existing lighting fixtures are not considered alterations for the purpose of this section.
301.2 Low-rise and high-rise residential buildings. [HCD] The provisions of individual sections of CALGreen may apply to either low-rise residential buildings, high-rise residential buildings, or both. Individual sections will be designated by banners to indicate where the section applies specifically to low-rise only (LR) or high-rise only (HR). When the section applies to both low-rise and highrise buildings, no banner will be used.
301.3 Nonresidential additions and alterations. [BSC-CG] The provisions of individual sections of Chapter 5 apply to newly constructed buildings, building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, and/or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or above (for occupancies within the authority of California Building Standards Commission). Code sections relevant to additions and alterations shall only apply to the portions of the building being added or altered within the scope of the permitted work.
A code section will be designated by a banner to indicate where the code section only applies to newly constructed buildings [N] or to additions and/or alterations [A] . When the code section applies to both, no banner will be used.
301.3.1 Nonresidential additions and alterations that cause updates to plumbing fixtures only:
Note: On and after January 1, 2014, certain commercial real property, as defined in Civil Code Section 1101.3, shall have its noncompliant plumbing fixtures replaced with appropriate water-conserving plumbing fixtures under specific circumstances. See Civil Code Section 1101.1 et seq. for definitions, types of commercial real property affected, effective dates, circumstances necessitating replacement of noncompliant plumbing fixtures, and duties and responsibilities for ensuring compliance.
301.3.2 Waste diversion. The requirements of Section 5.408 shall be required for additions and alterations whenever a permit is required for work.
301.4 Mandatory measures for public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS] New building construction and site work on a new or existing site shall comply with Section 301.4.
301.4.1 Building and site construction on a new site shall comply with Chapter 5 as adopted by DSA-SS.
301.4.2 Work on an existing site shall comply with Section 301.4.2.
301.4.2.1 Newly constructed site work shall comply with Chapter 5 as adopted by DSA-SS.
301.4.2.2 Newly constructed buildings shall comply with Chapter 5 as adopted by DSA-SS and Section 301.4.3.
301.4.2.3 Additions to existing buildings shall comply with Section 301.4.3.
301.4.2.4 Rehabilitated landscape areas shall comply with Sections 5.304.6 and 5.106.12.
301.4.2.5 Alterations and additions to existing parking facilities shall comply with Section 5.106.5.6.4. Additions to existing parking facilities shall comply with Section 5.106.12.
CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
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Chapter 3 Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3 guides the use of the three compliance methods of the CEBC and provides requirements that apply globally. The globally applicable requirement include general requirements related to buildings materials and other applicable codes, storm shelters, structural loads, in-situ load tests, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection and exterior wall coverings.
Chapter 3A Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 4 Repairs.
Chapter 4, a chapter independent of the three compliance methods, governs the repair of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
Chapter 4A Repairs.
Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5 provides one of the three main options of compliance available in the CEBC for buildings and structures undergoing alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The base requirements are more administrative in nature. The structural triggers for upgrades are consistent with the Work Area Method.
Chapter 5A Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5A provides details for the prescriptive compliance method for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing build- ings and structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 6 Classification of Work.
Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method and defines the different classifications of work including alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in subsequent Chapters 7 through 11.
Chapter 7 Alterations—Level 1.
Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by only involving replacement of building components with new components with no reconfiguration of space.
Chapter 8 Alterations—Level 2.
A Level 2 alteration is an alteration involving space reconfiguration that could be up to and including 50 percent of the area of the building or addition of a new building system. Level 2 alterations also include the extension or addition of any system or equipment. The purpose of Chapter 8 is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, means of egress, fire protection, structural systems, energy efficiency, and other building systems include electrical, mechanical and plumbing when a building is being altered.
Chapter 9 Alterations—Level 3.
