CEBC · California Existing Building Code
General scope and compliance
This hub explains what the CEBC covers (repairs, alterations, additions, relocations), where applicability is defined (§101.2–§101.4), and the three compliance paths (Chapters 5; 6–11; 13) plus administrative Chapter 1.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This part of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) sets the rules for repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings — the CEBC’s basic scope is defined in §101.2 and the applicability rules are in §101.4.
How the rules are applied is framed by Chapter 1 (administration and enforcement, see duties and powers of the code official in §103), and by the three compliance paths set out in Section 301: the Prescriptive Method (Chapter 5), the Work Area Method (Chapters 6–11) and the Performance Method (Chapter 13). Repairs are governed separately in Chapter 4 and Chapter 3 contains provisions that apply to all methods — these organizational anchors determine where you look for triggers, exceptions, and enforcement.
In this section
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.
xii 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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).
CBC § 301 High relevance — show source text
This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:
Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xi
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).
Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.
Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC
The format of the CEBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CEBC is divided. The subsequent table shows CEBC requirements that are correlated with other California Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CEBC.
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECTS 1, 2 Administrative Requirements and Definitions 3 Provisions for all Compliance Methods 4 Repairs 5 Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 6–11 Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 13 Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings 14 Relocated Buildings 15 Construction Safeguards 16 Referenced Standards Appendix A Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings Appendix C Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings Appendix D Board of Appeals Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS
The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:
CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 15 Chapter 33 Construction safeguards Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
xii 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 1-12 High relevance — show source text
1.9 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
1.10 Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
1.12 State Librarian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
1.13 Department of Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
1.14 California State Lands Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
DIVISION II – SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
101 Scope and General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
104 Duties and Powers of Code Official. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . 1-28
108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
CEBC § 304A.3.5.17 High relevance — show source text
Scope: For buildings located in Seismic Design Category F, verification of the interstory lateral displacements, the strength adequacy of the seismic force-resisting system and anchorage to the foundation shall be accomplished using the Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure.
304A.3.5.17 ASCE 41-13 Chapter 15 and 16. Not permitted by OSHPD.
304A.3.6 Modifications to ASCE 41-23. The text of ASCE 41-23 shall be modified as indicated in Sections 304A.3.6.1 through 304A.3.6.9.
304A.3.6.1 ASCE 41-23 Section 2.1. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 2.1 with the following:
Seismic evaluations shall be performed for performance objective specified in Section 304A.3.4 of this code (CEBC) using proce- dure of this standard (ASCE 41-23) as follows:
1. Structural components shall be evaluated in accordance with Tier 3 systematic evaluations procedure in Chapter 6.
2. Nonstructural components shall be evaluated in accordance with Chapter 13.
Exception: For general acute care hospitals, seismic evaluation shall be permitted to be in accordance with Chapter 6 of the California Administrative Code (CAC) when required by provisions of that chapter.
304A.3.6.2 ASCE 41-23 Section 6.2. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 6.2 with the following:
Data Collection Requirements. The extent of data collection shall be at Comprehensive level for all structures, including struc- tures upgraded to SPC-4D. A testing program for materials properties shall be approved by the enforcement agent prior to commencement of material testing work. Previously approved material test results shall be permitted to be used to satisfy part of the comprehensive data collection requirements.
3A-8 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
Tension testing of reinforcing bars shall be in accordance with ASTM A615. All test specimens shall be the full section of the bar as rolled (8-in. gage length) and shall not be reduced.
At test sample locations, structural members, slabs and walls shall be repaired to a state that is equivalent to their original condition.
For buildings built under an OSHPD permit based on the 1976 or later edition of the CBC, where materials properties are shown on design drawings and original materials test data are available, no materials testing shall be required when approved by the enforcement agent.
304A.3.6.3 ASCE 41-23 Section 7.2.9.1. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 7.2.9.1 with the following:
For the evaluation of one-story light-framed walls with or without hold-downs, ASCE 41-23 Equation 7-6 is permitted to be used. If Equation 7-6 is satisfied, no further evaluation or retrofit of the existing hold-down, if any, is required. If Equation 7-6 is not _satisfied, hold-down shall be provided or retrofitted using ASCE 41-23 Equations 7-39 and 7-40.
