CEBC · California Existing Building Code

Using Referenced Standards (how they become part of the code)

Referenced standards cited in the CEBC become enforceable to the extent they are referenced; see §102.4 and Chapter 16 for application and precedence.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This topic explains how standards published by outside organizations (ASTM, ANSI, NFPA, ACI, etc.) are incorporated into the California Existing Building Code (CEBC). The CEBC uses references to those standards throughout the text and collects the full list in Chapter 16 — the "Referenced Standards" chapter — so compliance with a referenced standard is required to the extent the code cites it. See Chapter 16 for the listing and role of those standards in the CEBC.

Why this matters: referenced standards supply the technical details (tests, procedures, product requirements) the CEBC relies on without printing full external documents. When the code cites a standard it becomes an enforceable part of the code "to the prescribed extent of the reference," and the general rules governing their application and precedence are in §102.4 and its subsections.

Key locations to know: the CEBC’s Chapter 16 (Referenced Standards) contains the indexed list and cross‑references; §102.4 explains how referenced codes and standards are applied; §102.4.1 and §102.4.2 address conflicts and scope when a referenced standard covers subject matter within the code.

In this section

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CEBC § 102.4 High relevance — show source text

    Chapter 5 Special Building Construction Regulations.

    The regulations in Chapter 5 establish minimum standards for the location, design and construction of buildings and structures based on construction within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Area.

    The construction provisions of Chapter 5 are intended to supplement the requirements of the California Building Code and Califor- nia Residential Code and address mitigation of the unique hazards posed to buildings by wildfire and to reduce the hazards of building fires spreading to wildland fuels. This is accomplished by requiring ignition-resistant construction materials.

    Chapter 6 Fire Protection Requirements.

    Chapter 6 contains additional requirements for development and construction in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and areas designated by the State Fire Marshal as State Responsibility Areas (SRA). While many of these provisions are found in Title 14 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, they are replicated here for the code user. The local jurisdiction has the authority to apply the same regulations to LRA when the regulations are adopted by local ordinance.

    The requirements in this chapter reference the process for adoption of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the LRA; criteria for evaluating existing subdivisions that are at significant fire risk and are without an adequate secondary egress; and criteria for fire safety provisions required in the Safety Element of a city or county General Plan.

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    The chapter includes mitigation strategies to reduce the hazards of fire originating within a structure spreading to wildland and fire originating in wildland spreading to structures.

    Chapter 7 Referenced Standards.

    Chapter 7 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 6 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.

    Appendix A General Requirements.

    Appendix A, while not part of the code, can become part of the code when specifically included in the adopting ordinance. Its purpose is to provide fire-protection measures supplemental to those found in Chapter 6 to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability for controlling such fires. This appendix includes detailed requirements for vegetation control; the code official’s authority to close wildland-interface areas in times of high fire danger; control of fires, fireworks usage and other sources of ignition; storage of hazardous materials and combustibles; bans on the dumping of waste materials and ashes and coals in wildlandurban interface areas; protection of pumps and water supplies; and limits on temporary uses within the wildland-urban interface area.

    Appendix B Vegetation Management Plan.

    Appendix B, while not part of the code, can become part of the code when specifically included in the adopting ordinance. Its purpose is to provide criteria for submitting vegetation management plans, specifying their content and establishing a criterion for considering vegetation management as being a fuel modification.

    Appendix C Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework.

  • CEBC § 1.1.11. High relevance — show source text

    Chapter 10 Change of Occupancy.

    The purpose of Chapter 10 is to address existing buildings that are subject to a change of occupancy. This chapter is an assembly of requirements to upgrade safety without having to comply fully as a new building. A change of occupancy classification is considered a change of occupancy, however, it will involve a higher level of regulation since the use of the building has made a more significant change.

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    Chapter 11 Additions.

    Chapter 11 provides the requirements for additions, which are considered new construction. The requirements focus on safely integrating the addition with the existing building. This includes issues such as limiting the overall height and area of the building where the addition is not separated by a fire wall.

    Chapter 12 Historic Buildings —Reserved

    Chapter 12 is not adopted by the State of California. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, California Code of Regulations.

    Chapter 13 Performance Compliance Methods.

    Chapter 13 allows for existing buildings to be evaluated to show that alterations or a change of occupancy, while not meeting new construction requirements, will provide a level of safety to demonstrate compliance. Provisions are based on a numerical scoring system involving 21 safety parameters where, when evaluated, such buildings must meet a minimum overall safety score.

