CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

What does the Division of the State Architect (DSA) regulate for schools/community colleges?

If you're building or doing site work for a public K–12 school or community college, CALGreen assigns plan review and construction observation authority to the Division of the State Architect (DSA‑SS) for those projects (see **§ 105.1** and **§ 105.1.1**).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

The Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety (DSA‑SS) is the enforcing agency for public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges for new building construction and site work on a new or existing site. This specific scope is set out in § 105.1 and § 105.1.1 of the CALGreen Code.

The single most important rule: if a project is a public K–12 school or a community college and involves new construction or site work, DSA‑SS has delegated authority to review and observe design and construction under CALGreen. § 105.1 and § 105.1.1 are the controlling sections.

Requirements in detail

Scope (plain)

  • What’s covered: New building construction and site work for public elementary/secondary schools and community colleges. § 105.1.1 is the direct application statement.
  • Who enforces it: Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety (DSA‑SS) — delegated authority to review design and observe construction. § 105.1 (and § 105.1.1) state the enforcing agency.
  • Energy note: The California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) may supersede some provisions for energy-related requirements — CALGreen explicitly notes that Title 24, Part 6 application supersedes as it applies to energy. § 105.1.1 (note).

Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick table)

Decision dimension Relevant value / test Code Reference
Building type Public elementary/secondary school or community college § 105.1.1
Work type New building construction or site work (new or existing site) § 105.1.1
Enforcing agency DSA‑SS (Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety) § 105.1
Statutory authority Education Code Sections cited (delegation authority) § 105.1
Administrative standards to follow Title 24, Part 1 and Part 2 sections listed under DSA § 105.1.2
Applicable building standards Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12 (as noted) § 105.1.3
Example mandatory item reserved to DSA Student bicycle parking minimum racks per new building § 5.106.4.2.1 (DSA‑SS)

Administrative & technical cross‑references

  • CALGreen lists the specific administrative standards (Title 24, Part 1) and other Part 2 sections that apply when DSA is the enforcing agency; see § 105.1.2.
  • CALGreen identifies which Parts of Title 24 apply for building standards for school and community college buildings under DSA jurisdiction; see § 105.1.3.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Title 24, Part 6 (the California Energy Code) can supersede CALGreen provisions where energy requirements apply — the code note in § 105.1.1 explicitly calls this out.
  • Community colleges may elect to use DSA‑SS/CC alternate standards (DSA‑SS/CC) in some cases; other Title 24 parts (Part 10 adoptions by DSA) and the Existing Building Code contain further DSA‑specific variants. Those are referenced elsewhere in Title 24 and the Existing Building Code (see Title 24 cross‑references).
  • If a building is not a public K–12 or community college (for example, private K–12, universities, or non‑school public buildings), DSA‑SS jurisdiction under § 105.1.1 does not automatically apply — such projects follow other state/local enforcing agencies listed in CALGreen § 101.3.1.

If you need to confirm whether a specific building falls under a DSA alternate standard (DSA‑SS vs DSA‑SS/CC) or whether Title 24 Part 6 energy provisions change the compliance path, the files cited above identify where DSA lists those administrative and building standard cross‑references.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming DSA controls every public building in California — DSA‑SS authority in CALGreen is specifically for public elementary/secondary schools and community colleges for the work types listed in § 105.1.1. Check § 105.1/ § 105.1.1.
  • Overlooking the energy‑code override — designers sometimes apply CALGreen energy language instead of the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). The CALGreen text warns that Part 6 supersedes where applicable. § 105.1.1.
  • Forgetting agency‑specific mandatory measures — DSA adopts and enforces some CALGreen items differently (for example, DSA‑specific bicycle parking rules for student racks). See § 5.106.4.2.1 (DSA‑SS).

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A school district plans a new 25,000 ft² two‑story classroom building on an existing district parcel.

