CEBC · California Existing Building Code
When does earthquake or disproportionate damage trigger evaluation, retrofit or retrofit-plus-repair?
If your building is in Seismic Design Category D, E, or F and experienced disproportionate earthquake damage, the CEBC requires a registered design professional to evaluate whether its lateral system (including foundation) would meet required wind+earthquake loads if returned to its predamage state; if it would, you may repair to predamage condition, but if not, you must retrofit the lateral system (earthquake loads used in retrofit have CEBC minimums such as 75% of CBC §1613A where specified).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
If a building in Seismic Design Category D, E or F sustains disproportionate earthquake damage, it must be treated the same as a building with substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force‑resisting system and therefore evaluated and either repaired or retrofitted depending on the evaluation. The building must be evaluated by a registered design professional to determine whether the lateral force‑resisting system (including foundation) in its predamage state would meet applicable California Building Code load combinations that include wind and earthquake effects; the evaluation and the required follow‑up repairs or retrofit are governed by § 405.2.2, § 405.2.3, and § 405.2.3.1.
If a building in SD D/E/F has disproportionate earthquake damage, you must have it evaluated by a registered design professional and either restore it to predamage condition (if compliant) or retrofit it (if not) under the CEBC.
Requirements in detail
Key defined terms (first mention bolded)
- Disproportionate earthquake damage — the condition that triggers the special requirements for buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F (§ 405.2.2).
- Substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force‑resisting system — the damage state that requires evaluation under § 405.2.3 and the evaluation procedure in § 405.2.3.1.
- Evaluation — a structural assessment performed by a registered design professional and submitted to the code official to determine compliance with CBC load combinations (see § 405.2.3.1).
- Retrofit (or retrofit-plus-repair) — strengthening the lateral force‑resisting system (and foundation) to comply with the CEBC requirements if the evaluation shows the predamage system would not comply (see § 405.2.3.3).
Decision table — when to evaluate / repair / retrofit
| Decision dimension | Trigger or value | Required action | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building in SD D, E or F has disproportionate earthquake damage | Yes | Treat as substantial structural damage to vertical lateral elements → evaluate (then repair or retrofit per evaluation). | § 405.2.2 |
| Building has substantial structural damage to vertical elements (any SD) | Yes | Evaluate by RDP; then repair if predamage condition complies, or retrofit if not. | § 405.2.3, § 405.2.3.1 |
| Result of evaluation: predamage lateral system complies with CBC (wind + earthquake loads) | Yes | Damaged elements may be restored to predamage condition (repair only). | § 405.2.3.2 |
| Result of evaluation: predamage lateral system does not comply | Yes | Lateral force system and foundation must be retrofitted to comply; earthquake loads not less than original code or not less than 75% of CBC §1613A where allowed. | § 405.2.3.3 |
| Exemptions (select) | One‑ and two‑family dwellings; SD A/B/C where damage not caused by earthquake | Need not be evaluated/retrofitted for earthquake effects (subject to exceptions). | Exceptions to § 405.2.3 |
| Minimum earthquake load allowed for retrofit determination | 75 percent of loads prescribed in CBC §1613A (where the code permits reduction) | Applies to seismic loading used for evaluation/retrofit where the CEBC references reductions. | § 405.2.3.3 (and related text) |
Notes on the seismic load allowance: The CEBC permits the earthquake loads for evaluation/retrofit to be reduced in certain prescribed ways (e.g., as permitted reductions used in Appendix A/Section 304A procedures), but it explicitly requires that earthquake loads used for retrofit not be less than those required at the time of original construction and in some cases not less than 75% of the loads in CBC §1613A.
Procedure flow (high level)
- Observe damage. If damage looks disproportionate or appears to be substantial to vertical lateral elements, determine building SD.
- If SD = D, E or F and damage is disproportionate, the CEBC directs application of the substantial structural damage provisions (evaluation required). § 405.2.2.
- Registered design professional performs evaluation per § 405.2.3.1 and submits findings to code official.
- If evaluation shows predamage system met required load combinations, repair to predamage condition allowed; otherwise retrofit per § 405.2.3.3.
