CEBC · California Existing Building Code
What governs electrical repairs under Chapter 4?
If electrical wiring or equipment is being repaired, the CEBC requires you to follow the California Electrical Code (CEC). Reused or reconditioned equipment must meet CEC limits, and repairs in hospital/patient areas also must meet NFPA 99; repairs must not make the building less compliant than it was before.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Repairs to existing electrical wiring and equipment in the CEBC must be performed in accordance with the California Electrical Code — the CEBC’s controlling electrical rule is §406 and its general statement §406.1. Repairs that use reconditioned electrical equipment or affect electrical systems in certain health‑care occupancies have additional, specific references in §406.1.1 and §406.1.2.
Repairs to electrical wiring and equipment must follow the California Electrical Code; health‑care system repairs and reconditioned equipment have their own additional limits.
Requirements in detail
Primary rule
- The CEBC requires that repairs to existing electrical wiring and equipment be done in accordance with the California Electrical Code. See §406 and §406.1.
Reconditioned equipment
- Reconditioned electrical equipment must comply with the California Electrical Code. Equipment that the CEC prohibits from being reconditioned may not be reconditioned unless NFPA 99 explicitly allows it (relevant to health‑care situations). See §406.1.1.
Health‑care systems
- Portions of electrical systems being repaired in Group I‑2 occupancies (and ambulatory care / outpatient clinic systems identified by the CEBC) must comply with NFPA 99 repair requirements in addition to the CEC. See §406.1.2.
Interaction with the general repair principles
- Repairs must not make the building “less complying” than before the repair; work on nondamaged components necessary to effect the repair is considered part of the repair (and not an alteration). See §401.2.
Decision table — when to apply what
| Decision dimension | What to check | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Is the work a repair to electrical wiring/equipment? | If yes, apply the California Electrical Code per CEBC. | §406, §406.1 |
| Is the item reconditioned electrical equipment? | Must meet CEC; check whether CEC prohibits reconditioning (if prohibited, NFPA 99 override only for health care). | §406.1.1 |
| Is the building or portion a Group I‑2 or health‑care occupancy? | Portions repaired must also follow NFPA 99 repair rules. | §406.1.2 |
| Will the repair make the building less compliant? | Repairs must not reduce prior compliance; necessary work on nondamaged components is part of the repair (not an alteration). | §401.2 |
| Is the project under OSHPD (state hospital) jurisdiction? | Chapter 4 contains sections not adopted by OSHPD; see CEBC adoption notes and Chapter 4A for OSHPD requirements. | matrix notes / §406A.1 (Chapter 4A) |
Exceptions & special cases
- State adoption notes: some Chapter 4 sections are flagged “[OSHPD …] Not adopted by OSHPD.” For state hospital/OSHPD‑regulated buildings, Chapter 4A contains the applicable electrical repair provisions — see §406A.1 for the OSHPD variant.
- For health‑care occupancies: even if the CEC would permit a certain repair approach, NFPA 99 may override or add specific repair requirements for patient‑care electrical systems; check §406.1.2.
- Reconditioning that the CEC prohibits is not allowed except where NFPA 99 (health‑care standard) specifically allows it; check §406.1.1 before reusing or reconditioning major electrical equipment.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Chapter 4 itself contains the technical wiring rules. It does not — §406 directs you to the California Electrical Code for the technical requirements; Chapter 4 only prescribes the CEBC’s scope and applicability.
- Overlooking health‑care overlays: treating hospital/Group I‑2 repairs like ordinary repairs without applying NFPA 99 for those system portions. See §406.1.2.
- Thinking all reconditioned equipment is allowed: some equipment is prohibited from reconditioning by the CEC and may only be permitted under NFPA 99 in health‑care settings — check §406.1.1.
- Confusing “repair” with “alteration” (and permit/upgrade triggers). The administrative limits and permit exceptions in the CBC/CEBC (e.g., work that would be considered an alteration rather than a repair) must be checked; see CEBC §401.2 and the CBC permit exceptions referenced in administrative sections.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A small office building has a fire that charred and damaged a branch circuit. The contractor will replace 20 feet of run and the damaged receptacles and splice into the existing panel.
Apply the CEBC:
- This is a repair to existing electrical wiring and equipment, so the work must comply with the California Electrical Code, per §406 and §406.1.
