CEBC · California Existing Building Code
When can repairs be performed without full seismic retrofit (reduced criteria / exceptions)?
If your hospital building was built before 1973 and isn’t classified SPC‑3 or higher, small or incidental repairs may be done without a full seismic retrofit provided the repairs are designed to new‑construction seismic rules using an importance factor Ie ≥ 1.0 and you follow the CEBC repair chapters; life‑safety systems require higher importance (Ip = 1.5) and major structural work still requires full retrofit procedures (see §§ 304A.3.1 and 304A.3.2).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
For certain hospital buildings originally designed to pre‑1973 codes, incidental or minor structural alterations, additions, or repairs may be performed without triggering a full seismic retrofit so long as the work complies with the California Building Code for new construction using an importance factor (Ie) ≥ 1.0 and the repairs follow the limited repair/alteration rules in the Existing Building Code. This allowance and its limits are stated in § 304A.3.1 (incidental/minor vs. major work) and the hospital-specific direction to follow the California Administrative Code for general acute care hospitals in § 304A.3.2.
The single most important rule: For pre‑1973 hospital buildings that are not SPC‑3 or higher, small/incidental repairs are permitted without a full seismic retrofit if they meet new‑construction design rules using Ie ≥ 1.0 and follow the referenced CEBC repair/alteration sections (see § 304A.3.1).
Requirements in detail
Which buildings are covered (scope)
- Covered: hospital buildings originally designed to pre‑1973 codes and not designated SPC‑3 or higher under CAC Chapter 6 — see § 304A.3.1.
- Not covered / special: general acute care hospitals have an overriding requirement to follow the seismic evaluation provisions in CAC Chapter 6; retrofit/evaluation under CAC Chapter 6 is allowed to be carried out under the CEBC provisions but must be followed where applicable — see § 304A.3.2.
When repairs may be limited (incidental / minor vs major)
- Incidental and minor structural additions/repairs are permitted provided:
- The work meets the California Building Code for new construction using Ie ≥ 1.0.
- Alterations or repairs to existing gravity and lateral systems conform to Section 503A or Chapter 4A, respectively, using Ie ≥ 1.0.
- Component importance factor (Ip) for most nonstructural components may be 1.0; life‑safety components (e.g., emergency power, egress stairways, fire protection systems) must use Ip = 1.5. See § 304A.3.1.1.
- Major structural alterations, additions or repairs are not eligible for the incidental/minor allowance and must comply with the more extensive retrofit/design provisions (see § 304A.3.1.2 directing to § 304A.3.4.x).
Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick reference)
| Decision dimension | Key value / test | What it means for repairs | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building era / type | Pre‑1973 hospital and not SPC‑3+ | Eligible for the incidental/minor pathway | § 304A.3.1 |
| Work scope | Incidental / Minor vs Major | Minor/incidental allowed under limited rules; major → full retrofit path | § 304A.3.1.1, § 304A.3.1.2 |
| Importance factor (structural design for new‑construction rules) | Ie ≥ 1.0 | Use CBC new‑construction seismic design with Ie ≥ 1.0 for allowed repairs | § 304A.3.1.1 |
| Component importance (nonstructural) | Ip = 1.0 (normal) ; Ip = 1.5 (life‑safety components) | Life‑safety systems get higher design importance | § 304A.3.1.1 (Exception) |
| Hospital special rule | General acute care hospitals follow CAC Chapter 6 evaluation | CAC Chapter 6 seismic evaluation/retrofit requirements apply; CEBC may be used to comply where permitted | § 304A.3.2 |
| Alternate required sections for design | Repairs to gravity systems → Section 503A; lateral systems → Chapter 4A | Directs which CEBC chapters to use for repair design | § 304A.3.1.1 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Life‑safety equipment exception: systems required for post‑earthquake life‑safety (emergency/standby power, fire‑sprinklers, alarms, egress stairways, etc.) are assigned Ip = 1.5 rather than Ip = 1.0 for component design, even for incidental/minor work per § 304A.3.1.1.
