Selecting seismic criteria and compliance methods (Method A / Method B / Appendix A)

Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

• CEBC § 3-20 High relevance — show source text

  3-20 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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  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.

  When the evaluation indicates the building does not meet the required performance levels given in Table 317.5 for the risk category, then a retrofit and/or repair design shall be prepared that provides a structure that meets these performance objectives and reflects the appropriate consideration of existing conditions. Any approach to analysis and design is permitted to be used, provided that the approach shall be rational, shall be consistent with the established principals of mechanics and shall use the known performance characteristics of materials and assemblages under reversing loads typical of severe earthquake ground motions.

  Exception: Further consideration of the structure’s seismic performance may be waived by the enforcement agency if both the registered design professional and peer reviewer(s) conclude that the structural system can be expected to perform at least as well as required by the provisions of this section without completing an analysis of the structure’s compliance with these requirements. A detailed report shall be submitted to the responsible building official that presents the reasons and basis for this conclusion. This report shall be prepared by the registered design professional. The peer reviewer(s) shall concur in this conclusion and affirm to it in writing. The building official shall either approve this decision or require completion of the indicated work specified in this section prior to approval.

  321.2 The approach, models, analysis procedures, assumptions on material and system behavior and conclusions shall be peer reviewed in accordance with the requirements of Section 322 and accepted by the peer reviewer(s).

  Exceptions: 1. The enforcement agency may perform the work of peer review when qualified staff is available within the jurisdiction. 2. The enforcement agency may modify or waive the requirements for peer review when appropriate.

• CEBC § 3.3. High relevance — show source text

  BSE-C RESPONSE ACCELERATION PARAMETERS [BSC] are the parameters (S XS and S X1 ) taken from 5-percent/50-year maximum direction spectral response acceleration curves or by a Site Specific Response Spectrum developed in accordance with ASCE 41, Section 2.3.3.

  BSE-R RESPONSE ACCELERATION PARAMETERS [BSC] are the parameters (S XS and S X1 ) taken from 20-percent /50-year maximum direction spectral response acceleration curves or by a Site Specific Response Spectrum developed in accordance with ASCE 41, Section 2.3.3.

  SECTION 319 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—SEISMIC CRITERIA SELECTION FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

  319.1 Basis for evaluation and design. This section determines what technical approach is to be used for the seismic evaluation and design for existing buildings. For those buildings or portions of buildings for which Section 317 requires action, the procedures and limitations for the evaluation of existing buildings and design of retrofit systems and/or repair thereof shall be implemented in accordance with this section.

  One of the following approaches must be used: 1. Method A of Section 320;

  2. Method B of Section 321, with independent review of a peer reviewer as required in Section 322; or 3. For state-owned buildings only, the use of one of the specific procedures listed in Section 319.1.1.

  When Method B is chosen it must be approved by the building official, and, where applicable, by the peer reviewer. All referenced standards in ASCE 41 shall be replaced by referenced standards listed in Chapter 35 of the California Building Code.

  Exceptions: 1. [BSC] For buildings constructed to the requirements of California Building Code, 2019 or later edition, as adopted by the governing jurisdiction, that code is permitted to be used in place of those specified in Section 319.1. 2. [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] For the conversion of nonconforming buildings to conforming school buildings in accordance with Section 4-307 of the California Administrative Code, nonconforming buildings constructed to the requirements of California Building Code, 2019 or later edition, that code as it was adopted by the governing jurisdiction is permitted to be used in place of those specified in Section 319.1 provided the building complies with Seismic Design Category D or higher.

  319.1.1 Specific procedures. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, the following specific procedures located in Appendix A may be used, without peer review, for their respective types of construction to comply with the seismic performance requirements for Risk Category I, II or III buildings: 1. Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Wall Buildings (Chapter A1). 2. Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Reinforced Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms (Chapter A2).

  319.1.2 When a design project is begun under Method B the selection of the peer reviewer is subject to the approval of the building official. Following approval by the peer reviewer, the seismic criteria for the project and the planned evaluation provisions must be approved by the building official. The approved seismic criteria and evaluation provisions shall apply. Upon approval of the building official these are permitted to be modified.

• 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.”