CEBC § 11B-202.4. High relevance — show source text
4._ 6. The addition or replacement of signs and/or identification devices shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4. 7. Projects consisting only of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, reroofing, electrical work not involving placement of switches and receptacles, cosmetic work that does not affect items regulated by this code, such as painting, equipment not considered to be a part of the architecture of the building or area, such as computer terminals and office equipment shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4 unless they affect the usability of the building or facility. 8. When the adjusted construction cost, as defined, is less than or equal to the current valuation threshold, as defined, the cost of compliance with Section 11B-202.4 shall be limited to 20 percent of the adjusted construction cost of alterations, struc- tural repairs or additions. When the cost of full compliance with Section 11B-202.4 would exceed 20 percent, compliance shall be provided to the greatest extent possible without exceeding 20 percent. When the adjusted construction cost, as defined, exceeds the current valuation threshold, as defined, and the enforcing agency determines the cost of compliance with Section 11B-202.4 is an unreasonable hardship, as defined, full compliance with Section 11B-202.4 shall not be required. Compliance shall be provided by equivalent facilitation or to the greatest extent possible without creating an unreasonable hardship; but in no case shall the cost of compliance be less than 20 percent of the adjusted construction cost of alterations, structural repairs or additions. The details of the finding of unrea- sonable hardship shall be recorded and entered into the files of the enforcing agency and shall be subject to Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.5, Special Conditions for Persons with Disabilities Requiring Appeals Action Ratification. For the purposes of this exception, the adjusted construction cost of alterations, structural repairs or additions shall not include the cost of alterations to path of travel elements required to comply with Section 11B-202.4. In choosing which accessible elements to provide, priority should be given to those elements that will provide the greatest access in the following order: 1. An accessible entrance;
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ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
2. An accessible route to the altered area;
3. At least one accessible restroom for each sex or one accessible unisex (single-user or family) restroom;
4. Accessible telephones;
5. Accessible drinking fountains; and
6. When possible, additional accessible elements such as parking, signs, storage and alarms.
If an area has been altered without providing an accessible path of travel to that area, and subsequent alterations of that area or a different area on the same path of travel are undertaken within three years of the original alteration, the total cost of alterations to the areas on that path of travel during the preceding three-year period shall be considered in determining whether the cost of making that path of travel accessible is disproportionate.
CEBC § 301.1.1 High relevance — show source text
1||||X||||X||||||||||||||| |301.1.1||||X||||||||||||||||||| |301.2||||X||||||||||||||||||| |301.3||X||||||||||||||||||||| |301.3.1||X||||||||||||||||||||| |301.3.2||X||||||||||||||||||||| |301.4||||||||X||||||||||||||| |301.5|||||||||X||X||X|||||||||| |302||X||X||||X|X||X||X|||||||||| |303||X||X|||||X||X||X|||||||||| |303.1||X||||||||||||||||||||| |304||X||X|||||X||X||X|||||||||| |305|||||||||X|||||||||||||| |306||||||||X|||||||||||||||
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 3-1
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3-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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3 GREEN BUILDING
SECTION 301—GENERAL
301.1 Scope. Buildings shall be designed to include the green building measures specified as mandatory in the application checklists contained in this code. Voluntary green building measures are also included in the application checklists and may be included in the design and construction of structures covered by this code, but are not required unless adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
301.1.1 Additions and alterations. [HCD] The mandatory provisions of Chapter 4 shall be applied to additions or alterations of existing residential buildings where the addition or alteration increases the building’s conditioned area, volume or size. The requirements shall apply only to and/or within the specific area of the addition or alteration.
The mandatory provisions of Section 4.106.4.2 may apply to additions or alterations of existing parking facilities or the addition of new parking facilities serving existing multifamily buildings. See Section 4.106.4.3 for application.
Note: Repairs including, but not limited to, resurfacing, restriping, and repairing or maintaining existing lighting fixtures are not considered alterations for the purpose of this section.
301.2 Low-rise and high-rise residential buildings. [HCD] The provisions of individual sections of CALGreen may apply to either low-rise residential buildings, high-rise residential buildings, or both. Individual sections will be designated by banners to indicate where the section applies specifically to low-rise only (LR) or high-rise only (HR). When the section applies to both low-rise and highrise buildings, no banner will be used.
301.3 Nonresidential additions and alterations. [BSC-CG] The provisions of individual sections of Chapter 5 apply to newly constructed buildings, building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, and/or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or above (for occupancies within the authority of California Building Standards Commission). Code sections relevant to additions and alterations shall only apply to the portions of the building being added or altered within the scope of the permitted work.
A code section will be designated by a banner to indicate where the code section only applies to newly constructed buildings [N] or to additions and/or alterations [A] . When the code section applies to both, no banner will be used.
