CRC · California Residential Code
What is a 'Sleeping Unit' or 'Guestroom'?
A **Sleeping Unit** (per **§ R202**) is a self‑contained unit with permanent sleeping provisions that may include living/eating and either a bathroom or a kitchen (but not both); rooms inside a dwelling unit are excluded. A **Guestroom** (per **§ R202**) is any room used or intended for guests to live or sleep in.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires
A Sleeping Unit and a Guestroom are defined terms in § R202 of the California Residential Code. A Sleeping Unit is a single unit that provides rooms or spaces with permanent provisions for sleeping and may include living, eating and either sanitation or kitchen facilities — but not both; spaces that are part of a dwelling unit are expressly excluded. § R202.
A Guestroom is any room or rooms used or intended to be used by guests for living or sleeping purposes. § R202.
Most important: A Sleeping Unit is a self-contained sleeping accommodation (can include living/eating and one of sanitation or kitchen) that is separate from a dwelling unit; a Guestroom is any room intended for a guest’s living or sleeping use.
Requirements in detail
Core definitions (plain-English, code anchor)
- Sleeping Unit — A self-contained unit providing permanent sleeping provisions; it may include living and eating areas and either a sanitation facility or a kitchen, but not both. Rooms that are part of a dwelling unit are not sleeping units. § R202.
- Guestroom — Any room or rooms used or intended to be used by one or more guests for living or sleeping purposes. § R202.
- Habitable Space (relevant because sleeping is a habitable use) — A space for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, closets, halls and similar spaces are not habitable. § R202.
Decision-relevant dimensions — quick reference table
| Decision question | Key values / test | Effect (classification) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does the space provide permanent provisions for sleeping? | Yes / No | If Yes, it may be a Sleeping Unit or a Guestroom depending on other factors. | § R202 |
| Is the space part of an existing dwelling unit (i.e., within a single dwelling)? | Yes / No | If Yes, it is not a Sleeping Unit (the code excludes rooms that are part of a dwelling unit). | § R202 |
| Does the unit include both a kitchen and sanitation (bathroom) facility? | Both / One / Neither | If it includes both, that combination is not described as allowed for a Sleeping Unit (Sleeping Unit may include either sanitation or kitchen, not both). | § R202 |
| Is the room used or intended for guests to live or sleep? | Yes / No | If Yes, it meets the definition of Guestroom regardless of whether it’s a full unit. | § R202 |
| Is the space classified as habitable? | Sleeping → habitable | Sleeping uses are habitable; habitable-space requirements elsewhere (light, ventilation, egress) apply. | § R202 |
Practical points from the wording
- “Permanent provisions for sleeping” means the unit is built/designed with sleeping as an intended, ongoing use (beds/bed alcoves, built-in bunks, etc.). The CRC text uses this phrase to distinguish transient or occasional sleeping (the term is prescriptive rather than a dimensional test). § R202.
- The Sleeping Unit language explicitly allows either a sanitation facility (bath) or a kitchen, but not both; that distinction matters when classifying small rental units or short-term lodging converted from houses. § R202.
- A Guestroom can be a single room inside a larger building (hotel, boarding house, owner-occupied) — the CRC definition is broad: any room used/intended for guest living or sleeping. § R202.
Exceptions & special cases
- Rooms that are part of a dwelling unit are explicitly not sleeping units even if they have permanent sleeping provisions (for example, a bedroom in a house is not a "sleeping unit"). This exclusion is stated in § R202. § R202.
- The CRC definition allows a sleeping unit to include either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both; if a unit contains both (full kitchen + full bathroom), classification may be different and other code chapters (e.g., dwelling-unit requirements) may apply — the R202 text does not describe those consequences; you should consult the applicable occupancy and dwelling-unit provisions. § R202.
- Sleeping lofts and similar special sleeping configurations are defined and regulated elsewhere (see § R315 for sleeping loft requirements) and may impose additional requirements (guarding, egress). § R315.
If you need a determination that affects egress, ventilation, or minimum room areas, those topics are covered in other sections of the CRC (for example, emergency escape and rescue openings and means of egress). The R202 definitions do not themselves set egress dimensions. § R318, § R319.