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  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 § 321.2.1 High relevance — show source text

  321.2.1 The approach used in the development of the design shall be acceptable to the peer reviewer and the enforcement agency and shall be the same method as used in the evaluation of the building. Approaches that are specifically tailored to the type of building, construction materials and specific building characteristics may be used, if they are acceptable to the independent peer reviewer. The use of Method A allowed procedures may also be used under Method B.

  321.2.2 Any method of analysis may be used, subject to acceptance by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official. The general requirements given in ASCE 41, Chapters 6 and 7, shall be complied with unless exceptions are accepted by the peer reviewer(s) and building official. Use of other than ASCE 41 procedures in Method B requires building official concurrence before implementation.

  321.2.3 Prior to implementation, the procedures, methods, material assumptions and acceptance/rejection criteria proposed by the registered design professional will be peer reviewed as provided in Section 322. Where nonlinear procedures are used, prior to any analysis, the representation of the seismic ground motion shall be reviewed and approved by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official.

  [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] For public school and community college projects, the representation of the seismic ground motion shall be reviewed and approved by the California Geological Survey.

  321.2.4 The conclusions and design decisions shall be reviewed and accepted by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official.

  SECTION 322 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—PEER REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

  322.1 General. Independent peer review is an objective, technical review by knowledgeable reviewer(s) experienced in the structural design, analysis and performance issues involved. The reviewer(s) shall examine the available information on the condition of the building, the basic engineering concepts employed and the recommendations for action.

  322.2 Timing of independent review. The independent reviewer(s) shall be selected prior to initiation of substantial portions of the design and/or analysis work that is to be reviewed, and review shall start as soon as practical after Method B is adopted and sufficient information defining the project is available.

  322.3 Qualifications and terms of employment. The reviewer(s) shall be independent from the design and construction team.

  322.3.1 The reviewer(s) shall have no other involvement in the project before, during or after the review, except in a review capacity.

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  PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

  322.3.2 The reviewer(s) shall be selected and paid by the owner and shall have technical expertise in the evaluation and retrofit of buildings similar to the one being reviewed, as determined by the enforcement agency.

  322.3.3 The reviewer (or in the case of review teams, the chair) shall be a California-licensed structural engineer who is familiar with the technical issues and regulations governing the work to be reviewed.

  Exception: Other individuals with acceptable qualifications and experience may be a peer reviewer(s) with the approval of the building official.

• CEBC § 304.2 High relevance — show source text

  [BS] 304.2 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.

  [BS] 304.3 Seismic evaluation and design procedures. Where required, seismic evaluation or design shall comply with the procedures and criteria in this section, regardless of which compliance method is used. The scope of the required evaluation or design shall be as indicated in applicable provisions of Chapters 4 through 11 .

  [BS] 304.3.1 Full seismic criteria. Where required, seismic evaluation or design shall comply with one of the following methodologies, which shall not be applied in combination with each other:

  1. Section 1613 of the California Building Code . Where the existing seismic force-resisting system is a type that can be designated as “Ordinary,” values of R, Ω 0 and C d used for analysis in accordance with Chapter 16 of the California Building Code shall be those specified for structural systems classified as “Ordinary” in accordance with Table 12.2-1 of ASCE 7, unless it can be demonstrated that the structural system will provide performance equivalent to that of a “Detailed,” “Intermediate” or “Special” system.
  2. ASCE 41, using a Tier 3 procedure and both levels of the two-level performance objective in Table 304.3.1 for the applicable risk category.

  [BS] TABLE 304.3.1—PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES FOR USE IN ASCE 41 FOR COMPLIANCE WITH FULL SEISMIC CRITERIA	Col2	Col3
  RISK CATEGORY (Based on IBC Table 1604.5)	STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE LEVEL FOR USE WITH BSE-1N EARTHQUAKE HAZARD LEVEL	STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE LEVEL FOR USE WITH BSE-2N EARTHQUAKE HAZARD LEVEL
  I	Life Safety (S-3)	Collapse Prevention (S-5)
  II	Life Safety (S-3)	Collapse Prevention (S-5)
  III	Damage Control (S-2)	Limited Safety (S-4)
  IV	Immediate Occupancy (S-1)	Life Safety (S-3)

  [BS] 304.3.2 Reduced seismic criteria. Where required, seismic evaluation or design shall comply with one of the following methodologies, which shall not be applied in combination with each other:

  1. Section 1613 of the California Building Code using 75 percent of the prescribed forces. Values of R, Ω 0 and C d used for analysis shall be as specified in Section 304.3.1 of this code.

