CRC · California Residential Code
Wall Construction
Chapter 6 of the CRC prescribes how all common residential wall systems must be framed, braced and covered to safely carry loads and resist lateral forces.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapter 6 of the California Residential Code contains the prescriptive rules for the design and construction of walls — including wood-framed, cold‑formed steel, masonry, concrete and structural insulated panel (SIP) systems — and establishes how walls must transfer loads to supporting elements and resist lateral forces such as wind and earthquake loads, per the chapter summary and scope in Chapter 6.
Key topics you’ll find here include general application and limits (Section § R601), detailed wood‑framing requirements (§ R602, including stud sizing, headers and bracing), braced wall and shear‑wall rules (§ R602.10), cold‑formed steel framing (§ R603), concrete and masonry wall provisions (§ R608), SIP requirements (§ R610), and exterior wall coverings and veneer limits (Chapter 7, § R703). For example, stud sizing and spacing requirements are in § R602.3.1 and braced wall provisions are covered in § R602.10.
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 25.4 High relevance — show source text
STUDS OR
TRIMMERS|JACK STUDS OR
TRIMMERS|JACK STUDS OR
TRIMMERS|JACK STUDS OR
TRIMMERS|JACK STUDS OR
TRIMMERS|JACK STUDS OR
TRIMMERS|JACK STUDS OR
TRIMMERS|JACK STUDS OR
TRIMMERS|JACK STUDS OR
TRIMMERS||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||APPLY APPROVED SHEATHING OR BRACE EXTERIOR WALLS WITH 1 IN. BY 4 IN. BRACES LET INTO STUDS AND PLATES AND EXTENDING FROM BOTTOM PLATE TO TOP PLATE, OR OTHER APPROVED METAL STRAP DEVICES INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS. SEE SECTION R602.10.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
NOTE: A THIRD STUD AND/OR PARTITION INTERSECTION BACKING STUDS SHALL BE PERMITTED TO BE OMITTED THROUGH THE USE OF WOOD BACKUP CLEATS, METAL DRYWALL CLIPS OR OTHER APPROVED DEVICES THAT WILL SERVE AS ADEQUATE BACKING FOR THE FACING MATERIALS.
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WALL CONSTRUCTION
R602.3.1 Stud size, height and spacing. The size, height and spacing of studs shall be in accordance with Table R602.3(5).
Exceptions:
- Utility grade studs shall not be spaced more than 16 inches (406 mm) on center, shall not support more than a roof and ceiling, and shall not exceed 8 feet (2438 mm) in height for exterior walls and load-bearing walls or 10 feet (3048 mm) for interior nonload-bearing walls.
- Where ground snow loads are less than or equal to 25 pounds per square foot (1.2 kPa), and the ultimate design wind speed is less than or equal to 130 mph (58.1 m/s), 2-inch by 6-inch (38 mm by 140 mm) studs supporting a roof load with not more than 6 feet (1829 mm) of tributary length shall have a maximum height of 18 feet (5486 mm) where spaced at 16 inches (406 mm) on center, or 20 feet (6096 mm) where spaced at 12 inches (305 mm) on center. Studs shall be No. 2 grade lumber or better.
- Exterior load-bearing studs not exceeding 12 feet (3658 mm) in height provided in accordance with Table R602.3(6). The minimum number of full-height studs adjacent to openings shall be in accordance with Section R602.7.5. The building shall be located in Exposure B, the roof live load shall not exceed 20 psf (0.96 kPa), and the ground snow load shall not exceed 30 psf (1.4 kPa). Studs and plates shall be No. 2 grade lumber or better.
CRC § 5.5 High relevance — show source text
R608.5.5 Construction joints in walls. Construction joints shall be made and located to not impair the strength of the wall. Construction joints in plain concrete walls, including walls required to have not less than No. 4 bars at 48 inches (1219 mm) on center by Section R608.6, shall be located at points of lateral support, and not less than one No. 4 bar shall extend across the construction joint at a spacing not to exceed 24 inches (610 mm) on center. Construction joint reinforcement shall have not less than 12 inches (305 mm) of embedment on both sides of the joint. Construction joints in reinforced concrete walls shall be located in the middle third of the span between lateral supports, or located and constructed as required for joints in plain concrete walls.
Exception: Vertical wall reinforcement required by this code is permitted to be used in lieu of construction joint reinforcement, provided the spacing does not exceed 24 inches (610 mm), or the combination of wall reinforcement and No. 4 bars described in Section R608.5.5 does not exceed 24 inches (610 mm).
R608.6 Above-grade wall requirements.
