CEBC · California Existing Building Code
What are the general requirements for structural repairs?
If a building’s structure is damaged you must repair it under **§ 405.1** so the building is no less compliant than before (see **§ 401.2**). Small, local damage may be restored to predamage condition; structural concrete repairs may follow **ACI 562 §1.7** unless the damage is substantial or earthquake‑related, in which case the CEBC requires evaluation and possible retrofit under **§ 405.2.x**.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The basic rule is that structural damage must be repaired in accordance with Chapter 4, specifically § 405.1, and the repair work must not make the building less complying than it was before (see § 401.2) — repairs shall restore required safety and performance. For structural concrete, repairs may use ACI 562 Section 1.7 unless one of the damage‑triggering subsections requires use of § 304.3 instead (§ 405.1.1) .
The single most important rule: repair structural damage so the building is no less compliant after repair than before; follow § 405.1 (and § 401.2) for scope and § 405.1.1 for concrete repairs.
Requirements in detail
Scope and overarching duty
- § 405.1 (General): Structural damage shall be repaired in compliance with this section and § 401.2 (which requires that the work not make the building less complying than before). Routine maintenance and ordinary repairs exempt from permit are not subject to the repair requirements of § 405.1 (see the Exception in § 405.1) .
- First practical consequence: when a repair affects non‑damaged components as part of the repair, those components are treated as part of the repair (subject to the repair rules, not the rules for alterations) — see § 401.2 .
Structural concrete repairs
- § 405.1.1 (Structural concrete): Repair of structural concrete is permitted to comply with ACI 562 Section 1.7, except where § 405.2.2, § 405.2.3, or § 405.2.4.1 require compliance with § 304.3 (i.e., in certain earthquake or substantial‑damage situations) .
Damage levels and how they affect what you must do
- For damage that is less than substantial, the damaged elements may be restored to their predamage condition; however, new structural members and connections used for the repair must be detailed as required for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location (see § 405.2.1) .
- For substantial structural damage (and some disproportionate earthquake damage cases), additional evaluation and possible retrofit are required (see § 405.2.2, § 405.2.3 and § 405.2.4.1) — those trigger evaluations by a registered design professional and may require compliance with more stringent design procedures such as § 304.3 .
Who must evaluate / sign the work
- Where the code requires an evaluation (e.g., substantial damage to vertical elements of the lateral force‑resisting system), a registered design professional must perform the evaluation and submit the findings to the building official — see § 405.2.3.1 (evaluation requirement) .
Quick decision table (decision‑relevant dimensions)
| Decision dimension | Key threshold / value | What that means in practice | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does the damage affect structural performance? | Yes → proceed under § 405 | Structural damage must be repaired in compliance with § 405.1 | § 405.1 |
| Is the damage “less than substantial”? | If yes → restore to predamage condition; new members detailed as new | Permitted to restore to predamage condition; new members must meet CBC detailing | § 405.2.1 |
| Is structural concrete being repaired? | Concrete repair may follow ACI 562 §1.7 | ACI 562 allowed except when §§ 405.2.2, .2.3 or .2.4.1 require § 304.3 | § 405.1.1 |
| Is there disproportionate earthquake damage or substantial damage to lateral elements? | Buildings in SD C D/E/F with those damages | Requires evaluation and possibly retrofit per § 405.2.3 | § 405.2.2 – § 405.2.3 |
| Does repair create changes to undamaged members carrying new loads? | If undamaged members receive added dead/live/snow loads from retrofit | Undamaged members may need retrofit to comply with CBC dead/live/snow loads (see § 405.2.4) | § 405.2.4 |
(Every table entry above is grounded in the CEBC: see § 405.1, § 405.1.1, § 405.2.1, § 405.2.3 and § 405.2.4)
Exceptions & special cases
- Routine maintenance and ordinary repairs exempt from permit are not subject to the repair requirements of § 405.1 (see the Exception in § 405.1) — verify whether work qualifies as an exempt ordinary repair before applying repair triggers .
- Where earthquake or wind caused damage is disproportionate or substantial, the code can require evaluation and retrofit rather than simple restoration; those situations are handled under § 405.2.2, § 405.2.3 and § 405.2.4.1 (and may require use of § 304.3 instead of ACI 562) .
- Flood hazard areas: buildings sustaining substantial damage in flood hazard areas must be brought into compliance with CBC Section 1612 (see § 405.2.6) — special flood rules apply in those circumstances .