Exceptions & special cases
- One‑ and two‑family dwellings: do not require evaluation or retrofit for earthquake effects under these CEBC provisions. (Exception to § 405.2.3.)
- Buildings in SD A, B or C whose substantial structural damage was not caused by earthquake need not be evaluated or retrofitted for earthquake effects (Exception to § 405.2.3).
- Where damage is due to wind or snow, the code points to the California Building Code provisions for wind (CBC) or snow (CBC §1608) load repair/retrofit requirements (see cross‑references in § 405.2.3.3 and § 405.2.1.1).
- Alternative evaluation methods: for some SPC classifications the CEBC allows the use of Appendix procedures (e.g., Section 304A.3.4.x) and reduced seismic hazard for SPC‑5 buildings; these alternatives are described where referenced in § 405.2.3.3.
If a specific reduction or alternate procedure is to be used (for example, the Appendix A SPC options), check the referenced sections (e.g., Section 304A.3.4.4–.6) because the CEBC permits those alternatives in specific SPC cases — but the CEBC still enforces the minimums such as the 75% threshold where specified.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any earthquake damage automatically requires a full retrofit — the CEBC requires an evaluation first; if the predamage system already met CBC load combinations, repair to predamage condition is allowed (§ 405.2.3.1–.2).
- Forgetting to check Seismic Design Category — disproportionate earthquake damage provisions apply specifically to SD D, E or F per § 405.2.2. Buildings in lower SDs may be exempt in some cases.
- Using the wrong earthquake loads for evaluation/retrofit — the CEBC references the CBC and permits certain reductions but requires the earthquake loads used for retrofit to be no less than those at the time of original construction and in many cases not less than 75% of CBC §1613A. Do not undercut that minimum. § 405.2.3.3.
- Assuming one‑ and two‑family houses are covered — they are explicitly exempt from evaluation/retrofit for earthquake effects under these repair provisions. (Exception to § 405.2.3.)
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A three‑story hospital (Seismic Design Category E) sustains earthquake damage. Two primary shear walls on one elevation have significant cracking and one vertical column supporting a lateral framing line shows buckling after the event.
Step 1 — Trigger: Because the building is in SD E and damage is concentrated in vertical elements of the lateral system (shear walls and a column), apply § 405.2.2 and treat this as substantial structural damage to vertical lateral elements; an evaluation is required.
Step 2 — Evaluation: A registered design professional performs the § 405.2.3.1 evaluation, checking whether, if repaired to predamage condition, the lateral system (and foundation) would comply with CBC load combinations including wind and earthquake. The RDP documents whether the predamage system meets current code loads (or the historic loads per CEBC, including any allowed reductions such as the 75% minimum where applicable).
Step 3 — Outcome & required action:
- If the evaluation finds the predamage system complied with the applicable load combinations → repair the damaged shear walls/column back to predamage condition (repair only) per § 405.2.3.2.
- If the evaluation finds the predamage system would not comply → retrofit the lateral force‑resisting system and foundation so the building complies with the applicable CEBC provisions. The earthquake loads used for retrofit must not be less than the loads when the building was originally constructed and, where the CEBC permits, not less than 75% of CBC §1613A values (do not apply a smaller, informal reduction). § 405.2.3.3.
Illustrative numbers: Suppose the original CBC §1613A design spectral acceleration would equate to an earthquake load "E" of 100 kips across a critical lateral line. The CEBC language allows, in some evaluation/repair scenarios, using loads reduced to 75% of CBC §1613A — i.e., 75 kips — as a floor for the seismic load used in designing the retrofit where the CEBC permits that reduction. However, if the building’s original code required more than that, the code calls for using the original required loads (or the CEBC‑permitted alternative procedures), so the RDP must document and justify the load basis.
Related provisions (CEBC)
- § 405.2.2 — Disproportionate earthquake damage (controls when SD D/E/F triggers substantial‑damage rules).
- § 405.2.3 — Substantial structural damage to vertical elements; evaluation and outcome (repair vs retrofit).
- § 405.2.3.1 — Evaluation: RDP requirement and scope (establish compliance with CBC load combinations).
- § 405.2.3.2 — Extent of repair for compliant buildings (restore to predamage condition).