- If any components proposed for reuse are reconditioned electrical equipment (for example, salvaged circuit breakers), verify that the CEC allows reconditioning; if the CEC prohibits it, do not recondition unless NFPA 99 authorizes this (the latter only applies in health‑care contexts). See §406.1.1.
- If the building were a Group I‑2 facility (hospital patient areas), the repaired portions might also have to meet NFPA 99 repair requirements in addition to the CEC — check §406.1.2.
- The repair must not make the building less complying than it was before (replace like for like where permitted and follow CEC requirements for splices, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, etc.). See §401.2 and §406.1 for applicability.
(Notes: The CEBC redirects to the CEC for the specific splice methods, conductor ampacity, overcurrent protection and receptacle location rules — consult the current CEC text for those technical details.)
Related provisions
- §406 — Electrical (main CEBC electrical rule; directs to CEC).
- §406.1 — General statement that repairs to electrical wiring/equipment follow the California Electrical Code.
- §406.1.1 — Reconditioned electrical equipment requirements.
- §406.1.2 — Health‑care facility repair requirements (NFPA 99).
- §401.2 — Repairs must not make the building less complying than before.
- Chapter 4A / §406A.1 — Electrical repair provisions where OSHPD adoption differs (state hospital applications).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
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.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
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Chapter 3 Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3 guides the use of the three compliance methods of the CEBC and provides requirements that apply globally. The globally applicable requirement include general requirements related to buildings materials and other applicable codes, storm shelters, structural loads, in-situ load tests, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection and exterior wall coverings.
Chapter 3A Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 4 Repairs.
Chapter 4, a chapter independent of the three compliance methods, governs the repair of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
Chapter 4A Repairs.
Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
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Chapter 3 Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3 guides the use of the three compliance methods of the CEBC and provides requirements that apply globally. The globally applicable requirement include general requirements related to buildings materials and other applicable codes, storm shelters, structural loads, in-situ load tests, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection and exterior wall coverings.
Chapter 3A Provisions for All Compliance Methods.
Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 4 Repairs.
Chapter 4, a chapter independent of the three compliance methods, governs the repair of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
Chapter 4A Repairs.
Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5 provides one of the three main options of compliance available in the CEBC for buildings and structures undergoing alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The base requirements are more administrative in nature. The structural triggers for upgrades are consistent with the Work Area Method.
Chapter 5A Prescriptive Compliance Method.
Chapter 5A provides details for the prescriptive compliance method for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing build- ings and structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).
Chapter 6 Classification of Work.
Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method and defines the different classifications of work including alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in subsequent Chapters 7 through 11.
Chapter 7 Alterations—Level 1.
Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by only involving replacement of building components with new components with no reconfiguration of space.
Chapter 8 Alterations—Level 2.
A Level 2 alteration is an alteration involving space reconfiguration that could be up to and including 50 percent of the area of the building or addition of a new building system. Level 2 alterations also include the extension or addition of any system or equipment. The purpose of Chapter 8 is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, means of egress, fire protection, structural systems, energy efficiency, and other building systems include electrical, mechanical and plumbing when a building is being altered.
Chapter 9 Alterations—Level 3.
CEBC § 401.1 High relevance — show source text
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4 REPAIRS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides requirements for repairs of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
SECTION 401—GENERAL
401.1 Scope. R epairs shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. Repairs to historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Repairs to historic buildings not adopted by OSHPD. Repairs shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224.2, 1225.2, 1226.2, 1227.2 and 1228.2 for functional requirements as applicable.
401.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Repairs to existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
401.1.2 Scope. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, including those owned by the University of California and the California State University and the Judicial Council, the requirements of Sections 405.2.1 and 405.2.3 are replaced by the requirements of Sections 317 through 322.
401.2 Compliance. The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair was undertaken. Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to requirements for alterations.
[BS] 401.3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, repairs that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 402—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
402.1 Glazing in hazardous locations. Replacement glazing in hazardous locations shall comply with the safety glazing requirements of the California Building Code or California Residential Code as applicable.
Exception: Glass block walls, louvered windows and jalousies repaired with like materials.
402.2 Existing materials. [HCD] Existing materials shall comply with Section 302.3.
402.3 New and replacement materials. [HCD & HCD 2] New and replacement materials used for repairs shall comply with Section 302.4.
SECTION 403—FIRE PROTECTION
403.1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of fire protection provided.
