CRC · California Residential Code
How are defined terms applied in the CRC (scope, interchangeability, references)?
For a homeowner: the Residential Code tells you to use the definitions listed in Chapter 2 first; small changes in grammar (singular/plural, tense, gender) don’t change meaning; if a word isn’t defined there, the code points you to California’s Title 24 codes, and if still undefined the normal dictionary meaning applies (with a special dictionary for some fire‑marshal rules). **§ R201.1–R201.4** govern this process .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Unless the code expressly says otherwise, words and terms used in the California Residential Code are given the meanings shown in Chapter 2 — that is the baseline rule in § R201.1 . The code also tells you how to treat grammatical variations (tense, gender, number) via § R201.2 and where to look when a term is not defined in the CRC (other Title 24 codes) via § R201.3 . If no definition is found in the CRC or the referenced codes, the code requires ordinary accepted meanings (with a special dictionary fallback for some Office of State Fire Marshal applications) under § R201.4 .
Always read Chapter 2 first: definitions in Chapter 2 control (unless the text says otherwise), grammatical variants are equivalent, undefined terms default to Title 24 definitions or ordinary meanings. § R201.1–R201.4
Requirements in detail
1) Scope — which definitions apply
- Rule: For purposes of the Residential Code, the words and terms printed in Chapter 2 carry the meanings given there, unless another section expressly says otherwise. See § R201.1 .
- Practical effect: When a requirement in the CRC uses a defined word, you must apply the Chapter 2 definition to interpret that requirement.
2) Interchangeability — grammatical treatment
- Rule: The code treats grammatical variants as equivalent — present tense includes future, masculine includes feminine and neuter, and singular includes plural and vice versa per § R201.2 .
- Practical effect: A requirement that says “the owner shall provide a smoke alarm” applies the same if the text read “owners shall provide smoke alarms” (number and gender do not change the obligation).
3) Terms defined elsewhere (cross‑code references)
- Rule: If the CRC does not define a term, use the meaning assigned in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) — § R201.3 .
- Practical effect: Some technical terms are centralized in Title 24 family codes (CBC, CFC, CPC, CMC, etc.). Always check those codes when Chapter 2 is silent.
4) Terms not defined anywhere in the authorized sources
- Rule: Use ordinarily accepted meanings as the context implies; for Office of the State Fire Marshal (Section 1.11) applications the code cites Webster’s Third New International Dictionary as the fallback — § R201.4 .
- Practical effect: Common words are interpreted by plain-language usage when the code and Title 24 are silent.
Decision-relevant summary (quick reference table)
| Decision dimension | What to check first | How to apply | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Which definition controls? | Definitions in Chapter 2 of CRC | Use the Chapter 2 meaning unless another section says otherwise | § R201.1 |
| Grammatical variants | Present/future, gender, number | Treat variants as equivalent (tense/gender/number) | § R201.2 |
| Term absent from CRC | Title 24 (California Building Standards Code) | Use the Title 24 meaning assigned to the term | § R201.3 |
| Term absent from CRC/Title24 | Ordinary accepted meaning; SFM apps: Webster’s Third | Apply commonly accepted dictionary meaning; for SFM-apps use Webster’s Third if needed | § R201.4 |
How to treat conflicting definitions
- The CRC’s Chapter 2 definition controls for the CRC text (§ R201.1). If a separate Title 24 code defines the same term differently and that code is applicable through § R201.3, apply the definition required by the controlling code for that application. Always follow any express conflict-resolution direction in the applicable code text.
Exceptions & special cases
- Office of State Fire Marshal regulated applications (see Section 1.11) have a specific fallback for undefined terms: Webster’s Third New International Dictionary is cited as a source for “ordinarily accepted meanings” — see § R201.4 .
- Where a specific section of the CRC expressly overrides a Chapter 2 definition (rare but possible), that express provision controls over the generic Chapter 2 meaning — this is the “unless otherwise expressly stated” language in § R201.1 .
- The CRC’s instruction to consult Title 24 (via § R201.3) means you may need to consult several California codes (CBC, CFC, CMC, CPC, etc.) depending on the subject — the CRC text points you to the California Building Standards Code as the next source of definitions .