- § 405.2.3.3 — Extent of repair for noncompliant buildings (retrofit to comply; seismic load minimums).
- Exceptions to § 405.2.3 — Exemptions for SD A/B/C (if damage not earthquake‑caused) and one‑ and two‑family dwellings.
- Cross‑references: Section 304A procedures (alternate SPC rehabilitation paths) and CBC §1613A (earthquake loads) — see § 405.2.3.3 for how these are applied in repairs/retrofits.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 2.3.2 High relevance — show source text
405 A .2.3.2 Extent of repair for compliant buildings. If the evaluation establishes that the building in its predamage condition complies with the provisions of Section 405.2.3.1, then the damaged elements shall be permitted to be restored to their predamage condition.
405 A .2.3.3 Extent of repair for noncompliant buildings. If the evaluation does not establish that the lateral force-resisting system of the building in its predamage condition complies with the provisions of Section 405.2.3.1, then the lateral forceresisting system, and its foundation, shall be retrofitted to comply with the provisions of this section. The wind loads for the repair and retrofit shall be those required by the building code in effect at the time of original construction, unless the damage was caused by wind, in which case the wind loads shall be in accordance with the California Building Code . The earthquake loads shall not be less than those required by the building code in effect at the time of original construction but not less than 75 percent of those prescribed in California Building Code Section 1613A. Alternatively, where the earthquake damage has not resulted in disproportionate earthquake damage or did not result in collapse, the retrofit shall be permitted to be performed in accordance with Section 304A.3.4.4 for SPC-2 buildings, Section 304A.3.4.5 for SPC-3, SPC-4D and SPC-4 buildings and Section 304A.3.4.6 for SPC-5 buildings. For SPC-5 buildings, the seismic hazard shall be permitted to be reduced to BSE-1E and BSE-2E. Use of Section 304A.3.4.5 to rehabilitate SPC-3, SPC-4D and SPC-4 buildings will result in re-classification of the building to SPC-4D. Noncompliant SPC-4 buildings may be rehabilitated to SPC-5 in accordance with Section 304A.3.4.6 using the reduced seismic hazard. New structural members and connections required by this rehabilitation design shall comply with the detailing provisions of this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.
405 A .2.4 Substantial structural damage to gravity load-carrying components. Gravity load-carrying components that have sustained substantial structural damage shall be retrofitted to comply with the applicable provisions for dead, live and snow loads in the California Building Code . Undamaged gravity load-carrying components, including undamaged foundation components, that receive dead, live or snow loads from retrofitted components shall also be retrofitted if required to comply with these design loads. New structural members and connections required by this rehabilitation design shall comply with the detailing provi- sions of this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.
405 A .2.4.1 Lateral force-resisting elements. Regardless of the level of damage to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system, if substantial structural damage to gravity load-carrying components was caused primarily by wind or seismic effects, then the building shall be evaluated in accordance with Section 405 A .2.3.1 and, if noncompliant, retrofitted in accordance with Section 405 A .2.3.3.
Exceptions:
CEBC § 405.2.1 High relevance — show source text
[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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- One- and two-family dwellings need not be evaluated or retrofitted for load combinations that include earthquake effects.
[BS] 405.2.3.1 Evaluation. The building shall be evaluated by a registered design professional, and the evaluation findings shall be submitted to the code official. The evaluation shall establish whether the lateral force-resisting system of the damaged building, including its foundation, if repaired to its predamage state, would comply with the provisions of the California Build- ing Code for load combinations that include wind effects, and with Section 304.3.2 of this code.
[BS] 405.2.3.2 Extent of repair for compliant buildings. If the evaluation establishes that the building in its predamage condition complies with the provisions of Section 405.2.3.1, then the damaged elements shall be permitted to be restored to their predamage condition.
[BS] 405.2.3.3 Extent of repair for noncompliant buildings. If the evaluation does not establish that the lateral force-resisting system of the building in its predamage condition complies with the provisions of Section 405.2.3.1, then the lateral forceresisting system, and its foundation, shall be retrofitted to comply with the provisions of this section. The wind loads for the repair and retrofit shall be those required by the building code in effect at the time of original construction, unless the damage was caused by wind, in which case the wind loads shall be in accordance with the California Building Code . The seismic retrofit shall comply with Section 304.3.2 of this code, but the earthquake loads shall not be less than those required by the building code in effect at the time of original construction.
