CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Do repairs have to preserve the existing level of means-of-egress protection?
If you repair an exit, stair, door or corridor, CEBC **§ 404.1** requires you to keep (or improve) the same level of egress protection that existed before the damage; repairs may not be used to reduce egress safety, and structural repair rules and other code sections (fire, CBC) may also apply.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English (controlling §)
The California Existing Building Code requires that Repairs be done so they maintain the level of protection provided for the means of egress — in other words, repairs cannot reduce the existing egress safety features that were in place before the damage or work. This is stated in § 404.1.
If you repair an exit, stair, corridor or door, do it so people can leave the building as safely as they could before the repair.
Requirements in detail
Scope and high‑level rule
- The short rule: repairs must preserve the existing level of means‑of‑egress protection — § 404.1 .
- This requirement sits inside Chapter 4 (Repairs), which governs when repair work may use like‑for‑like materials/methods and when more extensive compliance is required.
What “maintain the level of protection” means (practical dimensions)
The CEBC text is prescriptive at the level of principle (maintain level of protection) but does not list numeric egress dimensions in § 404.1 itself. For numeric dimensions, arrangement and minimum egress capacities you must consult the California Building Code (and Fire Code) provisions that govern means‑of‑egress for new construction and for required retrofits; CEBC § 404.1 requires repairs not to reduce the previously provided protection.
Decision‑relevant dimensions and how to treat them under repairs:
| Decision dimension | Typical values / examples | What CEBC requires for repairs | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire‑rated exit doors and assemblies | e.g., 20‑, 45‑, 60‑minute rated doors (example) | Repair must return the door/assembly to the same protection level (or better) that existed before damage | § 404.1 |
| Exit hardware / self‑closing / panic hardware | Present or absent before damage | Maintain existing functional features (self‑closing, panic hardware) when repairing exit components | § 404.1 |
| Egress capacity (number of exits, clear width) | Existing clear width / required width per new‑building rules | Repairs must not reduce occupant capacity or number of exits below the existing condition; CEBC does not recalculate new numeric sizing in §404.1 itself — consult CBC/Fire Code for numeric requirements | § 404.1 ; see Fire Code discussion of egress capacity § 1001.2 |
| Damage extent: structural vs. non‑structural | Less than substantial structural damage vs. substantial | When damage is less than substantial structural damage, elements may be restored to their predamage condition (new members to be detailed per new building rules where required) — this interacts with repair rules in Chapter 405 | § 405.2.1 (less than substantial structural damage) |
| Routine maintenance / ordinary repairs | Small, routine work exempt from permit | Routine maintenance and ordinary repairs (exempt under CBC Section 105.2) are not subject to the §405 repair requirements; CEBC notes such exceptions in Chapter 405 | §405 Exception (routine maintenance) — see Chapter 405 text |
How CEBC coordinates with other provisions
- CEBC § 401.2 requires that repair work “shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair was undertaken,” reinforcing § 404.1’s intent.
- CEBC § 403.1 contains the parallel principle for fire protection: repairs must maintain the existing level of fire protection (so egress and fire protection requirements work together).
- The CEBC does not re‑state all numerical egress requirements; the Fire Code and Building Code include detailed sizing, number of exits, and functional requirements that determine what “level of protection” means in measurable terms.
Exceptions & special cases
- Routine maintenance and ordinary repairs that are exempt from permit under the California Building Code (CBC § 105.2) are not subject to the CEBC repair triggers in Chapter 405; the CEBC calls out this exception in the Chapter 405 exception language. In practice, permit‑exempt routine maintenance is treated differently than repair work that triggers the repair rules.
- Flood hazard areas. Repairs that rise to the level of a substantial improvement in flood hazard areas may trigger compliance with CBC flood provisions (CBC § 1612) — CEBC § 401.3 refers repairs in flood hazard areas to CBC requirements.
- Structural damage thresholds. If damage is less than substantial structural damage, CEBC allows elements to be restored to their predamage condition (see § 405.2.1). If damage is substantial, different (often stricter) repair/retrofit requirements apply.
- Where CEBC is silent on numeric egress metrics that define “level of protection,” local code officials will reference the CBC and California Fire Code to determine the required dimensions, ratings and features.
Common mistakes
- Assuming repairs can reduce exit capacity or remove egress features. CEBC explicitly prohibits work that makes the building “less complying” than before — repairs cannot be used to justify removing or downgrading existing egress protection (§ 401.2 and § 404.1).
- Treating “repair” as a license to ignore door ratings, self‑closing hardware, or fire stopping in vertical openings — those functional protections that supported the prior level of safety must be maintained. § 404.1 requires preserving that level of protection.