CEBC § 301.3.2 High relevance — show source text
301.3.2 Work area compliance method. A lterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with the applicable requirements of Chapters 6 through 12 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
301.3.3 Performance compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 13 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Note: [HCD 1 & HCD 2] The provisions contained in Chapter 13 are not adopted by HCD, but may be available for adoption by a local ordinance. (See Section 1.1.11.)
301.4 Relocated or moved buildings. Relocated or moved buildings shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 14.
SECTION 302—GENERAL PROVISIONS
302.1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302.1.1 Dangerous conditions. [BSC] Regardless of the extent of structural or nonstructural damage, the code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302.2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in this code and the California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Residential Code and California Electrical Code . Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall take precedence.
302.2.1 Additional codes in health care. In existing Group I-2 occupancies, ambulatory health care facilities, outpatient clinics and hyperbaric facilities, alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall also comply with NFPA 99.
302.3 Existing materials. Materials already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the code official to be unsafe.
302.4 New and replacement materials. Except as otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials permitted by the applicable code for new construction shall be used. Like materials shall be permitted for repairs and alterations, provided that unsafe conditions are not created. Hazardous materials shall not be used where the code for new construction would not permit their use in buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location. [HCD 1] Local ordinances or regulations shall permit the replacement, retention and extension of original materials, and the use of original methods of construction, for any building or accessory structure, provided such building or structure complied with the building code provisions in effect at the time of original construction and the building or accessory structure does not become or continue to be a substandard building. For additional information, see Health and Safety Code Sections 17912, 17920.3, 17922(d), 17922.3, 17958.8 and 17958.9.
Exception: No replacement residential garage door shall be installed to connect the replacement door to an existing residential automatic garage door opener that does not have a battery backup function designed to keep the garage door operational without interruption during an electrical outage. See Health and Safety Code Section 19892.
CBC § 301 High relevance — show source text
The IEBC is a model code in the International Code family of codes intended to provide requirements for repair and alternative approaches for alterations, changes of occupancy and additions to existing buildings. A large number of existing buildings and structures do not comply with the current building code requirements for new construction. Although many of these buildings are potentially salvageable, rehabilitation is often cost-prohibitive because compliance with all the requirements for new construction could require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of the building or the original scope of the alteration. At the same time, it is necessary to regulate construction in existing buildings that undergo additions, alterations, extensive repairs or change of occupancy. Such activity represents an opportunity to ensure that new construction complies with the current building codes and that existing conditions are maintained, at a minimum, to their current level of compliance or are improved as required to meet basic safety levels. To accomplish this objective, and to make the alteration process easier, this code allows for options for controlled departure from full compliance with the International Codes dealing with new construction, while maintaining basic levels for fire safety, structural and life safety features of the rehabilitated building.
This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:
Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.
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Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.
Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC
The format of the CEBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CEBC is divided. The subsequent table shows CEBC requirements that are correlated with other California Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CEBC.
CEBC § 3-3 High relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 3-3
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code . This exception shall not apply to the following:
Alterations for accessibility required by the California Building Code, Chapter 11A.
Alterations that constitute substantial improvement in flood hazard areas, which shall comply with Sections 503.2, 701.3 or 1303.1.3.
Structural provisions of Section 304, Chapter 5 or to the structural provisions of Sections 706, 805 and 906.
301.3.1 Prescriptive compliance. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 of this code in buildings complying with the California Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Exception: Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Refer to Chapter 3A for services, systems and utilities that serve OSHPD 1 buildings.
301.3.2 Work area compliance method. A lterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with the applicable requirements of Chapters 6 through 12 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
301.3.3 Performance compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 13 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Note: [HCD 1 & HCD 2] The provisions contained in Chapter 13 are not adopted by HCD, but may be available for adoption by a local ordinance. (See Section 1.1.11.)
301.4 Relocated or moved buildings. Relocated or moved buildings shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 14.
SECTION 302—GENERAL PROVISIONS
302.1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302.1.1 Dangerous conditions. [BSC] Regardless of the extent of structural or nonstructural damage, the code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302.2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in this code and the California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Residential Code and California Electrical Code . Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall take precedence.
CEBC § 1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
California Energy Commission, State Fire Marshal and DSA-AC requirements for existing structures shall be enforced by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).