Common mistakes
- Assuming plain-language meanings override a CRC definition. Wrong — Chapter 2 definitions control for CRC text unless the code expressly says otherwise (§ R201.1) .
- Forgetting to check Title 24 for undefined terms. The CRC explicitly directs you to those codes when Chapter 2 is silent (§ R201.3) .
- Treating grammatical equivalence as permission to substitute different defined terms. The interchangeability rule applies to tense/gender/number, not to substituting one defined term for another (do not swap “dwelling” and “dwelling unit” unless they are defined as equivalent) (§ R201.2) .
- Overlooking the SFM dictionary fallback for certain regulated applications — that exception is specifically noted in § R201.4 .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A plan reviewer is evaluating a two‑unit lot. The permit text requires “one dwelling per parcel” and Chapter 2 of the CRC defines ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT but the project relies on two self-contained units (a primary dwelling + ADU).
Step 1 — Check Chapter 2: Confirm how dwelling and accessory dwelling unit are defined in § R202 (Chapter 2 definitions) — Chapter 2 meanings apply first per § R201.1 .
Step 2 — Apply interchangeability rules: If the requirement said “dwellings” (plural) but the permit text says “dwelling” (singular), treat plural/singular as equivalent for interpreting the obligation per § R201.2; that does not make two distinct defined terms interchangeable, it only resolves grammatical number § R201.2 .
Step 3 — If “dwelling” is not sufficiently clear in CRC Chapter 2 for the reviewer’s use, consult Title 24 definitions as required by § R201.3 (for example, look at the California Building Code or relevant Housing code definitions) .
Step 4 — If still unresolved (no applicable code definition), apply the ordinarily accepted meaning in context (or, for SFM‑regulated work, Webster’s Third as cited in § R201.4) — e.g., interpret “one dwelling per parcel” to mean one independent primary residential unit unless the local code/Title 24 definitions explicitly allow an ADU as a second dwelling per parcel under the applicable housing laws and definitions § R201.4 .
Numeric check: If the permit language limits “one dwelling” and the local/Title 24 definitions treat an ADU as an “accessory dwelling unit” (a distinct defined term), the reviewer must follow the exact defined terms rather than rely on plain-English inference — Chapter 2 → Title 24 → ordinary meaning cascade applies in that order (R201.1 → R201.3 → R201.4) .
Related provisions
- § R201.1 — Scope (definitions in Chapter 2 control)
- § R201.2 — Interchangeability (tense/gender/number)
- § R201.3 — Terms defined in other codes (Title 24)
- § R201.4 — Terms not defined (ordinary meanings; SFM dictionary fallback)
- § R202 — Chapter 2 definitions (the actual defined terms to apply)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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)
CRC § 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Division 1
Section|Gov Code
Section|PRC
Section|HSC
Section| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Section|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title| |Chapter 2|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions|Definitions| |201|General|Y||||||||| |201.1|Scope|Y||||||||| |201.2|Interchangeability|Y||||||||| |201.3|Terms defined in
other codes|Y||201.3||||||| |201.4|Terms not defined|Y||||||||| |202|Definitions|Y||||||||| ||Accessory structure|Y||||||||| ||Agriculture (T14)|Y||||1270.01(1)||||| ||Applicable building|Y||702A||||||| ||Approved|Y||||||||| ||Approved agency|Y||||||||| ||Building|Y||||1270.01(c)||||| ||Building (T14)|Y||||||||| ||Building official|Y||||||||| ||Certificate of
completion|Y||||||||| ||Code official|Y||||||||| ||Critical fire weather|Y||||||||| ||Dead-end road (T14)|Y||||1270.01(e)||||| ||Defensible space (T14)|Y||||||||| ||Driveway (T14)|Y||||||||| ||Dwelling|Y||702A||1270.01(i)||||| ||Exterior wall assembly|Y||702A||||||| ||Exterior wall covering|Y||702A||||||| ||Fire chief|Y||||||||| ||Fire code official|Y|||202|||||| ||Fire flow calculation
area|Y||||||||| ||Fire hazard severity
zones|Y||702A|4902.1|||2201||| ||Fire protection plan|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Fire weather|Y||||||||| ||Fire-resistance-rated
construction|Y||||||||| ||Fire-smart vegetation|Y|||4902.1|1271.01||||| ||Flame spread index|Y||||||||| ||Fuel|Y||||||||4291(a)(1)(A)| ||Fuel break_(T14)|Y||||1270.01(n)||||| ||Fuel modification|Y||||||||| ||Fuel mosaic|Y||||||||| ||Fuel-loading|Y||||||||| ||Green belt(T14)|Y||||1270.01(o)||||| ||Greenways (T14)|Y||||1270.01(p)||||| ||Hammerhead/T (T14)|Y||||1270.01(q)||||| ||Hazardous land use