SECTION 404—MEANS OF EGRESS
404.1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of egress.
SECTION 405—STRUCTURAL
[BS] 405.1 General. Structural damage shall be repaired in compliance with this section and Section 401.2.
405.1.1 Structural concrete. Repair of structural concrete shall be permitted to comply with ACI 562 Section 1.7, except where Section 405.2.2, 405.2.3 or 405.2.4.1 requires compliance with Section 304.3.
CEBC § 405.2.6 High relevance — show source text
[BS] 405.2.6 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, buildings that have sustained substantial damage shall be brought into compliance with Section 1612 of the California Building Code or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 406—ELECTRICAL
[OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Not adopted by OSHPD. Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair shall be in accordance with Title 24 Part 3 California Electrical Code (CEC).
406.1 General. Repairs to existing electrical wiring and equipment shall be in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
406.1.1 Reconditioned electrical equipment. Reconditioned electrical equipment shall comply with the California Electrical Code . Electrical equipment prohibited from being reconditioned by the applicable sections of the California Electrical Code shall not be reconditioned unless permitted by NFPA 99.
406.1.2 Health care facilities. Portions of electrical systems being repaired in Group I-2, ambulatory care facilities and outpatient clinics shall comply with NFPA 99 requirements for repairs.
SECTION 407—MECHANICAL
407.1 General. Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall not make the building less complying than it was before the damaged occurred. [HCD 1, HCD 2 & BSC] Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall comply with the California Mechanical Code.
SECTION 408—PLUMBING
408.1 Materials. Plumbing materials and supplies shall not be used for repairs that are prohibited in the California Plumbing Code .
[HCD 1, HCD 2, BSC & BSC-CG] Existing plumbing systems undergoing repair shall comply with the California Plumbing Code and Divi- sion 4.3 or Division 5.3 of the CALGreen Code, as applicable.
408.2 Water closet replacement. The maximum water consumption flow rates and quantities for all replaced water closets shall be 1.28 gallons (4.8 L ) per flushing cycle.
408.3 Health care facilities. Portions of medical gas systems being repaired in Group I-2, ambulatory care facilities and outpatient clinics shall comply with NFPA 99 requirements for repairs.
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 4A – REPAIRS [OSHPD 1]
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CEBC § 405.2.4 High relevance — show source text
[BS] 405.2.4 Substantial structural damage to gravity load-carrying components. Gravity load-carrying components that have sustained substantial structural damage shall be retrofitted to comply with the applicable provisions for dead, live and snow loads in the California Building Code . Undamaged gravity load-carrying components, including undamaged foundation components, that receive dead, live or snow loads from retrofitted components shall also be retrofitted if required to comply with these design loads.
[BS] 405.2.4.1 Lateral force-resisting elements. Regardless of the level of damage to vertical elements of the lateral forceresisting system, if substantial structural damage to gravity load-carrying components was caused primarily by wind or seismic effects, then the building shall be evaluated in accordance with Section 405.2.3.1 and, if noncompliant, retrofitted in accordance with Section 405.2.3.3.
Exceptions:
- Buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B or C whose substantial structural damage was not caused by earthquake need not be evaluated or retrofitted for load combinations that include earthquake effects.
- One- and two-family dwellings need not be evaluated or retrofitted for load combinations that include earthquake effects.
[BS] 405.2.5 Substantial structural damage to snow load-carrying components. Where substantial structural damage to any snow load-carrying components is caused by or related to snow load effects, any components required to carry snow loads on roof framing of similar construction shall be repaired, replaced or retrofitted to satisfy the requirements of Section 1608 of the California Building Code .
[BS] 405.2.6 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, buildings that have sustained substantial damage shall be brought into compliance with Section 1612 of the California Building Code or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 406—ELECTRICAL
[OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Not adopted by OSHPD. Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair shall be in accordance with Title 24 Part 3 California Electrical Code (CEC).
406.1 General. Repairs to existing electrical wiring and equipment shall be in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
406.1.1 Reconditioned electrical equipment. Reconditioned electrical equipment shall comply with the California Electrical Code . Electrical equipment prohibited from being reconditioned by the applicable sections of the California Electrical Code shall not be reconditioned unless permitted by NFPA 99.