    Chapter 13 is not adopted by the State of California but may be available for adoption by local ordinance, see Section 1.1.11. See Section 104.11 for consideration of alternative means of compliance.

    Chapter 14 Relocated or Moved Buildings.

    Chapter 14 is applicable to any building that is moved or relocated. This chapter is independent of any of the three compliance methods and focuses on the structural loads where the building is being relocated.

    Chapter 15 Construction Safeguards.

    Chapter 15 establishes specific regulations in order to minimize the risk to the public and adjacent property during construction. Additionally, this chapter addresses fire and life safety and means of egress during the construction process. This includes requirements for a site safety plan. This chapter is also consistent with Chapter 33 of the CBC and Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code (CFC).

    Chapter 16 Referenced Standards.

    Chapter 16 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 15 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.

    Appendix A Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings.

    Appendix A provides guidelines for upgrading the seismic resistance capacity of different types of existing buildings. It is organized into separate chapters which deal with buildings of different types, including unreinforced masonry buildings, reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry wall buildings, and lightframe wood buildings. This appendix includes its own referenced standards.

    Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities.

    Chapters 11A and 11B of the CBC contain provisions that set forth requirements for accessibility to buildings and their associated sites and facilities for people with physical disabilities. Appendix B was added to address accessibility in construction for items that are not typically enforceable through the traditional building code enforcement process.

    Appendix C Guidelines for the Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings.

  • CEBC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text

    41—2023|X|||X|X|||X|X|X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |ASTM A615—15 22||||||||||X||||||||||||||| |ICC A117.1—2017||||†|†|†||||||||||||||||||| |ICC CBC—25||||||||||X||||||||||||||| |NFPA 72—24|||X||||||||||||||||||||||

    The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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    16 REFERENCED STANDARDS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: This code contains numerous references to standards that are used to regulate materials and methods of construction. Chapter 16 contains a comprehensive list of all standards that are referenced in the code, including the appendices. The standards are part of the code to the extent of the reference to the standard. Compliance with the referenced standard is necessary for compliance with this code. By providing specifically adopted standards, the construction and installation requirements necessary for compliance with the code can be readily determined. The basis for code compliance is, therefore, established and available on an equal basis to the building code official, contractor, designer and owner.

    This chapter lists the standards that are referenced in various sections of this document. The standards are listed herein by the promulgating agency of the standard, the standard identification, the effective date and title, and the section or sections of this document that reference the standard. The application of the referenced standards shall be as specified in Section 102.4 , or California Administration Division 1, as applicable. [OSHPD 1] Reference to other chapters. In addition to the code sections referenced, the standards listed in this chapter are applicable to the respective code sections in Chapters 3A, 4A and 5A.

    ACI American Concrete Institute, 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439

    562—21: Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures—Code Requirements

    405.1.1

    ASCE/SEI American Society of Civil Engineers Structural Engineering Institute, 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, VA 20191-4400

    7—1988: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

    503.12, 706.3.2

    7—1993: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

    503.12, 706.3.2

    7—1995: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

    503.12, 706.3.2

    7—1998: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

    503.12, 706.3.2

    7—2002: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

    503.12, 706.3.2

    7—2005: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

    503.12, 706.3.2

    7—2010: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

  • CEBC § 1.3 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION BO106—ADDITION

    BO106.1 General. Where existing buildings with the addition are within the scope of this code, additions shall comply with this section and other applicable provisions of this code for new construction or as permitted by this appendix. Engineered design in accordance with Section R301.1.3 shall be permitted to meet the requirements of this section.

    BO106.2 Structure for horizontal additions. Where an addition involves new construction attached to an existing building, the new construction shall meet all of the structural requirements of this code for new construction. Alterations to the existing building shall comply with the requirements governing alterations within this code. In wood light-frame additions, connection of the structural components shall be permitted to be provided using wall top plates and addition studs that abut the existing building. Wall top plates shall be lapped and spliced in accordance with Section R602.3.2. Abutting studs shall be fastened in accordance with Table R602.3(1).

    Exception: The addition structure shall be permitted to be connected to the existing building in accordance with accepted engineering practice.

    BO106.3 Structure for vertical additions. Where an addition involves new construction that adds a story to any part of the existing building or vertically increases the height of any part of the existing building, the new construction and the existing building together shall be shown to comply with, or altered to comply with, all of the structural requirements of this code for new construction.

