CFC · California Fire Code
When does Chapter 11 apply to an existing building?
If a building was standing before the enforced edition of the California Fire Code, Chapter 11 applies to it: the Chapter sets minimum fire and life‑safety retrofit requirements, requires permits and owner notification when upgrades are ordered, and must be read alongside the Existing Building Code when projects overlap. **§ 1101.1**.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this code — in other words, buildings in place before the edition of the CFC that is being enforced. The Chapter establishes minimum fire‑ and life‑safety construction requirements that those existing buildings must meet (for example, certain alarm, egress and passive protection upgrades). The controlling provision is § 1101.1.
The single most important rule: Chapter 11 applies to buildings that already existed before the code's effective date — those are the buildings to which the Chapter’s retrofit/upgrade rules apply. § 1101.1.
Requirements in detail
Scope — which buildings are in
- If a building was constructed prior to the adoption of this code, it falls within Chapter 11’s scope and the Chapter’s construction requirements may apply. See § 1101.1.
- The Chapter is written to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety where older buildings do not meet the current California Building Code. See § 1101.2.
What kinds of work trigger Chapter 11 provisions
- Chapter 11 contains retrofit/upgrade requirements that apply to existing buildings and to some additions, alterations and changes in use when those actions affect fire safety systems or egress. See § 1103.1 and cross‑references in Chapter 11.
- Where a project is also regulated by the California Existing Building Code (IEBC), the work may have to comply with both the IEBC and Chapter 11 of the CFC (IEBC: application of fire code, see IEBC § 101.2.2).
Administrative items you must know
- Permits required for work under Chapter 11 follow the normal permit rules (see § 1101.3).
- If a building is found noncompliant with Chapter 11, the fire code official will notify the owner and set schedules for submittal of construction documents and completion of work, with reasonable extensions available (see § 1101.4, § 1101.4.1–.4.3).
Decision table — quick check of common, decision‑relevant dimensions
| Decision dimension | Trigger / value | What that means (effect) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building age | Constructed prior to the adoption of this code | Chapter 11 applies to the existing building’s required retrofits and minimum provisions | § 1101.1 |
| Minimum safety baseline | N/A (Chapter intent) | Apply Chapter 11 requirements to achieve minimum fire/life safety where CBC-level compliance is absent | § 1101.2 |
| Required construction/occupancy types | Existing occupancies listed in Table 1103.1 | Apply the specific minimum upgrades (e.g., alarms, egress) listed in Chapter 11 and Table 1103.1 | § 1103.1 |
| Permit requirement | Any regulated work under Chapter 11 | Permits per code; construction documents and completion schedules as required by fire official | § 1101.3, § 1101.4 |
| Interaction with IEBC | Work covered by IEBC and CFC Chapter 11 | Must comply with applicable requirements in both codes where both apply | IEBC § 101.2.2 |
| Exceptions | Certain listed exceptions (see Chapter 11 text) | Some occupancies or changes may be excepted — always read the exception language | § 1103.1 (exceptions) |
How Chapter 11 interacts with other CFC/IEBC rules
- The CFC’s general applicability rules in § 102 explain when construction/design provisions apply; item 3 specifically points to Chapter 11 for existing structures. Use § 102.1 to interpret whether a construction provision is triggered.
- Where the IEBC regulates an alteration, addition or change of occupancy, IEBC Chapter 1–6 classification provisions tell you whether to use Chapters 7–11 of the IEBC — and IEBC § 101.2.2 explicitly instructs compliance with both IEBC and CFC Chapter 11 when the work overlaps.
Exceptions & special cases
- Chapter 11 is designed for buildings existing before the code adoption; it is not the automatic prescription for new construction (new buildings follow the CBC). See § 1101.1.
- Some specific exceptions are stated inside Chapter 11 (for example, certain occupancy exceptions in Table 1103.1 and its exception text). Always consult the table entries and exception notes in Chapter 11. See § 1103.1.
- Historic buildings: the CFC provides that provisions relating to construction, alteration, etc., are not mandatory for designated historic buildings where they do not present a distinct hazard; instead a fire protection plan may be accepted (see § 102.6).
