CEBC · California Existing Building Code
When does Chapter 14 apply to a moved or relocated building?
If you move a building into or within California, Chapter 14 applies: the building must meet site‑specific foundation, wind, seismic, snow and flood requirements in the CBC/CRC and may be inspected and required to be repaired before final approval; certain factory‑built units are excluded and follow other statutes.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Chapter 14 applies whenever a building is moved or relocated into or within a jurisdiction — that triggers the Chapter 14 requirements. See § 1401.1 for the scope of Chapter 14.
In addition, the general “provisions for all compliance methods” state that relocated or moved buildings shall comply with Chapter 14 (i.e., Chapter 14 is the controlling chapter for moved structures). See § 301.4.
Most important: If you physically move a building (into the jurisdiction or within it), Chapter 14 applies — the authority will evaluate structural loads at the new location and require compliance with the listed provisions.
Requirements in detail
1) Scope and excluded building types
- Chapter 14 is applicable to any relocated or moved structure. See § 1401.1.
- However, the Chapter explicitly does not apply to certain factory-built housing and commercial modular types listed by statute/regulation (for example: commercial modulars, manufactured homes, mobilehomes, multi-unit manufactured housing, and special-purpose commercial modulars) — those are subject to other installation/reinstallation rules (Health & Safety Code and Title 25 regs). See § 1401.1.
2) Condition for occupancy / conformance
- A relocated building must be safe for human occupancy as determined by the California Fire Code and the International Property Maintenance Code; any repair/alteration/change of occupancy in the moved structure must comply with the CEBC provisions applicable to that work. See § 1401.2.
3) Structural and site requirements (what inspectors will check)
- Foundations and connections: the foundation system and the connection of the building to the foundation at the new site must comply with the California Building Code or the California Residential Code, as applicable. See § 1402.2 and § 1402.2.1.
- Wind loads: the building must meet the CBC/CRC wind provisions for the new location, unless an exception applies (see exceptions below). See § 1402.3.
- Seismic loads: the building must meet the CBC/CRC seismic provisions for the new location, unless an exception applies. See § 1402.4.
- Snow loads: where snow loads are higher at the new location, the structure must comply with CBC/CRC snow provisions (with limited exception). See § 1402.5.
- Flood hazard: if moved into a flood hazard area, the structure must comply with the CBC/CRC flood provisions (Section 1612 CBC or R306 CRC). See § 1402.6.
- Required inspection: the code official may inspect (or require owner-funded professional inspections) to verify no structural damage occurred during moving; required repairs must be completed before final approval. See § 1402.7.
Decision-relevant dimensions / values (quick reference table)
| Decision factor | Key threshold / test | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Is Chapter 14 applicable? | Building is moved or relocated (into/within jurisdiction) | § 1401.1 |
| Excluded building types | Commercial modulars / manufactured homes / mobilehomes / multi‑unit manufactured housing / special‑purpose commercial modulars — regulated elsewhere | § 1401.1 |
| Foundation & connection | Must comply with CBC or CRC at new site | § 1402.2 / § 1402.2.1 |
| Wind loads | Must meet CBC/CRC wind at new location; exception if new location wind ≤ old or stress increase ≤ 10% | § 1402.3 (Exceptions) |
| Seismic loads | Must meet CBC/CRC seismic at new location; exceptions for SDC A & B (and some dwellings in C) or stress increase ≤ 10% | § 1402.4 (Exceptions) |
| Snow loads | Comply where snow loads are higher; structural elements exempted if stress increase ≤ 5% | § 1402.5 (Exception) |
| Flood hazard | If moved into flood hazard area comply with CBC §1612 or CRC R306 | § 1402.6 |
| Inspection after move | Code official may require inspection by officials or approved professionals; repairs required prior to final approval | § 1402.7 |
| Which chapter controls moved buildings among CEBC methods | Relocated/moved buildings shall comply with Chapter 14 (independent of other compliance methods) | § 301.4 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Certain factory-built and federally regulated units (manufactured homes, commercial modulars, mobilehomes, etc.) are excluded from Chapter 14 and follow other state statutes or Title 25 regulations — see § 1401.1.