Common mistakes
- Treating every bedroom as a Sleeping Unit — incorrect. A bedroom inside a dwelling unit is not a sleeping unit per § R202.
- Assuming a Sleeping Unit may contain both a full kitchen and a full bathroom. The definition permits either sanitation or kitchen, not both; misclassifying such a space can lead to applying the wrong set of code rules.
- Ignoring habitable-space rules: because sleeping is a habitable use, minimum room-area, light and ventilation, ceiling height and egress rules applicable to habitable spaces still apply — the definitions are not a substitute for those separate requirements.
Worked example
Scenario: A property owner proposes renting a converted garage as a short-term unit. The space contains:
- One open room with a permanent bed alcove, 250 ft² of floor area (example number only),
- A small sink and compact cooking counter (no full-range oven or full kitchen appliances), and
- A shared bathroom down the hall in the main house (i.e., no private sanitation inside the unit).
Classification under § R202: Because the unit has permanent provisions for sleeping and includes living/eating features and only one of sanitation/kitchen (it has a cooking counter but no private bathroom), this meets the CRC definition of a Sleeping Unit provided the space is not considered part of the main dwelling unit. If the converted garage remains legally part of the dwelling unit (shared address and not a separate unit under local definitions), the code text says spaces that are part of a dwelling unit are not sleeping units — so local determination of whether the garage is a separate unit matters. § R202.
Notes: The numeric floor area (250 ft²) was chosen for illustration; § R202 does not set a minimum square footage for a sleeping unit — other CRC sections (e.g., minimum room area, ceiling height) may apply. § R202.
Related provisions
- § R202 — Definitions (Sleeping Unit, Guestroom, Habitable Space).
- § R315 — Sleeping lofts (special rules for loft-type sleeping spaces).
- § R318 — Means of egress (relevant for sleeping/habitable spaces).
- § R319 — Emergency escape and rescue openings (applies to habitable/sleeping rooms).
- § R312, § R313 — Minimum room/ceiling height provisions affecting habitable sleeping spaces (see Chapter 3 index).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 2-21 High relevance — show source text
[RB] SHALL. The term, where used in the code, is construed as mandatory.
[RB] SHEAR WALL. A general term for walls that are designed and constructed to resist racking from seismic and wind by use of masonry, concrete, cold-formed steel or wood framing in accordance with Chapter 6 of this code and the associated limitations in Section R301.2 of this code.
[RB] SHINGLE FASHION. A method of installing roof or wall coverings, water-resistive barriers, flashing or other building components such that upper layers of material are placed overlapping lower layers of material to provide drainage and protect against water intrusion at unsealed penetrations and joints or in combination with sealed joints.
[RB] SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE. A roofing membrane that is field applied using one layer of membrane material (either homogeneous or composite) rather than multiple layers.
[RB] SINGLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM. An assembly incorporating the detector, control equipment and alarm sounding device in one unit that is operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.
[RB] SKYLIGHT, UNIT. A factory assembled, glazed fenestration unit, containing one panel of glazing material, that allows for natural daylighting through an opening in the roof assembly while preserving the weather-resistant barrier of the roof.
2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 2-21
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DEFINITIONS
[RB] SKYLIGHTS AND SLOPED GLAZING. Glass or other transparent or translucent glazing material installed at a slope of 15 degrees (0.26 rad) or more from vertical. Unit skylights, tubular daylighting devices and glazing materials in solariums, sunrooms, roofs and sloped walls are included in this definition.
[RB] SLEEPING LOFT. A space designated for sleeping on an intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of a story, open on one or more sides to the room in which the space is located, and in accordance with Section R315.
[RB] SLEEPING UNIT. A single unit that provides rooms or spaces for one or more persons, includes permanent provisions for sleeping and can include provisions for living, eating and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both. Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling unit are not sleeping units.
[MP] SLIP JOINT. A mechanical-type joint used primarily on fixture traps. The joint tightness is obtained by compressing a frictiontype washer such as rubber, nylon, neoprene, lead or special packing material against the pipe by the tightening of a (slip) nut.