Common mistakes
- Assuming ACI 562 can always be used for concrete repairs — ACI 562 §1.7 is allowed by § 405.1.1, but not when § 405.2.2, § 405.2.3, or § 405.2.4.1 call for § 304.3 procedures; check which subsection applies before selecting the repair standard .
- Failing to confirm that repair work does not leave the building “less complying” than before — that requirement comes from § 401.2 and must be considered for every repair project .
- Trying to treat substantial structural damage as a simple repair — substantial damage often triggers a required evaluation by a registered design professional and may require retrofit to meet current code criteria (see § 405.2.3.1 and § 405.2.3.3) .
- Overlooking that undamaged components which must carry new loads from a retrofit may themselves require upgrade per § 405.2.4 (gravity load components) .
Worked example — concrete column patching (numbers)
Scenario: A 3‑story commercial building has a single interior reinforced concrete column with a local spall exposing reinforcement over an area of about 6 in² (local, cosmetic/limited section loss). The rest of the column is structurally sound; no lateral system damage occurred.
How the CEBC applies:
- Determine damage level: this is less than substantial structural damage, because it is a local spall not affecting the lateral force‑resisting system. Under § 405.2.1, the damaged element may be restored to its predamage condition and new materials may be used if detailed as for new construction .
- For the concrete repair method: § 405.1.1 permits using ACI 562 Section 1.7 for structural concrete repair. Therefore, patching and reinforcement repair in accordance with ACI 562 §1.7 is an acceptable approach here, provided the repair does not mask a larger deficiency and the repaired column meets detailing requirements for new members where new connections/members are added .
- If the repair required adding a new jack‑column or new foundation element, those new members and connections must be detailed per the California Building Code requirements for new construction (see § 405.2.1 and § 302.4 / § 304 references) — and the work must not make the building less complying than before (see § 401.2) .
Takeaway: For a local concrete spall, restore to predamage condition using ACI 562 §1.7 methods (per § 405.1.1 and § 405.2.1) unless further evaluation finds the damage is more extensive and triggers § 405.2.3 evaluation/retrofit requirements .
Related provisions
- § 401.2 — Compliance (work shall not make the building less complying than before)
- § 405.2.1 — Repairs for less than substantial structural damage (restore to predamage condition)
- § 405.2.2 — Disproportionate earthquake damage (triggers for more stringent treatment)
- § 405.2.3 — Substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force‑resisting system (evaluation and retrofit requirements)
- § 405.2.4 / § 405.2.4.1 — Substantial damage to gravity load‑carrying components and related lateral element rules
- § 304.3 — (Referenced where ACI 562 is not permitted; use per §§ 405.1.1 and 405.2.x)
- CBC Section 1612 / CEBC § 405.2.6 — Flood hazard area requirements for substantially damaged buildings
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 105.2 High relevance — show source text
401 A .2 Compliance. The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair was undertaken. Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to requirements for alterations.
401 A .3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, repairs that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 A of the California Building Code .
SECTION 402 A —BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
402 A .1 Glass replacement. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations in accordance with the California Building Code.
SECTION 403 A —FIRE PROTECTION
403 A .1 General. Fire protection shall comply with the California Building Standards Code.
SECTION 404 A —MEANS OF EGRESS
404 A .1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of egress.
SECTION 405 A —STRUCTURAL
405 A .1 General. Structural damage shall be repaired in compliance with this section and Section 401 A .2.
Exception: Routine maintenance required by Chapter 3A, ordinary repairs exempt from permit in accordance with California Building Code Section 105.2, and abatement of wear due to normal service conditions shall not be subject to the requirements for repairs in this section.
405 A .1.1 Structural concrete. Repair of structural concrete shall be permitted to comply with ACI 562 Section 1.7, except where Section 405.2.2, 405.2.3 or 405.2.4.1 requires compliance with Section 304.3.
405 A .2 Repairs to damaged buildings. Repairs to damaged buildings shall comply with this section.
405 A .2.1 Repairs for less than substantial structural damage. Unless otherwise required by this section, for damage less than substantial structural damage, the damaged elements shall be permitted to be restored to their predamage condition. New struc- tural members and connections used for this repair shall comply with the detailing provisions of this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.
405 A .2.1.1 Snow damage. Structural components whose damage was caused by or related to snow load effects shall be repaired, replaced or altered to satisfy the requirements of Section 1608 of the California Building Code .
405 A .2.2 Disproportionate earthquake damage. A building assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F that has sustained disproportionate earthquake damage shall be subject to the requirements for buildings with substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system.