(T14)_|Y||||1270.01(r)||||| ||Hazardous materials|Y||||||||| ||Heavy timber
construction|Y||||||||| ||Ignition-resistant
building material|Y||||||||| ||Local responsibility
area (LRA)|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Log wall construction|Y|||||||||2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-25
CRC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
Wall Assembly_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Exterior Wall Covering|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Fire Code Official|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Fire Hazard Severity Zones|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Fire Protection Plan|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Fire-Smart Vegetation|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Flame Spread Index|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Fuel|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Fuel Modification|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Local Responsibility Area (LRA)|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Rafter Tail|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Roof Eave|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Roof Eave Soffit|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |State Responsibility Area (SRA)|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Structure|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Wildfire|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Wildfire Exposure|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Wildland-Urban Interface Area|||X|||||||||||||||||||||
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Division 1.5 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are not listed in the Matrix Adoption Tables as they are not within the State Fire Marshal’s authority to adopt. These provisions are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 14, Division 1.5 text for the code user’s convenience only and are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections.
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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.
SECTION 201—GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words stated in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; and the singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular.
CRC § 203.7.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |203.7.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.7.3.6 - 203.7.3.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.7.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.7.4.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.3.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.9.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.12|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |203.13|||X|||||||||||||||||||||- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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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. General definitions are located in Section 202 and occupancy classification definitions are located in Section 203.
SECTION 201—GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the California Building Code, Cali- fornia Mechanical Code or California Plumbing Code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
201.4 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. Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition, shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meanings.
SECTION 202—GENERAL DEFINITIONS
CRC § 17.4 Medium relevance — show source text
8|17.4|1.5|2.5|3.4|5.1|0.6|1.0|1.3|1.9| |10|7.7|13.1|17.8|26.3|2.3|3.8|5.2|7.7|0.8|1.4|2.0|2.9| |12|10.8|18.4|24.9|NP|3.2|5.4|7.3|10.7|1.2|2.0|2.7|4.0| |14|14.4|24.5|NP|NP|4.2|7.1|9.6|14.3|1.6|2.7|3.6|5.4| |16|18.4|NP|NP|NP|5.4|9.1|12.4|18.3|2.0|3.4|4.7|6.9| |18|22.9|NP|NP|NP|6.7|11.4|15.4|22.7|2.5|4.3|5.8|8.6| |20|27.8|NP|NP|NP|8.1|13.8|18.7|27.6|3.1|5.2|7.0|10.4| |22|NP|NP|NP|NP|9.7|16.5|22.3|NP|3.7|6.2|8.4|12.4| |24|NP|NP|NP|NP|11.4|19.3|26.2|NP|4.3|7.3|9.9|14.6| |26|NP|NP|NP|NP|13.2|22.4|NP|NP|5.0|8.5|11.4|16.9| |28|NP|NP|NP|NP|15.1|25.7|NP|NP|5.7|9.7|13.1|19.4| |30|NP|NP|NP|NP|17.2|NP|NP|NP|6.5|11.0|14.9|22.0| |32|NP|NP|NP|NP|19.4|NP|NP|NP|7.3|12.4|16.8|24.8| |34|NP|NP|NP|NP|21.7|NP|NP|NP|8.2|13.9|18.8|NP| |36|NP|NP|NP|NP|24.1|NP|NP|NP|9.1|15.4|20.9|NP| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 0.063 L/s, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted. Pressure loss exceeds reasonable limits.