FIGURE R608.6(1)—ABOVE-GRADE CONCRETE WALL CONSTRUCTION ONE STORY
SEE SECTION
R608.9.3
UNSUPPORTED WALL HEIGHT 10 FT MAXIMUM
SECTION CUT THROUGH FLAT WALL FOR VERTICAL
CORE OF A WAFFLE- OR SCREEN-GRID WALL
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
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WALL CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE R608.6(2)—ABOVE-GRADE CONCRETE WALL CONSTRUCTION CONCRETE FIRST STORY AND LIGHT-FRAME SECOND STORY
SYSTEM
SEE SECTION R608.9.2
WALL—STAY-IN-PLACE OR REMOVABLE FORM
SEE SECTION R608.9.2
VERTICAL WALL REINFORCEMENT AS REQUIRED
FIRST-STORY UNSUPPORTED WALL HEIGHT 10 FT MAXIMUM
SECTION CUT THROUGH FLAT WALL OR VERTICAL
CORE OF WAFFLE- OR SCREEN-GRID WALL
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
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FIGURE R608.6(3)—ABOVE-GRADE CONCRETE WALL CONSTRUCTION TWO STORY
R608.9.3
SEE SECTION R608.9.2
VERTICAL WALL
AS REQUIRED
FIRST-STORY UNSUPPORTED WALL HEIGHT 10 FT MAXIMUM
SECTION CUT THROUGH FLAT WALL OR VERTICAL CORE OF A WAFFLE- OR SCREEN-GRID WALL
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
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FIGURE R608.6(4)—ABOVE-GRADE CONCRETE WALL SUPPORTED ON MONOLITHIC SLAB-ON-GROUND FOOTING
INSULATION AS REQUIRED
12 IN.
MINIMUM
SECTION CUT THROUGH FLAT WALL OR VERTICAL CORE OF A WAFFLE- OR SCREEN-GRID WALL
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
CRC § 1.1 High relevance — show source text
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 6 – WALL CONSTRUCTION
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS SS/CC 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire chapter Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)X X Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowChapter / Section R602.1.1 X R602.3.4.1 X R606.1.1 X R608.1 X R610.1 X R610.4_Note_ X X The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: †
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6 WALL CONSTRUCTION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 6 contains prescriptive provisions for the design and construction of walls. The wall construction covered in Chapter 6 consists of five different types: wood framed, cold-formed steel framed, masonry, concrete and structural insulated panel (SIP). The primary concern of this chapter is the structural integrity of wall construction and transfer of all imposed loads to the supporting structure.
SECTION R601—GENERAL
R601.1 Application. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of walls and partitions for buildings.
CRC § 7.2.1. High relevance — show source text
The total length of solid wall in a wall line, TL, shall be not less than that provided by two solid wall segments complying with the minimum length requirements of Section R608.7.2.1.
To facilitate determining the required wall thickness, wall type, number and grade of vertical bars at each end of each solid wall segment, and whether shear reinforcement is required, use of Equation 6-2 is permitted.
Equation 6-2
R 3 ≤ ------------------------------ TL R 1 × R 2 × UR
After determining the maximum permitted value of the reduction factor for design strength, R 3, in accordance with Equation 6-2, select a wall type from Table R608.7.1.1(6) with R 3 less than or equal to the value calculated.
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WIND PERPENDICULAR TO RIDGE
WIND
PARALLEL TO RIDGE
WALL CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE R608.7.1.1(1)—MINIMUM SOLID WALL LENGTH
ONE STORY OR TOP STORY OF TWO STORY
[TABLE R608.7.1.1(2)]
FIRST STORY OF TWO STORY
[TABLE R608.7.1.1(1)]
ONE STORY OR TOP STORY OF TWO STORY
[TABLE R608.7.1.1(3)]
FIRST STORY OF TWO STORY
[TABLE R608.7.1.1(3)]
BE APPLICABLE TO THE MINIMUM SOLID WALL LENGTH EQUATIONS SEE SECTION R608.7.2
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FIGURE R608.7.1.1(2)—VERTICAL REINFORCEMENT LAYOUT DETAIL
DETAIL
NO.NOM. WALL
THICKNESS, IN.REINFORCEMENT LAYOUT AT ENDS OF
SOLID WALL SEGMENTSNOTES 1 4 3 inch Max. Typical
2 inch TypicalFor SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
1. See Table R608.7.1.1(6) for use
of details.
2. Minimum length of solid wall
segment and size and grade
of reinforcement in each end
of each solid wall segment
shall be determined from
Table R608.7.1.1(6).
3. For minimum cover requirements,
see Section R608.5.4.1.