  • Is DSA involved? Yes. The project is new building construction for a public elementary/secondary school, so it falls under DSA jurisdiction per § 105.1.1. The district must submit plans for DSA‑SS review and DSA will observe construction. § 105.1 and § 105.1.1.
  • What codes apply? The project must meet the CALGreen provisions enforced by DSA and the Title 24 Parts listed for school buildings; energy compliance follows Title 24, Part 6 as noted in § 105.1.1 and § 105.1.3.
  • Example mandatory item: DSA‑SS bicycle parking rules require a minimum of four two‑bike capacity racks per new building for student parking (per § 5.106.4.2.1), so the project should include at least 8 bicycle parking spaces (4 racks × 2 bikes).

Related provisions

  • § 105.1.2 — Applicable administrative standards (lists Title 24, Part 1 & Part 2 cross‑references).
  • § 105.1.3 — Applicable building standards (identifies Title 24 Parts that apply to school and college buildings).
  • § 5.106.4.2.1 — DSA‑SS requirement for student bicycle parking (minimum racks per new building).
  • § 101.3.1 — General scope statement for state‑regulated buildings (places DSA responsibilities in the overall CALGreen scope).

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CALGreen § 1.9.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    1.9.1.1 Adopting Agency Identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Sub- section 1.9.1 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym DSA-AC.

    1.9.2 Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety.

    1.9.2.1 DSA-SS (Division of the State Architect – Struc- tural Safety).

    Application – Public elementary and secondary schools, community college buildings, and state-owned or state- leased essential services buildings.

    Enforcing Agency – Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety (DSA-SS).

    The Division of the State Architect has been dele- gated the responsibility and authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and oversee and observe the construction of public elemen- tary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings.

    Authority Cited – Education Code Section 17310 and 81142, and Health and Safety Code Section 16022.

    References – Education Code Sections 17280 through 17317 and 81130 through 81147, and Health and Safety Code Sections 16000 through 16023.

    1.9.2.1.1 Adopting Agency Identification. The pro- visions of this code applicable to buildings identi- fied in this Subsection 1.9.2.1 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym DSA- SS.

    1.9.2.2 DSA-SS/CC (Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety/Community Colleges).

    Application – Community Colleges.

    The Division of the State Architect has been dele- gated the authority by the Department of General Serv- ices to promulgate alternate building standards for application to community colleges, which a community college may elect to use in lieu of standards promulgated by DSA-SS in accordance with Section 1.9.2.1. Refer to Title 24, Part 2, Section 1.9.2.2.

    Enforcing Agency – Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC).

    The Division of the State Architect has been dele- gated the authority by the Department of General Serv- ices to review and approve the design and oversee and

    observe the construction of community colleges electing to use the alternative building standards as provided in this section.

    Authority Cited – Education Code Section 81053.

    References – Education Code Sections 81052, 81053, and 81130 through 81147.

    1.9.2.2.1 Adopting Agency Identification. The provi- sions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Subsection 1.9.2.2 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym DSA-SS/CC.

    1.10.0 Department of Health Care Access and Informa- tion/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development.

  • CALGreen § 1.9.0 High relevance — show source text

    1.9.0 Division of the State Architect. 1.9.1 Reserved for the Division of the State Architect – Access Compliance. 1.9.2 Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety. 1.9.2.1 DSA-SS (Division of the State Architect – Struc- tural Safety).

    – Application Public elementary and secondary schools, community college buildings, and state-owned or state- leased essential services buildings.

    – Enforcing Agency Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety (DSA-SS). The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the responsibility and authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and oversee and observe the construction of public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state- owned or state-leased essential services buildings. Authority Cited – Education Code Sections 17310 and 81142, and Health & Safety Code Section 16022.

    – References Education Code Sections 17280 through 17317 and 81130 through 81147, and Health & Safety Code Sections 16000 through 16023. 1.9.2.1.1 Adopting Agency Identification. The provi- sions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Subsection 1.9.2.1 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym DSA-SS. 1.9.2.2 DSA-SS/CC (Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety/Community Colleges).

    – Application Community Colleges. The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to promulgate alternate building standards for application to community colleges, which a community college may elect to use in lieu of standards promulgated by DSA-SS, in accordance with Section 1.9.2.1. Refer to Title 24, Part 2, Section 1.9.2.2.