- Interaction with IEBC additions: the IEBC includes its own Chapter 11 (Additions) and specific provisions for when an addition triggers new‑construction rules; when work spans both codes, read both the IEBC and CFC provisions together. See IEBC § 606.2 and related language.
Common mistakes
- Misreading “existing” to mean any occupied building — it specifically means buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the applicable CFC edition; don’t assume Chapter 11 applies to brand‑new construction. Refer to § 1101.1.
- Assuming an addition automatically forces the entire existing building to meet new‑construction CFC/CBC standards. Chapter 11 and the IEBC have nuanced interaction rules — read both codes; Chapter 11 addresses existing building minimums, not wholesale replacement of the existing building standard unless specific language forces it. See § 1101.1 and IEBC cross‑references.
- Ignoring permit/notification requirements — upgrades required by Chapter 11 are subject to permitting and owner notification procedures in § 1101.3–1101.4.
- Forgetting exceptions — Table 1103.1 and section exception notes can exempt or alter applicability for certain occupancies (read the table and exceptions closely). See § 1103.1.
Worked example — concrete scenario with numbers
Scenario: A 2‑story commercial building was built in 1988 and is still occupied. The jurisdiction adopted the 2025 CFC on January 1, 2026. An owner proposes to replace the building’s fire alarm system (work that changes life‑safety systems).
Step 1 — Does Chapter 11 apply?
- The building was constructed prior to the adoption date (1988 < 2026), so Chapter 11 applies to the existing building requirements. § 1101.1.
Step 2 — What rules control the required alarm upgrade?
- Chapter 11 sets minimum requirements for certain fire protection systems in existing buildings; consult Table 1103.1 and the specific sections on alarm systems in Chapter 11 to determine whether replacement triggers an upgrade (see § 1103.1).
Step 3 — Permits and timing
- Obtain permits per § 1101.3; if the building is found noncompliant in other ways, the fire code official will notify the owner and set a schedule for documents and completion per § 1101.4.
Practical outcome: The owner must follow Chapter 11’s minimum requirements for existing buildings for the alarm work, submit required construction documents, and secure the permit(s). If the alarm replacement is part of a larger alteration governed by the IEBC, the project must also meet any overlapping IEBC requirements.
Related provisions (CFC sections)
- § 1101.1 — Scope: Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to adoption of this code.
- § 1101.2 — Intent: minimum degree of fire and life safety for existing buildings.
- § 1101.3 — Permits required for work under this chapter.
- § 1101.4 — Owner notification and schedules for compliance actions.
- § 1103.1 — Required construction: existing buildings must meet minimum provisions in Table 1103.1.
- § 102.1 — Applicability overview: when construction/design provisions of the CFC apply, including reference to Chapter 11 for existing structures.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 11-1 High relevance — show source text
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11 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and is intended to ensure a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for alterations to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code . The provisions address general fire safety features such as requirements for fire alarm systems in some existing buildings and general means of egress, and include a section dedicated to existing Group I-2 occupancies.
SECTION 1101—GENERAL
1101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this code.
1101.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing minimum construction requirements where such existing buildings do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code .
1101.3 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6 and the California Building Code .
1101.4 Owner notification. When a building is found to be in noncompliance with this chapter, the fire code official shall duly notify the owner of the building. Upon receipt of such notice, the owner shall, subject to the following time limits, take necessary actions to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
1101.4.1 Construction documents. Construction documents necessary to comply with this chapter shall be completed and submitted within a time schedule approved by the fire code official.
1101.4.2 Completion of work. Work necessary to comply with this chapter shall be completed within a time schedule approved by the fire code official.
1101.4.3 Extension of time. The fire code official is authorized to grant necessary extensions of time where it can be shown that the specified time periods are not physically practical or pose an undue hardship. The granting of an extension of time for compliance shall be based on the showing of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable systematic plan of correction with the fire code official.
SECTION 1102—DEFINITIONS
1102.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
DUTCH DOOR.
EXISTING.
SECTION 1103—FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
1103.1 Required construction. Existing buildings shall comply with not less than the minimum provisions specified in Table 1103.1 and as further enumerated in Sections 1103.2 through 1103.10.