- General acute care hospitals: If the building is a general acute care hospital, the seismic evaluation and retrofit rules in CAC Chapter 6 take precedence; CEBC § 304A.3.2 permits using CEBC provisions to achieve compliance but does not remove the CAC requirement. In short, follow CAC Chapter 6 when it applies. § 304A.3.2.
- Major work: Any work classified as major structural alteration, addition or repair must use the full retrofit pathways (see cross reference to § 304A.3.4.1 / § 304A.3.4.3 in § 304A.3.1.2) and cannot rely on the reduced incidental/minor criteria.
If a building or project falls outside the narrow pre‑1973 non‑SPC‑3 scope, or the work changes seismic risk categories or substantially increases seismic demand on existing members, you cannot use the incidental/minor exception (these topics are covered elsewhere in CEBC/Section 317 and related sections — see Related Provisions below).
Common mistakes
- Treating “incidental” or “minor” as purely a dollar threshold. § 304A.3.1 focuses on the character of the work and the required design standard (Ie ≥ 1.0) rather than a single cost percent in this section — don’t assume dollar limits unless another CEBC section (e.g., § 317 for state buildings) applies.
- Forgetting life‑safety component importance: designing emergency systems with Ip = 1.0 when the exception requires Ip = 1.5. Check § 304A.3.1.1 (Exception).
- Applying the incidental/minor allowance to major structural repairs (these must follow the full retrofit references in § 304A.3.1.2 and § 304A.3.4.x).
- Overlooking hospital‑specific rules: general acute care hospitals must follow CAC Chapter 6 seismic evaluation rules — CEBC § 304A.3.2 does not remove that requirement.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: You manage maintenance at a hospital originally designed in 1968 (pre‑1973) that is not classified SPC‑3 or higher. A local contractor reports damage to several roof diaphragm sheathing panels and some roof‑to‑wall anchors after a storm. You must decide whether a full seismic retrofit is required.
Step 1 — Confirm building coverage: The building is pre‑1973 and not SPC‑3+, so § 304A.3.1 is the starting point.
Step 2 — Classify the work: Replacing diaphragm sheathing and re‑anchoring roof connections is typically an incidental/minor repair to existing systems if it does not change the lateral force‑resisting system configuration or increase seismic demand on existing members. Per § 304A.3.1.1, you may proceed using CBC new‑construction seismic design with Ie ≥ 1.0, and you must design the repairs to conform to Section 503A (gravity) or Chapter 4A (lateral) as applicable.
Step 3 — Check life‑safety components: If the work affects emergency egress or fire protection anchorage, use Ip = 1.5 for those components as required by the exception in § 304A.3.1.1.
Step 4 — Document and verify: Prepare drawings showing the repairs, show that design uses CBC new‑construction seismic parameters with Ie ≥ 1.0, and reference the applicable CEBC repair chapter (503A / 4A). If the repair would alter the lateral system capacity or is judged to be major, do not use the incidental/minor path — instead follow the retrofit provisions (see § 304A.3.1.2).
Outcome: If the work is limited to restoring the diaphragm and anchors without increasing seismic demand or changing the lateral system, you can repair without a full seismic retrofit provided you meet the CBC new‑construction design standards with Ie ≥ 1.0 and apply the referenced CEBC repair chapters.
Related provisions (CEBC sections you should check)
- § 304A.3.1 — Structures designed in accordance with pre‑1973 code (scope and incidental/minor allowance).
- § 304A.3.1.1 — Incidental and minor structural alterations; importance factors and exception for life‑safety components.
- § 304A.3.1.2 — Major structural alteration, additions or repairs — cross‑references to full retrofit sections.
- § 304A.3.2 — Seismic evaluation/retrofit rules for general acute care hospitals and interplay with CAC Chapter 6.
