CEBC · California Existing Building Code
What are the peer review and additional requirements for public schools/state-owned buildings?
If your project uses CEBC Method B, an independent, qualified peer reviewer (paid by the owner) must check the design approach, models and conclusions; public schools also must file an Evaluation and Design Criteria Report with DSA during schematic design and either seismically separate or fully rehabilitate portions of buildings that aren’t being upgraded. All reviewer reports, designer responses and certain seismic ground‑motion representations (for schools) must be approved as specified in **§ 321**, **§ 322**, and **§ 323** filefile.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Independent peer review is required when Method B is used for seismic evaluation and design: the design approach, models, analysis procedures, assumptions and conclusions must be reviewed and accepted by an independent reviewer and the enforcement agency (§ 321, § 322) . For public schools and community colleges there are extra steps: prepare and submit an Evaluation and Design Criteria Report in the schematic phase and follow the specific requirements for partial rehabilitation (including seismic separation) under § 323 . For public school projects the representation of seismic ground motion must also be reviewed/approved by the California Geological Survey as required in § 321.2.3 .
The single most important rule: the design method, models and conclusions must be independently checked and accepted before you rely on Method B — and for public schools you must submit an Evaluation and Design Criteria Report to DSA at the schematic phase (see § 321, § 322, § 323) file.
Requirements in detail
High‑level obligations
- The registered design professional must have their approach peer‑reviewed when using Method B; the peer reviewer must accept the approach and conclusions and the building official must accept them before permitting to proceed (§ 321.2, § 322.1) .
- For public schools/community colleges, an Evaluation and Design Criteria Report must be prepared during the schematic phase and submitted to DSA for review and approval before design development (§ 323.1) .
- The peer reviewer must be independent (no other involvement) and the reviewer or review team chair must be a California‑licensed structural engineer unless the building official approves another qualified person (§ 322.3.1, § 322.3.3) .
Key decision dimensions (table)
| Decision dimension | Required value / action | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| When to select reviewer | Prior to initiation of substantial portions of design/analysis; review to start as soon as Method B is adopted and sufficient information exists | § 322.2 |
| Reviewer independence | Reviewer shall have no other involvement in project except review; selected & paid by owner | § 322.3.1–322.3.2 |
| Minimum reviewer qualification | Reviewer (or chair) California‑licensed structural engineer familiar with issues/regulations; exceptions allowed with building official approval | § 322.3.3 |
| Scope of peer review | Review approach, models, analysis procedures, material assumptions, acceptance criteria, and conclusions; nonlinear ground motion representation must be reviewed prior to analysis | § 321.2, § 321.2.3 |
| Reports — content | Reports must identify: scope/limitations of peer review; status at each stage; material/system capability; redundancy/deformation compatibility; constructability; recommendations; final statement that design conforms to approved criteria | § 322.5 (report content list) |
| Report routing & responses | Registered design professional must respond; all reports, responses and resolutions submitted to enforcement agency and owner; reviewer must deliver records within 10 working days if resigns/terminated | § 322.6 |
| Conflict resolution | If reviewer conclusions conflict with design professional, the enforcement agency makes final determination | § 322.7 |
| DSA / Public school special rule | For public school/community college projects, seismic ground motion representation must be reviewed/approved by California Geological Survey; Evaluation & Design Criteria Report required in schematic phase and submitted to DSA | § 321.2.3, § 323.1 |
| Rehabilitation of part of structure (schools) | If only part rehabilitated, the school portion must be seismically separated from unrehabilitated portion or the entire structure must be rehabilitated; retrofit required to protect occupants and exitways from falling hazards | § 323.2 |
(Notes: the CEBC text lists the report content and reviewer response procedures explicitly; see the referenced sections for the full wording.)
What the peer‑review report must include
The code lists minimum report items the reviewer should address, including: scope/limitations, review stage status, material and framing system capabilities against performance criteria, system redundancy and deformation compatibility, constructability of retrofit/repair, recommendations and a final reviewer statement that the design conforms to approved evaluation/design criteria (§ 322.5) .
Roles & who pays
- The owner selects and pays the peer reviewer(s) (§ 322.3.2) .
- The registered design professional must review the peer report, prepare corrective actions as appropriate, and submit all reports/responses to the enforcement agency and owner (§ 322.6) .
Exceptions & special cases
- The enforcement agency may perform peer review itself if it has qualified staff, or may modify or waive peer review when appropriate; these are exceptions in § 321.2 and related text (§ 321 exceptions) .
- For public schools and community colleges, the code adds administrative steps: an Evaluation and Design Criteria Report must be submitted to DSA during schematic design (§ 323.1) .