[MP] SLOPE. The fall (pitch) of a line of pipe in reference to a horizontal plane. In drainage, the slope is expressed as the fall in units vertical per units horizontal (percent) for a length of pipe.
[RB] SMOKE-DEVELOPED INDEX. A comparative measure, expressed as a dimensionless number, derived from measurements of smoke obscuration versus time for a material tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
[MP] SOIL STACK OR PIPE. A pipe that conveys sewage containing fecal material.
CRC § 2-6 Medium relevance — show source text
HOTEL OR MOTEL. (HCD-1) Any building containing six or more guest rooms intended or designed to be used, or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied or which are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests.
HYDROCHLOROFLUOROCARBON (HCFC). A class of compounds primarily used as refrigerants or foam expansion agents, consisting of only hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine and carbon.
HYDROFLUOROCARBON (HFC). A class of compounds primarily used as refrigerants or foam expansion agents, consisting of only hydrogen, fluorine and carbon.
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DEFINITIONS
IESNA. Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.
INERT SOLIDS OR INERT WASTE. A non-liquid solid waste including, but not limited to, soil and concrete, that does not contain hazardous waste or soluble pollutants at concentrations in excess of water-quality objectives established by a regional water board pursuant to Division 7 (commencing with Section 13000) of the California Water Code and does not contain significant quantities of decomposable solid waste.
INFILL SITE. A site in an urbanized area that meets criteria defined in Public Resources Code Section 21061.3.
INFILTRATION. An uncontrolled inward air leakage from outside a building or unconditioned space, including leakage through cracks and interstices, around windows and doors and through any other exterior or demising partition or pipe or duct penetration.
INTERIOR BUILDING. The inside of the weatherproofing system.
JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT. [HCD] A unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing single-family structure. A junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure. (See Government Code Section 65852.22.)
KITCHEN. That portion in a residential dwelling unit that is a room or area used for cooking, food storage and preparation and washing dishes, including associated counter tops and cabinets, refrigerator, stove, ovens and floor area.
LANDSCAPE WATER METER. [HCD] An inline device installed at the irrigation supply point that measures the flow of water into the irrigation system and is connected to a totalizer to record water use.
LEVEL 1 ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING RECEPTACLE. [DSA-SS] A 120-volt 20-ampere minimum branch circuit and a receptacle.
LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGER. [BSC-CG, HCD] A 208/240-volt 30-ampere minimum electric vehicle charger connected to the premises electrical system capable of charging electric vehicles.
LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT. [BSC-CG, DSA-SS, HCD] The 208/240-volt 40-ampere branch circuit, and the electric vehicle charging connectors, attachment plugs and all other fittings, devices, power outlets or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of transferring energy between the premises wiring and the electric vehicle.
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA). A technique to evaluate the relevant energy and material consumed and environmental impacts associated with the entire life of a product, process, activity or service, including a whole building.
CRC § 2-14 Medium relevance — show source text
[MP] GRAYWATER. Waste discharged from lavatories, bathtubs, showers, clothes washers and laundry trays.
[MP] GRIDDED WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. A water distribution system where every water distribution pipe is interconnected so as to provide two or more paths to each fixture supply pipe.
[RB] GROSS AREA OF EXTERIOR WALLS. The normal projection of all exterior walls, including the area of all windows and doors installed therein.
[MP] GROUND-SOURCE HEAT PUMP LOOP SYSTEM. Piping buried in horizontal or vertical excavations or placed in a body of water for the purpose of transporting heat transfer liquid to and from a heat pump. Included in this definition are closed loop systems in which the liquid is recirculated and open loop systems in which the liquid is drawn from a well or other source.
[RB] GUARD OR GUARDRAIL . A building component or a system of building components located near the open sides of elevated walking surfaces that minimizes the possibility of a fall from the walking surface to the lower level.
[RB] GUESTROOM. Any room or rooms used or intended to be used by one or more guests for living or sleeping purposes.
[RB] GYPSUM BOARD. A type of gypsum panel product consisting of a noncombustible core primarily of gypsum with paper surfacing.
[RB] GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCT. The general name for a family of sheet products consisting essentially of gypsum complying with the standards specified in Section R702.3 and Chapter 44 of this code.