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  PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

  2. Applicable chapters of Appendix A of this code, for structures or portions of structures specified in Items 2.1 through 2.4 subject to the limitations of the respective chapter. 2.1. Chapter A1 for unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings assigned to Risk Category I or II. 2.2. Chapter A2 for the wall anchorage system in reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry wall buildings with flexible diaphragms assigned to Risk Category I or II.
• CEBC § 317.5 High relevance — show source text

  When the evaluation indicates the building does not meet the required performance levels given in Table 317.5 for the risk category, then a retrofit and/or repair design shall be prepared that provides a structure that meets these performance objectives and reflects the appropriate consideration of existing conditions. Any approach to analysis and design is permitted to be used, provided that the approach shall be rational, shall be consistent with the established principals of mechanics and shall use the known performance characteristics of materials and assemblages under reversing loads typical of severe earthquake ground motions.

  Exception: Further consideration of the structure’s seismic performance may be waived by the enforcement agency if both the registered design professional and peer reviewer(s) conclude that the structural system can be expected to perform at least as well as required by the provisions of this section without completing an analysis of the structure’s compliance with these requirements. A detailed report shall be submitted to the responsible building official that presents the reasons and basis for this conclusion. This report shall be prepared by the registered design professional. The peer reviewer(s) shall concur in this conclusion and affirm to it in writing. The building official shall either approve this decision or require completion of the indicated work specified in this section prior to approval.

  321.2 The approach, models, analysis procedures, assumptions on material and system behavior and conclusions shall be peer reviewed in accordance with the requirements of Section 322 and accepted by the peer reviewer(s).

  Exceptions: 1. The enforcement agency may perform the work of peer review when qualified staff is available within the jurisdiction. 2. The enforcement agency may modify or waive the requirements for peer review when appropriate.

  321.2.1 The approach used in the development of the design shall be acceptable to the peer reviewer and the enforcement agency and shall be the same method as used in the evaluation of the building. Approaches that are specifically tailored to the type of building, construction materials and specific building characteristics may be used, if they are acceptable to the independent peer reviewer. The use of Method A allowed procedures may also be used under Method B.

  321.2.2 Any method of analysis may be used, subject to acceptance by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official. The general requirements given in ASCE 41, Chapters 6 and 7, shall be complied with unless exceptions are accepted by the peer reviewer(s) and building official. Use of other than ASCE 41 procedures in Method B requires building official concurrence before implementation.

  321.2.3 Prior to implementation, the procedures, methods, material assumptions and acceptance/rejection criteria proposed by the registered design professional will be peer reviewed as provided in Section 322. Where nonlinear procedures are used, prior to any analysis, the representation of the seismic ground motion shall be reviewed and approved by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official.

  [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] For public school and community college projects, the representation of the seismic ground motion shall be reviewed and approved by the California Geological Survey.

  321.2.4 The conclusions and design decisions shall be reviewed and accepted by the peer reviewer(s) and the building official.

  SECTION 322 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—PEER REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

• CEBC § 319.1. High relevance — show source text

  Exceptions: 1. [BSC] For buildings constructed to the requirements of California Building Code, 2019 or later edition, as adopted by the governing jurisdiction, that code is permitted to be used in place of those specified in Section 319.1. 2. [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] For the conversion of nonconforming buildings to conforming school buildings in accordance with Section 4-307 of the California Administrative Code, nonconforming buildings constructed to the requirements of California Building Code, 2019 or later edition, that code as it was adopted by the governing jurisdiction is permitted to be used in place of those specified in Section 319.1 provided the building complies with Seismic Design Category D or higher.

  319.1.1 Specific procedures. [BSC] For state-owned buildings, the following specific procedures located in Appendix A may be used, without peer review, for their respective types of construction to comply with the seismic performance requirements for Risk Category I, II or III buildings: 1. Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Wall Buildings (Chapter A1). 2. Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Reinforced Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms (Chapter A2).

