CEBC · California Existing Building Code
How must repairs maintain the building's level of fire protection?
A repair under the California Existing Building Code must restore and preserve the building’s pre‑repair level of fire protection — you cannot reduce a wall’s fire‑resistance, a door’s rated protection, or the function of sprinklers/alarms during repair. See § 403.1 and related repair provisions.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Repairs must be done so they maintain the level of fire protection provided in the building — they cannot reduce the building’s existing fire protection features or performance. See § 403.1.
The single most important rule: repairs may restore or match existing fire protection, but they must not make the building less protected than it was before the work.
Requirements in detail
Key principles (plain-English)
- Maintain the level of fire protection: If a repair affects a fire‑resistance assembly, opening, fire‑stopping, or fire‑protection system, the repair must restore the same level of protection that existed immediately before damage or intervention. § 403.1.
- Do not reduce prior compliance: Work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair. If nondamaged components must be worked on to accomplish a repair, they are considered part of the repair (and not an alteration). § 401.2.
- Use like materials for repairs where permitted; new or replacement materials are required to meet the code sections that apply to materials for new construction when the CEBC calls for it. See § 402.2 and § 402.3.
- Some specific repair replacements have explicit requirements (for example, replacement glazing in hazardous locations). See § 402.1.
Decision-relevant dimensions (table)
| Decision dimension | What to check | Typical action required | Code reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire‑resistance‑rated assemblies (walls, floors, shafts) | Was the assembly rated (e.g., 1‑hour, 2‑hour) before repair? | Restore the assembly to the same fire‑resistance rating by like construction or approved upgrade; do not reduce rating. | § 403.1, § 401.2 |
| Openings / glazing | Is the opening part of a required fire or smoke barrier or in a hazardous location? | Replace or repair with approved fire‑/safety glazing or rated opening protectives as required; follow glazing exceptions where allowed. | § 403.1, § 402.1 |
| Fire‑protection systems (sprinklers, alarms) | Did the building have automatic suppression/detection serving the repair area? | Repairs must preserve system function; where appropriate, consider equivalent or improved protection (sprinklers may be considered as part of upgrades per Resource A guidance). | § 403.1; Resource A (guidance on upgrading options). file |
| Materials (existing vs new) | Is a like‑for‑like repair allowed, or must new materials meet current new‑construction standards? | Existing materials may remain if acceptable; new/replacement materials must comply with applicable new‑construction requirements when the code requires. | § 402.2, § 402.3 |
| Scope of work | Does repair require working on nondamaged adjacent components? | Nondamaged components necessary to effect the repair are part of the repair and not treated as an alteration (so they too must maintain prior level of compliance). | § 401.2 |
| Means of egress | Does the repair affect egress paths, doors, stairs, lighting, signage? | Maintain the existing level of egress protection (no reduction in egress capacity or protection). | § 404.1, § 403.1 |
Practical notes about evaluating fire performance
- The CEBC’s Resource A provides guidance for estimating existing fire‑resistance and options for upgrading (repair/upgrade or remove/replace) and suggests considering other fire protection measures if direct restoration is impracticable. Use that guidance when the existing assembly’s performance is uncertain. Resource A includes worksheets and historical assembly tables to estimate required vs. existing fire performance.
Exceptions & special cases
- Historic buildings: Repairs to historic buildings have special rules and may be governed by Part 8, Title 24, CCR or other referenced sections; see § 401.1. Historic repair provisions may allow treatment different than typical CEBC repairs.
- Glazing exception: Glass block walls, louvered windows and jalousies repaired with like materials are excepted from the safety glazing replacement requirement in § 402.1.
- State‑regulated facilities: For buildings regulated by state agencies (including OSHPD applications), alternate or additional repair rules may apply (see Chapter 4A and agency adoption notes). file
- Routine maintenance: Certain routine maintenance and ordinary repairs may be exempt from repair provisions as noted in specific OSHPD or other agency exceptions; check the applicable subsection for your facility.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a repair can permanently reduce a fire‑resistance rating or remove fire barriers — repairs must restore prior protection (§ 403.1, § 401.2).