CEBC § 405.2.3.1 High relevance — show source text
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- One- and two-family dwellings need not be evaluated or retrofitted for load combinations that include earthquake effects.
[BS] 405.2.3.1 Evaluation. The building shall be evaluated by a registered design professional, and the evaluation findings shall be submitted to the code official. The evaluation shall establish whether the lateral force-resisting system of the damaged building, including its foundation, if repaired to its predamage state, would comply with the provisions of the California Build- ing Code for load combinations that include wind effects, and with Section 304.3.2 of this code.
[BS] 405.2.3.2 Extent of repair for compliant buildings. If the evaluation establishes that the building in its predamage condition complies with the provisions of Section 405.2.3.1, then the damaged elements shall be permitted to be restored to their predamage condition.
[BS] 405.2.3.3 Extent of repair for noncompliant buildings. If the evaluation does not establish that the lateral force-resisting system of the building in its predamage condition complies with the provisions of Section 405.2.3.1, then the lateral forceresisting system, and its foundation, shall be retrofitted to comply with the provisions of this section. The wind loads for the repair and retrofit shall be those required by the building code in effect at the time of original construction, unless the damage was caused by wind, in which case the wind loads shall be in accordance with the California Building Code . The seismic retrofit shall comply with Section 304.3.2 of this code, but the earthquake loads shall not be less than those required by the building code in effect at the time of original construction.
[BS] 405.2.4 Substantial structural damage to gravity load-carrying components. Gravity load-carrying components that have sustained substantial structural damage shall be retrofitted to comply with the applicable provisions for dead, live and snow loads in the California Building Code . Undamaged gravity load-carrying components, including undamaged foundation components, that receive dead, live or snow loads from retrofitted components shall also be retrofitted if required to comply with these design loads.
[BS] 405.2.4.1 Lateral force-resisting elements. Regardless of the level of damage to vertical elements of the lateral forceresisting system, if substantial structural damage to gravity load-carrying components was caused primarily by wind or seismic effects, then the building shall be evaluated in accordance with Section 405.2.3.1 and, if noncompliant, retrofitted in accordance with Section 405.2.3.3.
Exceptions:
- Buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B or C whose substantial structural damage was not caused by earthquake need not be evaluated or retrofitted for load combinations that include earthquake effects.
- One- and two-family dwellings need not be evaluated or retrofitted for load combinations that include earthquake effects.
[BS] 405.2.5 Substantial structural damage to snow load-carrying components. Where substantial structural damage to any snow load-carrying components is caused by or related to snow load effects, any components required to carry snow loads on roof framing of similar construction shall be repaired, replaced or retrofitted to satisfy the requirements of Section 1608 of the California Building Code .
CEBC § 2.2 High relevance — show source text
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.
405 A .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 A .2.3.1, and either repaired in accordance with Section 405 A .2.3.2 or repaired and retrofitted in accordance with Section 405 A .2.3.3, depending on the results of the evaluation.
405 A .2.3.1 Evaluation. The building shall be evaluated by a registered design professional, and the evaluation findings shall be submitted to the building official. The evaluation shall establish whether the lateral force-resisting system of the damaged building, including its foundation, if repaired to its predamage state, would comply with the provisions of the California Build- ing Code for load combinations that include wind and earthquake effects. Earthquake loads for this evaluation, if required, shall
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be permitted to be 75 percent of those prescribed in California Building Code Section 1613A. Alternatively, where the earthquake damage has not resulted in disproportionate earthquake damage or did not result in collapse, the earthquake load evaluation shall be permitted to be performed in accordance with Section 304A.3.4.4 for SPC-2 buildings and Section 304A.3.4.5 for buildings rated SPC-3, SPC-4D and SPC-4. SPC-5 buildings shall be permitted to be evaluated in accordance with Section 304A.3.4.6, except that the seismic hazard shall be permitted to be reduced to BSE-1E and BSE-2E.