301 A .1.1 Bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating. Existing bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating shall comply with ICC 300.
301 A .2 Repairs. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4 A .
301 A .3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The alteration, addition or change of occupancy of all existing buildings or structures shall comply with one of the methods or categories listed in Section 301 A .3.1, 301 A .3.2 or 301 A .3.3. Section 304A.3.2 applies to all methods or categories. Sections 301 A .3.1 through 301 A .3.3 shall not be applied in combination with each other , except when permitted by the enforcement agency.
Exception: Subject to the approval of the enforcement agency, alterations complying with the laws in existence at the time the building or the affected portion of the building was built shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code. New structural members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code .
301 A .3.1 Prescriptive compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 A of this code for existing buildings or structures shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
301 A .3.2 Nonconforming buildings . Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings or structures designed in accordance with the Pre-1973 building code complying with Section 304A.3.1 and the applicable requirements herein shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
301 A .3.3 Performance- based method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings or structures complying with Sections 304A.3.4 and 304A.3.5 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
301 A .4 Moved structures . Structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of the California Building Code for new structures.
301A.5 Reserved.
301A.6 Peer review requirements. Peer review requirements shall comply with California Building Code Section 1617A.1.41.
301A.7 Earthquake monitoring instruments for existing buildings. Earthquake monitoring instrumentation of existing buildings shall comply with Section 313A.
301A.8 Compliance alternatives for services/systems and utilities . Compliance alternatives for services/systems and utilities shall comply with Section 310A.
301A.9 Compliance alternatives for means of egress. Means of egress through existing buildings shall comply with Section 311A.
301A.10 Removal of hospital buildings from general acute care services. Removal of hospital buildings from General Acute Care Services shall comply with Section 312A.
CEBC § 401.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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4 REPAIRS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides requirements for repairs of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
SECTION 401—GENERAL
401.1 Scope. R epairs shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. Repairs to historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Repairs to historic buildings not adopted by OSHPD. Repairs shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224.2, 1225.2, 1226.2, 1227.2 and 1228.2 for functional requirements as applicable.
401.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Repairs to existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
401.1.2 Scope. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, including those owned by the University of California and the California State University and the Judicial Council, the requirements of Sections 405.2.1 and 405.2.3 are replaced by the requirements of Sections 317 through 322.
401.2 Compliance. The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair was undertaken. Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to requirements for alterations.
[BS] 401.3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, repairs that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 402—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
402.1 Glazing in hazardous locations. Replacement glazing in hazardous locations shall comply with the safety glazing requirements of the California Building Code or California Residential Code as applicable.
Exception: Glass block walls, louvered windows and jalousies repaired with like materials.
402.2 Existing materials. [HCD] Existing materials shall comply with Section 302.3.
402.3 New and replacement materials. [HCD & HCD 2] New and replacement materials used for repairs shall comply with Section 302.4.
SECTION 403—FIRE PROTECTION
403.1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of fire protection provided.
SECTION 404—MEANS OF EGRESS
404.1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of egress.
SECTION 405—STRUCTURAL
[BS] 405.1 General. Structural damage shall be repaired in compliance with this section and Section 401.2.
405.1.1 Structural concrete. Repair of structural concrete shall be permitted to comply with ACI 562 Section 1.7, except where Section 405.2.2, 405.2.3 or 405.2.4.1 requires compliance with Section 304.3.
CEBC § 105.2 Medium relevance — show source text
401 A .2 Compliance. The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair was undertaken. Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to requirements for alterations.
401 A .3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, repairs that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 A of the California Building Code .
SECTION 402 A —BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
402 A .1 Glass replacement. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations in accordance with the California Building Code.
SECTION 403 A —FIRE PROTECTION
403 A .1 General. Fire protection shall comply with the California Building Standards Code.
SECTION 404 A —MEANS OF EGRESS
404 A .1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of egress.
SECTION 405 A —STRUCTURAL
405 A .1 General. Structural damage shall be repaired in compliance with this section and Section 401 A .2.
Exception: Routine maintenance required by Chapter 3A, ordinary repairs exempt from permit in accordance with California Building Code Section 105.2, and abatement of wear due to normal service conditions shall not be subject to the requirements for repairs in this section.