The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to allow the elimination of fire protection systems or a reduction in the level of fire safety provided in buildings constructed in accordance with previously adopted codes.
Exceptions:
Where a change in fire-resistance rating has been approved in accordance with Section 501.2 or 802.6 of the California Existing Building Code .
Group U occupancies.
|TABLE 1103.1—OCCUPANCY AND USE
CFC § 3.3 High relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.3.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.3.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.8 – 1103.7.8.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.9 – 1103.7.9.10|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.8 –_ 1103.8.5.3_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.9|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.9.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1105.12|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1105.12.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1107|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1108|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1113|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1114|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1115|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1116|||X|||||||||||||||||||||- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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11 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and is intended to ensure a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for alterations to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code . The provisions address general fire safety features such as requirements for fire alarm systems in some existing buildings and general means of egress, and include a section dedicated to existing Group I-2 occupancies.
SECTION 1101—GENERAL
1101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this code.
1101.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing minimum construction requirements where such existing buildings do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code .
1101.3 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6 and the California Building Code .
CFC § 1207 High relevance — show source text
The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7 of the CBC), interior finish (see Chapter 8 of the CBC), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings
Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and intends to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for retroactive requirements to install or upgrade fire safety features to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the CBC. Prior to the 2009 edition, its content existed in the CFC but in a random manner that was neither efficient nor user-friendly. In the 2007/2008 International Code Council (ICC) code development cycle, a code change (F294-07/ 08) was approved that consolidated the retroactive elements of CFC into a single chapter for easier and more efficient reference and application to existing buildings.
Chapter 12 Energy Systems
Chapter 12 addresses any provisions related to energy systems found in the CFC. The expansion of such energy systems is related to meeting today’s energy, environmental and economic challenges. Ensuring appropriate criteria to address the safety of such systems in building and fire codes is an important part of protecting the public at large, building occupants and emergency responders. These requirements also facilitate the successful implementation of new technologies.
All text in Section 1207 of the 2024 CFC with the following designation (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.) is reproduced with permission from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is based upon NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Station- ary Energy Storage Systems, Copyright © 2023 NFPA. All designated text is either directly copied from the 2023 edition of NFPA 855 or as modified by the ICC Code Development Process. This material is not the complete and official position of NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented solely by the standard in its entirety. NFPA shall not be responsible for the manner in which this information is presented, nor for any interpretations thereof.
Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use.
PART IV—SPECIAL OCCUPANCIES AND OPERATIONS
Chapter 20 Aviation Facilities
Chapter 20 specifies minimum requirements for the fire-safe operation of airports, heliports and helistops. The principal nonflight operational hazards associated with aviation involve fuel, facilities and operations. Therefore, safe use of flammable and combustible liquids during fueling and maintenance operations is emphasized. Availability of portable Class B:C-rated fire extinguishers for prompt control or suppression of incipient fires is required.
Chapter 21 Dry Cleaning
CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features
The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.
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Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC Chapter 4 are duplicated in CFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.
Chapter 10 Means of Egress
The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7 of the CBC), interior finish (see Chapter 8 of the CBC), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings
Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and intends to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for retroactive requirements to install or upgrade fire safety features to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the CBC. Prior to the 2009 edition, its content existed in the CFC but in a random manner that was neither efficient nor user-friendly. In the 2007/2008 International Code Council (ICC) code development cycle, a code change (F294-07/ 08) was approved that consolidated the retroactive elements of CFC into a single chapter for easier and more efficient reference and application to existing buildings.
Chapter 12 Energy Systems
CFC § 601.1.1 High relevance — show source text
601.1.1 Compliance with other alternatives. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 through 11 or with one of the alternatives provided in Section 301.3.
601.2 Work area. The work area, as defined in Chapter 2, shall be identified on the construction documents.
SECTION 602—ALTERATION—LEVEL 1
602.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.
602.2 Application. Level 1 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7.
SECTION 603—ALTERATION—LEVEL 2
603.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations include the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment, and shall apply where the work area is equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area.
Exception: The movement or addition of nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height shall not be considered a Level 2 alteration.
603.2 Application. Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 8.
SECTION 604—ALTERATION—LEVEL 3
604.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations apply where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area.