- Failing to coordinate with the Fire Code / CBC for numeric egress requirements. Because § 404.1 is a principle (maintain level), you must consult the CBC/Fire Code when the exact width, rating, or capacity is in question.
- Not documenting predamage condition. If a code official needs to evaluate whether the repair maintains the prior level of protection, documentation (photos, shop drawings, specifications) showing the predamage protection level is essential. The CEBC places the burden of compliance on the work; lack of documentation can lead to required upgrades.
Worked example — stepwise scenario (conceptual, CEBC‑grounded)
Scenario: A two‑story retail tenant space sustained fire damage that charred an exit stair door and associated hardware. The predamage door was a rated self‑closing egress door serving a stair.
- Determine the predamage level of egress protection (fire rating of the door assembly, presence of self‑closing device, panic hardware, clear width). CEBC § 404.1 requires repairs to maintain that level.
- Assess whether the repair work is routine maintenance or a repair that triggers Chapter 4 repair rules — ordinary maintenance exempt under CBC § 105.2 might be treated differently. If the work requires repair provisions, proceed under Chapter 4.
- If the damage is structural, determine whether it is less than substantial structural damage. If it is less than substantial, CEBC § 405.2.1 permits restoration to predamage condition (with new members detailed as required). If it is substantial, additional retrofit/upgrade requirements may apply.
- Repair strategy consistent with CEBC: replace the door/frame/hardware with an assembly providing at least the same fire rating and self‑closing/panic functionality as before (i.e., maintain egress protection). Document the replacement to show equivalence. § 404.1 governs the repair obligation.
- If there is doubt about required clear width or occupant load capacity after repair, consult the CBC and Fire Code for numeric requirements (CEBC points to these codes for detailed egress criteria).
Note: the CEBC establishes the principle (maintain level), but does not restate all numeric egress dimensions in § 404.1 itself — use the CBC/Fire Code for numerical thresholds and the local code official for enforcement decisions.
Related provisions (CEBC sections)
- § 404.1 — Means of Egress: repairs shall maintain existing level of egress protection.
- § 401.2 — Compliance: “The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair…”
- § 403.1 — Fire Protection: repairs shall maintain the level of fire protection provided.
- § 405.2.1 — Repairs for less than substantial structural damage: damaged elements may be restored to predamage condition (detail requirements apply).
- Chapter 4 (Repairs) — general coverage of repair work and interaction with other codes (see Chapter 4 table of contents).
- California Fire Code discussion of egress capacity and the prohibition on reducing egress capacity (see Fire Code § 1001.2 and related sections).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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 § 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.
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REPAIRS
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 § 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 § 2-6 High relevance — show source text
For purposes of this definition, work done to implement repairs shall not be considered damage that reduces structural capacity.
SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. [OSHPD 1 & 1R] A condition where any of the following apply: 1. The vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system have suffered damage such that the lateral load carrying capacity of any story in any horizontal direction has been reduced by more than 10 percent from its predamage condition. 2. The capacity of any vertical component carrying gravity load, or any group of such components, has a tributary area more than 15 percent of the total area of the structure’s floor(s) and roof(s), has been reduced more than 10 percent from its predamage condition, and the remaining capacity of such affected elements, with respect to all dead and live loads, is less than 75 percent of that required by the California Building Code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location. 3. The capacity of any structural component carrying snow load, or any group of such components, that supports more than 15 percent of the roof area of similar construction, has been reduced more than 10 percent from its predamage condition, and the
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DEFINITIONS
remaining capacity with respect to dead, live and snow loads is less than 75 percent of that required by the California Building Code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.
TECHNICALLY INFEASIBLE. An alteration of a facility that has little likelihood of being accomplished because the existing structural conditions require the removal or alteration of a load-bearing member that is an essential part of the structural frame, or because other existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of elements, spaces or features which are in full and strict compliance with the minimum requirements for new construction and which are necessary to provide accessibility.
UNREINFORCED CONCRETE. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Unreinforced concrete as used in this chapter means plain concrete as defined in ACI 318 Section 2.3.
UNREINFORCED MASONRY. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Unreinforced masonry as used in this chapter means masonry construction where reinforcements in any direction is less than minimum reinforcement specified in TMS 402 Section 7.3.2.6.
UNSAFE. Buildings, structures or equipment that are unsanitary, or that are deficient due to inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, or in which the structure or individual structural members meet the definition of “Dangerous,” or that are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance shall be deemed unsafe. A vacant structure that is not secured against entry shall be deemed unsafe.