- DSA and the California Geological Survey have additional review roles: for public school/community college projects, the representation of seismic ground motion is reviewed/approved by the California Geological Survey (§ 321.2.3) .
- Some state‑owned buildings may use the Appendix A specific procedures without peer review for particular construction types (see Section 319.1.1) — this is an alternative path for certain state‑owned projects (not a waiver of all requirements) .
Common mistakes
- Selecting the peer reviewer too late — the reviewer must be selected before substantial portions of design/analysis start (§ 322.2) .
- Using a reviewer who is not independent or who has other roles on the project (violates § 322.3.1) .
- Failing to include required report elements (scope, assumptions, redundancy, constructability, final statement) in the peer‑review report (§ 322.5) .
- Not routing reviewer reports/responses to the enforcement agency and owner, or not documenting responses and resolutions (§ 322.6) .
- For school projects: failing to submit the Evaluation and Design Criteria Report to DSA at schematic phase or failing to seismically separate partially rehabilitated school portions (§ 323.1, § 323.2) .
- Assuming peer review is optional when Method B is selected — Method B requires independent review per § 321.2 / § 322 unless a specific exception applies (§ 321 exceptions) .
Worked example — applying the rules with numbers
Scenario: A school district plans a seismic retrofit using Method B for Classrooms only on the 2nd floor of an elementary school building. The project team must:
- During schematic design, the owner or registered design professional prepares and signs an Evaluation and Design Criteria Report and submit it to DSA for review/approval before design development, per § 323.1 .
- The owner selects and pays an independent peer reviewer before beginning substantial design work (selection done prior to starting major analysis per § 322.2, reviewer must be independent and the chair a California‑licensed structural engineer per § 322.3.1–.3.3) .
- Because only the school portion (2nd floor classrooms) is being rehabilitated, the team must either: (a) seismically separate the school portion from unrehabilitated portions in accordance with CBC Chapter 16, or (b) rehabilitate the entire structure; otherwise the partial rehab is noncompliant (§ 323.2.1–.3) .
- The peer review scope will include review of the analysis procedures, models and representation of seismic ground motion; for this public school project the representation of seismic motion must be reviewed and approved by the California Geological Survey before nonlinear analyses are run (§ 321.2.3) .
- The reviewer issues interim reports and a final report that includes the scope, status at each review stage, material/system capability vs performance criteria, redundancy, constructability and recommendations, and a concluding statement that the design conforms to the approved evaluation/design criteria — all of which must be submitted to the enforcement agency and owner (§ 322.5–.6) .
- If the reviewer resigns or is terminated before project completion, they must submit all reports, notes and correspondence to the building official, owner and registered design professional within 10 working days (§ 322.6) .
- If the peer reviewer’s conclusions conflict with the design professional’s proposals, the enforcement agency makes the final determination (§ 322.7) .
This concrete flow shows the timing, documentation and agency submittal obligations with the specific numeric deadline (10 working days) and the schematic‑phase reporting trigger tied to the DSA submission requirement.
Related provisions
- § 321 — Method B: approach, models, analysis procedures and peer‑review acceptance requirements (see representation of seismic ground motion requirements) .
- § 322 — Peer review requirements: timing, qualifications, independence, reports, responses, resignation/termination handling, conflict resolution file.
- § 323 — Additional requirements for public schools and community colleges: Evaluation & Design Criteria Report, partial‑rehabilitation separation and occupant protection requirements .
- § 319 — Seismic criteria selection and limited Appendix A procedures for some state‑owned buildings (alternative specific procedures; data collection references used by § 323) file.
- § 317 — Applicability, evaluation and retrofit triggers for state‑owned and public school buildings (when retrofit is required) — relevant to when the peer review/rehab rules must be applied .
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 322.6 High relevance — show source text
Such reports should include, at the minimum, statements of the following: 1. Scope of engineering design peer review with limitations defined. 2. The status of the project documents at each review stage. 3. Ability of selected materials and framing systems to meet performance criteria with given loads and configuration. 4. Degree of structural system redundancy and the deformation compatibility among structural and nonstructural components. 5. Basic constructability of the retrofit or repair system. 6. Other recommendations that would be appropriate to the specific project. 7. Presentation of the conclusions of the reviewer identifying any areas that need further review, investigation and/or clarification.
8. Recommendations.
The last report prepared prior to submittal of permit documents to the enforcement agency shall include a statement indicating that the design is in conformance with the approved evaluation and design criteria.
322.6 Response and resolutions. The registered design professional shall review the report from the reviewer(s) and shall develop corrective actions and responses as appropriate. Changes observed during construction that affect the seismic-resisting system shall be reported to the reviewer in writing for review and recommendations. All reports, responses and resolutions prepared pursuant to this section shall be submitted to the responsible enforcement agency and the owner along with other plans, specifications and calculations required. If the reviewer resigns or is terminated prior to completion of the project, then the reviewer shall submit copies of all reports, notes and correspondence to the responsible building official, the owner and the registered design professional within 10 working days of such termination.
