CRC · California Residential Code
What buildings and structures are regulated by the California Residential Code?
The California Residential Code governs **detached one‑ and two‑family homes, townhouses, and their accessory structures** when they are **no more than three stories above grade plane** and each townhouse has a **separate means of egress**; appendices only apply if a jurisdiction adopts them — see **§ R101.2**, **§ R101.1**, and **§ R101.2.1** for the controlling language .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The California Residential Code applies to detached one- and two‑family dwellings, townhouses, and their accessory structures when those buildings are not more than three stories above grade plane and have a separate means of egress — see § R101.2. The code is titled by statute as the Residential Code for One‑ and Two‑family Dwellings (§ R101.1) and its appendices do not apply unless specifically adopted (§ R101.2.1) .
If it’s a detached one‑ or two‑family dwelling or townhouse (and any accessory structures) that is three stories or less with a separate means of egress, it’s regulated by the California Residential Code (CRC). § R101.2
Requirements in detail
Basic scope (plain English)
- Regulated primary buildings:
- Detached one‑family dwellings (single family homes) — § R101.2
- Detached two‑family dwellings (duplexes) — § R101.2
- Townhouses (each townhouse with a separate means of egress) — § R101.2
- Accessory structures to those buildings are included so long as they are also not more than three stories above grade plane — § R101.2 .
- The code’s appendices are optional and only apply if specifically adopted by the authority having jurisdiction — § R101.2.1 .
Decision table — when the CRC applies
| Decision dimension | Value / threshold | Applies under CRC? | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building type | Detached one‑family dwelling | Yes | § R101.2 |
| Building type | Detached two‑family dwelling | Yes | § R101.2 |
| Building type | Townhouse with separate egress | Yes | § R101.2 |
| Height | More than three stories above grade plane | No (CRC limit) | § R101.2 |
| Egress | Separate means of egress absent | No (not permitted as townhouse under CRC) | § R101.2 |
| Accessory structures | Accessory to regulated dwelling, ≤3 stories | Yes | § R101.2 |
| Appendices | Adopted by jurisdiction? | Only if specifically adopted | § R101.2.1 |
| Selected small‑occupancy exceptions | Specified small uses with automatic sprinklers (e.g., live/work in townhouse form, owner‑occupied lodging houses with ≤5 guestrooms, care/day‑care facilities with ≤5 persons) | Permitted to be constructed under CRC if sprinklered per R309 | § R101.2 (Exception) |
Notes on classification and related code references
- When a building or space has multiple or unusual uses, it must be classified under the occupancy group it most closely resembles; in some cases the California Building Code (CBC) rules apply for multi‑occupancy situations (see the CRC cross‑references and notes) — see § R101.2 and related notes in the CRC .
- Live/work units and certain small lodging or care uses are explicitly called out as allowed under the CRC only when sprinklered — see the Exception text to § R101.2 .
Exceptions & special cases
- The code contains an explicit exception that allows certain small occupancies to be constructed under the CRC where they otherwise might be treated under a different code, but only when provided with an automatic sprinkler system complying with § R309. These include:
- Live/work units located in townhouses that comply with CBC Section 508.5.
- Owner‑occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guestrooms.
- Care facilities inside a dwelling with five or fewer persons receiving custodial or medical care.
- Day care facilities for five or fewer persons inside a dwelling. See the Exception to § R101.2 for the exact list and sprinkler requirement .
- Appendices to the CRC are not mandatory statewide — they apply only if the jurisdiction (city/county or state agency where adopted) specifically adopts them — § R101.2.1 .
- Where a structure contains multiple occupancies or uses (for example a dwelling with a small business, or mixed residential/assembly), the structure may need to follow CBC multi‑occupancy rules (see CRC notes referencing Chapter 3 of the CBC) — the CRC points to CBC classification rules in those cases .
If you need a local‑adoption check (whether your city adopted CRC appendices or local amendments), that is outside the text retrieved here and must be confirmed with the local building department — the code text indicates appendices and state/local adoption vary by jurisdiction § R101.2.1 .