- § 317 (and subsections) — Broader CEBC requirements on when assessment/retrofit is required for alterations, state‑owned buildings, thresholds, and retrofit triggers. Useful where building is not covered by § 304A.3.1 or the work is major.
- Section 503A / Chapter 4A — Design requirements for gravity and lateral corrections referenced in § 304A.3.1.1.
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 § 317.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
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. Following the notations of ASCE 41, the seismic requirements for design and assessment are based upon a prescribed Seismic Hazard Level (BSE-1N, BSE-2N, BSE-1E, BSE-R or BSE-C), a specified structural performance level (S-1 through S-5) and a nonstructural performance level (N-A through N-E). The minimum seismic performance criteria are given in Table 317.5 according to the Building Regulatory Authority and the Risk Category as determined in Chapter 16 of the California Building Code or by the regulatory authority. The building shall be evaluated in accordance with a Tier 3 Systematic Evaluation and Retrofit per ASCE 41 Chapter 6 for both the Level 1 and Level 2 performance levels, and the more restrictive requirements shall apply.
Exception: If the floor area of an addition is greater than the larger of 50 percent of the floor area of the original building or 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ), then the Table 317.5 entries for BSE-R (or BSE-1E) and BSE-C are replaced by BSE-1N and BSE-2N, respectively.
|TABLE 317.5—SEISMIC PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS2,
CEBC § 1.9.2.1. Medium relevance — show source text
State-owned and state-leased essential services buildings are subject to the regulatory authority of DSA-SS per Section 1.9.2.1._|1. ASCE 41 provides acceptance criteria (e.g., m-factor, rotation) for Immediate Occupancy (S1), Life Safety (S3) and Collapse Prevention (S5), and specifies in Table 2-1 the method
to interpolate values for S-2 and S-4. When evaluating for the Hazards Reduced Nonstructural Performance Level, the requirements need not be greater than what would be
required by ASCE 7 nonstructural provisions for new construction.
2. Buildings evaluated and retrofitted to meet the structural and nonstructural requirements for a new building as given in the California Building Code as adopted by DSA or BSC, as
applicable, are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
3. Buildings complying with the requirements of the exception in Section 319.1 are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
4. State-owned and state-leased essential services buildings are subject to the regulatory authority of DSA-SS per Section 1.9.2.1.|1. ASCE 41 provides acceptance criteria (e.g., m-factor, rotation) for Immediate Occupancy (S1), Life Safety (S3) and Collapse Prevention (S5), and specifies in Table 2-1 the method
to interpolate values for S-2 and S-4. When evaluating for the Hazards Reduced Nonstructural Performance Level, the requirements need not be greater than what would be
required by ASCE 7 nonstructural provisions for new construction.
2. Buildings evaluated and retrofitted to meet the structural and nonstructural requirements for a new building as given in the California Building Code as adopted by DSA or BSC, as
applicable, are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
3. Buildings complying with the requirements of the exception in Section 319.1 are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
4. State-owned and state-leased essential services buildings are subject to the regulatory authority of DSA-SS per Section 1.9.2.1.|317.6 Retrofit required. Where the evaluation indicates the building does not meet the required performance objectives of this section, the owner shall take appropriate steps to ensure that the building’s structural system is retrofitted in accordance with the provisions of Section 317. Appropriate steps are either: 1) undertake the seismic retrofit as part of the additions, alterations and/or repairs of the structure; or 2) provide a plan, acceptable to the building official, to complete the seismic retrofit in a timely manner. The relocation or moving of an existing building is considered to be an alteration requiring filing of the plans and specifications approved by the building official.
317.7 The additions, alteration or repair to any existing building are permitted to be prepared in accordance with the structural and nonstructural requirements for a new building as given in the California Building Code, applied to the entire building.
317.8 The requirements of ASCE 41 Chapters 14 and 15 are to apply to the use of seismic isolation and passive energy systems, respectively, for the repair, voluntary lateral-force-resisting system modification or retrofit of an existing structure. When seismic isolation or passive energy dissipation is used, the project must have project peer review as prescribed in Section 322.