- Wind and seismic exceptions: where the wind or seismic loads at the new location are not higher than at the previous location, some occupancies (notably detached one- and two-family dwellings and Group U) may be excepted from having to upgrade; similarly, individual structural elements are exempt where stress is not increased by more than 10% (5% for the snow-load exception). See § 1402.3, § 1402.4, § 1402.5.
- Seismic Design Category (SDC) limits: exceptions differ by SDC; for example, some exceptions apply when both original and new locations are in low SDCs (A or B, and in some cases C). See § 1402.4.
- Bleachers/grandstands moved or relocated must comply with ICC 300 by separate provision § 1401.1.1.
If you need to know whether a particular factory-built unit is excluded, you must check the specific definitions referenced in § 1401.1 and the Health & Safety Code / Title 24 cross-references cited there.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Chapter 14 never applies because work is “minor.” Moving/trucking a structure triggers Chapter 14 regardless of whether you plan no alterations — see § 1401.1.
- Forgetting the separate statutes/regulations for manufactured homes or commercial modulars — these are explicitly excluded from Chapter 14. See § 1401.1.
- Overlooking the code official’s authority to require inspections and repairs after the move — owners may be required to pay for professional inspections and to complete repairs prior to final approval. See § 1402.7.
- Treating Chapter 14 as optional because another compliance method is being used — § 301.4 makes Chapter 14 mandatory for relocated buildings (it’s independent of the three compliance methods).
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A 2‑story, wood‑framed, detached two‑family dwelling is moved from Site A to Site B within the same county.
Facts:
- At Site A the basic wind and seismic demands were lower. At Site B, wind and seismic demands are higher.
- Seismic Design Category at Site A: B. At Site B: C.
- During the move, no obvious structural damage is observed, but foundation and connections will be new at Site B.
Application of Chapter 14:
- Chapter 14 applies because the building is moved — see § 1401.1 and § 301.4.
- Foundation & connections: the foundation system and connections must be designed and constructed to meet CBC/CRC for Site B — § 1402.2 / § 1402.2.1.
- Wind and seismic: because wind and seismic at Site B are higher than Site A, the building must comply with the CBC/CRC wind and seismic provisions applicable at Site B (no exception applies). For seismic, SDC increased from B to C, so the SDC-based exception does not allow skipping upgrades. See § 1402.3 and § 1402.4.
- Inspection: the code official may require a professional structural inspection to confirm the move caused no damage and that new connections/foundation meet code; any repairs required must be completed before final approval — § 1402.7.
Result: The owner must provide design/engineering for the new foundation and connections to meet CBC/CRC at Site B, address any required structural modifications to meet wind/seismic provisions for SDC C, and complete any repairs identified by the inspecting authority before occupancy approval.
Related provisions (quick list)
- § 1401.1 — Scope; applicability of Chapter 14 and exclusions (manufactured homes, commercial modulars).
- § 1401.2 — Conformance / safe-for-occupancy requirement referencing the California Fire Code and IPMC.
- § 1401.1.1 — Moved bleachers, folding/telescopic seating and grandstands — comply with ICC 300.
- § 1402.2 / § 1402.2.1 — Foundation and connection requirements (CBC/CRC compliance).
- § 1402.3 — Wind load requirements and exceptions (10% stress threshold).
- § 1402.4 — Seismic load requirements and exceptions (SDC A/B exceptions, 10% stress threshold).
- § 1402.5 — Snow load rule and 5% stress exception.
- § 1402.6 — Flood hazard compliance (CBC §1612 / CRC R306).
- § 1402.7 — Required inspection and repairs after relocation.