406.1.2 Health care facilities. Portions of electrical systems being repaired in Group I-2, ambulatory care facilities and outpatient clinics shall comply with NFPA 99 requirements for repairs.
SECTION 407—MECHANICAL
407.1 General. Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall not make the building less complying than it was before the damaged occurred. [HCD 1, HCD 2 & BSC] Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall comply with the California Mechanical Code.
SECTION 408—PLUMBING
408.1 Materials. Plumbing materials and supplies shall not be used for repairs that are prohibited in the California Plumbing Code .
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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4 A REPAIRS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers [applications listed in Section 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1)].
SECTION 401 A —GENERAL
401 A .1 Scope. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1 [OSHPD 1] regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).
401 A .1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Repairs to existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
401 A .2 Compliance. The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair was undertaken. Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to requirements for alterations.
401 A .3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, repairs that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 A of the California Building Code .
SECTION 402 A —BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
402 A .1 Glass replacement. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations in accordance with the California Building Code.
SECTION 403 A —FIRE PROTECTION
403 A .1 General. Fire protection shall comply with the California Building Standards Code.
SECTION 404 A —MEANS OF EGRESS
404 A .1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of egress.
SECTION 405 A —STRUCTURAL
405 A .1 General. Structural damage shall be repaired in compliance with this section and Section 401 A .2.
Exception: Routine maintenance required by Chapter 3A, ordinary repairs exempt from permit in accordance with California Building Code Section 105.2, and abatement of wear due to normal service conditions shall not be subject to the requirements for repairs in this section.
CEBC § 1.2 High relevance — show source text
1.2_|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |401.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |401.3|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |402|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |402.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |402.3||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |403|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |404|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |405.2.1 – 405.2.5||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |405.2.3.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |405.2.6|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |406|||X||||||||†|†||†|†|||||||||| |406.1|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |407.1|X||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |408|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |408.1|X|X||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |408.2|X|X||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |408.3||||†|†||||||||||||||||||||
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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4 REPAIRS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides requirements for repairs of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
SECTION 401—GENERAL
401.1 Scope. R epairs shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. Repairs to historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Repairs to historic buildings not adopted by OSHPD. Repairs shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224.2, 1225.2, 1226.2, 1227.2 and 1228.2 for functional requirements as applicable.
401.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Repairs to existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
401.1.2 Scope. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, including those owned by the University of California and the California State University and the Judicial Council, the requirements of Sections 405.2.1 and 405.2.3 are replaced by the requirements of Sections 317 through 322.
401.2 Compliance. The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair was undertaken. Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to requirements for alterations.
CEBC § 1.10.1 Medium relevance — show source text
**_ The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Functional service spaces shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227 and 1228.
301.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
301.2 Repairs. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4.
301.3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The alteration, addition or change of occupancy of all existing buildings shall comply with one of the methods listed in Section 301.3.1, 301.3.2 or 301.3.3 as selected by the applicant. Sections 301.3.1 through 301.3.3 shall not be applied in combination with each other. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Sections 301.3.2 and 301.3.3, not adopted by OSHPD.
Exception: Subject to the approval of the code official, alterations complying with the laws in existence at the time the building or the affected portion of the building was built shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code. New structural
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code . This exception shall not apply to the following:
Alterations for accessibility required by the California Building Code, Chapter 11A.
Alterations that constitute substantial improvement in flood hazard areas, which shall comply with Sections 503.2, 701.3 or 1303.1.3.
Structural provisions of Section 304, Chapter 5 or to the structural provisions of Sections 706, 805 and 906.
301.3.1 Prescriptive compliance. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 of this code in buildings complying with the California Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Exception: Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Refer to Chapter 3A for services, systems and utilities that serve OSHPD 1 buildings.
CEBC § 4.54 Medium relevance — show source text
Electrical:
Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for power supply, the installations of towers and antennas.
Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
Gas:
- Portable heating appliance.
- Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Mechanical:
- Portable heating appliance.
- Portable ventilation equipment.
- Portable cooling unit.
- Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
- Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
- Portable evaporative cooler.
- Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
Plumbing:
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work, and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided that such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
[A] 105.2.1 Emergency repairs. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the code official.
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ADMINISTRATION
[A] 105.2.2 Repairs. Application or notice to the code official is not required for repairs to structures and items listed in Section 105.2 provided that such repairs do not include any of the following:
- The cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof.
- The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support.