CEBC § 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
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 4A-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
�
REPAIRS
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 § 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.
3-16 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
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 § 319.8. High relevance — show source text
unless it can be demonstrated that_ reduced capacity meets the requirements of Section 319.8. 2. The lateral loading to or strength requirement of existing structural components is not increased beyond their capacity. 3. New structural components are detailed and connected to the existing structural components as required by the California Building Code. 4. New or relocated nonstructural components are detailed and connected to existing or new structural components as required by the California Building Code. 5. A dangerous condition is not created.
Use of ASCE 41 Tier 1 and Tier 2 deficiency only retrofit procedures are pre-approved for use where Section 317.3 does not require an
assessment.
319.12.1 State-owned buildings. [BSC] Voluntary modifications to lateral force-resisting systems conducted in accordance with Appendix A of this code and the referenced standards of the California Building Code shall be permitted.
319.12.1.1 Design documents. [BSC] When Section 319.12 is the basis for structural modifications, the approved design documents must clearly state the scope of the seismic modifications and the accepted criteria for the design. The approved design documents must clearly have the phrase “The seismic requirements of the California Existing Building Code have not been checked to determine if these structural modifications meet the full seismic evaluation and strengthening requirements of Sections 317-322: the modifications proposed are to a different seismic performance standard than would be required in Section 319 if they were not voluntary as allowed in Section 319.12.”
3-20 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
319.12.2 Public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] When Section 319.12 is the basis for structural modifications, the approved design documents must clearly indicate the scope of modifications and the acceptance criteria for the design.
SECTION 320 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—METHOD A
320.1 General. The retrofit design shall employ the Linear Static or Linear Dynamic Procedures of ASCE 41, Section 7.4.1 or 7.4.2, and comply with the applicable general requirements of ASCE 41, Chapters 6 and 7. The earthquake hazard level and performance level given specified in Section 317.5 for the building’s risk category shall be used. Structures shall be designed for seismic forces coming from any horizontal direction.
SECTION 321 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—METHOD B
321.1 The existing or retrofitted structure shall be demonstrated to have the capability to sustain the deformation response due to the specified earthquake ground motions and meet the seismic performance requirements of Section 317. The registered design professional shall provide an evaluation of the response of the existing structure in its modified configuration and condition to the ground motions specified. If the building’s seismic performance is evaluated as satisfactory and the peer reviewer(s) and the enforcement agency concurs, then no further structural retrofit and/or repair of the lateral load-resisting system is required.
CEBC § 401.1 High relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 304A.3.4.5 High relevance — show source text
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:
- 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.
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
CEBC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 4A-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
4A-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
4 A REPAIRS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers [applications listed in Section 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1)].
SECTION 401 A —GENERAL
401 A .1 Scope. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1 [OSHPD 1] regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).
401 A .1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Repairs to existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
401 A .2 Compliance. The work shall not make the building less complying than it was before the repair was undertaken. Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to requirements for alterations.
401 A .3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, repairs that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 A of the California Building Code .
SECTION 402 A —BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
402 A .1 Glass replacement. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations in accordance with the California Building Code.
SECTION 403 A —FIRE PROTECTION
403 A .1 General. Fire protection shall comply with the California Building Standards Code.
SECTION 404 A —MEANS OF EGRESS
404 A .1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of egress.
SECTION 405 A —STRUCTURAL
405 A .1 General. Structural damage shall be repaired in compliance with this section and Section 401 A .2.
Exception: Routine maintenance required by Chapter 3A, ordinary repairs exempt from permit in accordance with California Building Code Section 105.2, and abatement of wear due to normal service conditions shall not be subject to the requirements for repairs in this section.
CEBC § 401.3 High relevance — show source text
[BS] 401.3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, repairs that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 402—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
402.1 Glazing in hazardous locations. Replacement glazing in hazardous locations shall comply with the safety glazing requirements of the California Building Code or California Residential Code as applicable.
Exception: Glass block walls, louvered windows and jalousies repaired with like materials.
402.2 Existing materials. [HCD] Existing materials shall comply with Section 302.3.
402.3 New and replacement materials. [HCD & HCD 2] New and replacement materials used for repairs shall comply with Section 302.4.
SECTION 403—FIRE PROTECTION
403.1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of fire protection provided.
SECTION 404—MEANS OF EGRESS
404.1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of egress.
SECTION 405—STRUCTURAL
[BS] 405.1 General. Structural damage shall be repaired in compliance with this section and Section 401.2.