[RB] GYPSUM SHEATHING. Gypsum panel products specifically manufactured with enhanced water resistance for use as a substrate for exterior surface materials.
[RB] GYPSUM WALLBOARD. A gypsum board used primarily as interior surfacing for building structures.
[RB] HABITABLE SPACE. A space in a building for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces.
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DEFINITIONS
[RB] HANDRAIL. A horizontal or sloping rail intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support.
[MP] HANGERS. See “Supports.”
[MP] HAZARDOUS LOCATION. Any location considered to be a fire hazard for flammable vapors, dust, combustible fibers or other highly combustible substances.
[MP] HEAT PUMP. A refrigeration system or factory-made appliance that utilizes refrigerant to transfer heat into a space or substance.
[RB] HEIGHT, BUILDING. The vertical distance from grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface.
[RB] HEIGHT, STORY. The vertical distance from top to top of two successive tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces; and, for the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists or, where there is not a ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters.
[MP] HIGH-TEMPERATURE (H.T.) CHIMNEY. A high-temperature chimney complying with the requirements of UL 103. A Type H.T. chimney is identifiable by the markings “Type H.T.” on each chimney pipe section.
CRC § 8-7 Medium relevance — show source text
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1-#6|40,CRC § 2-5 Medium relevance — show source text
Part II—Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
R201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
R202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Part III—Building Planning and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
CHAPTER 3 BUILDING PLANNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
R300 Site Drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
R301 Design Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
R302 Fire-Resistant Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
R303 Foam Plastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
R304 Protection of Wood and Wood-Based Products
Against Decay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
R305 Protection Against Subterranean Termites. . . . . . . 3-35
R306 Flood-Resistant Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
R307 Storm Shelters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
R308 Site Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
R309 Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
R310 Smoke Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-54
R311 Carbon Monoxide Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-58
R312 Minimum Room Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59
R313 Ceiling Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59
CRC § 2.3 Medium relevance — show source text
SIP R610.8
Steel R603.6
Wood R602.7
Hearth R1001.9
Extension R1001.10, R1001.9
Heaters
Masonry R1002 Heating Required R325.8 Height Ceiling R313 Mezzanines R314.2 Sleeping lofts R315.3 Hollow-Unit Masonry (see Masonry)
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INDEX
Roof shingles R905.4 Methods Water distribution pipe sizing Appendix CF Mezzanines (see also Sleeping Lofts) R314, R321 Modifications R104.2.3 Moisture Content, Building Materials R109.1.4.1
Moisture Control R702.7
Mortar
Joints R606.3.1 Multiple Flues R1003.13
Natural Light (see Light) Natural Ventilation (see Ventilation) Notching Steel joists R505.2.5, R505.3.5, R804.2.5, R804.3.3 Steel studs R603.2.6, R603.3.4 Wood joists R502.8, R802.7.1 Wood studs R602.6 Wood top plates R602.6.1
Opening Protection R302.5
Parapets R302.2.2, R606.4.4 Particleboard
Floor R503.3
Walls R605 Patio Covers Appendix BF Penetrations R302.4, R302.5 Permits 1.8.4, R105, R105.5.1 Permit fees Appendix AB Photovoltaic Panel Systems R907 Ground-mounted definition R202
Photovoltaic Support Structure, Elevated R202, R324.8, R324.8.1, R324.8.2 Piers R606.7
Masonry R404.1.9 Planning Building Chapter 3 Plans R106
Plaster
Exterior R703.7
Interior R702.2
Platform Lifts R323.2, R323.3 Plumbing Fixture clearances R327
Fixtures R326, R327 Inspection 109.1.2 Requirements and definitions R202 System, definition R202 Plywood Application R703.5 Materials, walls R604
Precast Concrete