322.7 Resolution of conflicts. When the conclusions and recommendations of the peer reviewer conflict with the registered design professional’s proposed design, the enforcement agency shall make the final determination of the requirement for the design.
SECTION 323 [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC]—ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES
The requirements of Section 323 apply only to public schools under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (DSA-SS, refer to Section 1.9.2.1) and community colleges under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC, refer to Section 1.9.2.2).
323.1 Evaluation and design criteria report. During the schematic phase of the project, the owner or the registered design professional in charge of the design shall prepare and sign an Evaluation and Design Criteria Report in accordance with Sections 4-306 and 4-307(a) of the California Administrative Code. The report shall be submitted to the DSA for review and approval prior to proceeding with design development of the rehabilitation.
The Evaluation and Design Criteria Report shall: 1. Identify the building(s) structural and nonstructural systems, potential deficiencies in the elements or systems and the proposed method for retrofit.
3-22 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
2. Identify geological and site-related hazards. 3. Propose the methodology for evaluation and retrofit design. 4. Propose the complete program for data collection (Section 319.2). 5. Include existing or “as-built” building plans, reports and associated documents of the existing construction.
CEBC § 321.2.1 High relevance — show source text
321.2.1 The approach used in the development of the design shall be acceptable to the peer reviewer and the enforcement agency and shall be the same method as used in the evaluation of the building. Approaches that are specifically tailored to the type of building, construction materials and specific building characteristics may be used, if they are acceptable to the independent peer reviewer. The use of Method A allowed procedures may also be used under Method B.
321.2.2 Any method of analysis may be used, subject to acceptance by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official. The general requirements given in ASCE 41, Chapters 6 and 7, shall be complied with unless exceptions are accepted by the peer reviewer(s) and building official. Use of other than ASCE 41 procedures in Method B requires building official concurrence before implementation.
321.2.3 Prior to implementation, the procedures, methods, material assumptions and acceptance/rejection criteria proposed by the registered design professional will be peer reviewed as provided in Section 322. Where nonlinear procedures are used, prior to any analysis, the representation of the seismic ground motion shall be reviewed and approved by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official.
[DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] For public school and community college projects, the representation of the seismic ground motion shall be reviewed and approved by the California Geological Survey.
321.2.4 The conclusions and design decisions shall be reviewed and accepted by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official.
SECTION 322 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—PEER REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
322.1 General. Independent peer review is an objective, technical review by knowledgeable reviewer(s) experienced in the structural design, analysis and performance issues involved. The reviewer(s) shall examine the available information on the condition of the building, the basic engineering concepts employed and the recommendations for action.
322.2 Timing of independent review. The independent reviewer(s) shall be selected prior to initiation of substantial portions of the design and/or analysis work that is to be reviewed, and review shall start as soon as practical after Method B is adopted and sufficient information defining the project is available.
322.3 Qualifications and terms of employment. The reviewer(s) shall be independent from the design and construction team.
322.3.1 The reviewer(s) shall have no other involvement in the project before, during or after the review, except in a review capacity.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 3-21
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
322.3.2 The reviewer(s) shall be selected and paid by the owner and shall have technical expertise in the evaluation and retrofit of buildings similar to the one being reviewed, as determined by the enforcement agency.
322.3.3 The reviewer (or in the case of review teams, the chair) shall be a California-licensed structural engineer who is familiar with the technical issues and regulations governing the work to be reviewed.
Exception: Other individuals with acceptable qualifications and experience may be a peer reviewer(s) with the approval of the building official.
CEBC § 319.1. High relevance — show source text
Exceptions: 1. [BSC] For buildings constructed to the requirements of California Building Code, 2019 or later edition, as adopted by the governing jurisdiction, that code is permitted to be used in place of those specified in Section 319.1. 2. [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] For the conversion of nonconforming buildings to conforming school buildings in accordance with Section 4-307 of the California Administrative Code, nonconforming buildings constructed to the requirements of California Building Code, 2019 or later edition, that code as it was adopted by the governing jurisdiction is permitted to be used in place of those specified in Section 319.1 provided the building complies with Seismic Design Category D or higher.
319.1.1 Specific procedures. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, the following specific procedures located in Appendix A may be used, without peer review, for their respective types of construction to comply with the seismic performance requirements for Risk Category I, II or III buildings: 1. Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Wall Buildings (Chapter A1). 2. Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Reinforced Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms (Chapter A2).