4. For details 3 - 8 where two
or more bars are in the same
row parallel to the end of the
segment, place bars so that
corner bars are as close to the
sides of the wall segments as
minimum cover requirements
of Section R608.5.4.1 will permit.
5. For waffle- and screen-grid walls,
each end of each solid wall
segment shall have rectangular
flanges.CRC § 1.6 High relevance — show source text
SIP WALL
CONTINUOUS
SEALANT EACH
2x SOLE PLATE
MATCHING THE SIP
CORE THICKNESS
8d COMMON
NAILS AT 6 IN.
O.C. EACH SIDE
CAPILLARY BREAK
BETWEEN SIP AND
FOUNDATION
CONCRETE OR
MASONRY
FOUNDATION
WALL OR SLAB
FOUNDATION ANCHORAGE
PER SECTION R403.1.6
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
R610.5.3 Panel-to-panel connection. SIPs shall be connected at vertical in-plane joints in accordance with Figure R610.8 or by other approved methods.
R610.5.4 Corner framing. Corner framing of SIP walls shall be constructed in accordance with Figure R610.5.4.
FIGURE R610.5.4
—SIP CORNER FRAMING DETAIL8d NAILS AT 6 IN. O.C. EACH SIDE
CONTINUOUS SEALANT
EACH SIDE
SIP SCREW AT 24 IN.
CONTINUOUS SEALANT
EACH SIDE
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
R610.5.5 Wall bracing. SIP walls shall be braced in accordance with Section R602.10. SIP walls shall be considered continuous wood structural panel sheathing (bracing Method CS-WSP) for purposes of computing required bracing. SIP walls shall meet the requirements of Section R602.10.4.2 except that SIP corners shall be fabricated as shown in Figure R610.8. Where SIP walls are used for wall bracing, the SIP bottom plate shall be attached to wood framing below in accordance with Table R602.3(1).
R610.5.6 Thermal barrier. SIP walls shall be separated from the interior of a building by an approved thermal barrier in accordance with Section R303.4.
R610.6 Interior load-bearing walls. Interior load-bearing walls shall be constructed as specified for exterior walls.
R610.7 Drilling and notching. The maximum vertical chase penetration in SIPs shall have a maximum side dimension of 2 inches (51 mm) centered in the panel. Vertical chases shall have a minimum spacing of 24 inches (610 mm) on center. Not more than two hori
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WALL CONSTRUCTION
zontal chases shall be permitted in each wall panel, one at 14 inches (360 mm) plus or minus 2 inches (51 mm) from the bottom of the panel and one at 48 inches (1220 mm) plus or minus 2 inches (51 mm) from the bottom edge of the SIP’s panel. Additional penetrations are permitted where justified by analysis.
R610.8 Headers. SIP headers shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Table R610.8 and Figure R610.5.1. SIP headers shall be continuous sections without splines. Headers shall be not less than 11 [7] / 8 inches (302 mm) deep. Headers longer than 4 feet (1219 mm) shall be constructed in accordance with Section R602.7. The strength axis of the factors on the header shall be oriented horizontally.
FIGURE R610.8—TYPICAL SIP WALL PANEL-TO-PANEL CONNECTION DETAILS
FACING MATERIAL IN
SURFACE SPLINE
8d NAIL AT 6 IN. O.C. EACH
SIDE OF SIP
SIDE OF SIP
CRC § 6-32 High relevance — show source text
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TABLE R602.10.3(4)—SEISMIC ADJUSTMENT FACTORS TO THE REQUIRED LENGTH OF WALL BRACING Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 ** ITEM**
NUMBER** ADJUSTMENT**
BASED ON** STORYg** ** CONDITION** ADJUSTMENT FACTORa, b
[Multiply length from
Table R602.10.3(3) by
this factor]** APPLICABLE**
METHODS1 Wall height
(Section R602.10.3.1)Any story ≤ 10 feet 1.0 All methods 1 Wall height
(Section R602.10.3.1)Any story > 10 feet and ≤ 12 feet 1.2 1.2 2 Braced wall line spacing,
townhouses in SDC CAny story ≤ 35 feet 1.0 1.0 2 Braced wall line spacing,
townhouses in SDC CAny story > 35 feet and ≤ 50 feet 1.43 1.43 3 Braced wall line spacing,
in SDC D0, D1, D2 cAny story > 25 feet and ≤ 30 feet 1.2 1.2 3 Braced wall line spacing,
in SDC D0, D1, D2 cAny story > 30 feet and ≤ 35 feet 1.4 1.4 4 Wall dead load Any story > 8 psf and < 15 psf 1.0 1.0 4 Wall dead load Any story < 8psf 0.85 0.85 5 Roof/ceiling dead load
for wall supporting1-, 2- or 3-story building ≤ 15 psf 1.0 1.0 5 Roof/ceiling dead load
for wall supporting2- or 3-story building > 15 psf and ≤ 25 psf 1.1 1.1 5 Roof/ceiling dead load
for wall supporting1-story building
or top story> 15 psf and ≤ 25 psf 1.2 1.2 6 Walls with stone or
masonry veneer,
townhouses in SDC Cd, e1.0 1.0 All methods 6 Walls with stone or
masonry veneer,
townhouses in SDC Cd, e1.5 1.5 1.5 6 Walls with stone or
masonry veneer,
townhouses in SDC Cd, e1.5 1.5 1.5 7 Walls with stone or
masonry veneer, detached
one- and two-family
dwellings in SDC D0 – D2 d, fAny story See Section R602.10.6.5.4 See Section R602.10.6.5. CRC § 7-16 High relevance — show source text
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- For detached one- or two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories D 0, D 1 and D 2, exterior stone or masonry veneer, as specified in Table R703.8(2), with a backing of wood framing shall be permitted to the height specified in Table R703.8(2) above a noncombustible foundation.