a. Values are applicable for underground piping materials listed in_ the California Plumbing Code_ and are based on an SDR of 11 and a Hazen Williams C Factor of 150.
b. Values include the following length allowances for fittings: 25-percent length increase for actual lengths up to 100 feet and 15-percent length increase for actual lengths over
100 feet.
c. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2.CRC § 111.1 Medium relevance — show source text
8|Abatement of
violation|N||||||||| |110|Certificate of
occupancy|Y||111.1||||||| |110.1|General|Y||701A.4 #2||||||| |110.2|Certificate of
occupancy|Y||||||||| |110.3|Temporary
occupancy|Y||||||||| |110.4|Revocation|Y||||||||| |111|Service utilities|Y||||||||| |111.1|Connection of service
utilities|Y||||||||| |111.2|Temporary
connection|Y||||||||| |111.3|Authority to discon-
nect service utilities|Y||||||||| |112|Means of appeals|N||||||||| |112.1|General|N||||||||| |112.2|Limitations on
authority|N||||||||| |112.3|Qualifications|N||||||||| |112.4|Administration|N||||||||| |113|Stop work order|Y||||||||| |113.1|Authority|Y||||||||| |113.2|Issuance|Y||||||||| |113.3|Emergencies|Y||||||||| |113.4|Failure to comply|Y|||||||||APPENDIX H-24 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
Yes/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Chapter 2 Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions 201 General Y 201.1 Scope Y 201.2 Interchangeability Y 201.3 Terms defined in
other codesY 201.3 201.4 Terms not defined Y 202 Definitions Y Accessory structure Y Agriculture (T14) Y 1270.01(1) Applicable building Y 702A Approved Y Approved agency Y Building Y 1270.01(c) Building (T14) Y Building official Y Certificate of
completionY Code official Y Critical fire weather Y Dead-end road (T14) Y 1270.01(e) Defensible space (T14) Y Driveway (T14) Y Dwelling Y 702A 1270. CRC § 2-1 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter X X X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended sections
listed below)X X X Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowChapter/Section 201 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL
CODE† † † LOW-RISE
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING† † † PLANTS † † † RESIDENTIAL BUILDING † † † RESILIENT FLOORING † † † The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.
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2 DEFINITIONS
SECTION 201—GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.
201.3 Terms defined in other documents. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the California Building Stan- dards Code or other referenced documents, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those publications.
201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined as specified in this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
SECTION 202—DEFINITIONS
CRC § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
|61|73|85|97|109|121|133|145| |22|3/4|33|44|56|67|78|89|100|111|122|133| |23|3/4|31|41|51|61|72|82|92|102|113|123| |24|3/4|28|38|47|57|66|76|85|95|104|114| |25|3/4|26|35|44|53|61|70|79|88|97|105| |26|3/4|24|33|41|49|57|65|73|82|90|98| |27|3/4|23|30|38|46|53|61|69|76|84|91| |28|3/4|21|28|36|43|50|57|64|71|78|85| |29|3/4|20|27|33|40|47|53|60|67|73|80| |30|3/4|19|25|31|38|44|50|56|63|69|75| |31|3/4|18|24|29|35|41|47|53|59|65|71| |32|3/4|17|22|28|33|39|44|50|56|61|67| |33|3/4|16|21|26|32|37|42|47|53|58|63| |34|3/4|NP|20|25|30|35|40|45|50|55|60| |35|3/4|NP|19|24|28|33|38|42|47|52|57| |36|3/4|NP|18|22|27|31|36|40|45|49|54| |37|3/4|NP|17|21|26|30|34|38|43|47|51| |38|3/4|NP|16|20|24|28|32|36|40|45|49| |39|3/4|NP|15|19|23|27|31|35|39|42|46| |40|3/4|NP|NP|18|22|26|29|33|37|40|44| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm,
CRC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
REPAIR|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |ROOF REPLACEMENT|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |SPC SEISMIC SEPARATION||||||||||X|X|||||||||||||| |SUBSTANDARD BUILDING||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL
DAMAGE||||||||||X|X|||||||||||||| |UNREINFORCED CONCRETE||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |UNREINFORCED MASONRY||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |UNSAFE|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |VOLUNTARY STRUCTURAL
IMPROVEMENTS||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |WORK AREA|||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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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.