319.1.2 When a design project is begun under Method B the selection of the peer reviewer is subject to the approval of the building official. Following approval by the peer reviewer, the seismic criteria for the project and the planned evaluation provisions must be approved by the building official. The approved seismic criteria and evaluation provisions shall apply. Upon approval of the building official these are permitted to be modified.
319.1.3 For state-owned and community college buildings, where unreinforced masonry is not bearing, it may be used only to resist applied lateral loads. Where unreinforced masonry walls are part of the structure they must be assessed for stability under the applicable nonstructural evaluation procedure.
319.1.4 Public schools. [DSA-SS] For public schools, unreinforced masonry shall not be used to resist in-plane or out-of-plane seismic forces or superimposed gravity loads.
3-18 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
319.1.5 Public schools. [DSA-SS] Wood horizontal diaphragms and wood vertical shear walls shall consist of either diagonal lumber sheathing or structural panel sheathing. Braced horizontal diaphragms may be acceptable when approved by DSA. Straight lumber sheathing may be used as diaphragms or shear walls only when overlain with structural panel sheathing. Let-in bracing, plaster (stucco), hollow clay tile, gypsum wallboard and particleboard sheathing shall not be relied upon to resist seismic forces.
319.2 Existing conditions. The existing condition and properties of the entire structure must be determined and documented by thorough inspection of the structure and site, review of all available related construction documents, review of geotechnical and _engineering geologic reports, and performance of necessary testing and investigation.
CEBC § 317.2 High relevance — show source text
317.2 Scope. All alterations, structurally connected additions and/or repairs to existing structures or portions thereof shall, at a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this section. The structural system shall be evaluated by a registered design professional and, if not meeting or exceeding the minimum seismic design performance requirements of this section, shall be retrofitted in compliance with these requirements.
Exception: Those structures for which Section 317.3 determines that assessment is not required, or for which Section 317.4 determines that retrofit is not needed, then only the requirements of Section 317.11 apply.
317.3 Applicability.
317.3.1 Existing state-owned buildings. [BSC, DSA-SS] For existing state-owned structures including all buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University, the requirements of Section 317 apply whenever the structure is to be retrofitted, repaired or modified and any of the following apply: 1. Total construction cost, not including cost of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or normal maintenance, for the building exceeds 25 percent of the construction cost for the replacement of the existing building. The changes are cumulative for past modifications to the building that occurred after adoption of the 1995 California Building Code and did not require seismic retrofit.
3-16 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
2. There are changes in risk category. 3. The modification to the structural components increases the seismic forces in or strength requirements of any structural component of the existing structure by more than 10 percent cumulative since the original construction, unless the component has the capacity to resist the increased forces determined in accordance with Section 319. If the building’s seismic base shear capacity has been increased since the original construction, the percent change in base shear may be calculated relative to the increased value.
4. Structural elements need repair where the damage has reduced the lateral-load-resisting capacity of the structural system by more than 10 percent. 5. Changes in live or dead load increase story shear by more than 10 percent.
317.3.2 Public school buildings. [DSA-SS] For public schools, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.
317.3.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] For community colleges, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.
317.4 Evaluation required. If the criteria in Section 317.3 apply to the project under consideration, the design professional of record shall provide an evaluation in accordance with Section 317 to determine the seismic performance of the building in its current configuration and condition. If the structure's seismic performance as required by Section 317.5 is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s), when Method B of Section 321 is used, concur, then no structural retrofit is required.
_**317.5 Minimum seismic design performance levels for structural and nonstructural components.
CEBC § 317.5 High relevance — show source text
When the evaluation indicates the building does not meet the required performance levels given in Table 317.5 for the risk category, then a retrofit and/or repair design shall be prepared that provides a structure that meets these performance objectives and reflects the appropriate consideration of existing conditions. Any approach to analysis and design is permitted to be used, provided that the approach shall be rational, shall be consistent with the established principals of mechanics and shall use the known performance characteristics of materials and assemblages under reversing loads typical of severe earthquake ground motions.
Exception: Further consideration of the structure’s seismic performance may be waived by the enforcement agency if both the registered design professional and peer reviewer(s) conclude that the structural system can be expected to perform at least as well as required by the provisions of this section without completing an analysis of the structure’s compliance with these requirements. A detailed report shall be submitted to the responsible building official that presents the reasons and basis for this conclusion. This report shall be prepared by the registered design professional. The peer reviewer(s) shall concur in this conclusion and affirm to it in writing. The building official shall either approve this decision or require completion of the indicated work specified in this section prior to approval.
321.2 The approach, models, analysis procedures, assumptions on material and system behavior and conclusions shall be peer reviewed in accordance with the requirements of Section 322 and accepted by the peer reviewer(s).