CEBC § 319.7.1 Medium relevance — show source text
319.7.1 A building with prestressed or post- tensioned structural components (beams, columns, walls or slabs) or precast structural components (beams, columns, walls or flooring systems).
319.7.2 A building classified as irregular per Section 319.5.
Exceptions: 1. The retrofit design removes the configurational attributes that caused the building to be classified as irregular. 2. The irregularity is demonstrated not to affect the seismic performance of the building.
319.7.3 A building assigned to Risk Category IV per Section 319.4.
319.7.4 A building with an undefined or hybrid structural system.
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319.7.5 A building with a seismic isolation or energy dissipation system, either as part of the existing structure or as part of the retrofit.
319.7.6 A building greater than 240 feet (73 m) in height.
319.7.7 A building evaluated per ASCE 41 and its application requires the use of a nonlinear analysis procedure.
319.8 Strength requirements. All components of the lateral-force-resisting system must have the strength to meet the acceptance criteria prescribed in ASCE 41, Chapter 7 or as prescribed in the applicable Appendix A chapter of this code if a specific procedure in Section 319.1.1 is used. Any component not having this strength shall have its capacity increased by modifying or supplementing its strength so that it exceeds the demand, or the demand is reduced to less than the existing strength by making other modifications to the structural system.
Exception: A component’s strength is permitted to be less than that required by the specified seismic load combinations if it can be demonstrated that the associated reduction in seismic performance of the component or its removal due to the failure does not result in a structural system that does not comply with the required performance objectives of Section 317. If this exception is taken for a component, then it cannot be considered part of the primary lateral-load-resisting system.
319.9 Nonstructural component requirements. Where the nonstructural performance levels required by Section 317, Table 317.5 are N-D or higher, mechanical, electrical and plumbing components shall comply with the provisions of ASCE 41, Chapter 13, Section 13.2.
Exception: Modifications to the procedures and criteria may be made subject to approval by the building official, and concurrence of the peer reviewer if applicable. All reports and correspondence shall also be forwarded to the building official.
319.10 Structural observation, testing and inspection. Structural observation, testing and inspection as used in this section shall mean meeting the requirements of Chapter 17 of the California Building Code, with a minimum allowable level of investigation corresponding to seismic design category (SDC) D. Structural observation visits shall occur at significant construction stages and at the completion of the structural retrofit. Structural observation shall be provided for all structures.
Additional requirements: [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] For public schools and community colleges, construction material testing, inspection and observation during construction shall also comply with the California Administrative Code.
CEBC § 304A.3.5.17 Medium relevance — show source text
Scope: For buildings located in Seismic Design Category F, verification of the interstory lateral displacements, the strength adequacy of the seismic force-resisting system and anchorage to the foundation shall be accomplished using the Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure.
304A.3.5.17 ASCE 41-13 Chapter 15 and 16. Not permitted by OSHPD.
304A.3.6 Modifications to ASCE 41-23. The text of ASCE 41-23 shall be modified as indicated in Sections 304A.3.6.1 through 304A.3.6.9.
304A.3.6.1 ASCE 41-23 Section 2.1. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 2.1 with the following:
Seismic evaluations shall be performed for performance objective specified in Section 304A.3.4 of this code (CEBC) using proce- dure of this standard (ASCE 41-23) as follows:
1. Structural components shall be evaluated in accordance with Tier 3 systematic evaluations procedure in Chapter 6.
2. Nonstructural components shall be evaluated in accordance with Chapter 13.
Exception: For general acute care hospitals, seismic evaluation shall be permitted to be in accordance with Chapter 6 of the California Administrative Code (CAC) when required by provisions of that chapter.