[HCD 1 & HCD 2] An unsafe building, as defined in this chapter, shall be considered substandard.
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
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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 § 1.1.2 High relevance — show source text
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California. [HCD 1 & 2] The provisions of this code shall apply to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of every existing building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.
1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.
1.1.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” in the front of the code. 1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California, and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2 for additional scope provisions. 2. Section 1.3 is reserved for the Board of State Community Corrections. 3. Section 1.4 is reserved for the Department of Consumer Affairs. 4. Section 1.5 is reserved for the California Energy Commission. 5. Section 1.6 is reserved for the Department of Food and Agriculture. 6. Section 1.7 is reserved for the Department of Public Health. 7. Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping _accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities.
CEBC § 903.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
903.2.1 Separation required. Where the work area is in any attached dwelling unit in Group R-3 or any multiple single-family dwelling (townhouse), walls separating the dwelling units that are not continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing shall be constructed to provide a continuous fire separation using construction materials consistent with the existing wall or complying with the requirements for new structures. Work shall be performed on the side of the dwelling unit wall that is part of the work area.
Exception: Where alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, walls are not required to be continuous through concealed floor spaces.
903.3 Interior finish. Interior finish in exits serving the work area shall comply with Section 802.4 between the highest floor on which there is a work area to the floor of exit discharge.
903.4 Enhanced classroom acoustics. In Group E occupancies, where the work area is a Level 3 alteration, enhanced classroom acoustics shall be provided in all classrooms with a volume of 20,000 cubic feet (565 m [3] ) or less. Enhanced classroom acoustics shall comply with the reverberation time in Section 808 of ICC A117.1.
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ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3
SECTION 904—FIRE PROTECTION
904.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with Section 903 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.
904.2 Fire alarm and detection systems. Fire alarm and detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907 of the California Building Code as required for new construction in accordance with California Fire Code Sections 907 and 1103.7.
904.2.1 Systems out of service. Existing fire alarm and detection systems shall be maintained in accordance with Section 901.7 of the California Fire Code. Site fire protection during construction shall be in accordance with Chapter 33 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.
SECTION 905—MEANS OF EGRESS
905.1 General. The means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Section 804 except as specifically required in Sections 905.2 and 905.3.
905.2 Means-of-egress lighting. Means of egress from the highest work area floor to the floor of exit discharge shall be provided with artificial lighting within the exit enclosure in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code .
905.3 Exit signs. Means of egress from the highest work area floor to the floor of exit discharge shall be provided with exit signs in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code .
905.4 Two-way communications systems. In buildings with elevator service, a two-way communication system shall be provided where required by Section 1009.8 of the California Building Code .
SECTION 906—STRUCTURAL
[BS] 906.1 General. Where buildings are undergoing Level 3 alterations, the provisions of this section shall apply.
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 § 109.3.11 Medium relevance — show source text
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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.
1-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
1 ADMINISTRATION
DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 1.1—GENERAL
1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Existing Building Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Existing Building Code is Part 10 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption the 2024 International Existing Building Code of the International Code Council with necessary California amendments.
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California. [HCD 1 & 2] The provisions of this code shall apply to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of every existing building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.
1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.
CEBC § 4.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION E106—GENERAL STANDARDS FOR EMERGENCY USES
E106.1 Scope. The provisions of Sections E106.2 through E106.7 shall apply to all existing structures being repurposed and to all structures relocated to support the response to an emergency.
E106.2 Intent. The intent of this section is to provide a reasonable level of safety in a structure repurposed for emergency use.
E106.3 Change of use or occupancy. Existing buildings used in a way that was not originally intended by occupancy class or use shall be allowed without formally changing the occupancy. The previous occupancy and use shall resume upon the conclusion of the emergency . Where the temporary live load of the floor is more than that required by Section 1607 of the California Building Code for the original use, the area designated for the temporary live load shall be posted with placards for the approved live load.
E106.4 Fire safety provisions. Determination of the fire safety requirements by the code official shall be in accordance with Section E106.4.1 through E106.4.5 in order to make determinations of safe conditions rather than strict adherence to the provisions of the California Fire Code .
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE APPENDIX E-3
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APPENDIX E—TEMPORARY EMERGENCY USES
E106.4.1 Fire safety and evacuation plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided in accordance with Sections 403 and 404 of the California Fire Code . Submittal documents shall be updated where there are any physical changes to the layout of the structure.
E106.4.2 Training and practice drills. Training of staff and practice drills shall comply with Sections 405 and 406 of the California Fire Code . Structures in place for longer than 30 days shall conduct evacuation drills in accordance with Section 405.3 of the Cali- fornia Fire Code based on the temporary use.