Exceptions: 1. The enforcement agency may perform the work of peer review when qualified staff is available within the jurisdiction. 2. The enforcement agency may modify or waive the requirements for peer review when appropriate.
321.2.1 The approach used in the development of the design shall be acceptable to the peer reviewer and the enforcement agency and shall be the same method as used in the evaluation of the building. Approaches that are specifically tailored to the type of building, construction materials and specific building characteristics may be used, if they are acceptable to the independent peer reviewer. The use of Method A allowed procedures may also be used under Method B.
321.2.2 Any method of analysis may be used, subject to acceptance by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official. The general requirements given in ASCE 41, Chapters 6 and 7, shall be complied with unless exceptions are accepted by the peer reviewer(s) and building official. Use of other than ASCE 41 procedures in Method B requires building official concurrence before implementation.
321.2.3 Prior to implementation, the procedures, methods, material assumptions and acceptance/rejection criteria proposed by the registered design professional will be peer reviewed as provided in Section 322. Where nonlinear procedures are used, prior to any analysis, the representation of the seismic ground motion shall be reviewed and approved by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official.
[DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] For public school and community college projects, the representation of the seismic ground motion shall be reviewed and approved by the California Geological Survey.
321.2.4 The conclusions and design decisions shall be reviewed and accepted by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official.
SECTION 322 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—PEER REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
CEBC § 319.1.3 High relevance — show source text
319.1.3 For state-owned and community college buildings, where unreinforced masonry is not bearing, it may be used only to resist applied lateral loads. Where unreinforced masonry walls are part of the structure they must be assessed for stability under the applicable nonstructural evaluation procedure.
319.1.4 Public schools. [DSA-SS] For public schools, unreinforced masonry shall not be used to resist in-plane or out-of-plane seismic forces or superimposed gravity loads.
3-18 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
319.1.5 Public schools. [DSA-SS] Wood horizontal diaphragms and wood vertical shear walls shall consist of either diagonal lumber sheathing or structural panel sheathing. Braced horizontal diaphragms may be acceptable when approved by DSA. Straight lumber sheathing may be used as diaphragms or shear walls only when overlain with structural panel sheathing. Let-in bracing, plaster (stucco), hollow clay tile, gypsum wallboard and particleboard sheathing shall not be relied upon to resist seismic forces.
319.2 Existing conditions. The existing condition and properties of the entire structure must be determined and documented by thorough inspection of the structure and site, review of all available related construction documents, review of geotechnical and engineering geologic reports, and performance of necessary testing and investigation. Where samples from the existing structure are taken or in situ tests are performed, they shall be selected and interpreted in a statistically appropriate manner to ensure that the properties determined and used in the evaluation or design are representative of the conditions and structural circumstances likely to be encountered in the structure as a whole. Adjacent structures or site features that may affect the retrofit design shall be identified.
The entire load path of the seismic-force-resisting system shall be determined, documented and evaluated. The load path includes all the horizontal and vertical elements participating in the structural response: such as diaphragms, diaphragm chords, diaphragm collectors, vertical elements such as walls frames, braces; foundations and the connections between the components and elements of the load path. Repaired or retrofitted elements and the standards under which the work was constructed shall be identified.
Data collection in accordance with ASCE 41 shall meet the following minimum levels: 1. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, the requirements shall be met following the data collection requirements of ASCE 41, Section 6.2.
2. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] For public schools and community college buildings constructed in conformance with the Field Act, visual condition assessment and usual material testing is required unless a more extensive level is required by ASCE 41, Section 6.2.
3. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] For public schools and community college buildings not constructed in conformance with the Field Act, comprehensive condition assessment and material testing is required, unless a more extensive level is required by ASCE 41, Section 6.2.
Concrete material requirements and testing for public school and community college buildings shall also comply with Sections 1911A and 1909.5 of the California Building Code, respectively.
CEBC § 3.3. High relevance — show source text
BSE-C RESPONSE ACCELERATION PARAMETERS [BSC] are the parameters (S XS and S X1 ) taken from 5-percent/50-year maximum direction spectral response acceleration curves or by a Site Specific Response Spectrum developed in accordance with ASCE 41, Section 2.3.3.
BSE-R RESPONSE ACCELERATION PARAMETERS [BSC] are the parameters (S XS and S X1 ) taken from 20-percent /50-year maximum direction spectral response acceleration curves or by a Site Specific Response Spectrum developed in accordance with ASCE 41, Section 2.3.3.
SECTION 319 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—SEISMIC CRITERIA SELECTION FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
319.1 Basis for evaluation and design. This section determines what technical approach is to be used for the seismic evaluation and design for existing buildings. For those buildings or portions of buildings for which Section 317 requires action, the procedures and limitations for the evaluation of existing buildings and design of retrofit systems and/or repair thereof shall be implemented in accordance with this section.