- Replacing a component with a noncompliant or cheaper material without confirming it meets the previous level of protection or required new‑construction requirements (§ 402.2, § 402.3).
- Ignoring adjacent nondamaged components that must be opened or altered to make a repair — those components are part of the repair and must be addressed to maintain protection (§ 401.2).
- Failing to verify whether the building’s fire‑protection systems (sprinklers, alarms) must remain operative during and after repair; systems are part of the building’s level of protection (§ 403.1; see Resource A for upgrade considerations). file
Worked example — corridor fire‑rated wall repair (concrete scenario)
Scenario: A corridor has an existing 1‑hour fire‑resistance rated corridor wall. A water leak damages a 4 ft × 8 ft section of wall finish and underlying rated gypsum that contributes to the 1‑hour rating.
Steps to comply:
- Confirm the pre‑damage level (1‑hour corridor wall). Document evidence (drawings, field inspection, Resource A lookup if assembly is historic). See Resource A and § 403.1. file
- Determine repair approach:
- Option A (like‑for‑like): Remove damaged gypsum layers and replace with the same fire‑rated gypsum assembly and fasteners so the repaired area provides the same 1‑hour rating. This satisfies § 403.1 and the “no reduction” rule in § 401.2.
- Option B (equivalent alternative): If like materials are not available, use an alternate fire‑resistive assembly or an approved fireproofing method shown to restore 1‑hour performance (justify via Resource A guidance or test data). Resource A describes upgrading methods and evaluation.
- If the repair work requires opening into undamaged framing, include those elements in the repair scope and restore them to the prior level of protection (§ 401.2).
- After repair, inspect/verify: preserve or reinstate joint seals, firestopping and any door or glazing in that wall so the corridor fire separation continues to meet 1‑hour performance (§ 403.1).
Result: Repair restores the 1‑hour rating; the building is not made less complying than before the repair, meeting § 403.1 and § 401.2.
Related provisions
- § 403.1 — Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of fire protection provided.
- § 401.2 — The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair; nondamaged components necessary to repair are part of the repair.
- § 402.1 — Replacement glazing in hazardous locations must comply with safety glazing requirements (with specific exception).
- § 402.2 — Existing materials provisions (when existing materials may remain).
- § 402.3 — New and replacement materials used in repairs shall comply with Section 302.4 where required.
- § 404.1 — Repairs shall maintain the level of protection for the means of egress.
- Resource A — Guidelines for estimating fire ratings of archaic materials and assemblies and approaches to upgrade/repair assemblies (worksheets and tables).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
horizontal exitway|b)
Enclosed horizontal exitway||||| |c)
Other|c)
Other|||||The required fire resistance and flame spread for each building element are normally established by the local building or rehabilitation code. The fire performance of the existing materials and assemblies should then be estimated, using one of the techniques described below. If the fire performance of the existing building element(s) is equal to or greater than that required, the materials and assemblies may remain. If the fire performance is less than required, then corrective measures must be taken.
The most common methods of upgrading the level of protection are to either remove and replace the existing building element(s) or to repair and upgrade the existing materials and assemblies. Other fire protection measures, such as automatic sprinklers or detection and alarm systems, also could be considered, though they are beyond the scope of this guideline. If the upgraded protection is still less than that required or deemed to be acceptable, additional corrective measures must be taken. This process must continue until an acceptable level of performance is obtained. TABLE 2.1(2) PRELIMINARY EVALUATION WORKSHEET
BUILDING ELEMENT Col2 REQUIRED
FIRE
RESISTANCEREQUIRED
FLAME
SPREADESTIMATED
FIRE
RESISTANCEESTIMATED
FLAME
SPREADMETHOD OF
UPGRADINGESTIMATED
UPGRADED
PROTECTIONNOTES Exterior Bearing Walls Exterior Bearing Walls Interior Bearing Walls Interior Bearing Walls Exterior Nonbearing Walls Exterior Nonbearing Walls Interior Nonbearing
Walls or PartitionsA Interior Nonbearing
Walls or PartitionsB Structural Frame:
ColumnsStructural Frame:
ColumnsBeams Beams Other Other Floor/Ceiling Structural System:
SpanningFloor/Ceiling Structural System:
SpanningRoofs Roofs Doors (including frame and
hardware):
a)
Enclosed vertical exitwayDoors (including frame and
hardware):
a)
Enclosed vertical exitwayb)
Enclosed horizontal
exitwayb)
Enclosed horizontal
exitwayc)
Othersc)
Others2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE RESOURCE A-7
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RESOURCE A—GUIDELINES ON FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES
2.2 FIRE RESISTANCE OF EXISTING BUILDING ELEMENTS
The fire resistance of the existing building elements can be estimated from the tables and histograms contained in the Appendix. The Appendix is organized first by type of building element: walls, columns, floor/ceiling assemblies, beams and doors. Within each building element, the tables are organized by type of construction (e.g., masonry, metal, wood frame) and then further divided by minimum dimensions or thickness of the building element.