604.2 Application. Level 3 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 and 8 for Level 1 and 2 alterations, respectively, as well as the provisions of Chapter 9.
SECTION 605—CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
605.1 Scope. Change of occupancy provisions apply where the activity is classified as a change of occupancy as defined in Chapter 2.
605.2 Application. Changes of occupancy shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10.
SECTION 606—ADDITIONS
606.1 Scope. Provisions for additions shall apply where work is classified as an addition as defined in Chapter 2.
606.2 Application. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 11.
SECTION 607—HISTORIC BUILDINGS
607.1 Scope. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code (Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R) shall apply to qualified historical buildings or properties.
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 7 – ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CFC § 604.1 High relevance — show source text
604.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations apply where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area.
604.2 Application. Level 3 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 and 8 for Level 1 and 2 alterations, respectively, as well as the provisions of Chapter 9.
SECTION 605—CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
605.1 Scope. Change of occupancy provisions apply where the activity is classified as a change of occupancy as defined in Chapter 2.
605.2 Application. Changes of occupancy shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10.
SECTION 606—ADDITIONS
606.1 Scope. Provisions for additions shall apply where work is classified as an addition as defined in Chapter 2.
606.2 Application. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 11.
SECTION 607—HISTORIC BUILDINGS
607.1 Scope. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code (Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R) shall apply to qualified historical buildings or properties.
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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 7 – ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 Col17 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Adopt Entire Chapter X X Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)X Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowChapter / Section 701.1 X 702.7 X 703.2 X 703.2.1 X _703.2. CFC § 317.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing public buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS.
317.1.2.1 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 or 22 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
317.1.3 Community college buildings. [DSA-SS/CC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 323 establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for the rehabilitation of existing buildings for use as community college buildings under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC], refer to Section 1.9.2.2.
The provisions of Section 317 through 323 also establish minimum standards for earthquake evaluation and design for rehabilitation of existing community college buildings currently under the jurisdiction of DSA-SS/CC.
317.1.3.1 Reference to other chapters. For community colleges, where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 17 or 18 of the California Building Code, the provisions in Chapters 17A and 18A of the California Building Code, respectively, shall apply instead.
317.2 Scope. All alterations, structurally connected additions and/or repairs to existing structures or portions thereof shall, at a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this section. The structural system shall be evaluated by a registered design professional and, if not meeting or exceeding the minimum seismic design performance requirements of this section, shall be retrofitted in compliance with these requirements.
Exception: Those structures for which Section 317.3 determines that assessment is not required, or for which Section 317.4 determines that retrofit is not needed, then only the requirements of Section 317.11 apply.
317.3 Applicability.
317.3.1 Existing state-owned buildings. [BSC, DSA-SS] For existing state-owned structures including all buildings owned by the University of California and the California State University, the requirements of Section 317 apply whenever the structure is to be retrofitted, repaired or modified and any of the following apply: 1. Total construction cost, not including cost of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or normal maintenance, for the building exceeds 25 percent of the construction cost for the replacement of the existing building. The changes are cumulative for past modifications to the building that occurred after adoption of the 1995 California Building Code and did not require seismic retrofit.
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PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
CFC § 102.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 102—APPLICABILITY
[A] 102.1 Construction and design provisions. The construction and design provisions of this code shall apply to:
- Structures, facilities and conditions arising after the adoption of this code.
- Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legally in existence at the time of adoption of this code.
- Existing structures, facilities and conditions where required in Chapter 11.
- Existing structures, facilities and conditions that, in the opinion of the fire code official, constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.
[A] 102.2 Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions. The administrative, operational and maintenance provisions of this code shall apply to:
- Conditions and operations arising after the adoption of this code.
- Existing conditions and operations.
[A] 102.3 Change of use or occupancy. A change of occupancy shall not be made unless the use or occupancy is made to comply with the requirements of this code and the California Existing Building Code .
Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, a change of occupancy shall be permitted without complying with the requirements of this code and the California Existing Building Code, provided that the new or proposed use or occupancy is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use or occupancy.
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DIVISION II—SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
[A] 102.4 Application of building code. The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the California Building Code, and any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this code, which are within the scope of the California Building Code, shall be made in accordance therewith.