304A.3.6.2 ASCE 41-23 Section 6.2. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 6.2 with the following:
Data Collection Requirements. The extent of data collection shall be at Comprehensive level for all structures, including struc- tures upgraded to SPC-4D. A testing program for materials properties shall be approved by the enforcement agent prior to commencement of material testing work. Previously approved material test results shall be permitted to be used to satisfy part of the comprehensive data collection requirements.
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Tension testing of reinforcing bars shall be in accordance with ASTM A615. All test specimens shall be the full section of the bar as rolled (8-in. gage length) and shall not be reduced.
At test sample locations, structural members, slabs and walls shall be repaired to a state that is equivalent to their original condition.
For buildings built under an OSHPD permit based on the 1976 or later edition of the CBC, where materials properties are shown on design drawings and original materials test data are available, no materials testing shall be required when approved by the enforcement agent.
304A.3.6.3 ASCE 41-23 Section 7.2.9.1. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 7.2.9.1 with the following:
For the evaluation of one-story light-framed walls with or without hold-downs, ASCE 41-23 Equation 7-6 is permitted to be used. If Equation 7-6 is satisfied, no further evaluation or retrofit of the existing hold-down, if any, is required. If Equation 7-6 is not _satisfied, hold-down shall be provided or retrofitted using ASCE 41-23 Equations 7-39 and 7-40.
CEBC § 317.2 Medium 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 § 3A-8 Medium relevance — show source text
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Tension testing of reinforcing bars shall be in accordance with ASTM A615. All test specimens shall be the full section of the bar as rolled (8-in. gage length) and shall not be reduced.
At test sample locations, structural members, slabs and walls shall be repaired to a state that is equivalent to their original condition.
For buildings built under an OSHPD permit based on the 1976 or later edition of the CBC, where materials properties are shown on design drawings and original materials test data are available, no materials testing shall be required when approved by the enforcement agent.
304A.3.6.3 ASCE 41-23 Section 7.2.9.1. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 7.2.9.1 with the following:
For the evaluation of one-story light-framed walls with or without hold-downs, ASCE 41-23 Equation 7-6 is permitted to be used. If Equation 7-6 is satisfied, no further evaluation or retrofit of the existing hold-down, if any, is required. If Equation 7-6 is not satisfied, hold-down shall be provided or retrofitted using ASCE 41-23 Equations 7-39 and 7-40. Equation 7-6 shall not be used to limit forces to other elements along the load path to the subject light-frame wall. Other elements, such as the diaphragm, collector, shear wall, sill bolts, cripple wall, etc., shall be evaluated independently using ASCE 41-23 Equations 7-39 and 7-40 with the associated m or J factors listed under Chapter 12. Alternatively, if Equation 7-6 is not satisfied and retrofit is not performed, the wall contribution to the lateral resisting system shall be ignored. For all other building type conditions, Equation 7-6 shall not be used.
304A.3.6.4 ASCE 41-23 Section 7.5.1. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 7.5.1 with the following:
Acceptance Criteria – Drift Limitations. The interstory drift ratio shall not exceed the drift limits for Risk Category IV buildings in ASCE 7 Table 12.12-1 due to forces corresponding to BSE-1E or BSE-1N, as applicable.
Exception: Larger interstory drift ratios shall be permitted where justified by rational analysis that both structural and nonstructural elements can tolerate such drift and approved by the enforcement agent.
304A.3.6.5 ASCE 41-23 Section 7.5.1.4. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 7.5.1.4 by the following:
Material Properties. Expected material properties are not permitted to be determined by multiplying lower bound values by the assumed factors specified in Chapters 8 through 12.
304A.3.6.6 ASCE 41-23 Section 8.6.1. Modify ASCE 41-23 Section 8.6.1 with the following:
The product of RRS bsa x RRS e shall be not less than 0.7.