SECTION 201—GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the other California Codes, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in those codes. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] For terms not defined in this chapter, refer to Chapters 6 and 7 of the California Administrative Code, and Chapter 2 of the California Building Code. [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] Definitions of terms given in Section 4-207 or 4-314 of the California Administrative Code govern over those in Section 202.
201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this chapter, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
SECTION 202—GENERAL DEFINITIONS
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 multi- family dwelling is or will be situated. (See Government Code Section 65852.2.)
CRC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
Way_||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Waiting Room|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Walk||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Waterline||||||||||||||||||X||||||| |Wet Bar|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Wheelchair||||||X|X|||||||||||||||||| |Wheelchair Space|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Winery Caves|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Work Area Equipment|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |Workstation_ (2nd paragraph_
only)|||||||X||||||||||||||||||The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
2-10 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 purposes of the code.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [A], [BG] or [BS] will be considered by one of the code development committees meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 201—GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the California Energy Code, Califor- nia Existing Building Code, California Fire Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code or California Plumbing Code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
201.4 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 202—DEFINITIONS
[BG] 24-HOUR BASIS. The actual time that a person is an occupant within a facility for the purpose of receiving care. It shall not include a facility that is open for 24 hours and is capable of providing care to someone visiting the facility during any segment of the 24 hours.
[BS] AAC MASONRY. Masonry made of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) units, manufactured without internal reinforcement and bonded together using thin- or thick-bed mortar.
CRC § 5.7 Medium relevance — show source text
FRAMING AND 6-INCH SCREW SPACING ON THE PERIMETER OF EACH PANEL OF STRUCTURAL SHEATHING—continued Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 Col8 Col9 Col10 ** SEISMIC**
DESIGN
CATEGORY** STORY** ** BRACED WALL LINE LENGTH**
(feet)** BRACED WALL LINE LENGTH**
(feet)** BRACED WALL LINE LENGTH**
(feet)** BRACED WALL LINE LENGTH**
(feet)** BRACED WALL LINE LENGTH**
(feet)** BRACED WALL LINE LENGTH**
(feet)** SINGLE-
STORY
HOLD-
DOWN
FORCE
(pounds)**** CUMULATIVE**
HOLD-DOWN
FORCE
(pounds)** SEISMIC**
DESIGN
CATEGORY** STORY** ** 10** ** 20** ** 30** ** 40** ** 50** ** 60** ** 60** ** 60** ** SEISMIC**
DESIGN
CATEGORY** STORY** ** Minimum total length of braced wall panels required along each braced wall line**
(feet)** Minimum total length of braced wall panels required along each braced wall line**
(feet)** Minimum total length of braced wall panels required along each braced wall line**
(feet)** Minimum total length of braced wall panels required along each braced wall line**
(feet)** Minimum total length of braced wall panels required along each braced wall line**
(feet)** Minimum total length of braced wall panels required along each braced wall line**
(feet)** Minimum total length of braced wall panels required along each braced wall line**
(feet)** Minimum total length of braced wall panels required along each braced wall line**
(feet)D2 5.7 8.2 10.6 13.0 15.4 17.8 3,360 — D2 9.2 15.1 21.1 27.0 32.9 38.8 3,360 6,720 D2 12.7 22.1 31.5 40.9 50.3 59.7 3,360 10,080 For SI: 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound-force = 4.448 N. For SI: 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound-force = 4.448 N. For SI: 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound-force = 4.448 N. CRC § 12-10 Medium relevance — show source text
SEE T
ABLE
R602.3(1)|||||||||| |TENSION TIE. SEE TABLER608.9(2) FOR SPACING. 54 MIL × 2 IN × 6 FT -LENGTH MINIMUM GRADE 50 STRAP UNDER OR ON TOP OF FLOORSHEATHING. ATTACH STRAP TO FIRST TWO BLOCKS WITH 12-10d COMNAILS. 10d COMMON NAILS AT 6 IN. ON CENTER FOR BALANCE OF STR2× FULLDEPTH BLOCKING, TWO BAYS,MINIMUMAT EACH TENSION TIE. PROVIDE 43MIL MINIMUM CLIP ANGLE EACH END WITH NOTLESS THAN 4-10d COMMON NAILS EACH LEG.