[A] 102.5 Application of residential code. Where structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the California Residen- tial Code, the provisions of this code shall apply as follows:
- Construction and design provisions of this code pertaining to the exterior of the structure shall apply including, but not limited to, premises identification, fire apparatus access and water supplies. Where interior or exterior systems or devices are installed, construction permits required by Section 105.6 shall apply.
- Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions of this code shall apply.
[A] 102.6 Historic buildings. The provisions of this code relating to the construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration, relocation or moving of buildings or structures shall not be mandatory for existing buildings or structures identified and classified by the state or local jurisdiction as historic buildings where such buildings or structures do not constitute a distinct hazard to life or property. Fire protection in designated historic buildings shall be provided with an approved fire protection plan as required in Section 1103.1.1.
[A] 102.7 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 80, and such codes and standards shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated by Sections 102.7.1 and 102.7.2.
[A] 102.7.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
CFC § 1101.5 High relevance — show source text
1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1101.5|||X|†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |1101.6||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |1102.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1102.3 Exception||||†|†|||||||||||||||||||| |1102.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||||
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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11 ADDITIONS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 11 provides the requirements for additions, which correlate to the code requirements for new construction. There are, however, some exceptions that are specifically stated within this chapter. An “Addition” is defined in Chapter 2 as “an extension or increase in the floor area, number of stories or height of a building or structure.” Chapter 11 contains the minimum requirements for an addition that is not separated from the existing building by a fire wall.
SECTION 1101—GENERAL
1101.1 Scope. An addition to a building or structure shall comply with the California Building Standards Codes as adopted for new construction without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with any requirements of those codes or of these provisions, except as required by this chapter. Where an addition or alteration impacts the existing building or structure, the result of the addition or alteration shall not put the existing building or structure out of compliance with the California Building or Residential Code as applicable. The provisions of height and area of the California Building or Residential Code shall apply to the entire existing building with the additions.
1101.2 Creation or extension of nonconformity. An addition shall not create or extend any nonconformity in the existing building to which the addition is being made with regard to accessibility, structural strength, supports and attachments for nonstructural components, fire safety, means of egress or the capacity of mechanical, plumbing or electrical systems.
Exception: Nonconforming supports and attachments for nonstructural components that serve the addition from within the existing building need not be altered to comply with California Building Code Section 1613 unless the components are part of the addition’s life safety system or are required to serve an addition assigned to Risk Category IV.
[BS] 1101.3 Risk category assignment. Where the addition and the existing building have different occupancies, the risk category of each existing and added occupancy shall be determined in accordance with Section 1604.5.1 of the California Building Code . Where application of that section results in a higher risk category for the existing building compared with the risk category for the existing building before the addition, such a change shall be considered a change of occupancy and shall comply with Chapter 10 of this code. Where application of that section results in a higher risk category for the addition compared with the risk category for the addition by itself, the addition and any systems in the existing building required to serve the addition shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code for new construction for the higher risk category.
CFC § 18873.2. High relevance — show source text
Enforcing Agency—The local building department or the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Sections 18300, 18620, 18640, 18865, 18873 and 18873.2.
Reference—Health and Safety Code Sections 18200 through 18700 and 18860 through 18874.
SECTION A101—PURPOSE
[BS] A101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury from the effects of earthquakes on existing unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings.
The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum standards for structural seismic resistance, and are established primarily to reduce the risk of life loss or injury. Compliance with these provisions will not necessarily prevent loss of life or injury, or prevent earthquake damage to retrofitted buildings.
SECTION A102—SCOPE
[BS] A102.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all existing buildings not more than six stories in height above the base of the structure and having not fewer than one unreinforced masonry bearing wall. The elements regulated by this chapter shall
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE APPENDIX A-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
be determined in accordance with Table A102.1. Except as provided herein, other structural provisions of the building code shall apply. This chapter does not apply to the alteration of existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems.