Common mistakes
- Assuming the CRC covers all residential structures statewide without checking height, egress or occupancy exceptions. The CRC explicitly limits coverage to buildings not more than three stories above grade plane with a separate means of egress — § R101.2 .
- Treating multifamily apartment buildings (more than two families) or larger lodging houses as CRC projects — these are typically regulated under the California Building Code or other parts of Title 24, not the one‑ and two‑family residential code; check CBC cross‑references cited in the CRC .
- Believing appendices are automatically in force — they are optional and apply only when specifically adopted — § R101.2.1 .
- Forgetting the sprinkler condition in the CRC exceptions. Small live/work, lodging, care and day care allowances are conditional on compliance with § R309 (automatic sprinklers) — see Exception to § R101.2 .
- Misclassifying a mixed‑use room or space: the CRC points you to CBC Chapter 3 for occupancy classification when uses are not clearly residential — consult the CBC when in doubt, as the CRC references CBC classification rules .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: You plan a new townhouse project where each unit is a three‑story dwelling (ground level + two full floors above) with its own front door (separate means of egress). There will be an attached private garage (one story) for each unit.
- Apply decision rules from the CRC:
- Building type: townhouse with separate means of egress → CRC applies (§ R101.2) .
- Height: three stories above grade plane — within the CRC limit (“not more than three stories”) → CRC applies (§ R101.2) .
- Accessory garage: accessory structure ≤3 stories → covered by CRC as accessory to townhouse (§ R101.2) .
- Conclusion: This project falls squarely under the California Residential Code. Confirm whether any unit will contain a use that would trigger the CBC (e.g., a live/work unit that must meet CBC § 508.5) or whether local amendments or required sprinklers (per the CRC exception referencing § R309) apply — the CRC exception language and cross‑references should be followed in such cases (§ R101.2) .
Related provisions
- § R101.1 — Title of the code (Residential Code for One‑ and Two‑family Dwellings)
- § R101.2 — Scope, regulated buildings, height and accessory structures (primary controlling section)
- § R101.2.1 — Appendices: applicability only when specifically adopted
- § R101.3 — Purpose of the CRC (safety, health, welfare) — see CRC Chapter 1 text
- CRC Exception text to § R101.2 — small occupancy exceptions conditioned on automatic sprinklers; references § R309 for sprinkler compliance
- Cross‑references to CBC Chapter 3 / CBC § 508.5 where the CRC notes classification or live/work unit rules (see the CRC notes in R101.2 and nearby text)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 1-3 High relevance — show source text
Livestock shelters
Private garages
Retaining walls
Sheds
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Stables
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1.1.3.2 Regulated buildings, structures and applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to detached one- and two-family dwellings, lodging houses, live/work units, townhouses and structures accessory thereto. State agencies with regulatory authority as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” following the Preface. 1. One- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings contain- ing sleeping accommodations with common toilets or cooking facilities. See Section 1.8.2.1.1. 2. Permanent buildings and permanent accessory buildings or structures constructed within mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.3. 3. Applications regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal include, but are not limited to, the following in accordance with Section 1.11:
3.1. Buildings or structures used or intended for use as a/an: 1. Home for the elderly, children’s nursery, children’s home or institution, school or any similar occupancy of any capacity 2. Small family day-care homes, large family day-care homes, residential facilities and residential facilities for the elderly, residential care facilities 3. State institutions or other state-owned or state-occupied buildings
4. Residential structures
5. Tents, awnings or other fabric enclosures used in connection with any occupancy 6. Fire alarm devices, equipment and systems in connection with any occupancy
7. Wildland-urban interface fire areas
1.1.4 Appendices. Provisions contained in the appendices of this code shall not apply unless specifically adopted by a state agency or adopted by a local enforcing agency in compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq. for Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17950 for State Housing Law and Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts. See Section 1.1.8 of this code.
1.1.5 Referenced codes. The codes, standards and publications adopted and set forth in this code, including other codes, standards and publications referred to therein are, by title and date of publication, hereby adopted as standard reference documents of this code. When this code does not specifically cover any subject related to building design and construction, recognized architectural or engineer- ing practices shall be employed. The National Fire Codes, standards and the Fire Protection Handbook of the National Fire Protection Association are permitted to be used as authoritative guides in determining recognized fire prevention engineering practices.