CEBC § 3.6 High relevance — show source text
2, 6, 9,
18, 20, 21|21/2| |W-8-M-43|85/8″|Core: clay or shale structural tile; facings: exposed
side only; see Note 17.|See
notes|1 hr
30 min||1||1, 2, 6, 9,
19, 20, 21|11/2| |W-8-M-44|85/8″|Core: clay or shale structural tile; facings: side 1, see
Note 17; side 2, none.|See
notes|3 hrs||1||1, 2, 6, 10,
18, 20, 21|3| |W-8-M-45|85/8″|Core: clay or shale structural tile; facings: fire side
only; see Note 17.|See
notes|1 hr
30 min||1||1, 2, 6, 10,
19, 20, 21|11/2| |W-8-M-46|85/8″|Core: clay or shale structural tile; facings: side 1, see
Note 17; side 2, none.|See
notes|3 hrs
30 min||1||1, 2, 6, 12,
18, 20, 21|31/2| |W-8-M-47|85/8″|Core: clay or shale structural tile; facings: exposed
side only; see Note 17.|See
notes|1 hr
45 min||1||1, 2, 6, 12,
19, 20, 21|13/4| |W-8-M-48|85/8″|Core: clay or shale structural tile; facings: side 1, see
Note 17; side 2, none.|See
notes|4 hrs||1||1, 2, 6, 16,
18, 20, 21|4| |W-8-M-49|85/8″|Core: clay or shale structural tile; facings: fire side
only; see Note 17.|See
notes|2 hrs||1||1, 2, 6, 16,
19, 20, 21|2| |W-8-M-50|85/8″|Core: 4″, 40% solid clay or shale clay structural tile;
4″ brick plus5/8″ of 1:3 sanded gypsum plaster
facings on one side.|See
notes|4 hrs||1||1, 20|4| |W-8-M-51|83/4″|83/4″ × 21/2″ and 4″ × 21/2″ cellular fletton (1873 psi)
single and triple cell hollow brick set in1/2″ sand
mortar in alternate courses.|3.6
tons/ft|6 hrs|||7|23, 29|6| |W-8-M-52|83/4″|83/4″ thick cement brick (2527 psi) with Portland
cement and sand mortar.|3.6
tons/ft|6 hrs|||7|23,CEBC § 71.4 High relevance — show source text
reinforcement: verti-
cal, four5/8″ rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at
7″ pitch; cover: 11/2″.|71.4
tons|2 hrs|||7|2, 7|2| |C-11-RC-20|11″|11″ square columns; gravel concrete (4530
psi); reinforcement: vertical, four5/8″
rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″ with1/2″ plaster.|58.8
tons|2 hrs|||7|2, 3, 9|2| |C-11-RC-21|11″|11″ square columns; gravel concrete (3520
psi); reinforcement: vertical, four5/8″
rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|Vari-
able|1 hr
24 min|||7|1, 8|11/4| |C-11-RC-22|11″|11″ square columns; aggregate concrete
(3710 psi); reinforcement: vertical, four5/8″
rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|58.8
tons|2 hrs|||7|2, 3,
10|2| |C-11-RC-23|11″|11″ square columns; aggregate concrete
(3190 psi); reinforcement: vertical, four5/8″
rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|58.8
tons|2 hrs|||7|2, 3,
10|2| |C-11-RC-24|11″|11″ square columns; aggregate concrete
(4860 psi); reinforcement: vertical, four
5/8″ rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|86.1
tons|1 hr
20 min|||7|1|11/3| |C-11-RC-25|11″|11″ square columns; aggregate concrete
(4850 psi); reinforcement: vertical, four 5/8″
rebars; horizontal,3/8″ ties at 7″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|58.8
tons|1 hr
59 min|||7|1|13/4| |C-11-RC-26|11″|11″ square columns; aggregate concrete
(3834 psi); reinforcement: vertical, four 5/8″
rebars; horizontal,5/16″ ties at 41/2″ pitch;
cover: 11/2″.|71.4
tons|53 min|||7|1|3/4|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa, 1 ton = 8.896 kN.