Footings R403.4 Foundation material R402.3.1
Foundation walls R404.5
Protection Against decay and termites R304, R305 Against radon Appendix BE Public Way R318.1, R319.1 Purlins R802.4.5
Hot Tubs (see Swimming Pools) R324.3.1, R328 Hurricane (see Storm Shelter)
Impact Protective System Energy storage system R330.8 Flood R306.1.4.2, R306.3.3 Human impact R324.3 Storm shelter R307.2.1
CRC § 8.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Defined R202
Inlet To masonry chimneys R1003.16 Inspection On-site 1.8.4, R109.1 Insulation
Above-deck R906 Flame spread R302.10 Foam plastic R303 Interior
Lath R702.2.3
Other finishes R702.5
Plaster R702.2 Wall covering Chapter 7 Intermodal Shipping Container R301.1.4
Joist
Bearing R502.6, R606.6.3.1
Kitchen Height and area R312, R313 Sinks R326
Ventilation R325.1.2
Labeling Garage doors R609.4.1 Ladders
Ships ladders R318.7.13 Sleeping lofts R315.5.3 Landings (see also Stairways, Ramps and Doors) R318.3, R318.3.1, R318.3.2, R318.7.6, R318.8.2, R321, R324.4.7, R325.6, R325.7 Lateral Support R502.7, R606.6.4, R607.5.2 Lath
Exterior R703.7.1
Interior R702.2.3
Lavatories R326.1
Clearances R327 Liability R104.8 Light R325 Lighting Adjoining rooms R325.1.3 Bathrooms R325.2
Exterior stairs R325.7
Habitable rooms R325
Interior stairs R325.6 Limited-Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings Alternative provisions R301.1.1.1 Definition R202 Lining Flue R1003.11, R1003.12 Lintel R606.10, R608.8, R703.8.3, R1001.7 Liquid Fuel R202 Live Loads (see Loads)
Live/work Unit R101.2 Accessibility R322.2 Loads Chimneys R1003.8 Components and Cladding (see Wind Loads) Figure R301.2.1, Table 301.2.1(1), Table 301.2.1(2) Dead load R301.4 Flood (see Flood-Resistant Construction) R301.2.4 Live load R301.5, R301.7 Roof R301.6 Seismic risk map (see Seismic Loads) Figure R301.2.2.1(1), Figure R301.2.2.1(2), Figure R301.2.2.1(3), Figure R301.2.2.1(4), Figure R301.2.2.1(5), Figure R301.2.2.1(6), Figure R301.2.2.1(7) Snow load map (see Snow Loads) Figure 301.2(3) Wind speed map (see Wind Loads) Figure R301.2(2) Lodging House R101.2, R322.1 Lumber
Grade R502.1.1, R602.1.1, R802.1.1
CRC § 8.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Garbage Disposal (see Food-Waste Disposers) Garages R317, R330.8.1 Electric vehicle charging infrastructure R317.6 Protection of Energy Storage Systems R330.8
Generators R331
Girders R502.5 Glazing Aggregate area R325.1 Greenhouses R324.6.6 Protection of openings R301.2.1.2 Safety glazing at hazardous locations R324
Site-built R324.5 Skylights and sloped glazing R324.6 Grade
Of lumber R502.1.1, R602.1.1, R802.1.1 Grade Plane R101.2, R301.2.2.7, R316.3 Ground Floors (on ground) R504, R506 Guards or Guardrail R321, R324.4.4 Exterior R507.10 Guestroom (see Lodging House) Gypsum Board and Gypsum Panel Products R702.3
Hallways R318.6 Hand Shower (see Shower) Handrails R318.7.8, R318.8.3, R320, R324.4.4 Alternating tread devices R318.7.12.2 Ship’s ladders R318.7.13.2 Hazardous Location R324
Headers
SIP R610.8
Steel R603.6
Wood R602.7
Hearth R1001.9
Extension R1001.10, R1001.9
Heaters
Masonry R1002 Heating Required R325.8 Height Ceiling R313 Mezzanines R314.2 Sleeping lofts R315.3 Hollow-Unit Masonry (see Masonry)
INDEX-2 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
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INDEX
Roof shingles R905.4 Methods Water distribution pipe sizing Appendix CF Mezzanines (see also Sleeping Lofts) R314, R321 Modifications R104.2.3 Moisture Content, Building Materials R109.1.4.1
Moisture Control R702.7
Mortar
Joints R606.3.1 Multiple Flues R1003.13
Natural Light (see Light) Natural Ventilation (see Ventilation) Notching Steel joists R505.2.5, R505.3.5, R804.2.5, R804.3.3 Steel studs R603.2.6, R603.3.4 Wood joists R502.8, R802.7.1 Wood studs R602.6 Wood top plates R602.6.1
Opening Protection R302.5
Parapets R302.2.2, R606.4.4 Particleboard
Floor R503.3
CRC § 1.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Exterior stairs R325.7
Habitable rooms R325
Interior stairs R325.6 Limited-Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings Alternative provisions R301.1.1.1 Definition R202 Lining Flue R1003.11, R1003.12 Lintel R606.10, R608.8, R703.8.3, R1001.7 Liquid Fuel R202 Live Loads (see Loads)
