CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Do relocated buildings have to meet seismic requirements at the new site?
If you move a building in California, the CEBC requires it meet the seismic rules that apply at the new site (CBC or CRC) unless it falls into a limited exception — for example, buildings in low Seismic Design Categories where the new site’s seismic demand is not higher, or individual members whose stress increases by no more than 10 percent. Always document the seismic‑demand comparison using the CBC/CRC procedures and expect the local code official to require inspections and repairs as needed. **§ 1402.4** is the controlling section.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Relocated buildings must meet the seismic provisions of the California Building Code (CBC) or California Residential Code (CRC) at the new location, unless a narrow exception applies. The controlling provision is § 1402.4 of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC), which requires compliance with the CBC/CRC seismic provisions at the new site.
The single most important rule: if the seismic forces at the new site are greater than at the old site, the moved building must meet the CBC/CRC seismic rules for that new site — unless it falls into a limited exception in § 1402.4.
Requirements in detail
Summary in plain English:
- The default obligation is that a relocated building be designed or modified so its seismic resistance meets the seismic rules that apply to new construction at the new site (i.e., CBC or CRC requirements). § 1402.4 states this requirement directly.
- Two limited exceptions allow avoidance of full compliance in low seismic settings or where stresses do not materially increase; these are also listed under § 1402.4.
Decision table — when full seismic compliance is required
| Decision factor | Threshold/value that matters | Effect (must comply at new site?) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seismic provisions applicability | Always required by default | Yes — building must comply with CBC/CRC seismic provisions for the new location | § 1402.4 |
| Seismic Design Category (SDC) of structure | If structure is in SDC A or B (all occupancies) OR a detached one- or two‑family dwelling in SDC A, B or C AND seismic loads at new site are not higher than previous site | No (exception) — full new‑construction seismic compliance not required if loads are not higher | § 1402.4 Exception 1 |
| Change in stress on structural elements | If stress increase ≤ 10% | No (exception) — individual structural elements with ≤10% stress increase need not be upgraded | § 1402.4 Exception 2 |
Notes on the table:
- “Seismic loads not higher than those at the previous location” means an engineering comparison of the seismic demands at old versus new sites (e.g., using mapped seismic parameters, Seismic Design Category, or CBC/ASCE 7 procedures). The CEBC requires the comparison but relies on the CBC/CRC and referenced standards for how to calculate seismic loads. The CEBC text in Chapter 14 directs compliance with the CBC/CRC seismic provisions; the detailed seismic load calculations are in those codes (not reproduced here).
How the exceptions work (short)
- Exception 1 allows limited relief for buildings in SDC A or B (all occupancies) and for detached one- and two‑family dwellings in SDC A, B and C — but only when the seismic loads at the new site are not higher than at the old site. If the new site’s seismic demands exceed the old site’s, the exception does not apply. § 1402.4 Exception 1.
- Exception 2 is element‑level: structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 10 percent by the relocation may be left as-is; elements exceeding that increase must be designed to meet applicable CBC/CRC seismic requirements. § 1402.4 Exception 2.
Exceptions & special cases
- Low-seismic relocations: If the building and its occupancy fall into the categories listed in § 1402.4 Exception 1 and you can demonstrate the seismic load at the new site is not higher, the building need not be fully upgraded to new‑construction seismic provisions. Demonstration requires an engineering comparison.
- Minor stress increases: Individual members with ≤ 10% increased seismic stress are exempt from upgrade under § 1402.4 Exception 2. This is an element‑level allowance; it does not automatically excuse other parts of the structure.
- Other load types: Chapter 14 separately addresses foundation, wind, snow, and flood considerations; seismic compliance is required in parallel with those other checks (see § 1402.2, § 1402.3, § 1402.5, § 1402.6).
If the building is moved into a flood hazard area, or wind/snow loads increase at the new site, the CEBC has separate requirements (Chapter 14) that must also be followed. These are separate but related requirements to the seismic rule.
Common mistakes
- Assuming “moved” = exempt: The building official will expect seismic compliance at the new site unless a specific exception applies. The CEBC’s default is compliance with CBC/CRC seismic provisions at the new location. § 1402.4 is the controlling provision.
- Misreading the exceptions: The exception for detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings applies only when seismic loads at the new site are not higher than the original site. It does not permit arbitrary omission of seismic evaluation. § 1402.4 Exception 1.