CEBC § 8.8 High relevance — show source text
details: see Note 8 figure.|8.8 tons|3 hrs
32
min|||7|1, 3, 14|31/2| |B-11-RC-5|11″|24″ wide × 11″ deep reinforced concrete “T”
beam (4250 psi); details: see Note 9 figure.|8.8 tons|3 hrs
3 min|||7|1, 3, 14|3| |B-11-RC-6|11″|Concrete flange: 4″ deep × 2' wide (4895 psi)
concrete; concrete beam: 7″ deep × 61/2″
wide; “I” beam reinforcement; 10″ × 41/2″ ×
25 lbs R.S.J.; 1″ cover on flanges; flange rein-
forcement:3/8″ diameter bars at 6″ pitch
parallel to “T”; 1/4″ diameter bars perpendic-
ular to “T”; beam reinforcement: 4″ × 6″ No.
13 SWG wire mesh; span: 11' restrained;
details: see Note 10 figure.|10 tons|6 hrs|||7|1, 4|6| |B-11-RC-7|11″|Concrete flange: 6″ deep × 1' 61/2″ wide (3525
psi) concrete; concrete beam: 5″ deep × 8″
wide precast concrete blocks 83/4″ long; “I”
beam reinforcement; 7″ × 4″ × 16 lbs R.S.J.;
2″ cover on bottom; 11/2″ cover on top;
flange reinforcement: two rows1/2″ diameter
rods parallel to “T”; beam reinforcement:1/8″
wire mesh perpendicular to “T”; span: 1′3″
simply supported; details: see Note 11
figure.|3.9 tons|4 hrs|||7|1, 2|4| |B-11-RC-8|11″|Concrete flange: 4″ deep × 2' wide (3525 psi)
concrete; concrete beam 7″ deep × 41/2″
wide (scaled from drawing); “I” beam rein-
forcement; 10″ × 41/2″ × 25 lbs R.S.J.; no
concrete cover on bottom; flange reinforce-
ment:3/8″ diameter bars at 6 pitch parallel to
“T”;1/4″ diameter bars perpendicular to “T”;
span: 11′ restricted; details: see Note 12
figure.|10 tons|4 hrs|||7|1, 2|4| |B-11-RC-9|111/2″|24″ wide × 111/2″ deep reinforced concrete
“T” beam (4390 psi); details: see Note 13
figure.|8.8 tons|3 hrs
24
min|||7|1, 3|31/3|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 pound = 0.004448 kN, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa, 1 ton = 8.896 kN.
Notes:
CEBC § 25.4 High relevance — show source text
horizontal mortar joints
reinforced with metal lath.|N/A|15 min||1||4|1/4| |W-3-M-11|3″|Core: structural clay tile; see Notes 14, 18, 13;
no facings.|N/A|10 min||1||5, 11, 26|1/6| |W-3-M-12|3″|Core: structural clay tile; see Notes 14, 19, 23;
no facings.|N/A|20 min||1||5, 11, 26|1/3| |W-3-M-13|35/8″|Core: structural clay tile; see Notes 14, 18, 23;
facings: unexposed side; see Note 20.|N/A|20 min||1||5, 11, 26|1/3| |W-3-M-14|35/8″|Core: structural clay tile; see Notes 14, 19, 23;
facings: unexposed side only; see Note 20.|N/A|20 min||1||5, 11, 26|1/3| |W-3-M-15|35/8″|Core: clay structural tile; see Notes 14, 18, 23;
facings: side exposed to fire; see Note 20.|N/A|30 min||1||5, 11, 26|1/2| |W-3-M-16|35/8″|Core: clay structural tile; see Notes 14, 19, 23;
facings: side exposed to fire; see Note 20.|N/A|45 min||1||5, 11, 26|3/4| |W-2-M-17|2″|2″ thick solid gypsum blocks; see Note 27.|N/A|1 hr||1||27|1| |W-3-M-18|3″|Core: 3″ thick gypsum blocks 70% solid; see Note 2;
no facings.|N/A|1 hr||1||27|1| |W-3-M-19|3″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 29, 35, 36, 38;
no facings.|N/A|1 hr||1||27|1| |W-3-M-20|3″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 28, 35, 36, 37,
38; no facings.|N/A|1 hr||1|||1| |W-3-M-21|31/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 28, 35, 36, 37,
38; facings: one side; see Note 37.|N/A|1 hr
30 min||1|||11/2| |W-3-M-22|31/2″|Core: hollow concrete units; see Notes 29, 35, 36, 38;
facings: one side, see Note 37.|N/A|1 hr
15 min||1|||11/4|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa, °C = [(°F) - 32]/1.8.