405.1.1 Structural concrete. Repair of structural concrete shall be permitted to comply with ACI 562 Section 1.7, except where Section 405.2.2, 405.2.3 or 405.2.4.1 requires compliance with Section 304.3.
[BS] 405.2 Repairs to damaged buildings. Repairs to damaged buildings shall comply with this section.
[BS] 405.2.1 Repairs for less than substantial structural damage. Unless otherwise required by this section, for damage less than substantial structural damage, the damaged elements shall be permitted to be restored to their predamage condition.
[BS] 405.2.1.1 Snow damage. Structural components whose damage was caused by or related to snow load effects shall be repaired, replaced or altered to satisfy the requirements of Section 1608 of the California Building Code .
[BS] 405.2.2 Disproportionate earthquake damage. A building assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F that has sustained disproportionate earthquake damage shall be subject to the requirements for buildings with substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system.
[BS] 405.2.3 Substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system. A building that has sustained substantial structural damage to the vertical elements of its lateral force-resisting system shall be evaluated in accordance with Section 405.2.3.1, and either repaired in accordance with Section 405.2.3.2 or repaired and retrofitted in accordance with Section 405.2.3.3, depending on the results of the evaluation.
Exceptions:
- Buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B or C whose substantial structural damage was not caused by earthquake need not be evaluated or retrofitted for load combinations that include earthquake effects.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 4-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
�
�
�
REPAIRS
CEBC § 1.5. High relevance — show source text
Exception: Components required for life-safety purposes after an earthquake, including emergency and standby power systems, mechanical smoke removal systems, fire protection sprinkler systems, fire alarm control panels and egress stairways shall have a component importance factor (I p ) of 1.5.
304A.3.1.2 Major structural alteration, additions or repairs. Major structural alterations, additions or repairs shall be in accor- dance with Section 304A.3.4.1 or 304A.3.4.3 as applicable.
304A.3.2 Seismic evaluation and retrofit of general acute care hospitals for compliance with the California Administrative Code, Chapter 6. Notwithstanding any other requirements of this code, existing general acute care hospitals shall comply with the seismic evaluation requirements specified in Chapter 6, of the California Administrative Code, when applicable. Seismic retrofit to comply with requirements specified in Chapter 6 of the California Administrative Code shall be permitted to be in accordance with these provisions. When load combinations which do not include seismic forces are required, the new building provisions of this code shall be applicable.
3A-4 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
304A.3.3 SPC-4D. Nonconforming hospital buildings satisfying the following requirements and one of Sections 501A.3.1, 501A.3.2 or 304A.3.4.5, but not a combination thereof, shall be considered to satisfy the requirements of SPC-4D. 1. Approval of construction documents based on building characterization in accordance with the California Administrative Code (CAC) Chapter 6 Section 2.1.2.1, material properties in accordance with the CAC Chapter 6 Section 2.1.2.2 and Section 304A.5.3 of this code, and a complete rational structural analysis shall be required. 2. Where the SPC-4D upgrade involves construction, a building permit prior to construction shall be required. 3. Where multiple building permits are used to upgrade a building to SPC-4D, a complete rational structural analysis to justify compliance with SPC-4D, for the building in its final configuration, shall be submitted as part of the construction documents submittal to the Office for the last project. 4. Where the SPC-4D upgrade involves construction, buildings shall be assigned to SPC-4D after all projects required for SPC- 4D are closed in compliance.
304A.3.4 Performance objectives of performance-based methods. Except for the modifications as set forth in Sections 304A.3.4, 304A.3.5 (for ASCE 41-13), and 304A.3.6 (for ASCE 41-23) of this code, all additions, alterations, repairs and seismic retrofit to existing structures or portions thereof shall be permitted to be designed in accordance with the provisions of ASCE 41-23.
Use of ASCE 41-13 shall be limited to SPC-2 and SPC-4D buildings only.
CEBC § 7.12 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 303 A — RESERVED
SECTION 304 A —STRUCTURAL DESIGN LOADS AND EVALUATION AND DESIGN PROCEDURES
304 A .1 Live loads. Where an addition or alteration does not result in increased design live load, existing gravity load-carrying structural elements shall be permitted to be evaluated and designed for live loads approved prior to the addition or alteration. If the approved live load is less than that required by Section 1607 A of the California Building Code, the area designated for the nonconforming live load shall be posted with placards of approved design indicating the approved live load. Where the addition or alteration results in increased design live load, the live load required by Section 1607 A of the California Building Code shall be used.