    – Enforcing Agency Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC). The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and oversee and observe the construction of community colleges electing to use the alternative building standards as provided in this section.

    12 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

    Authority Cited – Education Code Section 81053.

    – References Education Code Sections 81052, 81053, and 81130 through 81147.

    1.9.2.2.1 Adopting Agency Identification. The provi- sions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Subsection 1.9.2.2 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym DSA-SS/CC.

    1.10.0 Department of Health Care Access and Informa- tion/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Develop-

    ment.

  • CALGreen § 317-323 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Chapter 3, Sections 317-323-DSA-SS adopts these sections without the use of the DSA-SS acronym.

    1.9.2.1.4 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference 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.

    1.9.2.2 DSA-SS/CC Division of the State Architect- Structural Safety/Community Colleges.

    Application— Community Colleges. The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to promulgate alternate building standards for application to community colleges, which a community college may elect to use in lieu of standards promulgated by DSA-SS in accordance with Section 1.9.2.1.

    Enforcing agency— Division of the State Architect- Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC].

    The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and oversee construction of community colleges electing to use the alternative building standards as provided in this section.

    Authority cited — Education Code Section 81053.

    Reference — Education Code Sections 81052, 81053 and 81130 through 81147.

    1.9.2.2.1 Applicable administrative standards.

    1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: 1.1. Sections 4-301 through 4-355, Group 1, and Sections 4-401 through 4-435, Group 2, Chapter 4. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: 2.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.2 of Chapter 1, Division I. 2.2. Sections 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.4, 102.5, 106.1, 107.2.5 and 110.3.6 of Chapter 1, Division II. 3 . Title 24, Part 10, California Code of Regulations: [applies to public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services building(s)]: 3.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.1 of Chapter 1, Division I. 3.2. Sections 101.7, 106.2.5 and 109.3.6 of Chapter 1, Division II.

    1.9.2.2.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, California Code of Regulations.

    The provisions of Title 24, Part 10, as adopted and amended by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC], shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.9.2.2.

  • CALGreen § 1.9.1 High relevance — show source text

    — Building Code), Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect Access Compliance shall comply with Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable under authority cited by CA Government Code Section 4450 and in reference cited by CA Government Code Sections 4450 through 4461, 12955.1(c), and CA Health and Safety Code Sections 18949.1, 19952 through 19959.

    1.9.1.1 Adopting agency identification. Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance amendments in this code appear preceded with the acronym [DSA-AC].

    1.9.2 Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety.

    1.9.2.1 DSA-SS Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety.

    Application— Public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings.

    Enforcing agency— The Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety [DSA-SS] has been delegated the responsibility and authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and observe the construction of public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings.

    Authority cited— Education Code Section 17310 and 81142 and Health and Safety Code Section 16022.

    Reference— Education Code Sections 17280 through 17317, and 81130 through 81147 and Health and Safety Code Sections 16000 through 16023.

    1.9.2.1.1 Applicable administrative standards.

    1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: 1.1. Sections 4-301 through 4-355, Group 1, and Sections 4-401 through 4-435, Group 2, Chapter 4, for public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges. 1.2. Sections 4-201 through 4-249, Chapter 4, for state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: [applies to public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services building(s)]: 2.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.1 of Chapter 1, Division I. 2.2. Sections 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.4, 102.5, 106.1, 107.2.5 and 110.3.6 of Chapter 1, Division II. 3 . Title 24, Part 10, California Code of Regulations: [applies to public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services building(s)]: 3.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.1 of Chapter 1, Division I. 3.2. Sections 101.7, 106.2.5 and 109.3.6 of Chapter 1, Division II.

  • CALGreen § 17062.5 High relevance — show source text

    Reference— Business and Professions Code Division 5; Health and Safety Code Sections 17000 through 17062.5, 17910 through 17995.5, 18200 through 18700, 18860 through 18874, 18938.6, 18941, 19890, 19891, 19892 and 19960 through 19997; Civil Code Sections 832, 1101.4, 1101.5, 1954.201, 1954.202 and 5551; Government Code Sections 8698.4, 12955.1 and 12955.1.1; and California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1605.1, 1605.3 and 1607.

