CEBC · California Existing Building Code
Are there special rules for historic or state-owned buildings?
If a building is designated historic, repairs follow the special historic procedures in Part 8, Title 24 (CEBC § 401.1). Bleachers/portable seating repairs must meet ICC 300 (§ 401.1.1). For state‑owned buildings (UC/CSU/Judicial Council), the CEBC replaces some repair triggers with the seismic evaluation/retrofit rules in Sections 317–322; common triggers include repair costs exceeding **25%** of replacement cost or changes that increase seismic demands by **10%** or more (§ 317.3.1, § 401.1.2).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
Repairs to historic buildings must follow the special historic-building procedures referenced in § 401.1 (they are required to comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. and, where OSHPD does not adopt those provisions, certain California Building Code sections) § 401.1 . Repairs to bleachers, folding/telescopic seating and grandstands must follow ICC 300 as required in § 401.1.1 . For state‑owned buildings, the CEBC replaces the usual repair triggers in § 405.2.1 and § 405.2.3 with the earthquake evaluation/retrofit rules of Sections 317 through 322 (see § 401.1.2 and § 317) .
The single most important practical rule: if a building is designated historic, or is state‑owned (UC/CSU/Judicial Council), follow the special CEBC paths — historic rules reference Part 8, Title 24; state buildings follow Sections 317–322 for seismic retrofit triggers.
Requirements in detail
Core rules (plain-English, with controlling §)
- Repairs to historic buildings: must comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. and, where OSHPD does not adopt those Part 8 provisions, follow specified CBC functional requirements — § 401.1 .
- Bleachers/folding/telescopic seating/grandstands: repairs must comply with ICC 300 — § 401.1.1 .
- State‑owned buildings (including University of California, California State University and the Judicial Council): the CEBC replaces the requirements of § 405.2.1 and § 405.2.3 with Sections 317–322 — see § 401.1.2 and § 317 .
- General repair compliance rule: repair work must not make the building less complying than before the repair — § 401.2 (general compliance provision referenced alongside 401.1) .
Decision‑relevant dimensions and quick reference
| Decision dimension / trigger | What it means (plain English) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Repair to a historic building | Follow Part 8, Title 24 procedures; if OSHPD doesn’t adopt Part 8, follow specified CBC sections for functional requirements | § 401.1 |
| Bleachers, folding/telescopic seating, grandstands | Repairs must comply with ICC 300 | § 401.1.1 |
| State‑owned building: repair/retrofit triggers | Replace ordinary § 405.2.1/.3 triggers; use Sections 317–322 (see seismic evaluation/retrofit criteria) | § 401.1.2 and § 317 |
| State building retrofit threshold — cost | If total construction cost for the building’s work exceeds 25 percent of replacement cost → § 317 evaluation/retrofit applies | § 317.3.1 (25% threshold) |
| State building retrofit other triggers | Changes in risk category; >10 percent increase in seismic force demand or decreased lateral capacity >10%; 10% story shear increase; certain damage thresholds | § 317.3.1 (list of triggers) |
| Do repairs reduce compliance? | Work must not make the building less complying than before the repair | § 401.2 |
| Accessibility and historic sites | Where accessibility work would threaten historic significance, Appendix B allows alternate accessibility requirements after consultation/Section 106 processes | Appendix B (B101.x) |
How Sections 317–322 affect state buildings (brief)
- Sections 317–322 establish minimum seismic evaluation and retrofit standards for existing state‑owned buildings; these sections are mandatory for state buildings when the triggers in § 317.3 apply (cost threshold, risk‑category changes, >10% structural impact, etc.) § 317 .
- The CEBC explicitly says the requirements of § 405.2.1 and § 405.2.3 are replaced for state buildings by Sections 317–322 (see § 401.1.2) .
Exceptions & special cases
- OSHPD adoption: CEBC notes that certain historic repair provisions or chapters may be adopted or not adopted by OSHPD; where not adopted, specific CBC sections apply — see § 401.1 for cross‑references and adoption notes .
- Bleachers/grandstands are a special case and must comply with ICC 300 irrespective of other repair guidance (§ 401.1.1) .
- Accessibility vs. historic significance: if compliance with accessibility requirements would “threaten or destroy” historic significance, Appendix B permits alternative accessibility measures after the federal Section 106 process or state historic‑officer consultation (Appendix B, B101.x) .
- The CEBC’s repair general rule still applies: even with these special paths, repairs must not make the building less complying than prior to the work (§ 401.2) .
Common mistakes
- Treating historic buildings the same as ordinary repairs. Historic repairs follow Part 8, Title 24 (and sometimes CBC cross‑sections), not the generic prescriptive repair path — see § 401.1 .