405 A .2.3.2 Extent of repair for compliant buildings. If the evaluation establishes that the building in its predamage condition complies with the provisions of Section 405.2.3.1, then the damaged elements shall be permitted to be restored to their predamage condition.
405 A .2.3.3 Extent of repair for noncompliant buildings. If the evaluation does not establish that the lateral force-resisting system of the building in its predamage condition complies with the provisions of Section 405.2.3.1, then the lateral forceresisting system, and its foundation, shall be retrofitted to comply with the provisions of this section. The wind loads for the repair and retrofit shall be those required by the building code in effect at the time of original construction, unless the damage was caused by wind, in which case the wind loads shall be in accordance with the California Building Code . The earthquake loads shall not be less than those required by the building code in effect at the time of original construction but not less than 75 _percent of those prescribed in California Building Code Section 1613A.
CEBC § 105.2 High relevance — show source text
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.
405 A .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 A .2.3.1, and either repaired in accordance with Section 405 A .2.3.2 or repaired and retrofitted in accordance with Section 405 A .2.3.3, depending on the results of the evaluation.
405 A .2.3.1 Evaluation. The building shall be evaluated by a registered design professional, and the evaluation findings shall be submitted to the building official. The evaluation shall establish whether the lateral force-resisting system of the damaged building, including its foundation, if repaired to its predamage state, would comply with the provisions of the California Build- ing Code for load combinations that include wind and earthquake effects. Earthquake loads for this evaluation, if required, shall
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CEBC § 1006.3 Medium relevance — show source text
1006.3
Repairs 405 Seismic loads Appendix a, 202, 304.3, 405.2.3, 405.2.4.1, 502.2, 502.4, 503.10, 503.11, 503.13, 503.4, 503.5, 503.6, 503.7, 503.8, 503.9, 506.5.3, 506.5.4, 706.3.1, 805.3, 906.2, 906.3, 906.4, 906.5, 906.6, 906.7, 1006.3, 1006.4, 1103.2, 1402.4
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INDEX
Snow loads 304.2, 405.2.1.1, 405.2.4, 405.2.5, 502.3, 503.3, 506.5.2, 706.2, 805.2, 1006.2, 1103.1, 1402.5 Wind loads Appendix c, 303.1, 303.2, 405.2.3, 405.2.4.1, 503.12, 506.5.2, 706.3.2, 1006.2, 1402.3, 1504.1.7 Substantial Damage 202, 507.3, 1103.3 Substantial Improvement 104.3.1, 104.2.4.1, 109.3.3, 202, 401.3, 502.2, 503.2, 507.3, 701.3, 1103.3, 1201.4, 1303.1.3 Substantial Structural Alteration 202, 503.11, 906.2 Substantial Structural Damage 202, 405.2.1, 405.2.2, 405.2.3, 405.2.4, 405.2.4.1, 405.2.5, 502.2, 507.4
Technical Assistance 104.2.2 Technically Infeasible 202 Temporary Emergency Uses Appendix E Temporary Structure 107 Testing 104.2.3.5, 111.2, 305, 1305.2.10.1, 1507.1, A104.1, A105.3, A105.4, A106.2.1, A106.2.3, A107.2, A107.3, A107.4, A107.5, A108.2, A108.5, A113.1.3, A114.1, A205.3.2, A205.4, A206.2, A304.2.2, A403.9.2.1, A405.3,
A407.3
Unsafe 104.4, 105.2, 114.1, 114.4, 115, 116.1, 116.2, 116.3, 116.5, 117.1, 202, 302.3, 302.4, 1007.2, 1303.1.1 Utilities 111
CEBC § 2.5 Medium relevance — show source text
405 A .2.5 Substantial structural damage to snow load-carrying components. Where substantial structural damage to any snow load-carrying components is caused by or related to snow load effects, any components required to carry snow loads on roof framing of similar construction shall be repaired, replaced or retrofitted to satisfy the requirements of Section 1608 of the California Building Code .
405 A .2.6 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, buildings that have sustained substantial damage shall be brought into compliance with Section 1612 A of the California Building Code .