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 § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
Notes. The “Notes” column can be used for many purposes, but it might be a good idea to make specific references to other field notes or drawings.
After the building survey is completed, the data collected must be analyzed. A suggested work sheet for organizing this information is given as Table 2.1(2).
RESOURCE A-6 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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RESOURCE A—GUIDELINES ON FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES
TABLE 2.1(1)
PRELIMINARY EVALUATION FIELD NOTESCol2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 BUILDING ELEMENT BUILDING ELEMENT MATERIALS THICKNESS CONDITION NOTES Exterior Bearing Walls Exterior Bearing Walls Interior Bearing Walls Interior Bearing Walls Exterior Nonbearing Walls Exterior Nonbearing Walls Interior Nonbearing
Walls or PartitionsA Interior Nonbearing
Walls or PartitionsB Structural Frame:
ColumnsStructural Frame:
ColumnsBeams Beams Other Other Floor/Ceiling Structural System:
SpanningFloor/Ceiling Structural System:
SpanningRoofs Roofs Doors (including frame and hardware):
a)
Enclosed vertical exitwayDoors (including frame and hardware):
a)
Enclosed vertical exitwayb)
Enclosed horizontal exitwayb)
Enclosed horizontal exitwayc)
Otherc)
OtherThe required fire resistance and flame spread for each building element are normally established by the local building or rehabilitation code. The fire performance of the existing materials and assemblies should then be estimated, using one of the techniques described below. If the fire performance of the existing building element(s) is equal to or greater than that required, the materials and assemblies may remain. If the fire performance is less than required, then corrective measures must be taken.
The most common methods of upgrading the level of protection are to either remove and replace the existing building element(s) or to repair and upgrade the existing materials and assemblies. Other fire protection measures, such as automatic sprinklers or detection and alarm systems, also could be considered, though they are beyond the scope of this guideline. If the upgraded protection is still less than that required or deemed to be acceptable, additional corrective measures must be taken. This process must continue until an acceptable level of performance is obtained. TABLE 2.1(2) PRELIMINARY EVALUATION WORKSHEET
BUILDING ELEMENT Col2 REQUIRED
FIRE
RESISTANCEREQUIRED
FLAME
SPREADESTIMATED
FIRE
RESISTANCEESTIMATED
FLAME
SPREADMETHOD OF
UPGRADINGESTIMATED
UPGRADED
PROTECTIONNOTES Exterior Bearing Walls Exterior Bearing Walls Interior Bearing Walls Interior Bearing Walls Exterior Nonbearing Walls Exterior Nonbearing Walls Interior Nonbearing
Walls orCEBC § 401.3 High relevance — show source text
[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.
[BS] 405.2 Repairs to damaged buildings. Repairs to damaged buildings shall comply with this section.
[BS] 405.2.1 Repairs for less than substantial structural damage. Unless otherwise required by this section, for damage less than substantial structural damage, the damaged elements shall be permitted to be restored to their predamage condition.
[BS] 405.2.1.1 Snow damage. Structural components whose damage was caused by or related to snow load effects shall be repaired, replaced or altered to satisfy the requirements of Section 1608 of the California Building Code .