- Treating the 10% threshold as a “global” allowance: the 10 percent allowance is an element‑level threshold for stress increases, not a blanket waiver for the whole structure. § 1402.4 Exception 2.
- Forgetting other Chapter 14 checks: foundation, connections, inspections and repairs are separately required (see § 1402.2, § 1402.2.1, and § 1402.7). Don’t stop at seismic checks.
- Not using CBC/CRC for load comparison: the CEBC directs compliance with CBC/CRC seismic provisions at the new site; the method to calculate and compare seismic loads follows the referenced codes/standards (CBC, CRC, ASCE 7 etc.), not the CEBC chapter text alone. The CEBC points you to those documents.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario:
- A detached two‑story, single‑family house (moved building) is being relocated from Site A to Site B.
- At Site A the building was effectively in SDC B (lower mapped seismic values). At Site B mapping indicates SDC C — mapped seismic demands are higher at Site B.
- The owner asks: must the house be upgraded to CBC/CRC seismic provisions at Site B?
Application:
- Start with § 1402.4: CEBC requires relocated buildings to comply with CBC/CRC seismic provisions at the new location. Because Site B has higher seismic loads, the exception for “not higher” does not apply. The house must meet CBC/CRC seismic provisions for Site B.
- Engineer computes seismic demand using CBC/ASCE 7 methods (e.g., map Ss/S1, determine SDC, apply design forces). If any structural element would see a stress increase > 10 percent, that element must be upgraded to meet the applicable CBC/CRC detailing and strength requirements (because the CEBC exception for ≤10% would not apply). § 1402.4 Exception 2.
- If the structure is a detached one‑ or two‑family dwelling and Site B had equal or lower seismic loads, Exception 1 could apply — but in this example Site B is higher, so Exception 1 is not available. § 1402.4 Exception 1.
Important practical point: the CEBC requires compliance but does not itself contain the detailed seismic load calculation procedure; you must use the CBC/CRC and referenced standards to compute the loads and design the upgrades. The CEBC chapter instructs that compliance be to those codes for the new site.
Related provisions
- § 1402.2 — Foundation requirements for relocated buildings (foundation must comply with the CBC or CRC).
- § 1402.2.1 — Connection of the relocated building to the foundation must comply with CBC or CRC.
- § 1402.3 — Wind load requirements for relocated buildings; exceptions for detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings and Group U occupancies when wind loads are not higher.
- § 1402.5 — Snow load requirements when snow loads at the new location are higher.
- § 1402.6 — Flood hazard area requirements when relocated into a flood hazard area (see CBC §1612 / CRC R306).
- § 1402.7 — Required inspection and repairs after relocation; the code official may require inspections and repairs prior to final approval.
- § 1401.2 — General conformance: building must be safe for human occupancy per the California Fire Code and IPMC; repairs/alterations must comply with the CEBC and applicable codes.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 1401.1.1 High relevance — show source text
and the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 2._ Manufactured homes must meet unit identification (data plate) and certification label requirements as specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 24, Subtitle B, Chapter XX, Part 3280 and Health and Safety Code Section 18032. Commercial modulars and special purpose commercial modulars must meet identification requirements in the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 2.
1401.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Relocated or moved bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
1401.2 Conformance. The building shall be safe for human occupancy as determined by the California Fire Code and the Interna- tional Property Maintenance Code . Any repair, alteration or change of occupancy undertaken within the moved structure shall comply with the requirements of this code applicable to the work being performed. Any field-fabricated elements shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code or the California Residential Code, as applicable. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] After July 1, 1978, local ordinances or regulations for relocated or moved apartment houses and dwellings shall permit the retention of existing materials and methods of construction, provided the apartment house or dwelling complies with the building standards for foundations applica- ble to new construction and does not become or continue to be a substandard building. For additional information, see Health and Safety Code Section 17958.9.
SECTION 1402—REQUIREMENTS
1402.1 Location on the lot. The building shall be located on the lot in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code or the California Residential Code, as applicable.
[BS] 1402.2 Foundation. The foundation system of relocated buildings shall comply with the California Building Code or the Califor- nia Residential Code, as applicable.
[BS] 1402.2.1 Connection to the foundation. The connection of the relocated building to the foundation shall comply with the California Building Code or the California Residential Code, as applicable.
[BS] 1402.3 Wind loads. Buildings shall comply with California Building Code or California Residential Code wind provisions, as applicable.
Exceptions:
- Detached one- and two-family dwellings and Group U occupancies where wind loads at the new location are not higher than those at the previous location.
- Structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 10 percent.
[BS] 1402.4 Seismic loads. Buildings shall comply with California Building Code or California Residential Code seismic provisions at the new location, as applicable.
Exceptions:
- Structures in Seismic Design Categories A and B and detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories A, B and C where the seismic loads at the new location are not higher than those at the previous location.
- Structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 10 percent.
[BS] 1402.5 Snow loads. Structures shall comply with California Building Code or California Residential Code snow loads, as applicable, where snow loads at the new location are higher than those at the previous location.
Exception: Structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 5 percent.
CEBC § 1402.2 High relevance — show source text
[BS] 1402.2 Foundation. The foundation system of relocated buildings shall comply with the California Building Code or the Califor- nia Residential Code, as applicable.
[BS] 1402.2.1 Connection to the foundation. The connection of the relocated building to the foundation shall comply with the California Building Code or the California Residential Code, as applicable.
[BS] 1402.3 Wind loads. Buildings shall comply with California Building Code or California Residential Code wind provisions, as applicable.
Exceptions:
- Detached one- and two-family dwellings and Group U occupancies where wind loads at the new location are not higher than those at the previous location.
- Structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 10 percent.
[BS] 1402.4 Seismic loads. Buildings shall comply with California Building Code or California Residential Code seismic provisions at the new location, as applicable.
Exceptions:
- Structures in Seismic Design Categories A and B and detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories A, B and C where the seismic loads at the new location are not higher than those at the previous location.
- Structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 10 percent.
[BS] 1402.5 Snow loads. Structures shall comply with California Building Code or California Residential Code snow loads, as applicable, where snow loads at the new location are higher than those at the previous location.
Exception: Structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 5 percent.
[BS] 1402.6 Flood hazard areas. If relocated or moved into a flood hazard area, structures shall comply with Section 1612 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
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RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS
[BS] 1402.7 Required inspection and repairs. The code official shall be authorized to inspect, or to require approved professionals to inspect at the expense of the owner, the various structural parts of a relocated building to verify that structural components and connections have not sustained structural damage. Any repairs required by the code official as a result of such inspection shall be made prior to the final approval.
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 15 – CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 Col17 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting CEBC § 1.9.2.1. High relevance — show source text
State-owned and state-leased essential services buildings are subject to the regulatory authority of DSA-SS per Section 1.9.2.1._|1. ASCE 41 provides acceptance criteria (e.g., m-factor, rotation) for Immediate Occupancy (S1), Life Safety (S3) and Collapse Prevention (S5), and specifies in Table 2-1 the method
to interpolate values for S-2 and S-4. When evaluating for the Hazards Reduced Nonstructural Performance Level, the requirements need not be greater than what would be
required by ASCE 7 nonstructural provisions for new construction.
2. Buildings evaluated and retrofitted to meet the structural and nonstructural requirements for a new building as given in the California Building Code as adopted by DSA or BSC, as
applicable, are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
3. Buildings complying with the requirements of the exception in Section 319.1 are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
4. State-owned and state-leased essential services buildings are subject to the regulatory authority of DSA-SS per Section 1.9.2.1.|1. ASCE 41 provides acceptance criteria (e.g., m-factor, rotation) for Immediate Occupancy (S1), Life Safety (S3) and Collapse Prevention (S5), and specifies in Table 2-1 the method
to interpolate values for S-2 and S-4. When evaluating for the Hazards Reduced Nonstructural Performance Level, the requirements need not be greater than what would be
required by ASCE 7 nonstructural provisions for new construction.
2. Buildings evaluated and retrofitted to meet the structural and nonstructural requirements for a new building as given in the California Building Code as adopted by DSA or BSC, as
applicable, are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
3. Buildings complying with the requirements of the exception in Section 319.1 are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
4. State-owned and state-leased essential services buildings are subject to the regulatory authority of DSA-SS per Section 1.9.2.1.|317.6 Retrofit required. Where the evaluation indicates the building does not meet the required performance objectives of this section, the owner shall take appropriate steps to ensure that the building’s structural system is retrofitted in accordance with the provisions of Section 317. Appropriate steps are either: 1) undertake the seismic retrofit as part of the additions, alterations and/or repairs of the structure; or 2) provide a plan, acceptable to the building official, to complete the seismic retrofit in a timely manner. The relocation or moving of an existing building is considered to be an alteration requiring filing of the plans and specifications approved by the building official.