- Forgetting the ICC 300 requirement for bleachers/portable seating. That requirement is explicit in § 401.1.1 .
- For state buildings, assuming the ordinary CEBC repair triggers apply. For UC/CSU/Judicial Council/state agency buildings, § 401.1.2 says to use Sections 317–322 instead of selected § 405 requirements — don’t mix triggers without checking § 317.3.1–317.4 .
- Ignoring the 25% cost threshold or the cumulative nature of past alterations when evaluating the state‑building retrofit trigger under § 317.3.1 (the 25% is cumulative since the 1995 CBC adoption for specified past modifications) .
- Overlooking consultation requirements for historic accessibility exceptions — Appendix B requires consulting the state historic preservation officer or following Section 106 procedure where applicable (Appendix B, B101.x) .
Worked example — state university repair that triggers § 317
Scenario: A campus library (state‑owned) has a replacement cost estimate of $8,000,000. Planned repairs and upgrades (excluding furniture, fixtures and equipment) total $2,200,000.
- Compute the cost ratio: 2,200,000 ÷ 8,000,000 = 0.275 (27.5%).
- Compare to the 25 percent threshold in § 317.3.1: 27.5% > 25%, so the § 317 evaluation/retrofit requirements apply for this state building .
- Resulting process: the design professional must perform the seismic evaluation in § 317; if the building’s seismic performance is inadequate per § 317.5, retrofit work must be designed to meet the retrofit standards in Sections 317–322 (as § 401.1.2 directs state buildings to follow those sections) .
If instead the planned work was $1,800,000 (22.5%), § 317.3.1 cost threshold would not be met — but other triggers (change in risk category, >10% increase in seismic demands, damage reducing lateral capacity >10%) must still be checked before deciding that § 317 does not apply .
Related provisions
- § 401.1 (Repairs scope; historic building references)
- § 401.1.1 (Bleachers/folding/telescopic seating and grandstands — ICC 300)
- § 401.1.2 (State‑owned buildings: use Sections 317–322)
- § 401.2 (Repair compliance — work must not make building less complying)
- § 317 (Earthquake evaluation and retrofit for existing state‑owned buildings; triggers in § 317.3.1 and evaluation in § 317.4–317.5)
- Appendix B — B101.x (Qualified historic buildings and alternative accessibility procedures)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 1.2 High relevance — show source text
1.2_|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |401.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |401.3|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |402|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |402.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |402.3||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |403|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |404|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |405.2.1 – 405.2.5||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |405.2.3.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |405.2.6|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |406|||X||||||||†|†||†|†|||||||||| |406.1|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |407.1|X||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |408|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |408.1|X|X||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |408.2|X|X||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |408.3||||†|†||||||||||||||||||||
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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4 REPAIRS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides requirements for repairs of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.
SECTION 401—GENERAL
401.1 Scope. R epairs shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. Repairs to historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Repairs to historic buildings not adopted by OSHPD. Repairs shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224.2, 1225.2, 1226.2, 1227.2 and 1228.2 for functional requirements as applicable.
401.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Repairs to existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
401.1.2 Scope. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, including those owned by the University of California and the California State University and the Judicial Council, the requirements of Sections 405.2.1 and 405.2.3 are replaced by the requirements of Sections 317 through 322.
401.2 Compliance. The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair was undertaken. Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to requirements for alterations.
CEBC § 317.2 High relevance — show source text
317.2 Scope. All alterations, structurally connected additions and/or repairs to existing structures or portions thereof shall, at a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this section. The structural system shall be evaluated by a registered design professional and, if not meeting or exceeding the minimum seismic design performance requirements of this section, shall be retrofitted in compliance with these requirements.
Exception: Those structures for which Section 317.3 determines that assessment is not required, or for which Section 317.4 determines that retrofit is not needed, then only the requirements of Section 317.11 apply.
317.3 Applicability.
317.3.1 Existing state-owned buildings. [BSC, DSA-SS] For existing state-owned structures including all buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University, the requirements of Section 317 apply whenever the structure is to be retrofitted, repaired or modified and any of the following apply: 1. Total construction cost, not including cost of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or normal maintenance, for the building exceeds 25 percent of the construction cost for the replacement of the existing building. The changes are cumulative for past modifications to the building that occurred after adoption of the 1995 California Building Code and did not require seismic retrofit.
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2. There are changes in risk category. 3. The modification to the structural components increases the seismic forces in or strength requirements of any structural component of the existing structure by more than 10 percent cumulative since the original construction, unless the component has the capacity to resist the increased forces determined in accordance with Section 319. If the building’s seismic base shear capacity has been increased since the original construction, the percent change in base shear may be calculated relative to the increased value.