405 A .1.1 Structural concrete. Repair of structural concrete shall be permitted to comply with ACI 562 Section 1.7, except where Section 405.2.2, 405.2.3 or 405.2.4.1 requires compliance with Section 304.3.
405 A .2 Repairs to damaged buildings. Repairs to damaged buildings shall comply with this section.
405 A .2.1 Repairs for less than substantial structural damage. Unless otherwise required by this section, for damage less than substantial structural damage, the damaged elements shall be permitted to be restored to their predamage condition. New struc- tural members and connections used for this repair shall comply with the detailing provisions of this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.
405 A .2.1.1 Snow damage. Structural components whose damage was caused by or related to snow load effects shall be repaired, replaced or altered to satisfy the requirements of Section 1608 of the California Building Code .
405 A .2.2 Disproportionate earthquake damage. A building assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F that has sustained disproportionate earthquake damage shall be subject to the requirements for buildings with substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system.
CEBC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
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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3 A PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers [applications listed in Section 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1)].
SECTION 301 A —ADMINISTRATION
301 A .1 Applicability. The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition and change of occupancy of existing structures for applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 [OSHPD 1] regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).
California Energy Commission, State Fire Marshal and DSA-AC requirements for existing structures shall be enforced by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).
301 A .1.1 Bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating. Existing bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating shall comply with ICC 300.
301 A .2 Repairs. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4 A .
301 A .3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The alteration, addition or change of occupancy of all existing buildings or structures shall comply with one of the methods or categories listed in Section 301 A .3.1, 301 A .3.2 or 301 A .3.3. Section 304A.3.2 applies to all methods or categories. Sections 301 A .3.1 through 301 A .3.3 shall not be applied in combination with each other , except when permitted by the enforcement agency.
Exception: Subject to the approval of the enforcement agency, alterations complying with the laws in existence at the time the building or the affected portion of the building was built shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code. New structural members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code .
301 A .3.1 Prescriptive compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 A of this code for existing buildings or structures shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
CEBC § 1.10.1 Medium relevance — show source text
**_ The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Functional service spaces shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227 and 1228.
301.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
301.2 Repairs. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4.
301.3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The alteration, addition or change of occupancy of all existing buildings shall comply with one of the methods listed in Section 301.3.1, 301.3.2 or 301.3.3 as selected by the applicant. Sections 301.3.1 through 301.3.3 shall not be applied in combination with each other. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Sections 301.3.2 and 301.3.3, not adopted by OSHPD.
Exception: Subject to the approval of the code official, alterations complying with the laws in existence at the time the building or the affected portion of the building was built shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code. New structural
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code . This exception shall not apply to the following:
Alterations for accessibility required by the California Building Code, Chapter 11A.
Alterations that constitute substantial improvement in flood hazard areas, which shall comply with Sections 503.2, 701.3 or 1303.1.3.
Structural provisions of Section 304, Chapter 5 or to the structural provisions of Sections 706, 805 and 906.
301.3.1 Prescriptive compliance. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 of this code in buildings complying with the California Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Exception: Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Refer to Chapter 3A for services, systems and utilities that serve OSHPD 1 buildings.
Frequently asked questions
When can I use “like materials” for a repair?
Like materials may be used for repairs provided no unsafe condition is created; Chapter 4 refers to the CEBC general material rule in § 302.4 and the repair scope in § 401.1 and § 401.2 .
If I replace all finishes in a suite but don’t change layout, is that a repair?
Yes — full replacement of finishes to restore the preexisting condition without reconfiguration or added systems is typically a repair under § 401; ensure work does not make the building less complying (§ 401.2) .
Does replacing a rooftop HVAC unit count as a repair?
If you replace like‑for‑like and do not change capacity, serve additional area, or alter systems, it can be a repair; adding capacity, new zones, or new ductwork beyond restoring prior function would push it into an alteration (see Chapter 5 and Chapter 6–12 methods) .
What if the building is in a flood zone?
If the repair meets the jurisdiction’s definition of substantial improvement, flood code upgrade requirements apply even when work is framed as a repair — see § 401.3 .
Are moved/relocated buildings governed by Chapter 4?
No — § 301.4 directs that relocated or moved buildings follow Chapter 14 rather than Chapter 4 repairs .
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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