CRC § 1.1.2 High relevance — show source text
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California. [HCD 1 & 2] The provisions of this code shall apply to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of every existing building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.
1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.
1.1.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” in the front of the code. 1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California, and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2 for additional scope provisions. 2. Section 1.3 is reserved for the Board of State Community Corrections. 3. Section 1.4 is reserved for the Department of Consumer Affairs. 4. Section 1.5 is reserved for the California Energy Commission. 5. Section 1.6 is reserved for the Department of Food and Agriculture. 6. Section 1.7 is reserved for the Department of Public Health. 7. 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 toilets or cooking facilities.
CRC § 1.8.2.1.1 High relevance — show source text
See Section 1.8.2.1.1 for additional scope_ provisions. 8. Accommodations for persons with disabilities in buildings containing newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings, new common use areas serving existing covered multifamily dwellings, additions to existing buildings where the addition alone meets the definition of covered multifamily dwelling, and new common-use areas serving new covered multifamily dwellings, which are regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.2 for additional scope provisions. 9. Permanent buildings and permanent accessory buildings or structures constructed within mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.3 for additional scope provisions. 10. Accommodations for persons with disabilities regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 1.9.1 for additional scope provisions. 11. Public elementary and secondary schools, community college buildings and state-owned or state-leased essential service buildings regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 1.9.2 for additional scope provisions.
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12. Qualified historical buildings and structures and their associated sites regulated by the State Historical Building Safety Board with the Division of the State Architect.
13. General acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing and/or intermediate care facilities, clinics licensed by the Department of Public Health and correctional treatment centers regulated by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. See Section 1.10 for additional scope provisions. 14. Applications regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal include, but are not limited to, the following in accordance with Section 1.11:
14.1. Buildings or structures used or intended for use as an: 1. Asylum, jail, prison 2. Mental hospital, hospital, home for the elderly, children's nursery, children's home or institution, school or any similar occupancy of any capacity 3. Theater, dancehall, skating rink, auditorium, assembly hall, meeting hall, nightclub, fair building or similar place of assemblage where 50 or more persons may gather together in a building, room or structure for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, instruction, deliberation, worship, drinking or dining, awaiting transportation, or education 4. Small family day-care homes, large family day-care homes, residential facilities and residential facilities for the elderly, residential care facilities 5. State institutions or other state-owned or state-occupied buildings 6. High-rise structures 7. Motion picture production studios 8. Organized camps
9. Residential structures
14.2. Tents, awnings or other fabric enclosures used in connection with any occupancy 14.3. Fire alarm devices, equipment and systems in connection with any occupancy 14.4. Hazardous materials, flammable and combustible liquids 14.5. Public school automatic fire detection, alarm and sprinkler systems
14.6. Wildland-urban interface fire areas
15. Section 1.12 is reserved for the State Librarian.
CRC § 1.1.3.2 High relevance — show source text
1.1.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” in the front of the code. 1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California, and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2 for additional scope provisions. 2. Section 1.3 is reserved for the Board of State Community Corrections. 3. Section 1.4 is reserved for the Department of Consumer Affairs. 4. Section 1.5 is reserved for the California Energy Commission. 5. Section 1.6 is reserved for the Department of Food and Agriculture. 6. Section 1.7 is reserved for the Department of Public Health. 7. 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 toilets or cooking facilities. See Section 1.8.2.1.1 for additional scope provisions. 8. Accommodations for persons with disabilities in buildings containing newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings, new common use areas serving existing covered multifamily dwellings, additions to existing buildings where the addition alone meets the definition of covered multifamily dwelling, and new common-use areas serving new covered multifamily dwellings, which are regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.2 for additional scope provisions. 9. Permanent buildings and permanent accessory buildings or structures constructed within mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.3 for additional scope provisions. 10. Accommodations for persons with disabilities regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 1.9.1 for additional scope provisions. 11. Public elementary and secondary schools, community college buildings and state-owned or state-leased essential service buildings regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 1.9.2 for additional scope provisions.