    SECTION 105—DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT

    105.1 Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency, and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

    105.1.1 Application—Public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges. New building construction and site work on a new or existing site.

    Note: The Application of Standards outlined in Title 24, Part 6 supersedes the above application as it applies to the California Energy Code.

    Enforcing agency— The Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (DSA-SS) has been delegated the responsibility and authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and observe the construction of public elementary and secondary schools, and community colleges.

    Authority cited— Education Code Sections 17310 and 81142.

    Reference— Education Code Sections 17280 through 17317, and 81130 through 81147.

    105.1.2 Applicable administrative standards.

    1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations : Sections 4-301 through 4-355, Group 1, Chapter 4, for public elementary and secondary schools, and community colleges.
    2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations : 2.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2 of Chapter 1, Division I. 2.2. Sections 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.4, 102.5, 104.9, 104.10 and 104.11 of Chapter 1, Division II.

    105.1.3 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11 and 12, California Code of Regulations, for school buildings and community colleges.

    SECTION 106—OFFICE OF STATEWIDE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

    106.1 OSHPD 1. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

    Application— General acute care hospitals and acute psychiatric hospitals, excluding distinct part units or distinct part freestanding buildings providing skilled nursing or intermediate care services. For structural regulations: Skilled nursing facilities and/or intermediate care facilities except those skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities of single-story, Type V, wood or light steel-frame construction.

  • CALGreen § 1.9.2.1.2 High relevance — show source text

    1.9.2.1.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, California Code of Regulations, for school buildings, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential service buildings.

    The provisions of Title 24, Part 10, as adopted and amended by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety [DSA-SS], shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1.

    The Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety [DSA-SS] adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 10:

    Chapters 1, 3 and 5.

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    1.9.2.1.3 Amendments. Division of the State Architect— Structural Safety amendments in this code appear preceded with the acronym [DSA-SS].

    Exception: Chapter 3, Sections 317-323-DSA-SS adopts these sections without the use of the DSA-SS acronym.

    1.9.2.1.4 Reference to other chapters. For public schools, where reference 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.

    1.9.2.2 DSA-SS/CC Division of the State Architect- Structural Safety/Community Colleges.

    Application— Community Colleges. The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to promulgate alternate building standards for application to community colleges, which a community college may elect to use in lieu of standards promulgated by DSA-SS in accordance with Section 1.9.2.1.

    Enforcing agency— Division of the State Architect- Structural Safety/Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC].

    The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and oversee construction of community colleges electing to use the alternative building standards as provided in this section.

    Authority cited — Education Code Section 81053.

    Reference — Education Code Sections 81052, 81053 and 81130 through 81147.

    1.9.2.2.1 Applicable administrative standards.

  • CALGreen § 1.8.10 High relevance — show source text

    Division 13, Part 6,_ commencing with Section 19960 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1, commencing with Section 3000. 1.8.10 Other Building Regulations. 1.8.10.1 Existing Structures. Notwithstanding other provisions of law, the replacement, retention, and exten- sion of original materials and the use of original methods of construction for any existing building or accessory structure, or portions thereof, shall be permitted in accor-

    dance with the provisions of this code and the California Existing Building Code, as adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development. For additional information, see California Health and Safety Code, Sections 17912, 17920.3, 17922 and 17958.8.

    1.8.10.2 Moved Structures. Subject to the requirements of California Health and Safety Code Sections 17922, 17922.3 and 17958.9, local ordinances or regulations relating to a moved residential building or accessory structure thereto, shall permit the replacement, retention, and extension of original materials and the use of original methods of construction so long as the structure does not become or continue to be a substandard building.

    1.9.0 Division of the State Architect. 1.9.1 Reserved for the Division of the State Architect – Access Compliance. 1.9.2 Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety. 1.9.2.1 DSA-SS (Division of the State Architect – Struc- tural Safety).