  319.1.2 When a design project is begun under Method B the selection of the peer reviewer is subject to the approval of the building official. Following approval by the peer reviewer, the seismic criteria for the project and the planned evaluation provisions must be approved by the building official. The approved seismic criteria and evaluation provisions shall apply. Upon approval of the building official these are permitted to be modified.

  319.1.3 For state-owned and community college buildings, where unreinforced masonry is not bearing, it may be used only to resist applied lateral loads. Where unreinforced masonry walls are part of the structure they must be assessed for stability under the applicable nonstructural evaluation procedure.

  319.1.4 Public schools. [DSA-SS] For public schools, unreinforced masonry shall not be used to resist in-plane or out-of-plane seismic forces or superimposed gravity loads.

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  PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

  319.1.5 Public schools. [DSA-SS] Wood horizontal diaphragms and wood vertical shear walls shall consist of either diagonal lumber sheathing or structural panel sheathing. Braced horizontal diaphragms may be acceptable when approved by DSA. Straight lumber sheathing may be used as diaphragms or shear walls only when overlain with structural panel sheathing. Let-in bracing, plaster (stucco), hollow clay tile, gypsum wallboard and particleboard sheathing shall not be relied upon to resist seismic forces.

  319.2 Existing conditions. The existing condition and properties of the entire structure must be determined and documented by thorough inspection of the structure and site, review of all available related construction documents, review of geotechnical and _engineering geologic reports, and performance of necessary testing and investigation.

• CEBC § 3-7 High relevance — show source text

  312 [OSHPD 1R] Hospital SPC and Freestanding Buildings Removed from General Acute Care Service Remaining under the Jurisdiction of OSHPD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

  313 [SFM] Existing Group R-1 and Group R-2 Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

  314 [SFM] Existing High-Rise Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11

  315 [SFM] Existing Group I Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13

  316 [SFM] Existing Group L Occupancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14

  317 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] Earthquake Evaluation and Design for Retrofit of Existing Buildings. . . . . . . . . .3-16

  318 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18

  319 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] Seismic Criteria Selection for Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18

  320 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] Method A. . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21

  321 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] Method B. . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21

  322 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] Peer Review Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21

  323 [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Additional Requirements for Public Schools and Community Colleges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22

  CHAPTER 3A [OSHPD 1] PROVISIONS FOR

  ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-3

  301A Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-3

  302A General Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-3

  303A Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-4

• CEBC § 319.3 High relevance — show source text

  Where original building plans and specifications are not available, “as-built” plans shall be prepared that depict the existing vertical and lateral structural systems, exterior elements, foundations and nonstructural systems in sufficient detail to complete the design.

  Data collection shall be directed and observed by the project structural engineer or design professional in charge of the design.

  319.3 Site geology and soil characteristics. Soil profile shall be assigned in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18 of the California Building Code.

  319.4 Risk categories. Each structure shall be placed in one of the Risk Categories in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code.

  319.5 Configuration requirements. Each structure shall be designated structurally regular or irregular. If the evaluation and retrofit is in accordance with Table 317.5, Footnote 2 or 3, the building shall be classified by application of ASCE 7, Section 12.3.2. If the evaluation and retrofit is in accordance with ASCE 41, the building shall be classified as irregular when an irregularity defined in ASCE 41, Sections 7.3.1.1.1 through 7.3.1.1.4 exists.

  319.6 General selection of the design method. The requirements of Method B (Section 321) may be used for any existing building.

  319.7 Prescriptive selection of the design method. The requirements of Method A per Section 320 or the specific procedures for applicable building types given in Section 319.1.1 are permitted to be used except if the building has one or more characteristics described in Sections 319.7.1 through 319.7.7, in which case Method B shall be used.

  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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  PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

  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.

• CEBC § 3-17 High relevance — show source text

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  PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

  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.

  ALTERATION [BSC] means any change within or to an existing building, which does not increase and may decrease the floor or roof area or the volume of enclosed space.

  BSE-C RESPONSE ACCELERATION PARAMETERS [BSC] are the parameters (S XS and S X1 ) taken from 5-percent/50-year maximum direction spectral response acceleration curves or by a Site Specific Response Spectrum developed in accordance with ASCE 41, Section 2.3.3.

  BSE-R RESPONSE ACCELERATION PARAMETERS [BSC] are the parameters (S XS and S X1 ) taken from 20-percent /50-year maximum direction spectral response acceleration curves or by a Site Specific Response Spectrum developed in accordance with ASCE 41, Section 2.3.3.