    Exception: Where the new structure and the existing structure together are evaluated in accordance with accepted engineering practice and are shown to be sufficient to support the combined loads from the new structure and existing structure, no structural alterations are required.

    SECTION BO107—RELOCATED BUILDINGS

    BO107.1 General. Residential buildings or structures moved into or within the jurisdiction are not required to comply with the requirements for new construction under this code, provided they comply with all of the following conditions:

    1. The building shall be safe for human occupancy as determined by the California Fire Code and the International Property Maintenance Code .

    2. Any repair, alteration or change of use undertaken within the relocated structure shall comply with the requirements of this code applicable to the work being performed.

    3. Any field fabricated elements shall comply with the applicable requirements of this code.

    SECTION BO108—REFERENCED STANDARDS

    BO108.1 General. See Table BO108.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, the standard title and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.

    TABLE BO108.1—REFERENCED STANDARDS Col2 Col3
    STANDARD ACRONYM STANDARD NAME SECTION HEREIN REFERENCED
    CEBC—25 California Existing Building Code BO102.8
    CFC—25 California Fire Code BO107.1
    IPMC—24 International Property Maintenance Code® BO107.1

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    CA RESERVED

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    APPENDIX CA-2 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

  • CEBC § 44-2 High relevance — show source text

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    Part IX— Referenced Standards

    44 REFERENCED STANDARDS

    Notwithstanding California laws and regulations, these referenced standards shall be applicable only to those California Residential Code sections that are adopted.

    User notes:

    About this chapter: The one- and two-family dwelling code contains numerous references to standards promulgated by other organizations that are used to provide requirements for materials, products and methods of construction. Chapter 44 contains a comprehensive list of all standards that are referenced in this code. These standards, in essence, are part of this code to the extent of the reference to the standard.

    This chapter lists the standards that are referenced in various sections of this document. The standards are listed herein by the promulgating agency of the standard, the standard identification, the effective date and title, and the section or sections of this document that reference the standard. The application of the referenced standards shall be as specified in Section R102.4.

    ABTG Applied Building Technology Group LLC6300 Enterprise Lane Madison, WI 53719

    ANSI/ABTG FS 100—2012 (R2018): Standard Requirements for Wind Pressure Resistance of Foam Plastic Insulation Sheathing Used in Exterior Wall Covering Assemblies

    R303.8

    ACCA Air Conditioning Contractors of America 1330 Braddock Place, Suite 350 Alexandria, VA 22314

    ANSI/ACCA 2 Manual J—2016: Residential Load Calculation

    Table R301.2

    ACI American Concrete Institute 38800 Country Club Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48331

    318—19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete R402.2, R404.1.3, R404.1.3.1, Table R404.1.3.2(2), Table R404.1.3.2(5), Table R404.1.3.2(6), Table R404.1.3.2(7), Table R404.1.3.2(8), R404.1.3.3, R404.1.3.4, R404.1.4.2, R404.5.1, R608.1, R608.1.1, R608.1.2, R608.2, R608.5.1, R608.6.1, R608.8.2, R608.9.2, R608.9.3

    332—20: Residential Code Requirements for Structural Concrete

    R402.2, R403.1, R404.1.3, R404.1.3.4, R404.1.4.2, R506.1

    AISI American Iron and Steel Institute 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20001

    AISI S100—16 (2020) w/S2—20: North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, 2016 Edition (Reaffirmed 2020), with Supplement 2, 2020 Edition

    R608.9.2, R608.9.3

    AISI S220—20: North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Nonstructural Framing, 2020 Edition

    R702.3.3

    AISI S230—19: North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing—Prescriptive Method for One and Two Family Dwellings, 2019 Edition

  • CEBC § 4.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    R102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections R102.4.1 and R102.4.2.

    Exception: Where enforcement of a code provision would violate the conditions of the listing of the equipment or appliance, the conditions of the listing and manufacturer’s instructions shall apply.

    R102.4.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.

    R102.4.2 Provisions in referenced codes and standards. Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of this code, the provisions of this code, as applicable, shall take precedence over the provisions in the referenced code or standard.

    R102.5 Partial invalidity. In the event any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.

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    DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    R102.6 Existing structures. The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code, the International Property Maintenance Code or the California Fire Code, or as is deemed necessary by the building official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.