4. Structural elements need repair where the damage has reduced the lateral-load-resisting capacity of the structural system by more than 10 percent. 5. Changes in live or dead load increase story shear by more than 10 percent.
317.3.2 Public school buildings. [DSA-SS] For public schools, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.
317.3.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] For community colleges, the provisions of Section 317 apply when required in accordance with Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code.
317.4 Evaluation required. If the criteria in Section 317.3 apply to the project under consideration, the design professional of record shall provide an evaluation in accordance with Section 317 to determine the seismic performance of the building in its current configuration and condition. If the structure's seismic performance as required by Section 317.5 is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s), when Method B of Section 321 is used, concur, then no structural retrofit is required.
_**317.5 Minimum seismic design performance levels for structural and nonstructural components.
CEBC § 4-1 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
401 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
402 Covered Mall and Open Mall Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
403 High-Rise Buildings and Group I-2 Occupancies Having Occupied Floors Located More Than 75 Feet above the Lowest Level of
Fire Department Vehicle Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
404 Atriums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
405 Underground Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
406 Motor-Vehicle-Related Occupancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
407 Group I-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
408 Group I-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
409 Motion Picture Projection Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
410 Stages, Platforms and Technical Production Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
411 Special Amusement Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32
412 Aircraft-Related Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
413 Combustible Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
414 Hazardous Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
415 Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42
416 Spray Application of Flammable Finishes . . . . . . . . 4-51
417 Drying Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52
418 Organic Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52
419 Artificial Decorative Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52
CEBC § 317.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing public buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS.
317.1.2.1 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 or 22 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
317.1.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as community college buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC], refer to Section 1.9.2.2.
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing community college buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS/CC.
317.1.3.1 Reference to other chapters. For community colleges, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 17 or 18 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 17A and 18A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
317.2 Scope. All alterations, structurally connected additions and/or repairs to existing structures or portions thereof shall, at a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this section. The structural system shall be evaluated by a registered design professional and, if not meeting or exceeding the minimum seismic design performance requirements of this section, shall be retrofitted in compliance with these requirements.
Exception: Those structures for which Section 317.3 determines that assessment is not required, or for which Section 317.4 determines that retrofit is not needed, then only the requirements of Section 317.11 apply.
317.3 Applicability.
317.3.1 Existing state-owned buildings. [BSC, DSA-SS] For existing state-owned structures including all buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University, the requirements of Section 317 apply whenever the structure is to be retrofitted, repaired or modified and any of the following apply: 1. Total construction cost, not including cost of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or normal maintenance, for the building exceeds 25 percent of the construction cost for the replacement of the existing building. The changes are cumulative for past modifications to the building that occurred after adoption of the 1995 California Building Code and did not require seismic retrofit.
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CEBC § 401.1 Medium 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 § 505.2 Medium relevance — show source text
20|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |504|||X|†|†|†|||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |505|||X||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |505.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |506|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |506.1 –506.1.1|X||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.1.2|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |506.2 – 506.3|X||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.5_ Exception_|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |506.6||||†|†|†|||||||||||||||||||
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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5 PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 5 provides details for the prescriptive compliance method—one of the three main options of compliance available in this code for buildings and structures undergoing alteration, addition or change of occupancy.
SECTION 501—GENERAL
501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures, including historic buildings and structures, [BSC] including state-regulated structures in accordance with Section 501.1.2. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.
Exceptions: 1. [HCD 2] For relocated or moved buildings and maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.3. See California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapters 2 and 2.2. 2. [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings.
[HCD 1] In addition to the requirements in this chapter, maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures under the authority of the Department of Housing and Community Development, as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.1, shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.
501.1.1 Compliance with other methods. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this chapter or with one of the methods provided in Section 301.3.
501.1.2 Existing state-owned structures. [BSC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 322 establish minimum standards for earth- quake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing state-owned structures, including buildings owned by the University of California, the California State University and the Judicial Council.
CEBC § 1011.11 Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
- An existing stairway shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 1011 of the California Building Code where the existing space and construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope.
- Handrails otherwise required to comply with Section 1011.11 of the California Building Code shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 1014.7 of the California Building Code regarding full extension of the handrails where such extensions would be hazardous because of plan configuration.
- Where provided in below-grade transportation stations, existing and new escalators shall be permitted to have a clear width of less than 32 inches (815 mm). 4. [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 Section 503.4 are replaced by the requirements of Sections 317 through 322.