  SECTION 319 [BSC, DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC]—SEISMIC CRITERIA SELECTION FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

  319.1 Basis for evaluation and design. This section determines what technical approach is to be used for the seismic evaluation and design for existing buildings. For those buildings or portions of buildings for which Section 317 requires action, the procedures and limitations for the evaluation of existing buildings and design of retrofit systems and/or repair thereof shall be implemented in accordance with this section.

  One of the following approaches must be used: 1. Method A of Section 320;

  2. Method B of Section 321, with independent review of a peer reviewer as required in Section 322; or 3. For state-owned buildings only, the use of one of the specific procedures listed in Section 319.1.1.

• CEBC § 1.10.1 High relevance — show source text

  CHAPTER TOPICS	Col2
  CHAPTER	SUBJECTS
  1, 2	Administrative Requirements and Definitions
  3	Provisions for all Compliance Methods
  4	Repairs
  5	Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings
  6–11	Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings
  13	Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings
  14	Relocated Buildings
  15	Construction Safeguards
  16	Referenced Standards
  Appendix A	Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings
  Appendix B	Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings
  Appendix C	Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings
  Appendix D	Board of Appeals
  Appendix E	Temporary Emergency Uses
  Resource A	Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies

  CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS

  The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:

  CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS	Col2	Col3
  CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION	CBC CHAPTER/SECTION	SUBJECT
  Chapter 15	Chapter 33	Construction safeguards

  Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

  Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

  Chapter 2 Definitions.

  Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.

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  Chapter 3 Provisions for All Compliance Methods.

  Chapter 3 guides the use of the three compliance methods of the CEBC and provides requirements that apply globally. The globally applicable requirement include general requirements related to buildings materials and other applicable codes, storm shelters, structural loads, in-situ load tests, accessibility, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection and exterior wall coverings.

  Chapter 3A Provisions for All Compliance Methods.

  Chapter 3A controls the compliance options for alteration, repair, addition, evaluation and change of occupancy of existing structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).

  Chapter 4 Repairs.

  Chapter 4, a chapter independent of the three compliance methods, governs the repair of existing buildings. The provisions define conditions under which repairs may be made using materials and methods like those of the original construction or the extent to which repairs must comply with requirements for new buildings.

  Chapter 4A Repairs.

  Chapter 4A governs the repair of existing buildings regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of State- wide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1).

• CBC § 301 Medium relevance — show source text

  This code provides three main options for a designer in dealing with alterations of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 301 of this code:

  Option 1: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 5. It should be noted that this method originates from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).

  Option 2: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12.

  2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xi

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  Option 3: Work for alteration, change of occupancy or addition of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option was also provided in the former Chapter 34 of the IBC (2012 and earlier editions).

  Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as the accessibility requirements are met, there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Flood hazard provisions also must still be addressed where there is a substantial improvement.

  Note that all repairs must comply with Chapter 4 and all relocated buildings are addressed by Chapter 14.

  ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CEBC

  The format of the CEBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CEBC is divided. The subsequent table shows CEBC requirements that are correlated with other California Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CEBC.

  CHAPTER TOPICS	Col2
  CHAPTER	SUBJECTS
  1, 2	Administrative Requirements and Definitions
  3	Provisions for all Compliance Methods
  4	Repairs
  5	Prescriptive Compliance Method for Existing Buildings
  6–11	Work Area Compliance Method for Existing Buildings
  13	Performance Compliance Method for Existing Buildings
  14	Relocated Buildings
  15	Construction Safeguards
  16	Referenced Standards
  Appendix A	Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings
  Appendix B	Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings
  Appendix C	Guidelines for Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings
  Appendix D	Board of Appeals
  Appendix E	Temporary Emergency Uses
  Resource A	Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies

  CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CORRELATED TOPICS

  The CEBC requirements for construction safeguards are directly correlated to the requirements of the CBC. The following table shows chapters of the CBC that are correlated with the CEBC:

  CEBC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS	Col2	Col3
  CEBC CHAPTER/SECTION	CBC CHAPTER/SECTION	SUBJECT
  Chapter 15	Chapter 33	Construction safeguards

  Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

  Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

  Chapter 2 Definitions.