[BS] TABLE A102.1—ELEMENTS REGULATED BY THIS CHAPTER Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 BUILDING ELEMENTS _SD_1 _SD_1 _SD_1 _SD_1 BUILDING ELEMENTS ≥ 0.067g < 0.133g ≥ 0.133g < 0.20g ≥ 0.20g < 0.30g ≥ 0.30g Parapets X X X X Walls, anchorage X X X X Walls,h/t ratios X X X Walls, in-plane shear X X X Diaphragmsa X X Diaphragms, shear transferb X X X Diaphragms, demand-capacity ratiosb X X a. Applies only to buildings designed according to the general procedures of Section A110.
b. Applies only to buildings designed according to the special procedures of Section A111.a. Applies only to buildings designed according to the general procedures of Section A110.
b. Applies only to buildings designed according to the special procedures of Section A111.a. Applies only to buildings designed according to the general procedures of Section A110.
b. Applies only to buildings designed according to the special procedures of Section A111.a. Applies only to buildings designed according to the general procedures of Section A110.
b. Applies only to buildings designed according to the special procedures of Section A111.a. CFC § 10-3 High relevance — show source text
1003 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
1004 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
1005 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
1006 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
1007 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
1008 Mechanical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
1009 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
1010 Other Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
1011 Change of Occupancy Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
CHAPTER 11 ADDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-3
1101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
1102 Heights and Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
1103 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
1104 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
CHAPTER 12 HISTORIC BUILDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1
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CHAPTER 13 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS. . 13-3
1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
1302 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
1303 Acceptance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
CFC § 18934.7. High relevance — show source text
1. BSC—California Building Standards Commission.
Application—Existing buildings as specified in Section A102 having at least one unreinforced masonry bearing wall, with the exception of buildings subject to building standards pursuant to Health and Safety Code, commencing with Section 17910.
Enforcing Agency—State or local agency specified by the applicable provisions of the law.
Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Section 18934.7.
Reference— Health and Safety Code Sections 18901 through 18949. 2. HCD 1—The Department of Housing and Community Development.
Application—Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, employee housing and factory-built housing.
Enforcing Agency—The local building department or the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Sections 17040, 17921, 17922 and 19990.
Reference—Health and Safety Code Sections 17000 through 17060, 17910 through 17990, 19960 through 19997; and Govern- ment Code Section 12955.1.
3. HCD 2—The Department of Housing and Community Development.
Application—Permanent buildings and permanent accessory buildings or structures constructed within mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks.
Enforcing Agency—The local building department or the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Authority Cited—Health and Safety Code Sections 18300, 18620, 18640, 18865, 18873 and 18873.2.
Reference—Health and Safety Code Sections 18200 through 18700 and 18860 through 18874.
SECTION A101—PURPOSE
[BS] A101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury from the effects of earthquakes on existing unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings.
The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum standards for structural seismic resistance, and are established primarily to reduce the risk of life loss or injury. Compliance with these provisions will not necessarily prevent loss of life or injury, or prevent earthquake damage to retrofitted buildings.
SECTION A102—SCOPE
[BS] A102.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all existing buildings not more than six stories in height above the base of the structure and having not fewer than one unreinforced masonry bearing wall. The elements regulated by this chapter shall
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE APPENDIX A-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
be determined in accordance with Table A102.1. Except as provided herein, other structural provisions of the building code shall apply. This chapter does not apply to the alteration of existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems.
Frequently asked questions
When is a building NOT subject to Chapter 11?
If it was built after the adoption date of the enforced CFC edition (i.e., it is new construction under the current codes), Chapter 11 does not apply; new buildings must follow the California Building Code. See § 1101.1.
Does every alteration to an existing building trigger Chapter 11?
Not every small repair does; Chapter 11 focuses on minimum construction requirements for existing buildings. Where the IEBC also applies, its classification of work (levels 1–3, additions, change of occupancy) helps determine if broader upgrades are required. See § 1103.1 and IEBC § 101.2.2.
If the fire code official finds noncompliance, what happens?
The official will notify the owner and require construction documents and completion within approved schedules; extensions can be granted for good cause with an acceptable plan of correction. See § 1101.4 and § 1101.4.1–.4.3.
Are historic buildings treated the same?
Designated historic buildings may be exempt from mandatory compliance with certain construction provisions where they do not create a distinct hazard; an approved fire protection plan may be accepted instead. See § 102.6.
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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