[BS] 503.2 Flood hazard areas. For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable, any alteration that constitutes substantial improvement of the existing structure shall comply with the flood design requirements for new construction, and all aspects of the existing structure shall be brought into compliance with the requirements for new construction for flood design.
For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable, any alterations that do not constitute substantial improvement of the existing structure are not required to comply with the flood design requirements for new construction.
[BS] 503.3 Existing structural elements carrying gravity load. Any existing gravity load-carrying structural element for which an alteration causes an increase in design dead, live or snow load, including snow drift effects, of more than 5 percent shall be replaced or altered as needed to carry the gravity loads required by the California Building Code for new structures. Any existing gravity load-carrying structural element whose gravity load-carrying capacity is decreased as part of the alteration shall be shown to have the capacity to resist the applicable design dead, live and snow loads including snow drift effects required by the California Building Code for new structures.
Exceptions:
- Buildings of Group R occupancy with not more than five dwelling or sleeping units used solely for residential purposes where the altered building complies with the conventional light-frame construction methods of the California Building Code or the provisions of the California Residential Code .
- Buildings in which the increased dead load is due entirely to the addition of a second layer of roof covering weighing 3 pounds per square foot (0.1437 kN/m [2] ) or less over an existing single layer of roof covering. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Excep- tion 2 is not permitted.
[BS] 503.4 Existing structural elements carrying lateral load. Except as permitted by Section 503.13, where the alteration increases design lateral loads, results in a prohibited structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7, or decreases the capacity of any existing lateral load-carrying structural element, the lateral force-resisting system of the altered building or structure shall meet the requirements of Section 1609 of the California Building Code and Section 304.3.2 of this code.
Exceptions:
CEBC § 0.91 Medium relevance — show source text
Fourth, fifth_
and sixth floors and the second and third basement floor level quantity shall be reduced to 75 percent of this table. The seventh through 10th floor and below the third basement
floor level quantity shall be reduced to 50 percent of this table.
2. Permitted only when stored or used in approved exhausted gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures or fume hoods. Quantities of high toxics in use in open systems need not be reduced
above the third floor or below the first basement floor level. Individual container size shall be limited to 2 pounds (0.91 kg) for solids and1/4 gallon (0.95 L) for liquids.|SECTION 317 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—EARTHQUAKE EVALUATION AND DESIGN FOR RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
317.1 Purpose.
317.1.1 Existing state-owned structures. [BSC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 322 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing state-owned structures, including buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University.
The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 may be adopted by a local jurisdiction for earthquake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing buildings.
317.1.2 Public school buildings. [DSA-SS] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as public school buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety [DSA-SS], refer to Section 1.9.2.1.
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing public buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS.
317.1.2.1 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 or 22 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
317.1.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as community college buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC], refer to Section 1.9.2.2.
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing community college buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS/CC.
317.1.3.1 Reference to other chapters. For community colleges, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 17 or 18 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 17A and 18A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
CEBC § 1.11. Medium 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 § 306.7.16 Medium relevance — show source text
[BE] B101.2 Qualified historic buildings and facilities. These procedures shall apply to buildings and facilities designated as historic structures that undergo alterations or a change of occupancy.
[BE] B101.3 Qualified historic buildings and facilities subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Where an alteration or change of occupancy is undertaken to a qualified historic building or facility that is subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the federal agency with jurisdiction over the undertaking shall follow the Section 106 process. Where the state historic preservation officer or Advisory Council on Historic Preservation determines that compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, ramps, entrances, or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, the alternative requirements of Section 306.7.16 for that element are permitted.
[BE] B101.4 Qualified historic buildings and facilities not subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Where an alteration or change of occupancy is undertaken to a qualified historic building or facility that is not subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and the entity undertaking the alterations believes that compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, ramps, entrances or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, the entity shall consult with the state historic preservation officer. Where the state historic preservation officer determines that compliance with the accessibility requirements for accessible routes, ramps, entrances or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historical significance of the building or facility, the alternative requirements of Section 306.7.18 for that element are permitted.
[BE] B101.4.1 Consultation with interested persons. Interested persons shall be invited to participate in the consultation process, including state or local accessibility officials, individuals with disabilities, and organizations representing individuals with disabilities.
[BE] B101.4.2 Certified local government historic preservation programs. Where the state historic preservation officer has delegated the consultation responsibility for purposes of this section to a local government historic preservation program that has been certified in accordance with Section 101 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 [(16 U.S.C. 470a(c)] and implementing regulations (36 CFR 61.5), the responsibility shall be permitted to be carried out by the appropriate local government body or official.