One of the following approaches must be used: 1. Method A of Section 320;
2. Method B of Section 321, with independent review of a peer reviewer as required in Section 322; or 3. For state-owned buildings only, the use of one of the specific procedures listed in Section 319.1.1.
When Method B is chosen it must be approved by the building official, and, where applicable, by the peer reviewer. All referenced standards in ASCE 41 shall be replaced by referenced standards listed in Chapter 35 of the California Building Code.
Exceptions: 1. [BSC] For buildings constructed to the requirements of California Building Code, 2019 or later edition, as adopted by the governing jurisdiction, that code is permitted to be used in place of those specified in Section 319.1. 2. [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] For the conversion of nonconforming buildings to conforming school buildings in accordance with Section 4-307 of the California Administrative Code, nonconforming buildings constructed to the requirements of California Building Code, 2019 or later edition, that code as it was adopted by the governing jurisdiction is permitted to be used in place of those specified in Section 319.1 provided the building complies with Seismic Design Category D or higher.
319.1.1 Specific procedures. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, the following specific procedures located in Appendix A may be used, without peer review, for their respective types of construction to comply with the seismic performance requirements for Risk Category I, II or III buildings: 1. Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Wall Buildings (Chapter A1). 2. Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Reinforced Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms (Chapter A2).
319.1.2 When a design project is begun under Method B the selection of the peer reviewer is subject to the approval of the building official. Following approval by the peer reviewer, the seismic criteria for the project and the planned evaluation provisions must be approved by the building official. The approved seismic criteria and evaluation provisions shall apply. Upon approval of the building official these are permitted to be modified.
CEBC § 3-20 High relevance — show source text
3-20 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
319.12.2 Public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] When Section 319.12 is the basis for structural modifications, the approved design documents must clearly indicate the scope of modifications and the acceptance criteria for the design.
SECTION 320 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—METHOD A
320.1 General. The retrofit design shall employ the Linear Static or Linear Dynamic Procedures of ASCE 41, Section 7.4.1 or 7.4.2, and comply with the applicable general requirements of ASCE 41, Chapters 6 and 7. The earthquake hazard level and performance level given specified in Section 317.5 for the building’s risk category shall be used. Structures shall be designed for seismic forces coming from any horizontal direction.
SECTION 321 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—METHOD B
321.1 The existing or retrofitted structure shall be demonstrated to have the capability to sustain the deformation response due to the specified earthquake ground motions and meet the seismic performance requirements of Section 317. The registered design professional shall provide an evaluation of the response of the existing structure in its modified configuration and condition to the ground motions specified. If the building’s seismic performance is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s) and the enforcement agency concurs, then no further structural retrofit and/or repair of the lateral load-resisting system is required.
When the evaluation indicates the building does not meet the required performance levels given in Table 317.5 for the risk category, then a retrofit and/or repair design shall be prepared that provides a structure that meets these performance objectives and reflects the appropriate consideration of existing conditions. Any approach to analysis and design is permitted to be used, provided that the approach shall be rational, shall be consistent with the established principals of mechanics and shall use the known performance characteristics of materials and assemblages under reversing loads typical of severe earthquake ground motions.
Exception: Further consideration of the structure’s seismic performance may be waived by the enforcement agency if both the registered design professional and peer reviewer(s) conclude that the structural system can be expected to perform at least as well as required by the provisions of this section without completing an analysis of the structure’s compliance with these requirements. A detailed report shall be submitted to the responsible building official that presents the reasons and basis for this conclusion. This report shall be prepared by the registered design professional. The peer reviewer(s) shall concur in this conclusion and affirm to it in writing. The building official shall either approve this decision or require completion of the indicated work specified in this section prior to approval.
321.2 The approach, models, analysis procedures, assumptions on material and system behavior and conclusions shall be peer reviewed in accordance with the requirements of Section 322 and accepted by the peer reviewer(s).
Exceptions: 1. The enforcement agency may perform the work of peer review when qualified staff is available within the jurisdiction. 2. The enforcement agency may modify or waive the requirements for peer review when appropriate.
CEBC § 319.8. High relevance — show source text
unless it can be demonstrated that_ reduced capacity meets the requirements of Section 319.8. 2. The lateral loading to or strength requirement of existing structural components is not increased beyond their capacity. 3. New structural components are detailed and connected to the existing structural components as required by the California Building Code. 4. New or relocated nonstructural components are detailed and connected to existing or new structural components as required by the California Building Code. 5. A dangerous condition is not created.