SECTION 406 A —ELECTRICAL
406 A .1 General. Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair shall be in accordance with Title 24 Part 3 California Electri- cal Code (CEC).
406 A .1.1 Reconditioned electrical equipment. Reconditioned electrical equipment shall comply with the California Electrical Code . Electrical equipment prohibited from being reconditioned by the applicable sections of the California Electrical Code shall not be reconditioned unless permitted by NFPA 99.
406 A .1.2 Health care facilities. Portions of electrical systems being repaired in Group I-2, ambulatory care facilities and outpatient clinics shall comply with NFPA 99 requirements for repairs.
SECTION 407 A —MECHANICAL
407 A .1 General. Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall not make the building less complying than it was before the damaged occurred.
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SECTION 408 A —PLUMBING
408 A .1 Materials. Plumbing materials and supplies shall not be used for repairs that are prohibited in the Title 24 Part 5 California Plumbing Code (CPC).
408 A .2 Water closet replacement. The maximum water consumption flow rates and quantities for all replaced water closets shall be 1.28 gallons ( 4.8 L) per flushing cycle.
408 A .3 Health care facilities. Portions of medical gas systems being repaired in Group I-2, ambulatory care facilities and outpatient clinics shall comply with NFPA 99 requirements for repairs.
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 5 – PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CEBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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
302A.3.1 Existing seismic force-resisting systems. Where the existing seismic force-resisting system is a type that can be designated ordinary or is a welded steel moment frame constructed under a permit issued prior to October 25, 1994, values of R, W0 and Cd for the existing seismic force-resisting system shall be those specified by the California Building Code for an ordinary system unless it is demonstrated that the existing system will provide performance equivalent to that of a detailed, intermediate or special system.
302 A .4 New and replacement materials. Except as otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials and equipment permitted by the applicable code for new construction shall be used. Like materials shall be permitted for repairs and alterations, provided no hazard to life, health or property is c reated. Hazardous materials shall not be used where the code for new construction would not permit their use in buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location.
302 A .4.1 New structural members and connections. New structural members and connections shall comply with the detailing provisions of the California Building Code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.
Exception: Where alternative design criteria are specifically permitted.
302 A .5 Occupancy and use. Where determining the appropriate application of the referenced sections of this code, the occupancy and use of a building shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of the California Building Code .
CEBC § 1506.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1506.1 Standpipe Systems 105.2.2, 1305.2.18, 1305.2.18.1, Table 1305.2.18, Table 1306.1, 1503.2, 1506 Storm Shelter 303
Structural 304.1, 405, 502.3, 502.4, 503.3, 503.4, 503.5, 503.6, 503.7, 503.8, 503.9, 503.10, 503.11, 503.12, 503.13, 506.5, 507.4, 706, 805, 906, 1006, 1103, 1304.1.1, 1402 Structural Loads/Forces Gravity loads A403.10.1, A403.10.2, A403.5, 202, 304.1, 405.2.4, 405.2.4.1, 502.3, 503.3, 706.2, 805.2, 1007.1,
1103.1 International Building Code -level 506.5.3, 506.5.4, 1006.3, 1103.2,
1402.4
Live loads 804.4.1.2.2, A106.2.3.6, A403.7, A104.1, A108.3, A108.6, 202, 304.1, 405.2.4, 502.3, 503.3, 504.3, 506.5.1, 507.4, 706.2, 805.2, 1006.1, 1103.1, 1504.1.1, 1504.1.5 Reduced 304.3.2, Table 304.3.2, 405.2.3.1, 405.2.3.3, 503.10, 503.11, 503.4, 503.5, 503.6, 503.7, 503.8, 503.9, 506.5.3, 706.3.1, 805.3, 906.2, 906.3, 906.4, 906.5, 906.6, 906.7,
1006.3
Repairs 405 Seismic loads Appendix a, 202, 304.3, 405.2.3, 405.2.4.1, 502.2, 502.4, 503.10, 503.11, 503.13, 503.4, 503.5, 503.6, 503.7, 503.8, 503.9, 506.5.3, 506.5.4, 706.3.1, 805.3, 906.2, 906.3, 906.4, 906.5, 906.6, 906.7, 1006.3, 1006.4, 1103.2, 1402.4
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INDEX
CEBC § 3A-9 Medium relevance — show source text
305A In-Situ Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-9
306A Accessibility for Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-9
307A Smoke Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-9
308A Carbon Monoxide Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-9
309A Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-10
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CONTENTS
310A Compliance Alternatives for Services/Systems and Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A-10
311A Compliance Alternatives for Means of Egress. . . . . 3A-11
312A Removal of Hospital SPC and Freestanding Buildings from General Acute Care Service. . . 3A-12
313A Earthquake Monitoring Instruments for Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A-14
CHAPTER 4 REPAIRS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
402 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
403 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
404 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
405 Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
406 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
407 Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
408 Plumbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
CBC § A207 Medium relevance — show source text
The capacity of the collector need not exceed the capacity of the diaphragm to deliver loads to the collector. A connection shall be provided from the collector to the reentrant wall to transfer the full collector internal force. If a truss or beam other than a rafter or purlin is supported by the reentrant wall or by a column integral with the reentrant wall, then an independent secondary column is required to support the roof or floor members whenever rocking or shear capacity of the reentrant wall is less than the tributary shear.