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12. Qualified historical buildings and structures and their associated sites regulated by the State Historical Building Safety Board with the Division of the State Architect.
CRC § 1-16 High relevance — show source text
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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 1 Division II establishes the limits of applicability of this code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 Division II is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Application (Sections R101–R102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections R103–R114). Section R101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable. Standards and codes are scoped to the extent referenced (see Section R102.4).
The one- and two-family dwelling code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document, and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the building official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Division II is not adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development except where specifically indicated. Note: Specific sections of Chapter 1, Division II adopted by the State Fire Marshal will be indicated in the Matrix Adoption Table.
PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION
SECTION R101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
R101.1 Title. These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One- and Two-family Dwellings of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
R101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height.
Exception: The following shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance with this code where provided with an automatic sprinkler system complying with Section R309 :
Live/work units located in townhouses and complying with the requirements of Section 508.5 of the California Building Code.
Owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guestrooms.
A care facility with five or fewer persons receiving custodial care within a dwelling unit.
A care facility with five or fewer persons receiving medical care within a dwelling unit.
A day care facility for five or fewer persons of any age receiving care within a dwelling unit.
R101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
R101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards and to provide a reasonable level of safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
SECTION R102—APPLICABILITY
R102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
CRC § 1.1.1 High relevance — show source text
1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Building Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Building Code is Part 2 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption the 2024 International Building Code of the International Code Council with necessary Califor- nia amendments.
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equip- ment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.
1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.
1.1.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applica- tions regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” in the front of the code. 1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California, and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2 for additional scope provisions. 2. Local detention facilities regulated by the Board of State and Community Corrections. See Section 1.3 for additional scope provisions. 3. Barbering, cosmetology or electrolysis establishments, acupuncture offices, pharmacies, veterinary facilities and struc- tural pest control locations regulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs. See Section 1.4 for additional scope provisions. 4. Section 1.5 reserved for the California Energy Commission. 5. _Dairies and places of meat inspection regulated by the Department of Food and Agriculture.
CRC § 101.4 High relevance — show source text
When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by statute.
State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California law, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 103 for additional scoping provisions.
Energy efficiency standards regulated by the California Energy Commission.
All residential buildings constructed throughout the State of California, including but not limited to, 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 toilets or cooking facilities regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 104 for additional scoping provisions.
Public elementary and secondary schools, and community college buildings regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 105 for additional scoping provisions.
Qualified historical buildings and structures and their associated sites regulated by the State Historical Building Safety Board within the Division of the State Architect.
General acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing and/or intermediate care facilities, clinics licensed by the Department of Public Health and correctional treatment centers regulated by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. See Section 106 for additional scoping provisions.
Graywater systems regulated by the Department of Water Resources and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Green building standards for occupancies where no state agency has authority or expertise, adopted by the California Building Standards Commission. See Section 103 for additional scoping provisions.
101.4 Appendices. Provisions contained in the appendices of this code are not mandatory unless specifically adopted by a city, county, or city and county in compliance with Health and Safety Code Sections 18930 and 18941.5, respectively, for Building Standards Law; Health and Safety Code Section 17950 for State Housing Law; and Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts. See Section 101.7 of this code.
101.5 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.
101.5.1 Building. The provisions of the California Building Code, California Residential Code and California Existing Building Code, as applicable, shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
101.5.2 Electrical. The provisions of the California Electrical Code shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including but not limited to, alterations, repair, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.
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101.5.3 Mechanical. The provisions of the California Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repair and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems.
CRC § 1.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equip- ment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every detached one- and two-family dwelling and townhouse not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and structures accessory thereto throughout the State of California.
Exceptions: 1. Live/work units complying with the requirements of Section 508.5 of the California Building Code shall be permitted to be constructed as one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses in accordance with this code, as applicable. Fire suppression required by Section 508.5.7 of the California Building Code when constructed under the California Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings shall conform to Section 903.3.1.3 of the California Building Code. 2. Owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guestrooms shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings when equipped with a fire sprinkler system in accordance with Section R309.