- § 301.4 — General CEBC provision that moved/relocated buildings shall comply with Chapter 14.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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 § 102.4 High 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 § 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 § 301.3.2 High relevance — show source text
301.3.2 Work area compliance method. A lterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with the applicable requirements of Chapters 6 through 12 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
301.3.3 Performance compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 13 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Note: [HCD 1 & HCD 2] The provisions contained in Chapter 13 are not adopted by HCD, but may be available for adoption by a local ordinance. (See Section 1.1.11.)
301.4 Relocated or moved buildings. Relocated or moved buildings shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 14.
SECTION 302—GENERAL PROVISIONS
302.1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302.1.1 Dangerous conditions. [BSC] Regardless of the extent of structural or nonstructural damage, the code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302.2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in this code and the California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Residential Code and California Electrical Code . Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall take precedence.
302.2.1 Additional codes in health care. In existing Group I-2 occupancies, ambulatory health care facilities, outpatient clinics and hyperbaric facilities, alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall also comply with NFPA 99.
302.3 Existing materials. Materials already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the code official to be unsafe.
302.4 New and replacement materials. Except as otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials permitted by the applicable code for new construction shall be used. Like materials shall be permitted for repairs and alterations, provided that unsafe conditions are not created. Hazardous materials shall not be used where the code for new construction would not permit their use in buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location. [HCD 1] Local ordinances or regulations shall permit the replacement, retention and extension of original materials, and the use of original methods of construction, for any building or accessory structure, provided such building or structure complied with the building code provisions in effect at the time of original construction and the building or accessory structure does not become or continue to be a substandard building. For additional information, see Health and Safety Code Sections 17912, 17920.3, 17922(d), 17922.3, 17958.8 and 17958.9.
Exception: No replacement residential garage door shall be installed to connect the replacement door to an existing residential automatic garage door opener that does not have a battery backup function designed to keep the garage door operational without interruption during an electrical outage. See Health and Safety Code Section 19892.
CEBC § 3-3 High relevance — show source text
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code . This exception shall not apply to the following:
Alterations for accessibility required by the California Building Code, Chapter 11A.
Alterations that constitute substantial improvement in flood hazard areas, which shall comply with Sections 503.2, 701.3 or 1303.1.3.
Structural provisions of Section 304, Chapter 5 or to the structural provisions of Sections 706, 805 and 906.
301.3.1 Prescriptive compliance. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 of this code in buildings complying with the California Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Exception: Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Refer to Chapter 3A for services, systems and utilities that serve OSHPD 1 buildings.
301.3.2 Work area compliance method. A lterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with the applicable requirements of Chapters 6 through 12 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
301.3.3 Performance compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 13 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Note: [HCD 1 & HCD 2] The provisions contained in Chapter 13 are not adopted by HCD, but may be available for adoption by a local ordinance. (See Section 1.1.11.)
301.4 Relocated or moved buildings. Relocated or moved buildings shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 14.
SECTION 302—GENERAL PROVISIONS
302.1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302.1.1 Dangerous conditions. [BSC] Regardless of the extent of structural or nonstructural damage, the code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302.2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in this code and the California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Residential Code and California Electrical Code . Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall take precedence.
CEBC § 11-3 High relevance — show source text
1101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
1102 Heights and Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
1103 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
1104 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
CHAPTER 12 HISTORIC BUILDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1
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CHAPTER 13 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS. . 13-3
1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
1302 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
1303 Acceptance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1304 Investigation and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1305 Scoring and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1306 Building Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
1307 Evaluation of Building Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
CHAPTER 14 RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS . . . . . . 14-3
1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
1402 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
CHAPTER 15 CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1502 Owner’s Responsibility for Fire Protection . . . . . . . 15-3
1503 Sanitary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
CEBC § 13-4 High relevance — show source text
1304 Investigation and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1305 Scoring and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1306 Building Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
1307 Evaluation of Building Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
CHAPTER 14 RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS . . . . . . 14-3
1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
1402 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
CHAPTER 15 CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1502 Owner’s Responsibility for Fire Protection . . . . . . . 15-3
1503 Sanitary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
1504 Protection of Pedestrians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
1505 Protection of Adjoining Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-5
1506 Temporary Use of Streets, Alleys and Public Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1507 Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1508 Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1509 Standpipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1510 Automatic Sprinkler System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1511 Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
1512 Water Supply for Fire Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
CHAPTER 16 REFERENCED STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-3
APPENDIX A GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT
CEBC § 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.