[BS] A206.8 Mezzanines. Existing mezzanines relying on reinforced concrete or reinforced masonry walls for vertical or lateral support shall be anchored to the walls for the tributary mezzanine load. Walls depending on the mezzanine for lateral support shall be anchored per Sections A206.1, A206.2 and A206.3.
Exception: Existing mezzanines that have independent lateral and vertical support need not be anchored to the walls.
SECTION A207—MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
[BS] A207.1 Materials. Materials permitted by the building code, including their appropriate strength or allowable stresses, shall be used to meet the requirements of this chapter.
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APPENDIX A-24 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX A
CHAPTER A3 – PRESCRIPTIVE PROVISIONS FOR SEISMIC STRENGTHENING
OF CRIPPLE WALLS AND SILL PLATE ANCHORAGE OF LIGHT, WOOD-FRAME RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CEBC § 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 4A-1
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4A-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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4 A REPAIRS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers [applications listed in Section 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1)].
SECTION 401 A —GENERAL
401 A .1 Scope. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1 [OSHPD 1] regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).
401 A .1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Repairs to existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
401 A .2 Compliance. The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair was undertaken. Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to requirements for alterations.
401 A .3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, repairs that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 A of the California Building Code .
SECTION 402 A —BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
402 A .1 Glass replacement. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations in accordance with the California Building Code.
SECTION 403 A —FIRE PROTECTION
403 A .1 General. Fire protection shall comply with the California Building Standards Code.
SECTION 404 A —MEANS OF EGRESS
404 A .1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of egress.
SECTION 405 A —STRUCTURAL
405 A .1 General. Structural damage shall be repaired in compliance with this section and Section 401 A .2.
Exception: Routine maintenance required by Chapter 3A, ordinary repairs exempt from permit in accordance with California Building Code Section 105.2, and abatement of wear due to normal service conditions shall not be subject to the requirements for repairs in this section.
Frequently asked questions
When exactly does disproportionate damage force an evaluation?
When a building assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F sustains disproportionate earthquake damage, the CEBC requires the building be treated as having substantial structural damage to vertical elements and be evaluated under § 405.2.3.1.
Who must perform the evaluation?
A registered design professional must perform the evaluation and submit findings to the code official, per § 405.2.3.1.
If the evaluation shows predamage compliance, do I still have to retrofit?
No. If the evaluation establishes the predamage lateral system would comply with the required load combinations, the damaged elements may be restored to their predamage condition (repair only) under § 405.2.3.2.
What if the evaluation shows the predamage system did not comply?
Then the lateral force‑resisting system and foundation must be retrofitted to comply with the CEBC; the retrofit must use earthquake loads not less than those required at original construction and not less than 75% of CBC §1613A where applicable (§ 405.2.3.3).
Are one‑ and two‑family homes covered by this requirement?
No. One‑ and two‑family dwellings need not be evaluated or retrofitted for earthquake effects under these CEBC repair provisions (Exception to § 405.2.3).
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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