1.1.3.1 Classification. Structures or portions of structures shall be classified with respect to occupancy in one or more of the groups listed in Chapter 3 of the California Building Code. A room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all of the requirements that are applicable to each of the purposes for which the room or space will be occupied. Structures with multiple occupancies or uses shall comply with Section 508 of the California Building Code. Where a struc- ture is proposed for a purpose that is not specifically provided for in this code, such structure shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard involved in accordance with this code or the Cali- fornia Building Code.
Note: Live/work units complying with the requirements of Section 508.5 of the California Building Code are classified as a Group R-2 occupancy and are permitted to be constructed as one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses in accordance with this code.
1.1.3.1.1 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U. Buildings and structures of an accessory character and miscellaneous structures not classified in any specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the requirements of this code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Agricultural buildings
Aircraft hangars, accessory to a one- or two-family residence (see Section 412.5 of the California Building Code)
Barns
Carports
Fences more than 7 feet (2134 mm) high
Grain silos, accessory to a residential occupancy
Greenhouses
Livestock shelters
Private garages
Retaining walls
Sheds
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CRC § 109.3.11 Medium relevance — show source text
3 – 109.3.11||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |109.3.6|X||X|||||X|X|||||||||||||||| |109.3.7|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |110|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |111|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |113|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |114|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |115|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |116.1|||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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DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 1.1—GENERAL
1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Existing Building Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Existing Building Code is Part 10 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption the 2024 International Existing Building Code of the International Code Council with necessary California amendments.
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California. [HCD 1 & 2] The provisions of this code shall apply to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of every existing building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.
1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.
CRC § 1.5.2 Medium relevance — show source text
1.5.2_||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |R109.1.5.3||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |R109.1.6|||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |R109.1.6.1||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |R109.1.6.2||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |R109.2 - R109.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |R110 - R110.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |R111 - R111.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |R113.1 - R113.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |R114.1 - R114.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: †
1-2 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE
1 ADMINISTRATION
DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 1.1—GENERAL
1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Residential Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Residential Code is Part 2.5 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption the 2024 International Residential Code of the International Code Council with necessary California amendments.
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equip- ment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every detached one- and two-family dwelling and townhouse not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and structures accessory thereto throughout the State of California.
Exceptions: 1. Live/work units complying with the requirements of Section 508.5 of the California Building Code shall be permitted to be constructed as one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses in accordance with this code, as applicable. Fire suppression required by Section 508.5.7 of the California Building Code when constructed under the California Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings shall conform to Section 903.3.1.3 of the California Building Code. 2. Owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guestrooms shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings when equipped with a fire sprinkler system in accordance with Section R309.
1.1.3.1 Classification. Structures or portions of structures shall be classified with respect to occupancy in one or more of the groups _listed in Chapter 3 of the California Building Code.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the CRC for a three‑unit apartment building?
No. The CRC is limited to detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings and townhouses; a three‑unit apartment building is generally outside the CRC scope and is regulated under the California Building Code or other parts of Title 24. See § R101.2 .
Do accessory buildings (sheds, garages) follow the CRC?
Yes — accessory structures to an eligible dwelling or townhouse are covered if they are not more than three stories above grade plane, per § R101.2. Confirm classification (Group U etc.) where needed .
Do the CRC appendices automatically apply?
No. Appendix provisions do not apply unless specifically adopted by the adopting authority. See § R101.2.1 .
Are live/work units always covered by the CRC?
Only if the live/work unit is configured and complies with CBC § 508.5 and, when the CRC exception applies, the unit is provided with the specified automatic sprinkler system per the CRC Exception to § R101.2 .
What if my project mixes residential and nonresidential uses?
The CRC points to CBC occupancy classification rules for multi‑use structures; classify the space according to the occupancy it most closely resembles and follow CBC multi‑occupancy rules where applicable — see the CRC notes adjacent to § R101.2 .
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