317.7 The additions, alteration or repair to any existing building are permitted to be prepared in accordance with the structural and nonstructural requirements for a new building as given in the California Building Code, applied to the entire building.
317.8 The requirements of ASCE 41 Chapters 14 and 15 are to apply to the use of seismic isolation and passive energy systems, respectively, for the repair, voluntary lateral-force-resisting system modification or retrofit of an existing structure. When seismic isolation or passive energy dissipation is used, the project must have project peer review as prescribed in Section 322.
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.”
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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 § 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:
The building shall be safe for human occupancy as determined by the California Fire Code and the International Property Maintenance Code .
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.
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 APPENDIX BO-6 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
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CA RESERVED
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APPENDIX CA-2 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
CEBC § 1.1.2 High relevance — show source text
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California. [HCD 1 & 2] The provisions of this code shall apply to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of every existing building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.
1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.
1.1.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” in the front of the code. 1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California, and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2 for additional scope provisions. 2. Section 1.3 is reserved for the Board of State Community Corrections. 3. Section 1.4 is reserved for the Department of Consumer Affairs. 4. Section 1.5 is reserved for the California Energy Commission. 5. Section 1.6 is reserved for the Department of Food and Agriculture. 6. Section 1.7 is reserved for the Department of Public Health. 7. Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping _accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities.
CEBC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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14 RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 14 is applicable to any building that is moved or relocated. The relocation of a building will automatically cause an inspection and evaluation process that enables the jurisdiction to determine the level of compliance with the California Fire Code and the California Existing Building Code . These two codes, by their scope, are applicable to existing buildings. This is the case regardless of any repair, remodeling, alteration work or change of occupancy occurring (see the California Fire Code and California Existing Building Code.
SECTION 1401—GENERAL
1401.1 Scope. This chapter provides requirements for relocated or moved structures, including relocatable buildings as defined in Chapter 2. [HCD] The provisions of Chapter 14 are not applicable to commercial modulars, manufactured homes, mobilehomes, multi- unit manufactured housing and special purpose commercial modulars as defined in Health and Safety Code Sections 18001.8, 18007, 18008, 18008.7 and 18012.5, respectively. These structures are subject to installation/reinstallation requirements specified in the Mobile- home Parks Act (Health and Safety Code Section 18200 et seq.) and the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 2. Manufactured homes must meet unit identification (data plate) and certification label requirements as specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 24, Subtitle B, Chapter XX, Part 3280 and Health and Safety Code Section 18032. Commercial modulars and special purpose commercial modulars must meet identification requirements in the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 2.
1401.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Relocated or moved bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
1401.2 Conformance. The building shall be safe for human occupancy as determined by the California Fire Code and the Interna- tional Property Maintenance Code . Any repair, alteration or change of occupancy undertaken within the moved structure shall comply with the requirements of this code applicable to the work being performed. Any field-fabricated elements shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code or the California Residential Code, as applicable. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] After July 1, 1978, local ordinances or regulations for relocated or moved apartment houses and dwellings shall permit the retention of existing materials and methods of construction, provided the apartment house or dwelling complies with the building standards for foundations applica- ble to new construction and does not become or continue to be a substandard building. For additional information, see Health and Safety Code Section 17958.9.
SECTION 1402—REQUIREMENTS
CEBC § 319.10.2 High relevance — show source text
319.10.2 Preconstruction meeting. A preconstruction meeting is mandatory for all projects which require structural observation. The meeting shall include, but is not limited to, the registered design professional, structural observer, general constructor, affected subcontractors, the project inspector and a representative of the enforcement agency (designated alternates may attend if approved by the structural observer). The structural observer shall schedule and coordinate this meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to identify and clarify all essential structural components and connections that affect the lateral and vertical load systems and to review scheduling of the required observations for the project’s structural system retrofit.
319.11 Temporary actions. When compatible with the building use, and the time phasing for both use and the retrofit program, temporary shoring or other structural support is permitted to be considered. Temporary bracing, shoring and prevention of falling hazards are permitted to be used to qualify for Item 1 in Section 319.12 that allows inadequate capability in some existing components, as long as the required performance levels given in Section 317 can be provided by the permanent structure. The consideration for such temporary actions shall be noted in the design documents.