    R102.6.1 Additions, alterations, change of use or repairs. Additions, alterations or repairs to any structure shall conform to the requirements for a new structure without requiring the existing structure to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. Additions, alterations, repairs and relocations shall not cause an existing structure to become less compliant with the provisions of this code than the existing building or structure was prior to the addition, alteration or repair. Where additions, alterations or changes of use to an existing structure result in a use, occupancy, height or means of egress outside the scope of this code, the building shall comply with the California Existing Building Code .

    R102.7 Wildland-Urban Interface. The provisions of Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall apply to buildings and struc- tures built in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

    PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

    SECTION R103—CODE COMPLIANCE AGENCY

    R103.1 Creation of agency. The [ INSERT NAME OF DEPARTMENT ] is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

    R103.2 Appointment. The building official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.

    R103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official shall have the authority to appoint a deputy building official, other related technical officers, inspectors and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the building official.

    SECTION R104—DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL

  • CEBC § 102.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    Chapter 14 is applicable to any building that is moved or relocated. This chapter is independent of any of the three compliance methods and focuses on the structural loads where the building is being relocated.

    Chapter 15 Construction Safeguards.

    Chapter 15 establishes specific regulations in order to minimize the risk to the public and adjacent property during construction. Additionally, this chapter addresses fire and life safety and means of egress during the construction process. This includes requirements for a site safety plan. This chapter is also consistent with Chapter 33 of the CBC and Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code (CFC).

    Chapter 16 Referenced Standards.

    Chapter 16 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 15 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.

    Appendix A Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings.

    Appendix A provides guidelines for upgrading the seismic resistance capacity of different types of existing buildings. It is organized into separate chapters which deal with buildings of different types, including unreinforced masonry buildings, reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry wall buildings, and lightframe wood buildings. This appendix includes its own referenced standards.

    Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities.

    Chapters 11A and 11B of the CBC contain provisions that set forth requirements for accessibility to buildings and their associated sites and facilities for people with physical disabilities. Appendix B was added to address accessibility in construction for items that are not typically enforceable through the traditional building code enforcement process.

    Appendix C Guidelines for the Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings.

    The purpose of Appendix C is to provide voluntary prescriptive alternatives for addressing the retrofit of buildings in high-wind areas. Currently, there are two chapters which deal with the retrofit of gable ends and the fastening of roof decks, Appendix Chapters C1 and C2, respectively. This appendix includes its own referenced standards.

    Appendix D Board of Appeals.

    Appendix D contains the provisions for appeal and the establishment of a board of appeals. The provisions include the application for an appeal, the makeup of the board of appeals and the conduct of the appeal process.

    Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses.

    Appendix E is intended to provide guidance for designers, engineers, architects and fire and building officials on allowing temporary emergency uses of existing buildings with respect to the minimum code requirements. This appendix is a template or checklist that references the relevant code requirement of concerns.

    Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies.

    In the process of repair and alteration of existing buildings, based on the nature and the extent of the work, the CEBC might require certain upgrades in the fire-resistance rating of building elements, at which time it becomes critical for the designers and the code

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    officials to be able to determine the fire-resistance rating of the existing building elements as part of the overall evaluation for the assessment of the need for improvements. These guidelines are based upon the Guideline on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials published by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS).

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  • CEBC § 100.0 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CRSC Reference Standard Code

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    PREFACE

    This document is Part 12 of thirteen parts of the official triennial compilation and publication of the adoptions, amendments and repeal of administrative regulations to California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part is known as the California Referenced Standards Code.

    The California Building Standards Code is published in its entirety every three years by order of the California legislature, with supplements published in intervening years. The California legislature delegated authority to various state agencies, boards, commissions and departments to create building regulations to implement the State’s statutes. These building regulations, or standards, have the same force of law, and take effect 180 days after their publication unless otherwise stipulated. The Califor- nia Building Standards Code applies to occupancies in the State of California as annotated.

    A city, county, or city and county may establish more restrictive building standards reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. Findings of the local condition(s) and the adopted local building standard(s) must generally be filed with the California Building Standards Commission (or other filing if indicated) to become effective, and may not be effective sooner than the effective date of this edition of the California Building Standards Code . Local building standards that were adopted and applicable to previous editions of the California Building Standards Code do not apply to this edition without appropriate adoption and the required filing.

    The referenced standards contained in Part 12 are developed by the state agencies listed herein. The Part 12 Cross Reference Table herein identifies the state agency to which the standard applies, the subject of the standard and the provisions in other parts of Title 24 where the application of the standard is required.