    – Application Public elementary and secondary schools, community college buildings, and state-owned or state- leased essential services buildings.

    – Enforcing Agency Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety (DSA-SS). The Division of the State Architect has been delegated the responsibility and authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and oversee and observe the construction of public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state- owned or state-leased essential services buildings. Authority Cited – Education Code Sections 17310 and 81142, and Health & Safety Code Section 16022.

    – References Education Code Sections 17280 through 17317 and 81130 through 81147, and Health & Safety Code Sections 16000 through 16023. 1.9.2.1.1 Adopting Agency Identification. The provi- sions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Subsection 1.9.2.1 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym DSA-SS. 1.9.2.2 DSA-SS/CC (Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety/Community Colleges).

  • CALGreen § 18941.8. High relevance — show source text

    Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Section 18941.8. Reference— Health and Safety Code Section 18941.8.

    103.1.1 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this section will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym BSC-CG.

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    SECTION 104—DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

    104.1 Scope. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

    1. Housing construction. Application— Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping accommodations with or without common toilet or cooking facilities including accessory buildings, facilities and uses thereto. Enforcing agency— Local building department or the Department of Housing and Community Development. Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Sections 17040, 17920.9, 17921, 17921.5, 17921.6, 17921.10, 17922, 17922.6, 17922.12, 17922.14, 17922.15, 17926, 17927, 17928, 17958.12, 18938.3, 18944.11 and 19990; and Government Code Section

    12955.1.

    Reference— Business and Professions Code Division 5; Health and Safety Code Sections 17000 through 17062.5, 17910 through 17995.5, 18200 through 18700, 18860 through 18874, 18938.6, 18941, 19890, 19891, 19892 and 19960 through 19997; Civil Code Sections 832, 1101.4, 1101.5, 1954.201, 1954.202 and 5551; Government Code Sections 8698.4, 12955.1 and 12955.1.1; and California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1605.1, 1605.3 and 1607.

    SECTION 105—DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT

    105.1 Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency, and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

    105.1.1 Application—Public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges. New building construction and site work on a new or existing site.

    Note: The Application of Standards outlined in Title 24, Part 6 supersedes the above application as it applies to the California Energy Code.

    Enforcing agency— The Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (DSA-SS) has been delegated the responsibility and authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and observe the construction of public elementary and secondary schools, and community colleges.

    Authority cited— Education Code Sections 17310 and 81142.

    Reference— Education Code Sections 17280 through 17317, and 81130 through 81147.

  • CALGreen § 1.8.10.2 High relevance — show source text

    1.8.10.2 Moved structures. Subject to the requirements of California Health and Safety Code Sections 17922, 17922.3 and 17958.9, local ordinances or regulations relating to a moved residential building or accessory structure thereto, shall permit the replacement, retention and extension of original materials and the use of original methods of construction so long as the structure does not become or continue to be a substandard building.

    SECTION 1.9—DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT

    1.9.1 Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance - Reserved.

    Buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 (California

    — Building Code), Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect Access Compliance shall comply with Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable under authority cited by CA Government Code Section 4450 and in reference cited by CA Government Code Sections 4450 through 4461, 12955.1(c), and CA Health and Safety Code Sections 18949.1, 19952 through 19959.

    1.9.1.1 Adopting agency identification. Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance amendments in this code appear preceded with the acronym [DSA-AC].

    1.9.2 Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety.

    1.9.2.1 DSA-SS Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety.

    Application— Public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings.

    Enforcing agency— The Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety [DSA-SS] has been delegated the responsibility and authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and observe the construction of public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings.

    Authority cited— Education Code Section 17310 and 81142 and Health and Safety Code Section 16022.

    Reference— Education Code Sections 17280 through 17317, and 81130 through 81147 and Health and Safety Code Sections 16000 through 16023.

    1.9.2.1.1 Applicable administrative standards.

  • CALGreen § 1.9.1.5 High relevance — show source text

    1.9.1.5 Special conditions for persons with disabilities requiring appeals action ratification. Whenever reference is made in these regulations to this section, the findings and determinations required to be rendered by the local enforcing agency shall be subject to ratification through an appeals process.