319.12 Voluntary modifications to the lateral-force resisting system. Where modifications of existing structural components and additions of new structural components are initiated for the purpose of improving the lateral-force resisting strength or stiffness of an existing structure and they are not required by other sections of this code, then they are permitted to be designed to meet an approved seismic performance criteria provided that an engineering analysis is submitted that follows: 1. The capacity of existing structural components required to resist forces is not reduced, 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.”
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CEBC § 1.8.10 High relevance — show source text
Division 1, Chap-_ ter 3, Subchapter 1, commencing with Section 3000.
SECTION 1.8.10—OTHER BUILDING REGULATIONS
1.8.10.1 Existing structures. Notwithstanding other provisions of law, the replacement, retention and extension of original materials and the use of original methods of construction for any existing building or accessory structure, or portions thereof, shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this code and the California Existing Building Code, as adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development. For additional information, see California Health and Safety Code, Sections 17912, 17920.3, 17922 and 17958.8.
1.8.10.2 Moved structures. Subject to the requirements of California Health and Safety Code Sections 17922, 17922.3 and 17958.9, local ordinances or regulations relating to a moved residential building or accessory structure thereto, shall permit the replacement, reten- tion and extension of original materials and the use of original methods of construction so long as the structure does not become or continue to be a substandard building.
SECTION 1.9—DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT
1.9.1 Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance.
General. The purpose of this code is to ensure that barrier-free design is incorporated in all buildings, facilities, site work and other improvements to which this code applies in compliance with state law to ensure that these improvements are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. Additions, alterations and structural repairs in all buildings and facilities shall comply with these provisions for new buildings, except as otherwise provided and specified herein.
The provisions of these regulations shall apply to any portable buildings leased or owned by a school district, and shall also apply to temporary and emergency buildings and facilities. Temporary buildings and facilities are not of permanent construction but are exten- sively used or are essential for public use for a period of time. Examples of temporary buildings or facilities covered include, but are not limited to: reviewing stands, temporary classrooms, bleacher areas, exhibit areas, temporary banking facilities, temporary health screening services or temporary safe pedestrian passageways around a construction site.
In addition, to incorporate standards at least as restrictive as those required by the federal government for barrier-free design under (1) Title III (Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities), Subpart D (New Construction and Alteration) (see 28 C.F.R., Part 36), and (2) Title II (Public Entities), Section 35.151 (New Construction and Alterations) (see 28 C.F.R., Part 35) both from the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 2004 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, as adopted by the U.S. Department of Justice (see 36 C.F.R. Part 1191, Appendices B and D), and (3) under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. Some of these regulations may be more stringent than state law in order to meet the federal requirement.
1.9.1.1 Application. See Government Code commencing with Section 4450.
Publicly funded buildings, structures, sidewalks, curbs and related facilities shall be accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities as follows:
CEBC § 1.1.3 High relevance — show source text
see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs||1|||2| |W-6-M-55|61/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 46, 51, 54;
facings: one side; see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs
30 min||1|||21/2| |W-6-M-56|61/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 46, 53, 54;
facings: one side; see Note 35.|N/A|4 hrs||1|||4| |W-6-M-57|61/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 53, 54;
facings: one side; see Note 35.|N/A|3 hrs||1|||3| |W-6-M-58|61/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 51, 54;
facings: one side; see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs||1|||2| |W-6-M-59|61/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 50, 54;
facings: one side; see Note 35.|N/A|1 hr
45 min||1|||13/4| |W-7-M-60|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 46, 53, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|5 hrs||1|||5| |W-7-M-61|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 46, 51, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|3 hrs
30 min||1|||31/2| |W-7-M-62|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 46, 50, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs 30
min||1|||21/2| |W-7-M-63|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 53, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|4 hrs||1|||4| |W-7-M-64|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 51, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs 30
min||1|||21/2| |W-7-M-65|7″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 47, 50, 54;
facings: both sides; see Note 35.|N/A|2 hrs||1|||2| |W-6-M-66|6″|Concrete wall with 4″ × 4″ No. 6 wire fabric (welded)
near wall center for reinforcement.|300
psi|2 hrs 30
min|||43|2|21/2|2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE RESOURCE A-31
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
RESOURCE A—GUIDELINES ON FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES
TABLE 1.1.3—continued
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.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xiii
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 313.13.1 High relevance — show source text
313.13.1 General. Regardless of other provisions of these regulations relating to existing high-rise buildings, requirements relative to existing Group R-1 or Group R-2 Occupancies shall not be less restrictive than those established pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13143.2.