[BE] B101.5 Displays. In qualified historic buildings and facilities where alternative requirements of Section 306.7.16 are permitted, displays and written information shall be located where they can be seen by a seated person. Exhibits and signs displayed horizontally shall be 44 inches (1120 mm) maximum above the floor.
SECTION B102—FIXED TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES AND STATIONS
[BE] B102.1 General. Existing fixed transportation facilities and stations shall comply with Section B102.2.
[BE] B102.2 Existing facilities—key stations. Rapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, intercity rail, high-speed rail and other fixed guideway systems, altered stations, and intercity rail and key stations, as defined under criteria established by the Department of Transportation in Subpart C of 49 CFR Part 37, shall comply with Sections B102.2.1 through B102.2.3.
CEBC § 1.11. Medium 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 APPENDIX B-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX B-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
B SUPPLEMENTARY ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance.
User notes:
About this appendix: Chapters 11A and 11B of the California Building Code contain provisions that set forth requirements for accessibility to buildings and their associated sites and facilities for people with physical disabilities. Appendix B was added to address accessibility in construction for items that are not typically enforceable through the traditional building code enforcement
process.
SECTION B101—QUALIFIED HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
[BE] B101.1 General. Qualified historic buildings and facilities shall comply with Sections B101.2 through B101.5.
[BE] B101.2 Qualified historic buildings and facilities. These procedures shall apply to buildings and facilities designated as historic structures that undergo alterations or a change of occupancy.
[BE] B101.3 Qualified historic buildings and facilities subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Where an alteration or change of occupancy is undertaken to a qualified historic building or facility that is subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the federal agency with jurisdiction over the undertaking shall follow the Section 106 process. Where the state historic preservation officer or Advisory Council on Historic Preservation determines that compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, ramps, entrances, or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, the alternative requirements of Section 306.7.16 for that element are permitted.
[BE] B101.4 Qualified historic buildings and facilities not subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Where an alteration or change of occupancy is undertaken to a qualified historic building or facility that is not subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and the entity undertaking the alterations believes that compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, ramps, entrances or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, the entity shall consult with the state historic preservation officer. Where the state historic preservation officer determines that compliance with the accessibility requirements for accessible routes, ramps, entrances or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historical significance of the building or facility, the alternative requirements of Section 306.7.18 for that element are permitted.
[BE] B101.4.1 Consultation with interested persons. Interested persons shall be invited to participate in the consultation process, including state or local accessibility officials, individuals with disabilities, and organizations representing individuals with disabilities.
CEBC § 105.2 Medium 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.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides whether a building is “historic” for CEBC purposes?
Designation is typically by the authority identified in Part 8, Title 24 or by the applicable historic‑designation process referenced there. The CEBC requires historic repairs to follow Part 8, Title 24 procedures (see § 401.1) .
If my project is on a state campus, must I always follow Sections 317–322?
No — Sections 317–322 apply to state buildings when the triggers in § 317.3.1 occur (e.g., 25 percent cost threshold, change in risk category, >10 percent structural impact, certain damage). If none of the triggers apply, the full retrofit provisions may not be required — but you must confirm per § 317.3 and § 317.4 .
What if accessibility upgrades would harm historic character?
Appendix B (B101.x) allows alternative accessibility measures if the state historic preservation officer or the Section 106 process determines full compliance would threaten the historic significance; consultation is required .
Do I still need to check § 401.2 for historic or state buildings?
Yes. The general repair compliance rule (§ 401.2) — that repairs must not make the building less complying than it was before — still applies alongside the special historic or state provisions .
Are bleachers and grandstand repairs treated differently?
Yes — repairs to existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands must comply with ICC 300 as required by § 401.1.1 .
More in California Existing Building Code
- Administration and Definitions (Scope, enforcement, code official duties, definitions)
- Provisions for All Compliance Methods (general requirements that apply to all compliance options; Chapter 3 / 3A)
- Seismic retrofit and evaluation (Appendix A and seismic provisions/sections for evaluation and retrofit)
- Referenced Standards and Appendices (Chapter 16 and Appendices A–E, Resource A)
- Repairs (Chapter 4 — repair-specific rules for materials, means of egress, structural, MEP, etc.)
- Alterations — Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 (technical requirements for each alteration level; Chapters 7–9)
- Change of Occupancy and Additions (requirements for occupancy changes and additions; Chapters 10–11)
- Compliance Methods — Prescriptive, Work Area, Performance (Chapters 5, 6–11, 13)
- Relocated Buildings (requirements for buildings moved or relocated; Chapter 14)
- Construction Safeguards (site safety, means of egress and life-safety during construction; Chapter 15)
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