304 A .2 Snow loads on adjacent buildings. Where an alteration or addition changes the potential snow drift effects on an adjacent building, the code official is authorized to enforce Section 7.12 of ASCE 7.
304 A .3 Additions, alterations, repairs and seismic retrofit to existing buildings or structures.
304 A .3.1 Structures designed in accordance with pre-1973 building code. Provisions of this section shall apply to hospital build- ings which were originally designed to pre-1973 building codes and not designated as SPC 3 or higher in accordance with Chapter 6 of the California Administrative Code.
304A.3.1.1 Incidental and minor structural alteration, additions, or repairs. Incidental and minor structural additions shall be permitted, provided the additions meet the California Building Code for new construction using importance factor, I e , equal to or greater than 1.0. Alterations or repair to existing gravity and lateral force-resisting systems shall be made to conform to the requirements of Section 503A or Chapter 4A, respectively, using importance factor, I e , equal to or greater than 1.0. 1. Nonstructural components. Component importance factor, I p , shall be permitted to be 1.0.
Exception: Components required for life-safety purposes after an earthquake, including emergency and standby power systems, mechanical smoke removal systems, fire protection sprinkler systems, fire alarm control panels and egress stairways shall have a component importance factor (I p ) of 1.5.
304A.3.1.2 Major structural alteration, additions or repairs. Major structural alterations, additions or repairs shall be in accor- dance with Section 304A.3.4.1 or 304A.3.4.3 as applicable.
304A.3.2 Seismic evaluation and retrofit of general acute care hospitals for compliance with the California Administrative Code, Chapter 6. Notwithstanding any other requirements of this code, existing general acute care hospitals shall comply with the seismic evaluation requirements specified in Chapter 6, of the California Administrative Code, when applicable. Seismic retrofit to comply with requirements specified in Chapter 6 of the California Administrative Code shall be permitted to be in accordance with these provisions. When load combinations which do not include seismic forces are required, the new building provisions of this code shall be applicable.
CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text
**_ The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Functional service spaces shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227 and 1228.
301.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.
301.2 Repairs. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4.
301.3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The alteration, addition or change of occupancy of all existing buildings shall comply with one of the methods listed in Section 301.3.1, 301.3.2 or 301.3.3 as selected by the applicant. Sections 301.3.1 through 301.3.3 shall not be applied in combination with each other. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Sections 301.3.2 and 301.3.3, not adopted by OSHPD.
Exception: Subject to the approval of the code official, alterations complying with the laws in existence at the time the building or the affected portion of the building was built shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code. New structural
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 3-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
members added as part of the alteration shall comply with the California Building Code . This exception shall not apply to the following:
Alterations for accessibility required by the California Building Code, Chapter 11A.
Alterations that constitute substantial improvement in flood hazard areas, which shall comply with Sections 503.2, 701.3 or 1303.1.3.
Structural provisions of Section 304, Chapter 5 or to the structural provisions of Sections 706, 805 and 906.
301.3.1 Prescriptive compliance. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 5 of this code in buildings complying with the California Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Exception: Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Refer to Chapter 3A for services, systems and utilities that serve OSHPD 1 buildings.
CEBC § 2.1 High 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 3A-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 .
Frequently asked questions
Who decides whether damage is “substantial” or “less than substantial”?
A registered design professional typically evaluates damage where there is uncertainty; the CEBC sets different treatments for “less than substantial” (restore to predamage condition) versus substantial which requires evaluation/possible retrofit (see § 405.2.1 and § 405.2.3.1) .
Can I always use ACI 562 for concrete repairs?
Not always. § 405.1.1 permits use of ACI 562 Section 1.7 for structural concrete repairs, except where § 405.2.2, § 405.2.3, or § 405.2.4.1 require compliance with § 304.3 instead .
If I repair one damaged member, do I have to upgrade other parts of the building?
If undamaged members will receive additional loads from a retrofit (dead, live, snow), those undamaged members may also need retrofit to meet CBC load provisions per § 405.2.4; likewise, the work must not leave the building less complying than before (§ 401.2) .
Are small, ordinary repairs subject to these rules?
Routine maintenance and ordinary repairs exempt from permit are excluded from the repair requirements of § 405.1 (see the Exception in § 405.1). Confirm whether the work is an exempt ordinary repair before assuming the exemption applies .
Who must submit evaluation findings to the building official when substantial damage occurs?
A registered design professional performs the evaluation and the evaluation findings must be submitted to the building official per § 405.2.3.1 .
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)
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