313.13.2 Corridor openings. Openings in corridor walls and ceilings shall be protected by not less than 1 [3] / 4 -inch (44.5 mm) solid- bonded wood-core doors, [ 1] / 4 -inch-thick (6 mm) wired glass conforming to Section 715.1 of the California Building Code, by approved fire dampers or by equivalent protection in lieu of any of these items. Transoms shall be fixed closed with material having a fire-resistive rating equal to [1] / 2 -inch (12.7 mm) Type X gypsum wallboard or equivalent material installed on both sides of the opening.
313.13.3 Fire alarm systems. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 403 of the California Building Code, every existing high-rise building used for the housing of a Group R-1 or Group R-2 Occupancies shall have installed therein a fire alarm system conforming to this subsection.
313.13.3.1 General. Every apartment house and every hotel shall have installed therein an automatic or manually operated fire alarm system. Such fire alarm systems shall be so designed that all occupants of the building may be warned simultaneously.
313.13.3.2 Installation. The installation of all fire alarm equipment shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code.
313.13.3.3 Fire-extinguishing systems. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems installed in any structure subject to these regulations shall have an approved flow indicator electrically interconnected to the required fire alarm system.
SECTION 314 [SFM]—EXISTING HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
314.1 Scope and definition. The provisions of Sections 314.1 through 314.27 shall apply to every existing high-rise building of any type of construction or occupancy having floors (as measured from the top of the floor surface) used for human occupancy located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest floor level having building access.
Exceptions: 1. Hospitals, as defined in Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code. 2. The following structures, while classified as high-rise buildings, shall not be subject to the provisions of Sections 314.1 through 314.27, but shall conform to all applicable provisions of these regulations. 2.1. Building used exclusively as open parking garages. 2.2. Buildings where all floors above the 75 foot (22 860 mm) level are used exclusively as open parking garages. 2.3. Floors of buildings used exclusively as open parking garages and located above all other floors used for human
occupancy. 2.4. Buildings such as power plants, look-out towers, steeples, grain houses and similar structures, when so determined by the enforcing agency. 2.5. _Buildings used exclusively for jails and prisons.
Frequently asked questions
Does every moved building need a structural engineer to evaluate seismic effects?
Not always, but the CEBC requires that relocated buildings comply with CBC/CRC seismic provisions at the new site; if there is any doubt about changes in demand (SDC, member stresses), an engineer should evaluate and document the comparison. § 1402.4 sets the requirement.
What does “seismic loads not higher than those at the previous location” mean?
It means the seismic demand (as determined using the applicable mapped values and load procedures in the CBC/ASCE 7/CRC) at the new site is not greater than the demand at the old site. The CEBC requires the comparison but relies on the CBC/CRC and referenced standards for the calculation method. § 1402.4.
Is the 10% stress allowance cumulative across multiple elements?
No — the 10% allowance in § 1402.4 Exception 2 applies to individual structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 10 percent. It is an element‑level allowance, not a global increase budget.
If my detached single‑family home moves from SDC B to SDC C but all members see <10% increased stress, do I still comply?
Even if individual members meet the ≤10% element exception, you must ensure the overall structure is safe and satisfies CBC/CRC requirements where the CEBC directs compliance. The 10% allowance applies to elements; the governing requirement remains § 1402.4. Engineering judgment and code official review are required.
Who enforces these requirements and inspects relocated buildings?
The local code official enforces the CEBC and may require inspections or professional assessments at the owner’s expense. § 1402.7 authorizes inspection and required repairs before final approval.
More in California Existing Building Code
- Administration and Definitions (Scope, enforcement, code official duties, definitions)
- Provisions for All Compliance Methods (general requirements that apply to all compliance options; Chapter 3 / 3A)
- Seismic retrofit and evaluation (Appendix A and seismic provisions/sections for evaluation and retrofit)
- Referenced Standards and Appendices (Chapter 16 and Appendices A–E, Resource A)
- Repairs (Chapter 4 — repair-specific rules for materials, means of egress, structural, MEP, etc.)
- Alterations — Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 (technical requirements for each alteration level; Chapters 7–9)
- Change of Occupancy and Additions (requirements for occupancy changes and additions; Chapters 10–11)
- Compliance Methods — Prescriptive, Work Area, Performance (Chapters 5, 6–11, 13)
- Relocated Buildings (requirements for buildings moved or relocated; Chapter 14)
- Construction Safeguards (site safety, means of egress and life-safety during construction; Chapter 15)
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