[BS] 405.2.2 Disproportionate earthquake damage. A building assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F that has sustained disproportionate earthquake damage shall be subject to the requirements for buildings with substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system.
[BS] 405.2.3 Substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system. A building that has sustained substantial structural damage to the vertical elements of its lateral force-resisting system shall be evaluated in accordance with Section 405.2.3.1, and either repaired in accordance with Section 405.2.3.2 or repaired and retrofitted in accordance with Section 405.2.3.3, depending on the results of the evaluation.
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.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 4-3
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REPAIRS
CEBC § 105.2 High relevance — show source text
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.
405 A .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.
405 A .2 Repairs to damaged buildings. Repairs to damaged buildings shall comply with this section.
405 A .2.1 Repairs for less than substantial structural damage. Unless otherwise required by this section, for damage less than substantial structural damage, the damaged elements shall be permitted to be restored to their predamage condition. New struc- tural members and connections used for this repair shall comply with the detailing provisions of this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.
405 A .2.1.1 Snow damage. Structural components whose damage was caused by or related to snow load effects shall be repaired, replaced or altered to satisfy the requirements of Section 1608 of the California Building Code .
405 A .2.2 Disproportionate earthquake damage. A building assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F that has sustained disproportionate earthquake damage shall be subject to the requirements for buildings with substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system.
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.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 4A-1
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4A-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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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 § 25.4 High relevance — show source text
11 barbed
roof nails with7/16″ heads, 6 o.c., with3/4″
Portland cement plaster for scratch coat
and 1:3 for brown coat, 3 lbs of asbestos
fiber and 15 lbs of hydrated lime per 94
lbs bag of cement.|See
Note 13|1 hr||1||1,
12–14|1| |F/C-W-42|3/4″|Metal lath: nailed with 8d No. 111/2 gage
barbed box nails, 21/2″ driven, 11/4″ on
slant and bent over, 6″ o.c.;3/4″ sanded
gypsum plaster, 1:2 for scratch coat and
1:3 for below coat.|See
Note 13|1 hr||1||1,
12–14|1|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa, 1 pound per square foot = 47.9 N/m [2] .
Notes:
- Thickness indicates thickness of first membrane protection on ceiling surface.
- Failure mode—flame thru.
- Failure mode—collapse.
- No endpoint reached at termination of test.
- Failure imminent—test terminated.
- Joist failure—11.5 minutes; flame thru—13 minutes; collapse—24 minutes.
- Joist failure—17 minutes; flame thru—18 minutes; collapse—33 minutes.
- Joist failure—18 minutes; flame thru—8 minutes; collapse—30 minutes.
- Joist failure—12 minutes; flame thru—8 minutes; collapse—22 minutes.
- Joist failure—11 minutes; flame thru—17 minutes; collapse—27 minutes.
- Joist failure—17 minutes; flame thru—20 minutes; collapse—43 minutes.
- Joists: 2-inch by 10-inch southern pine or Douglas fir, No. 1 common or better. Subfloor: [3] / 4 -inch wood sheathing diaphragm of asbestos paper, and finish of tongue-and-groove wood flooring.
- Loadings: not more than 1,000 psi maximum fiber stress in joists.
- Perforations in gypsum lath are to be not less than [3] / 4 -inch diameter with one perforation for not more than 16/in. [2] diameter.
- “Distemper” is a British term for a water-based paint such as white wash or calcimine.