Live/work Unit R101.2 Accessibility R322.2 Loads Chimneys R1003.8 Components and Cladding (see Wind Loads) Figure R301.2.1, Table 301.2.1(1), Table 301.2.1(2) Dead load R301.4 Flood (see Flood-Resistant Construction) R301.2.4 Live load R301.5, R301.7 Roof R301.6 Seismic risk map (see Seismic Loads) Figure R301.2.2.1(1), Figure R301.2.2.1(2), Figure R301.2.2.1(3), Figure R301.2.2.1(4), Figure R301.2.2.1(5), Figure R301.2.2.1(6), Figure R301.2.2.1(7) Snow load map (see Snow Loads) Figure 301.2(3) Wind speed map (see Wind Loads) Figure R301.2(2) Lodging House R101.2, R322.1 Lumber
Grade R502.1.1, R602.1.1, R802.1.1
Maintenance R102.6, R303.5.3, R303.5.4 Energy R330.11 Masonry Anchorage R606.11 Cavity wall R606.13 Chases R606.8
General R606
Hollow unit R606.13.1.2, R606.3.2.2 Inspection R109.1.4 Seismic requirements R606.12 Veneer R703.8
Veneer attachment R703.3
Materials
Alternative 1.8.7, R104.2.2 Combustible R1001.11, R1001.12, R1003.18, R1003.19 For flue liners R1003.11
For hearth extension R1001.9 For siding R703.5 Means of Appeal R112 Board of appeals Appendix AA Means of Egress R318 Attachment of landings, decks, balconies and stairs R318.5
Door R318.2 Floors and landings at exterior doors R318.3 Hallways R318.6 Mezzanines R314.4
Ramps R318.8 Sleeping lofts R315.5 Stairways R318.7 Vertical egress R318.4 Mechanical
Inspection R109.1.2 Membrane Polyethylene R504.2.2, R506.3.3 Waterproofing R406.2 Water-resistive R703.2
Metal Roof panels R905.10
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INDEX
CRC § 2.2 Medium relevance — show source text
R606.2.2
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REFERENCED STANDARDS
C216—21: Specification for Facing Brick (Solid Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale) R202, Table R301.2(1), R606.2.2
C270—19ae1: Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry R606.2.8, Table R606.2.8, R606.2.11
C315—2007(2021): Specification for Clay Flue Liners and Chimney Pots R1001.8, R1003.11.1, Table R1003.14(1)
C406/C406M—2015: Specification for Roofing Slate
R905.6.4
C475/C475M—2017: Specification for Joint Compound and Joint Tape for Finishing Gypsum Board
R702.3.1
C476—20: Specification for Grout for Masonry
R606.2.12
C503/C503M—2015: Standard Specification for Marble Dimension Stone
R606.2.4
C514—04(2020): Standard Specification for Nails for the Application of Gypsum Board
R702.3.1
C552—22: Standard Specification for Cellular Glass Thermal Insulation
Table R906.2
C557—2003(2017): Specification for Adhesives for Fastening Gypsum Wallboard to Wood Framing
R702.3.1.1
C568M—2015: Standard Specification for Limestone Dimension Stone
R606.2.4
C578—19: Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation R403.3, Table R703.8.4(2), Table R703.15.1, Table R703.15.2, Table R703.16.1, Table R703.16.2, Table R906.2
C587—2004(2018): Specification for Gypsum Veneer Plaster
R702.2.1
C595/C595M—21: Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
R608.5.1.1, R702.2.2, R703.7.2
C615/C615M—2018E1: Standard Specification for Granite Dimension Stone
R606.2.4
C616/C616M—2015: Standard Specification for Quartz-Based Dimension Stone
R606.2.4
C629/C629M—2015: Standard Specification for Slate Dimension Stone
R606.2.4
C631—09(2020): Standard Specification for Bonding Compounds for Interior Gypsum Plastering
R702.2.1
C645—2018: Specification for Nonstructural Steel Framing Members
R702.3.3
C652—21: Specification for Hollow Brick (Hollow Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale) R202, Table R301.2(1), R606.2.2
C685/C685M—2017: Specification for Concrete Made by Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
R404.1.3.3.2, R608.5.1.2
C726—2017: Standard Specification for Mineral Wool Roof Insulation Board
Table R906.2
CRC § 1-18 Medium relevance — show source text
R104 Duties and Powers of the Building Official . . . . . . . 1-18
R105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
R106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
R107 Temporary Structures and Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
R108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
R109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
R110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
R111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
R112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
R113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
R114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Part II—Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
R201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