Notes:
CBC § 301 High 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xi
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 101.1 High relevance — show source text
This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document, and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. 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 registered design professional, contractor and property owner.
Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition of the IEBC. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.
PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION
SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Existing Building Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], herein-after referred to as “this code.”
[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of 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 not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code.
[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted or referenced.
101.2.2 Application of fire code. Where work regulated by this code is also regulated by the construction requirements for existing buildings in Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code, such work shall comply with applicable requirements in both codes.
[A] 101.3 Purpose. The intent of this code is to provide flexibility to permit the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, property protection and general welfare insofar as they are affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings.
[A] 101.4 Applicability. This code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings, regardless of occupancy, subject to the criteria of Sections 101.4.1 and 101.4.2.
[A] 101.4.1 Buildings not previously occupied. A building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose, in accordance with the laws in existence at the time of its completion, shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of the laws in existence at the time of its original permit unless such permit has expired. Subsequent permits shall comply with the California Building Code or California Residential Code, as applicable, for new construction.
[A] 101.4.2 Buildings previously occupied. The legal occupancy of any building existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code, the California Fire Code, or the Inter- national Property Maintenance Code, or as is deemed necessary by the code official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
[A] 101.5 Safeguards during construction. Construction work covered in this code, including any related demolition, shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15.
CEBC § 301.3 High relevance — show source text
Select the required number of additional electives from those categories shown on the table below and add a “ Y ” on the selected elective and add an “ N ” on the rest.
Count the total number of Tier 2 prerequisite measures plus the additional electives and write down the total number at the end of the checklist. Determine if the required number of Tier 2 measures have been selected to achieve Tier 2 compliance.
Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included) N = No (section has not been selected and/or included) O = Other (provide explanation)
[N] = New construction pursuant to Section 301.3
[A] = Additions and/or Alterations pursuant to Section 301.3
CHAPTER 5
DIVISIONSCol2 SECTION TITLE CODE
SECTIONY N O PLAN SHEET,
SPEC OR
ATTACHDIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)Mandatory Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures,
Scope with Exception5.105.1 DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)Mandatory Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with
note5.105.2 and 5.105.2.1 DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)Mandatory Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb
less than 1 acre of land5.106.1 through
5.106.2DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)Mandatory Short-term bicycle parking 5.106.4.1.1 DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)Mandatory Long-term bicycle parking 5.106.4.1.2 through
5.106.4.1.5DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)Tier 2
PrerequisiteDesignated parking—50% of parking capacity with future
charging spaces, parking stall markings and vehicle
designationA5.106.5.1,
A5.106.5.1.2,
A5.106.5.1.3,
A5.106.5.1.4,
A5.106.5.1.5DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)Tier 2
PrerequisiteElectric vehicle (EV) charging [N] with Section 5.106.3.1,
Section 5.106.5.3.2 and associated Table A5.106.5.3.3 Tier 2
OR
Power Allocation Method:
Section A5.106.5.3.4 and associated Table A5.106.5.3.4 Tier 25.106.5.3.1,
5.106.5.3.2,
_Table A5.106.5.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of projects does this part of the CEBC cover?
The CEBC covers repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings (see §101.2) with limited exceptions for certain one- and two‑family dwellings; applicability details are in §101.4.
How do I choose a compliance method?
Section 301 gives three options: the Prescriptive Method (Chapter 5), the Work Area Method (Chapters 6–11) or the Performance Method (Chapter 13); select the method that matches your scope, complexity and design goals and then follow the chapters and Chapter 3 provisions that apply to every method.
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)
Ask about the CEBC
Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Existing Building Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.
Start Free Trial