- The removal or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements.
- Any addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, or electric wiring.
- Mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
[A] 105.2.3 Public service agencies. A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration or repair of generation, transmission, distribution or metering, or other related equipment that is under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right.
[A] 105.3 Application for permit. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a form furnished by the Department of Building Safety for that purpose. Such application shall:
- Identify and describe the work in accordance with Chapter 3 to be covered by the permit for which application is made.
CEBC § 3A-9 Medium relevance — show source text
305A In-Situ Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-9
306A Accessibility for Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-9
307A Smoke Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-9
308A Carbon Monoxide Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-9
309A Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-10
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CONTENTS
310A Compliance Alternatives for Services/Systems and Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A-10
311A Compliance Alternatives for Means of Egress. . . . . 3A-11
312A Removal of Hospital SPC and Freestanding Buildings from General Acute Care Service. . . 3A-12
313A Earthquake Monitoring Instruments for Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A-14
CHAPTER 4 REPAIRS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
402 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
403 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
404 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
405 Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
406 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
407 Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
408 Plumbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
CEBC § 4-3 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 4 REPAIRS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
402 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
403 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
404 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
405 Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
406 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
407 Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
408 Plumbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
CHAPTER 4A [OSHPD 1] REPAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
401A General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
402A Building Elements and Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
403A Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
404A Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
405A Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-3
406A Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-4
407A Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A-4
CEBC § 2.5 Medium relevance — show source text
405 A .2.5 Substantial structural damage to snow load-carrying components. Where substantial structural damage to any snow load-carrying components is caused by or related to snow load effects, any components required to carry snow loads on roof framing of similar construction shall be repaired, replaced or retrofitted to satisfy the requirements of Section 1608 of the California Building Code .
405 A .2.6 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, buildings that have sustained substantial damage shall be brought into compliance with Section 1612 A of the California Building Code .
SECTION 406 A —ELECTRICAL
406 A .1 General. Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair shall be in accordance with Title 24 Part 3 California Electri- cal Code (CEC).
406 A .1.1 Reconditioned electrical equipment. Reconditioned electrical equipment shall comply with the California Electrical Code . Electrical equipment prohibited from being reconditioned by the applicable sections of the California Electrical Code shall not be reconditioned unless permitted by NFPA 99.
406 A .1.2 Health care facilities. Portions of electrical systems being repaired in Group I-2, ambulatory care facilities and outpatient clinics shall comply with NFPA 99 requirements for repairs.
SECTION 407 A —MECHANICAL
407 A .1 General. Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall not make the building less complying than it was before the damaged occurred.
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REPAIRS
SECTION 408 A —PLUMBING
408 A .1 Materials. Plumbing materials and supplies shall not be used for repairs that are prohibited in the Title 24 Part 5 California Plumbing Code (CPC).
408 A .2 Water closet replacement. The maximum water consumption flow rates and quantities for all replaced water closets shall be 1.28 gallons ( 4.8 L) per flushing cycle.
408 A .3 Health care facilities. Portions of medical gas systems being repaired in Group I-2, ambulatory care facilities and outpatient clinics shall comply with NFPA 99 requirements for repairs.
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4A-6 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 5 – PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to follow the California Electrical Code for a repair?
Yes. The CEBC requires repairs to existing electrical wiring and equipment to be performed in accordance with the California Electrical Code (CEBC §406 and §406.1).
Can I recondition and reuse a breaker or transformer found at the site?
Only if the reconditioning is allowed by the California Electrical Code. If the CEC prohibits reconditioning of that equipment, it cannot be reconditioned unless NFPA 99 explicitly permits it for health‑care systems (see §406.1.1).
What if the building is a hospital or other Group I‑2 occupancy?
Portions of electrical systems being repaired in Group I‑2 (and similar health‑care spaces) must comply with NFPA 99 repair requirements in addition to the CEC, per §406.1.2.
If I must touch nondamaged adjacent wiring to complete a repair, does that trigger alteration rules?
No — the CEBC treats nondamaged components required to complete a repair as part of the repair (not an alteration), and the work must not make the building less complying than before (§401.2).
Are there situations where Chapter 4 doesn’t apply?
Yes — for OSHPD‑regulated hospital applications, some Chapter 4 sections are not adopted; Chapter 4A provides the applicable repair rules in those cases (see CEBC adoption notes and §406A.1).
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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California Existing Building Code