    Should you find publication (e.g., typographical) errors or inconsistencies in this code or wish to offer comments toward improving its format, please address your comments to:

    California Building Standards Commission 2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95833-2936

    Phone: (916) 263-0916 Email: cbsc@dgs.ca.gov

    Web page: www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc

    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

    The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Code) was developed through the outstanding collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of the State Architect, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Department of Health Care Access and Information, California Energy Commission, California Department of Public Health, California State Lands Commission, Board of State and Community Corrections, Department of Water Resources, State Historical Building Safety Board, Department of Consumer Affairs, State Librarian, Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Building Standards Commission (Commission).

    This collaborative effort included the assistance of the Commission’s Code Advisory Committees and many other volunteers who worked tirelessly to assist the Commission in the production of this Code.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Members of the California Building Standards Commission

    Secretary Amy Tong – Chair Rajesh Patel – Vice-Chair

  • CEBC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Division 1.5 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are not listed in the Matrix Adoption Tables as they are not within the State Fire Marshal’s authority to adopt. These provisions are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 14, Division 1.5 text for the code user’s convenience only and are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections.

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    7 REFERENCED STANDARDS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: This code contains numerous references to standards promulgated by other organizations that are used to provide requirements for materials and methods of construction. This chapter contains a comprehensive list of all standards that are referenced in this code. These standards, in essence, are part of this code to the extent of the reference to the standard.

    This chapter lists the standards that are referenced in various sections of this document. The standards are listed herein by the promulgating agency of the standard, the standard identification, the effective date and title, and the section or sections of this document that reference the standard.

    AASHTO American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials, 444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001

    HB-17—2002: Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, 17th Edition, 2002

    403.1.8, 1273.10

    ASTM ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959

    D638—2022: Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics

    504.9.1

    D2898—10(2017): Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire Testing

    503.2.4.3.1

    D3909/D3909M— 2022 : Standard Specification for Asphalt Roll Roofing (Glass Felt) Surfaced With Mineral Granules

    504.2.1.1, 504.2.2

    D6662—22: Standard Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic Lumber Decking Boards

    503.2.4.3.3

    D7032—21: Standard Specification for Establishing Performance Ratings for Wood-Plastic Composite and Plastic Lumber Deck Boards, Stair Treads, Guards, and Handrails

    503.2.4.3.2

    E84— 2023d : Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

    202, 501.4.1, 503.2.4, 504.7.3.2, 504.7.3.3

    E108—20a: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings

    504.2, 504.2.1.2, 504.11.6, G101.2.1

  • CEBC § 101.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    [A] 101.5 Additions or alterations. Additions or alterations shall be permitted to be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with all of the requirements of this code, provided that the addition or alteration conforms to that required for a new building or structure.

    Exception: Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive.

    Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure that will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code nor shall such additions or alterations cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not provide adequate access in compliance with the provisions of this code or will obstruct existing exits or access; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.

    [A] 101.6 Maintenance. Buildings, structures, landscape materials, vegetation, defensible space or other devices or safeguards required by this code shall be maintained in conformance to the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures, landscape materials and vegetation.

    SECTION 102—APPLICABILITY

    [A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall govern. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.

    [A] 102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.

    [A] 102.3 Application of references. References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this code.

    [A] 102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 7 and such codes and standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.4.1 and 102.4.2.

    [A] 102.4.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and the referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall govern.

    [A] 102.4.2 Provisions in referenced codes and standards. Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of this code, the provisions of this code, as applicable, shall take precedence over the provisions in the referenced standard.

    [A] 102.5 Subjects not regulated by this code. Where applicable standards or requirements are not set forth in this code, or are contained within other laws, codes, regulations, ordinances or policies adopted by the jurisdiction, compliance with applicable standards of other nationally recognized safety standards, as approved, shall be deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of this code. Nothing herein shall derogate from the authority of the code official to determine compliance with codes or standards for those activities or installations within the code official’s jurisdiction or responsibility.

  • CEBC § 102.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    The chapter includes mitigation strategies to reduce the hazards of fire originating within a structure spreading to wildland and fire originating in wildland spreading to structures.

    Chapter 7 Referenced Standards.

    Chapter 7 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 6 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.

    Appendix A General Requirements.