CEBC § 319.10.2 Medium relevance — show source text
319.10.2 Preconstruction meeting. A preconstruction meeting is mandatory for all projects which require structural observation. The meeting shall include, but is not limited to, the registered design professional, structural observer, general constructor, affected subcontractors, the project inspector and a representative of the enforcement agency (designated alternates may attend if approved by the structural observer). The structural observer shall schedule and coordinate this meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to identify and clarify all essential structural components and connections that affect the lateral and vertical load systems and to review scheduling of the required observations for the project’s structural system retrofit.
319.11 Temporary actions. When compatible with the building use, and the time phasing for both use and the retrofit program, temporary shoring or other structural support is permitted to be considered. Temporary bracing, shoring and prevention of falling hazards are permitted to be used to qualify for Item 1 in Section 319.12 that allows inadequate capability in some existing components, as long as the required performance levels given in Section 317 can be provided by the permanent structure. The consideration for such temporary actions shall be noted in the design documents.
319.12 Voluntary modifications to the lateral-force resisting system. Where modifications of existing structural components and additions of new structural components are initiated for the purpose of improving the lateral-force resisting strength or stiffness of an existing structure and they are not required by other sections of this code, then they are permitted to be designed to meet an approved seismic performance criteria provided that an engineering analysis is submitted that follows: 1. The capacity of existing structural components required to resist forces is not reduced, 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.”
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CEBC § 319.8. Medium 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.”
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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 § 2.3.9 Medium relevance — show source text
Σ W d = Total dead load of all the diaphragms at and above the level under consideration, pounds (N).
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE APPENDIX A-5
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APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
SECTION A105—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
[BS] A105.1 General. The seismic force-resisting system specified in this chapter shall comply with the California Building Code and referenced standards, except as modified herein.
[BS] A105.2 Alterations and repairs. Alterations and repairs required to meet the provisions of this chapter shall comply with applicable structural requirements of the building code unless specifically provided for in this chapter.
[BS] A105.3 Requirements for plans. The following construction information shall be included in the plans required by this chapter:
- Dimensioned floor and roof plans showing existing walls and the size and spacing of floor and roof-framing members and sheathing materials. The plans shall indicate all existing URM walls, and new crosswalls and shear walls, and their materials of construction. The location of these walls and their openings shall be fully dimensioned and drawn to scale on the plans.
- Dimensioned URM wall elevations showing openings, piers, wall classes as defined in Section A106.2.3.9, thickness, heights, wall shear test locations, cracks or damaged portions requiring repairs, the general condition of the mortar joints, and if and where pointing is required. Where the exterior face is veneer, the type of veneer, its thickness and its bonding and/or ties to the structural wall masonry shall be noted.
- The type of interior wall and ceiling materials, and framing.
- The extent and type of existing wall anchorage to floors and roof where used in the design.
- The extent and type of parapet corrections that were previously performed, if any.
- Repair details, if any, of cracked or damaged unreinforced masonry walls required to resist forces specified in this chapter.
- All other plans, sections and details necessary to delineate required retrofit construction.
- The design procedure used shall be stated on both the plans and the permit application.
- Details of the anchor prequalification program required by Section A107.5.3, if used, including location and results of all tests.
- Quality assurance requirements of special inspection for all new construction materials and for retrofit construction including: anchor tests, pointing or repointing of mortar joints, installation of adhesive or mechanical anchors, and other elements as deemed necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter.
[BS] A105.4 Structural observation, testing and inspection. Structural observation, in accordance with Section 1704.6 of the Cali- fornia Building Code, shall be required for all structures in which seismic retrofit is being performed in accordance with this chapter. Structural observation shall include visual observation of work for compliance with the approved construction documents and confirmation of existing conditions assumed during design. Structural testing and inspection for new and existing construction materials shall be in accordance with the building code, except as modified by this chapter. Special inspection as described in Section A105.3, Item 10, shall be provided equivalent to Level 3 as prescribed in TMS 402, Table 3.1(2).
SECTION A106—MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS
CEBC § 1.5. Medium 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.