    1.9.1.6 Authority cited— Government Code Section 4450.

    1.9.1.7 Reference cited— Government Code Sections 4450 through 4461 and 12955.1(c) and Health and Safety Code Sections 18949.1, 19952 through 19959.

    1.9.1.8 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Subsection 1.9.1 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym DSA-AC.

    1.9.2 Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety.

    1.9.2.1 DSA-SS Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety.

    Application— Public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings.

    Enforcing agency— The Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety (DSA-SS) has been delegated the responsibility and authority by the Department of General Services to review and approve the design and observe the construction of public elemen- tary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings.

    Authority cited— Education Code Sections 17310 and 81142 and Health and Safety Code Section 16022.

    Reference— Education Code Sections 17280 through 17317, and 81130 through 81147 and Health and Safety Code Sections 16000 through 16023.

    1.9.2.1.1 Applicable administrative standards.

    1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: 1.1. Sections 4-301 through 4-355, Group 1, and Sections 4-401 through 4-435, Group 2, Chapter 4 for public elemen- tary and secondary schools and community colleges. 1.2. Sections 4-201 through 4-249, Chapter 4, for state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: [applies to public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services building(s)]: 2.1. Sections 1.1 and 1.9.2.1 of Chapter 1, Division I.

    • 2.2. Sections 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.4, 102.5, 104.2.3, 104.9, 104.10, 106.1, 107.2.5, 110.3.5 and 110.3.7 of Chapter 1, Division II.

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  • CALGreen § 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.

    3-16 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

    PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

  • CALGreen § 9.2.2 High relevance — show source text

    _ 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) where required by Sections 4-307 and 4-309(c) of the California Administrative Code. The provisions of Sections 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. 4. _[HCD 1]**_ In addition to the requirements in this chapter, maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures under the authority of the Department of Housing and Community Development, as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.1, shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.

    Exceptions: 1. [HCD 2] For moved buildings and maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.3, see California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapters 2 and 2.2. 2. [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings, as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Residential Code. 5. Hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care facilities, correctional treatment centers and acute-psychiatric hospitals [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5]. The provisions of adopted sections in Chapters 3 through 5 shall control the alteration, repair and change of occupancy or function of existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.10.4 and 1.10.5 regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). Functional service spaces shall comply with the requirements in the California Building Code, Sections 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227 and 1228.

    301.1.1 Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. Existing bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall comply with ICC 300.

    301.2 Repairs. Repairs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4.

    301.3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The alteration, addition or change of occupancy of all existing buildings shall comply with one of the methods listed in Section 301.3.1, 301.3.2 or 301.3.3 as selected by the applicant. Sections 301.3.1 through 301.3.3 shall not be applied in combination with each other. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Sections 301.3.2 and 301.3.3, not adopted by OSHPD.

    Exception: Subject to the approval of the code official, alterations complying with the laws in existence at the time the building or the affected portion of the building was built shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code. New structural

Frequently asked questions

Who must submit plans to DSA for review?

Public elementary/secondary school districts and community colleges for new building construction and site work on new or existing sites must submit plans to DSA‑SS per § 105.1.1.

Does DSA enforce CALGreen energy requirements?

Energy compliance is governed by the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) where it applies; CALGreen notes Part 6 supersedes for energy matters in § 105.1.1.

Are community colleges treated the same as K–12 schools?

Yes, community colleges are within DSA‑SS application for new construction/site work under § 105.1.1; community colleges also have an alternate DSA‑SS/CC adoption path in Title 24 referenced elsewhere.

If a project is just a small site landscape change, is it under DSA?

If the work is site work associated with a public school or community college, DSA jurisdiction applies per § 105.1.1; check with DSA for threshold/plan submittal requirements.

Where in CALGreen are the specific administrative standards listed?

See § 105.1.2 for the Title 24 Part 1 and Part 2 administrative cross‑references DSA expects to be followed.

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