FIGURE 3.4 FLOOR/CEILING ASSEMBLIES—HOLLOW CLAY TILE WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE
NUMBER OF ASSEMBLIES
10
5
0
CEBC § 3A-9 High 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
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xvii
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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 § 5.1.4 High relevance — show source text
Activity programming space 1225.5.1.4 General construction 1225.5.1.1
Nursing service space 1225.5.1.2 Pharmaceutical service
space 1225.5.1.3 Skylights and Sloped Glazing 2405, 3106.3 Light, required 1204.2 Loads 2404
Plastic 2610 Protection from adjacent construction 3307.1 Vertical opening protective 712.1.15 Slab On Ground, Concrete 1907, 2304.12.1.4 Slate Shingles 1504.4.4, 1507.7, 1513 Sleeping Lofts 202 Sleeping Units 202
Accessibility Chapters 11A and 11B Cooking appliances 420.11, 420.11.2 Group I 308 Group R 310 Scoping 101.2 Separation 420.2, 420.3 Smoke Alarms 202
Bathrooms 907.2.11.4 Cooking appliances 907.2.11.3 Live/work unit 508.5.7, 907.2.11.2 Multiple-station 907.2.11 Residential aircraft hangars 412.4.3, 412.4.4, 907.2.22 Residential occupancies 420.6, 907.2.11 Single-station 907.2.11 Smoke Barriers 202
Construction 407.5, 709.4, 909.5 Doors 709.5, 716.2.2.1, 909.5.3 Fire-resistance rating 703, 709.3 Glazing, rated 716.3.4 Inspection 110.3.8 Joints 709.7, 715 Marking 703.4, 703.5 Materials 709.2
Opening protection 709.5, 714.4, 714.5.4, 716, 717.5.5, 909.5.3 Penetrations 709.6, 714 Smoke control 909.5
Special provisions Ambulatory care facilities 422.2, 422.3, 709.5.1 Group I-1 420.6, 709.5.1 Group I-2 407.5 Group I-3 408.6, 408.7 Underground 405.4.2, 405.4.3 Smoke Compartment 407, 408, 422 Refuge area (see Refuge Area) Smoke Control 909 Amusement areas, special 411.1 Atrium buildings 404.5 Covered and open mall building 402.7.2
CBC § 301 Medium relevance — show source text
The IEBC is a model code in the International Code family of codes intended to provide requirements for repair and alternative approaches for alterations, changes of occupancy and additions to existing buildings. A large number of existing buildings and structures do not comply with the current building code requirements for new construction. Although many of these buildings are potentially salvageable, rehabilitation is often cost-prohibitive because compliance with all the requirements for new construction could require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of the building or the original scope of the alteration. At the same time, it is necessary to regulate construction in existing buildings that undergo additions, alterations, extensive repairs or change of occupancy. Such activity represents an opportunity to ensure that new construction complies with the current building codes and that existing conditions are maintained, at a minimum, to their current level of compliance or are improved as required to meet basic safety levels. To accomplish this objective, and to make the alteration process easier, this code allows for options for controlled departure from full compliance with the International Codes dealing with new construction, while maintaining basic levels for fire safety, structural and life safety features of the rehabilitated building.
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.
CEBC § 1.10.1 Medium 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 Medium 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.
Frequently asked questions
Do repairs ever require upgrading to current new‑construction fire standards?
Not automatically. The CEBC requires repairs to maintain the prior level of fire protection (not necessarily full new‑construction compliance). However, when new/replacement materials are used or when other trigger conditions are met, the code may require compliance with applicable new‑construction provisions; see § 402.3 and related chapters.
Can I use “like materials” to repair an old fire‑rated assembly?
Yes — existing materials may remain when they provide the required protection. But if a like material would create a hazard or cannot restore the prior level of fire protection, the repair must use an acceptable method to restore performance per § 403.1 and § 402.2.
If a sprinkler system existed, do I have to keep it functional during repair?
Yes — the presence and performance of fire‑protection systems are part of the building’s level of protection; repairs affecting those systems must preserve their function or provide equivalent protection. Consider system coordination during repair planning. § 403.1; Resource A notes that sprinklers can be part of upgrading strategies. file
What if I can’t match the original assembly exactly?
Document the original performance, propose an approved equivalent that demonstrably restores the same level of protection (test data, approved assemblies, or use Resource A guidance), and get the code official’s approval — the objective is preserving the prior level of fire protection per § 403.1. file
Are small, routine fixes exempt from these repair requirements?
Routine maintenance and ordinary repairs may be exempt in some agency‑specific provisions (see OSHPD exceptions). For general CEBC application, repairs must still avoid reducing prior protection; check local enforcement guidance. § 401.2 and agency appendices. file
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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