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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 § 319.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Buildings complying with the requirements of the exception in Section 319.1 are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section._
4. State-owned and state-leased essential services buildings are subject to the regulatory authority of DSA-SS per Section 1.9.2.1.|317.6 Retrofit required. Where the evaluation indicates the building does not meet the required performance objectives of this section, the owner shall take appropriate steps to ensure that the building’s structural system is retrofitted in accordance with the provisions of Section 317. Appropriate steps are either: 1) undertake the seismic retrofit as part of the additions, alterations and/or repairs of the structure; or 2) provide a plan, acceptable to the building official, to complete the seismic retrofit in a timely manner. The relocation or moving of an existing building is considered to be an alteration requiring filing of the plans and specifications approved by the building official.
317.7 The additions, alteration or repair to any existing building are permitted to be prepared in accordance with the structural and nonstructural requirements for a new building as given in the California Building Code, applied to the entire building.
317.8 The requirements of ASCE 41 Chapters 14 and 15 are to apply to the use of seismic isolation and passive energy systems, respectively, for the repair, voluntary lateral-force-resisting system modification or retrofit of an existing structure. When seismic isolation or passive energy dissipation is used, the project must have project peer review as prescribed in Section 322.
317.9 Any construction required by this chapter shall include structural observation by the registered design professional who is responsible for the structural design in accordance with Section 319.10.
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317.10 Where Method B of Section 321 is used or is required by Section 319.7, the proposed method of building evaluation and design procedures must be accepted by the building official prior to the commencement of the work.
317.11 Voluntary lateral-force-resisting system modifications. Where the exception of Section 317.2 applies, modifications of existing structural components and additions of new structural components that are initiated for the purpose of improving the seismic performance of an existing structure and that are not required by other portions of this chapter are permitted under the requirements of Section 319.12.
SECTION 318 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—DEFINITIONS
318.1 In addition to the definitions given in Section 202, for the purposes of Sections 317 through 323, certain terms are defined as follows:
[DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] For the purposes of Section 317 through 323, definitions of terms given in Section 4-207 or 4-314 of the California Administrative Code govern over those in Section 202.
ADDITION [BSC] means any work that increases the floor or roof area or the volume of enclosed space of an existing building, and is structurally attached to the existing building by connections that are required for transmitting vertical or horizontal loads between the addition and the existing structure.
Frequently asked questions
Do these incidental/minor allowances apply to non‑hospital buildings?
No. The allowance described in § 304A.3.1 is specific to hospital buildings meeting the pre‑1973 / non‑SPC‑3 criteria. Other types of existing buildings must be evaluated under the CEBC provisions that apply to their occupancy and condition (see § 317 and related sections).
If a repair restores a damaged element to its pre‑damage condition, is retrofit required?
For hospitals under § 304A.3.1, restoring damaged elements by incidental/minor repairs that do not change the lateral system or increase seismic demand may be performed using the allowed approach (Ie ≥ 1.0). If the repair reveals that the building does not meet minimum performance or the work is major, a retrofit path is required. See § 304A.3.1.1 and § 304A.3.1.2.
Who decides whether work is “incidental/minor” or “major”?
The registered design professional of record and the building official evaluate scope, structural effect, and whether the repairs increase demand or change the system. If in doubt, treat work as non‑incidental and follow the retrofit provisions cited in § 304A.3.1.2.
Must I use ASCE 41 for these limited repairs?
Not necessarily for incidental/minor repairs covered by § 304A.3.1. Those repairs are directed to use CBC new‑construction seismic rules with Ie ≥ 1.0 and the CEBC repair chapters (503A/4A). ASCE 41‑based procedures are used elsewhere in CEBC when performing evaluations/retrofits per the retrofit methods (e.g., § 317 and Method A/B chapters).
What if the building is a general acute care hospital?
Then CAC Chapter 6 seismic evaluation requirements apply; § 304A.3.2 tells you to follow CAC Chapter 6 when applicable, though CEBC procedures may be used to meet those CAC requirements where allowed. Consult the CAC and CEBC together.
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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