R202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Part III—Building Planning and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
CHAPTER 3 BUILDING PLANNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
R300 Site Drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
R301 Design Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
R302 Fire-Resistant Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
CRC § 2-3 Medium relevance — show source text
SYSTEM||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |VENTILATION||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |WATER HEATER||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |WHOLE-HOUSE MECHANICAL
VENTILATION SYSTEM||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI)|||X|||||||||||||||||||||The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: †
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Part II—Definitions
2 DEFINITIONS
User notes:
About this chapter: Codes, by their very nature, are technical documents. Every word, term and punctuation mark can add to or change the meaning of a technical requirement. It is necessary to maintain a consensus on the specific meaning of each term contained in the code. Chapter 2 performs this function by stating clearly what specific terms mean for the purpose of the code.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to definitions in this chapter preceded by a bracketed letter are considered by the IRC—Building Code Development Committee [RB], the IRC—Mechanical/Plumbing Code Development Committee [MP] or the IECC—Residential Code Development Committee [RE] during the Group B (2025) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION R201—GENERAL
R201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings indicated in this chapter.
R201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.
R201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code such terms shall have the meanings ascribed in the California Building Standards Code, Title 24, California Code of Regulations.
R201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
For applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, where terms are not defined through the meth- ods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged, shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meanings.
SECTION R202—DEFINITIONS
[RB] ACCESS (TO). That which enables a device, an appliance or equipment to be reached by ready access or by a means that first requires the removal or movement of a panel, door or similar obstruction.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] An attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. Accessory dwelling units shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. (See Government Code Section 65852.2)
Frequently asked questions
What if a room has a sofa-bed but is otherwise part of a dwelling unit — is it a Sleeping Unit?
If it is part of the dwelling unit, the CRC does not treat it as a separate Sleeping Unit even if used for sleeping. The exclusion is explicit in § R202.
Can a sleeping unit have a kitchenette and a bathroom?
The definition in § R202 allows a Sleeping Unit to include either sanitation or kitchen facilities, not both. If both are present, the space may not fit the Sleeping Unit definition and other occupancy/dwelling rules should be consulted.
Is a hotel room a "Guestroom" under the CRC?
Yes — a Guestroom is any room used or intended for guests to live or sleep in. Hotels and motels use that concept; CalGreen contains related terms for hotels/motels but the basic guestroom definition is in § R202.
Does the definition set minimum size or egress requirements for sleeping units?
No — § R202 provides definitions only. Minimum room area, egress and ventilation requirements for habitable/sleeping spaces are addressed elsewhere in the CRC (see Chapter 3 sections such as § R312–R319).
If I convert part of my house into a short-term rental, how do I tell whether it’s a sleeping unit or still part of the dwelling?
Start by checking whether the space will remain legally part of the dwelling unit (shared address and amenities). If it is separate and provides permanent sleeping provisions and only one of sanitation or kitchen, it meets the Sleeping Unit definition in § R202; otherwise it’s not a sleeping unit. Local zoning and occupancy rules also matter.
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