WOOD 2 ×8MINIMUM LEDGER
SHEATHING BOUNDARY
NAILING. SEE TABLE
R602.3(1)|TENSION TIE. SEE TABLER608.9(2) FOR SPACING. 54 MIL × 2 IN × 6 FT -LENGTH MINIMUM GRADE 50 STRAP UNDER OR ON TOP OF FLOORSHEATHING. ATTACH STRAP TO FIRST TWO BLOCKS WITH 12-10d COMNAILS. 10d COMMON NAILS AT 6 IN. ON CENTER FOR BALANCE OF STR2× FULLDEPTH BLOCKING, TWO BAYS,MINIMUMAT EACH TENSION TIE. PROVIDE 43MIL MINIMUM CLIP ANGLE EACH END WITH NOTLESS THAN 4-10d COMMON NAILS EACH LEG.
WOOD 2 ×8MINIMUM LEDGER
SHEATHING BOUNDARY
NAILING. SEE TABLE
R602.3(1)||||||||||| ||5 IN.
5 IN.||||||||||| ||5 IN.
5 IN.||||||||||| ||5 IN.
5 IN.||||||||||| ||5 IN.
5 IN.||||||||||| ||5 IN.
5 IN.||||||||||| ||5 IN.
5 IN.||||||||||| ||5 IN.
5 IN.||||||||||| ||5 IN.
5 IN.||||||||||| ||5 IN.
5 IN.|||||||||||MINIMUM
EMBEDMENT “E” SEE TABLE R608.9(2)
FACE AT TENSION TIES.
TENSION TIE. SEE TABLE R608.9(2) FOR SPACING. PROVIDE STEEL PLATE WASHER
4 × 4 × ½ IN. TO FACE OF BLOCKING WEB.
PROVIDE 4 IN. × 6 IN. × 4 IN. × 43 MIL MINIMUM BENT STEEL PLATE ANGLE UNDER
PLATE WASHER WITH 6-10d × 1½ COMMON
NAILS TO BLOCKING. TENSION TIE LRFD
Frequently asked questions
When should I stop at a Chapter 2 definition and not look further?
Stop when Chapter 2 contains a clear definition that applies to the context — that definition controls unless the code expressly states otherwise (see § R201.1). For ambiguous cases, follow the cascade: Chapter 2 → Title 24 → ordinary meaning (§ R201.1–R201.4) .
Does the interchangeability rule let me change defined words?
No. § R201.2 treats grammatical forms (tense, gender, singular/plural) as equivalent, but it does not permit replacing one defined term with a different defined term. Apply exactly the defined term unless the code text or definitions state the two terms are equivalent .
If a term is defined differently in a California code, which wins?
Use the definition required by the code that governs the application. The CRC directs you to Title 24 meanings for undefined terms (§ R201.3); if a different Title 24 code is the controlling code for a specific provision, follow that code’s definition .
For Office of State Fire Marshal matters, can I use any dictionary?
For SFM‑regulated applications the CRC identifies Webster’s Third New International Dictionary as the referenced source for ordinarily accepted meanings when the code and Title 24 are silent (§ R201.4) .
What if a local ordinance defines a term differently?
Local ordinances can affect enforcement and local requirements, but for interpreting the CRC text itself you must first apply Chapter 2 and the Title 24 cascade specified in § R201.1–R201.4. Check local adoption/amendment language to see whether the local jurisdiction has modified or supplemented the state code definitions (and follow local law where it lawfully amends state requirements) .
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