E106.4.3 Fire protection. An evaluation shall be performed to decide on fire protection needed utilizing NFPA 550.
E106.4.4 Emergency access. Emergency vehicle access roads shall be approved by the fire code official.
E106.4.5 Fire watch. A fire watch in accordance with Section 403.11.1 of the California Fire Code shall be permitted to be provided in lieu of other fire protection systems.
E106.5 Means of egress. Means of egress shall comply with Section 1011.5, in addition to Sections E106.5.1 through E106.5.3.
Exception: In Group I-2 occupancies, in areas where corridors are used for movement of care recipients in beds, the clear width of ramps and corridors shall be not less than 48 inches (1219 mm).
E106.5.1 Exit discharge. Exit discharge shall provide access to a public way or to a safe dispersal area in accordance with Section 1028.5 of the California Building Code.
E106.5.2 Means of egress lighting. The means of egress shall be illuminated when the space is occupied.
Exception: Sleeping areas.
E106.5.3 Exit signs. Exit signs shall be provided where the means of egress is not readily identifiable. Exit signs shall be permitted to be illuminated by the lighting provided in the structure.
CEBC § 1001.1 Medium relevance — show source text
The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.
The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Sections 1003 through 1031 are duplicated text from Chapter 10 of the California Building Code ; however, the California Fire Code contains an additional Section 1032 on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings. Retroactive minimum means of egress requirements for existing buildings are found in Chapter 11.
SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION
1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof. Sections 1003 through 1031 shall apply to new construction. Section 1032 shall apply to existing buildings.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the California Residential Code .
[BE] 1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.
SECTION 1002—DEFINITIONS
[BE] 1002.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS.
AISLE.
AISLE ACCESSWAY.
ALTERNATING TREAD DEVICE.
AREA OF REFUGE.
AUTOMATIC FLUSH BOLT.
BLEACHERS.
BREAKOUT.
CIRCULATION PATH.
COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL.
CONSTANT LATCHING BOLT.
CORRIDOR.
DEAD BOLT.
DEFEND-IN-PLACE.
DOOR, BALANCED.
EGRESS COURT.
EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENING.
EXIT.
EXIT ACCESS.
EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY.
EXIT ACCESS RAMP.
EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAY.
EXIT DISCHARGE.
EXIT DISCHARGE, LEVEL OF.
EXIT PASSAGEWAY.
EXTERIOR EXIT RAMP.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 10-5
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MEANS OF EGRESS
EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY.
FIRE EXIT HARDWARE.
FIXED SEATING.
FLIGHT.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS.
FLOOR AREA, NET.
FOLDING AND TELESCOPIC SEATING.
GRADE FLOOR EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS.
GRANDSTAND.
GUARD.
HANDRAIL.
HORIZONTAL EXIT.
INTERIOR EXIT RAMP.
INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY.
LOW ENERGY POWER-OPERATED DOOR.
MANUAL BOLT.
MEANS OF EGRESS.
MERCHANDISE PAD.
NOSING.
OCCUPANT LOAD.
OPEN-AIR ASSEMBLY SEATING.
OPEN-ENDED CORRIDOR.
Frequently asked questions
Do repairs ever require bringing egress up to new‑building minimums?
Not automatically. CEBC § 404.1 requires maintaining the existing level of egress protection; it does not by itself mandate upgrading to new‑building minima. However, if the repair meets other triggers (substantial damage, alterations, or specific local requirements), upgrade obligations in other CEBC/CBC sections may apply.
If an exit door is replaced, can I install a lower fire‑rating assembly?
No — replacing an exit door must maintain (or improve) the prior level of protection for means of egress under § 404.1. Document the predamage rating and provide an equal or better replacement.
What if repairs affect structural components that support egress routes?
If the damage is less than substantial structural damage, elements may be restored to predamage condition per § 405.2.1. If the damage is substantial, stricter repair/retrofit requirements will apply. Consult the structural repair provisions in Chapter 405.
Are routine paint or hardware lubrication tasks covered by § 404.1?
Routine maintenance and ordinary repairs that are exempt from permit under CBC § 105.2 are not subject to Chapter 405 repair requirements per the CEBC exception language; however, routine work still should not create unsafe egress conditions. Confirm with the local code official.
Who decides whether a proposed repair “maintains the level of protection”?
The code official enforces CEBC requirements; provide documentation (photos, specifications, shop drawings) showing the predamage protection and the replacement/repair measures to demonstrate equivalence. The CEBC principle is clear; the local official determines acceptability.
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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