    Appendix A, while not part of the code, can become part of the code when specifically included in the adopting ordinance. Its purpose is to provide fire-protection measures supplemental to those found in Chapter 6 to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability for controlling such fires. This appendix includes detailed requirements for vegetation control; the code official’s authority to close wildland-interface areas in times of high fire danger; control of fires, fireworks usage and other sources of ignition; storage of hazardous materials and combustibles; bans on the dumping of waste materials and ashes and coals in wildlandurban interface areas; protection of pumps and water supplies; and limits on temporary uses within the wildland-urban interface area.

    Appendix B Vegetation Management Plan.

    Appendix B, while not part of the code, can become part of the code when specifically included in the adopting ordinance. Its purpose is to provide criteria for submitting vegetation management plans, specifying their content and establishing a criterion for considering vegetation management as being a fuel modification.

    Appendix C Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework.

    Appendix C contains a preliminary Community WUI Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework as a suggested methodology to begin to support communities at risk in the identification of their unique hazards and to provide common metrics for comparisons between communities. This preliminary framework includes information on community size, population and fuels; on notification and evacuation; and on the community infrastructure and firefighting response potential. Aspects of this framework may already be included in various community- level documents, such as Community Wildfire Protection Plans or evacuation plans. Development of a standard framework will (1) consolidate relevant WUI fire hazard and planning information in one place, and (2) allow for cross-community comparisons.

    The evaluation required to implement this framework will support prefire hazard assessment and during-fire response operations. An increased understanding of fire evacuation, fire structural response and fire defensive action relationships is needed to assess the over- all community WUI fire hazard. The quantification of these relationships will enable communities to optimize the community-level response to WUI fire hazards in a more integrated approach and result in increased life safety and reduced losses.

    Appendix D Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption.

    Appendix D is an informational appendix that is a sample ordinance designed as guidance for a city, county, city and county, or fire district to establish and designate fire hazard severity zones within their jurisdiction.

    Appendix E Reserved.

    Appendix F Characteristics of Fire-Smart Vegetation.

    Appendix F is an informational appendix provided for the convenience of the code user. It is simply a compilation of the eight characteristics of fire-smart vegetation that can be used effectively within wildland-urban interface areas to reduce the likelihood of fire spread through vegetation.

    **App

  • CEBC § 102.4.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    [A] 102.4.2 Provisions in referenced codes and standards. Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of this code or the California Codes specified in Section 101.4, the provisions of this code or the California Codes specified in Section 101.4, as applicable, shall take precedence over the provisions in the referenced code or standard.

    102.4.3 Code references. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] All reference to International Codes or other similar codes in referenced standards shall be replaced by equivalent provisions in the California Building Standards Codes.

    102.4.4 Reference in standards. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] All references listed in reference standards shall be replaced by referenced standards listed in Chapter 35 of this code, where applicable, and shall include all amendments to the reference standards in this code.

    [A] 102.5 Partial invalidity. In the event that any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.

    [A] 102.6 Existing structures. The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, the California Existing Building Code or the Cali- fornia Fire Code .

    [A] 102.6.1 Buildings not previously occupied. A building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose in accordance with the laws in existence at the time of its completion shall comply with the provisions of this code or the California Residential Code, as applicable, for new construction or with any current permit for such occupancy.

    [A] 102.6.2 Buildings previously occupied. The legal occupancy of any building existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, the California Fire Code or California Existing Building Code, or as is deemed necessary by the building official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.

    PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

    SECTION 103—CODE COMPLIANCE AGENCY

    [A] 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The [ INSERT NAME OF DEPARTMENT ] is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

    [A] 103.2 Appointment. The building official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.

    [A] 103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official shall have the authority to appoint a deputy building official, other related technical officers, inspectors and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the building official.

    1-24 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ADMINISTRATION

Frequently asked questions

How do referenced standards become part of the CEBC?

When the CEBC contains a direct reference to an external standard, that standard is considered part of the code "to the prescribed extent of the reference." The complete list of those references and the sections that cite them is collected in Chapter 16.

What happens if a referenced standard conflicts with a CEBC provision?

Where a conflict exists, the CEBC’s provisions govern. Section §102.4.1 and §102.4.2 state that the code's provisions take precedence over conflicting or overlapping material in referenced standards.

Where can I find the specific standard cited by a CEBC section?

Look up the section citation in the code text, then consult Chapter 16 (Referenced Standards), which lists each referenced document, its edition/date and the CEBC sections that reference it. Compliance is required only to the extent the CEBC references the standard.

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