CBC § 301 High relevance — show source text
This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:
Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.
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Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.
Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC
The format of the CEBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CEBC is divided. The subsequent table shows CEBC requirements that are correlated with other California Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CEBC.
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECTS 1, 2 Administrative Requirements and Definitions 3 Provisions for all Compliance Methods 4 Repairs 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 6–11 Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 13 Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 14 Relocated Buildings 15 Construction Safeguards 16 Referenced Standards Appendix A Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings Appendix C Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix D Board of Appeals Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS
The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:
CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 15 Chapter 33 Construction safeguards Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
CEBC § 14-3 Medium relevance — show source text
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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 Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Adopt Entire Chapter X X Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowX X Chapter / Section 1501 X X 1505 X X 1506 X X 1508 X X 1511 X X The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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15 CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
User notes:
CEBC § 3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
301 A .3.2 Nonconforming buildings . Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings or structures designed in accordance with the Pre-1973 building code complying with Section 304A.3.1 and the applicable requirements herein shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
301 A .3.3 Performance- based method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings or structures complying with Sections 304A.3.4 and 304A.3.5 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
301 A .4 Moved structures . Structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of the California Building Code for new structures.
301A.5 Reserved.
301A.6 Peer review requirements. Peer review requirements shall comply with California Building Code Section 1617A.1.41.
301A.7 Earthquake monitoring instruments for existing buildings. Earthquake monitoring instrumentation of existing buildings shall comply with Section 313A.
301A.8 Compliance alternatives for services/systems and utilities . Compliance alternatives for services/systems and utilities shall comply with Section 310A.
301A.9 Compliance alternatives for means of egress. Means of egress through existing buildings shall comply with Section 311A.
301A.10 Removal of hospital buildings from general acute care services. Removal of hospital buildings from General Acute Care Services shall comply with Section 312A.
SECTION 302 A —GENERAL PROVISIONS
302 A .1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.
302 A .2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and struc- tures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in the California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code and California Electrical Code. Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall take precedence.
302 A .2.1 Additional codes in health care. In existing Group I-2 occupancies, ambulatory health care facilities, outpatient clinics and hyperbaric facilities, alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall also comply with NFPA 99.
302 A .3 Existing materials and equipment. Materials and equipment already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the code official to be unsafe in accordance with California Building Code Section 116.
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
CEBC § 1402.2 Medium 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
Frequently asked questions
Does Chapter 14 apply when I move a building within the same property?
Yes. Chapter 14 applies to any building that is moved or relocated, whether within the same parcel or to another site — Chapter 14 governs moved structures. See § 1401.1 and § 301.4.
If my building is a manufactured home, do I follow Chapter 14?
No. Manufactured homes and certain commercial modulars are excluded from Chapter 14 and are governed by Health & Safety Code and Title 25 installation/reinstallation rules referenced in § 1401.1.
What if the new site has higher seismic or wind loads?
If wind or seismic demands at the new site are higher, the building must comply with the CBC/CRC provisions for the new location; exceptions are limited and tied to SDCs and small stress increases (see § 1402.3–§ 1402.5).
Can the code official require an inspection after the move?
Yes. The code official may require inspections (including owner‑paid professional inspections) to verify structural integrity after moving; required repairs must be made before final approval. See § 1402.7.
Does Chapter 14 replace other CEBC compliance methods for a moved building?
Yes. For relocated or moved buildings, Chapter 14 requirements apply independently of the prescriptive, work-area, or performance compliance methods — see § 301.4.
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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