Use of ASCE 41 Tier 1 and Tier 2 deficiency only retrofit procedures are pre-approved for use where Section 317.3 does not require an
assessment.
319.12.1 State-owned buildings. [BSC] Voluntary modifications to lateral force-resisting systems conducted in accordance with Appendix A of this code and the referenced standards of the California Building Code shall be permitted.
319.12.1.1 Design documents. [BSC] When Section 319.12 is the basis for structural modifications, the approved design documents must clearly state the scope of the seismic modifications and the accepted criteria for the design. The approved design documents must clearly have the phrase “The seismic requirements of the California Existing Building Code have not been checked to determine if these structural modifications meet the full seismic evaluation and strengthening requirements of Sections 317-322: the modifications proposed are to a different seismic performance standard than would be required in Section 319 if they were not voluntary as allowed in Section 319.12.”
3-20 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
319.12.2 Public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] When Section 319.12 is the basis for structural modifications, the approved design documents must clearly indicate the scope of modifications and the acceptance criteria for the design.
SECTION 320 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—METHOD A
320.1 General. The retrofit design shall employ the Linear Static or Linear Dynamic Procedures of ASCE 41, Section 7.4.1 or 7.4.2, and comply with the applicable general requirements of ASCE 41, Chapters 6 and 7. The earthquake hazard level and performance level given specified in Section 317.5 for the building’s risk category shall be used. Structures shall be designed for seismic forces coming from any horizontal direction.
SECTION 321 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—METHOD B
321.1 The existing or retrofitted structure shall be demonstrated to have the capability to sustain the deformation response due to the specified earthquake ground motions and meet the seismic performance requirements of Section 317. The registered design professional shall provide an evaluation of the response of the existing structure in its modified configuration and condition to the ground motions specified. If the building’s seismic performance is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s) and the enforcement agency concurs, then no further structural retrofit and/or repair of the lateral load-resisting system is required.
CEBC § 301.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 301—ADMINISTRATION
301.1 Applicability. The repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing buildings shall comply with Section 301.2, 301.3 or 301.4. The provisions of Sections 302 through 309 shall apply to all alterations, repairs, additions, relocation of structures and changes of occupancy regardless of compliance method. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Section 301.4 not permitted by OSHPD.
Exceptions: 1. Existing state-owned structures. [BSC] The repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of Sections 317 through 322 as the minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing state-owned structures, including buildings owned by the University of California, the California State University or the Judicial Council. The provisions of Sections 317 through 322 may be adopted by a local jurisdiction for earthquake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing buildings. 2. Public school buildings [DSA-SS] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as public school buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety (DSA-SS, refer to Section 1.9.2.1) where required by Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code. The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing public school buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS. 3. Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as community college buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC, refer to Section 1.9.2.2) where required by Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code. The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing community college buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS/CC. 4. [HCD 1] In addition to the requirements in this chapter, maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures under the authority of the Department of Housing and Community Development, as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.1, shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.
Exceptions: 1. [HCD 2] For moved buildings and maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.3, see California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapters 2 and 2.2. 2. [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings, as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Residential Code. _**5.
CEBC § 6.2. Medium relevance — show source text
Adjacent structures or site features that may affect the retrofit design shall be identified._
The entire load path of the seismic-force-resisting system shall be determined, documented and evaluated. The load path includes all the horizontal and vertical elements participating in the structural response: such as diaphragms, diaphragm chords, diaphragm collectors, vertical elements such as walls frames, braces; foundations and the connections between the components and elements of the load path. Repaired or retrofitted elements and the standards under which the work was constructed shall be identified.
Data collection in accordance with ASCE 41 shall meet the following minimum levels: 1. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, the requirements shall be met following the data collection requirements of ASCE 41, Section 6.2.
2. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] For public schools and community college buildings constructed in conformance with the Field Act, visual condition assessment and usual material testing is required unless a more extensive level is required by ASCE 41, Section 6.2.
3. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] For public schools and community college buildings not constructed in conformance with the Field Act, comprehensive condition assessment and material testing is required, unless a more extensive level is required by ASCE 41, Section 6.2.
Concrete material requirements and testing for public school and community college buildings shall also comply with Sections 1911A and 1909.5 of the California Building Code, respectively.
Qualified test data from the original construction may be accepted, in part or in whole, by the enforcement agency to fulfill the data collection requirements.
Exceptions: 1. The number of samples for data collection may be adjusted with approval of the enforcement agency when it has been determined that adequate information has been obtained or additional information is required. 2. Welded steel moment frame connections of buildings that may have experienced potentially damaging ground motions shall be inspected in accordance with Chapters 3 and 4, FEMA 352, Recommended Post Earthquake Evaluation and Repair Criteria for Welded Moment-Frame Construction for Seismic Applications (July 2000).
Where original building plans and specifications are not available, “as-built” plans shall be prepared that depict the existing vertical and lateral structural systems, exterior elements, foundations and nonstructural systems in sufficient detail to complete the design.
Data collection shall be directed and observed by the project structural engineer or design professional in charge of the design.
319.3 Site geology and soil characteristics. Soil profile shall be assigned in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18 of the California Building Code.
319.4 Risk categories. Each structure shall be placed in one of the Risk Categories in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code.
319.5 Configuration requirements. Each structure shall be designated structurally regular or irregular. If the evaluation and retrofit is in accordance with Table 317.5, Footnote 2 or 3, the building shall be classified by application of ASCE 7, Section 12.3.2. If the evaluation and retrofit is in accordance with ASCE 41, the building shall be classified as irregular when an irregularity defined in ASCE 41, Sections 7.3.1.1.1 through 7.3.1.1.4 exists.
319.6 General selection of the design method. The requirements of Method B (Section 321) may be used for any existing building.
CEBC § 0.91 Medium relevance — show source text
Fourth, fifth_
and sixth floors and the second and third basement floor level quantity shall be reduced to 75 percent of this table. The seventh through 10th floor and below the third basement
floor level quantity shall be reduced to 50 percent of this table.
2. Permitted only when stored or used in approved exhausted gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures or fume hoods. Quantities of high toxics in use in open systems need not be reduced
above the third floor or below the first basement floor level. Individual container size shall be limited to 2 pounds (0.91 kg) for solids and1/4 gallon (0.95 L) for liquids.|SECTION 317 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—EARTHQUAKE EVALUATION AND DESIGN FOR RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
317.1 Purpose.
317.1.1 Existing state-owned structures. [BSC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 322 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing state-owned structures, including buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University.
The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 may be adopted by a local jurisdiction for earthquake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing buildings.
317.1.2 Public school buildings. [DSA-SS] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as public school buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety [DSA-SS], refer to Section 1.9.2.1.
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing public buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS.
317.1.2.1 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 or 22 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
317.1.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as community college buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC], refer to Section 1.9.2.2.
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing community college buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS/CC.
317.1.3.1 Reference to other chapters. For community colleges, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 17 or 18 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 17A and 18A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
Frequently asked questions
Who must pay for the peer reviewer?
The owner is required to select and pay the independent peer reviewer(s) per § 322.3.2 .
When must the Evaluation and Design Criteria Report be submitted for a public school?
The Evaluation and Design Criteria Report must be prepared during the schematic phase and submitted to DSA for review and approval prior to proceeding with design development (§ 323.1) .
Can the building official waive peer review?
Yes — the enforcement agency may perform the peer review itself when it has qualified staff or may modify or waive peer review where appropriate; these are exceptions in § 321 .
What happens if the peer reviewer and designer disagree?
If the peer reviewer’s conclusions conflict with the registered design professional’s proposed design, the enforcement agency makes the final determination (§ 322.7) .
If only part of a school is rehabilitated, do I need to retrofit the whole building?
Not necessarily — but the school portion being rehabilitated must be seismically separated from the unrehabilitated portion or the entire structure must be rehabilitated; additionally, the school portion must be retrofitted as necessary to protect occupants and required exitways from falling hazards (§ 323.2) .
More in California Existing Building Code
- Administration and Definitions (Scope, enforcement, code official duties, definitions)
- Provisions for All Compliance Methods (general requirements that apply to all compliance options; Chapter 3 / 3A)
- Seismic retrofit and evaluation (Appendix A and seismic provisions/sections for evaluation and retrofit)
- Referenced Standards and Appendices (Chapter 16 and Appendices A–E, Resource A)
- Repairs (Chapter 4 — repair-specific rules for materials, means of egress, structural, MEP, etc.)
- Alterations — Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 (technical requirements for each alteration level; Chapters 7–9)
- Change of Occupancy and Additions (requirements for occupancy changes and additions; Chapters 10–11)
- Compliance Methods — Prescriptive, Work Area, Performance (Chapters 5, 6–11, 13)
- Relocated Buildings (requirements for buildings moved or relocated; Chapter 14)
- Construction Safeguards (site safety, means of egress and life-safety during construction; Chapter 15)
Ask about the CEBC
Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Existing Building Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.
Start Free TrialRelated in the CEBC
What structural design loads and evaluation procedures govern existing building work?
When must a seismic evaluation or retrofit be performed (Section 317 triggers)?
When are in-situ load tests or material data collection required for structural evaluation?
Structural design, loads and seismic evaluation
California Existing Building Code