FIGURE R703.8(1)—TYPICAL MASONRY VENEER WALL DETAILS [d]
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. See Sections R703.4, R703.8.5 and R703.8.6.
b. See Sections R703.2 and R703.8.4.
c. See Table R703.8.4(1) and Section R703.8.4.2. d. Figures R703.8(1) and R703.8(2) illustrate typical construction details for a masonry veneer wall. For the actual mandatory requirements of this code, see the indicated sections of text. Other details of masonry veneer wall construction shall be permitted provided the requirements of the indicated sections of text are met.
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FIGURE R703.8(2)—TYPICAL MASONRY VENEER WALL DETAILS [e]
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. See Sections R703.4, R703.8.5 and R703.8.6.
b. See Sections R703.2 and R703.8.4.
c. See Table R703.8.4(1) and Section R703.8.4.2.
d. See Section R703.8.3.
e. Figures R703.8(1) and R703.8(2) illustrate typical construction details for a masonry veneer wall. For the actual mandatory requirements of this code, see the indicated sections of text. Other details of masonry veneer wall construction shall be permitted provided that the requirements of the indicated sections of text are met.
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|TABLE R703.8(1)—STONE OR MASONRY VENEER LIMITATIONS AND
REQUIREMENTS, WOOD OR STEEL FRAMING, SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORIES A,CRC § 5-14 Medium relevance — show source text
Floors (On Ground) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
R505 Cold-Formed Steel Floor Framing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
R506 Concrete Floors (On Ground) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
R507 Exterior Decks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
CHAPTER 6 WALL CONSTRUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
R601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
R602 Wood Wall Framing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
R603 Cold-Formed Steel Wall Framing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53
R604 Wood Structural Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-93
R605 Particleboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-93
R606 General Masonry Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-93
R607 Glass Unit Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-106
R608 Exterior Concrete Wall Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . 6-107
R609 Exterior Windows and Doors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-172
R610 Structural Insulated Panel Wall Construction . . . 6-175
CHAPTER 7 WALL COVERING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
R701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
R702 Interior Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
R703 Exterior Wall Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
R704 Exterior Soffits and Fascias. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32
R705 BIPV Systems for Exterior Wall Coverings and Fenestration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-35
CHAPTER 8 ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
CRC § 2.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE APPENDIX BN-1
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APPENDIX BN-2 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
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BN EXTENDED PLATE WALL CONSTRUCTION
The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically adopted by a state agency or referenced in the adopting ordinance.
User notes:
About this appendix: This proposal contains requirements for extended plate wall (EPW) construction. EPW construction provides a practical compliance option for meeting energy code requirements for above-grade walls using conventional wood-framing materials.
SECTION BN101—GENERAL
BN101.1 General. Detached one- and two-family or townhouse buildings using extended plate wall (EPW) construction shall comply with this code and all of the following:
- Not more than two stories above grade plane in height.
- Limited to Seismic Design Categories A and B as determined from Figures R301.2.2.1(1) through (7).
- Limited to ultimate design wind speeds not more than 115 mph (185 kph) as determined from Figure R301.2(2).
- Comply with the provisions of Section R602, except as modified by the provisions of this appendix.
Exception: Buildings using EPW construction in accordance with an approved design by a registered design professional.
SECTION BN102—CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
BN102.1 Framing. The 2 × 6 top and bottom plates and 2 × 4 studs shall be used in accordance with Figures BN102.1(1) and BN102.1(2). A single top plate shall not be permitted. Wall framing shall comply with the requirements for 2 × 4 framing in accordance with Section R602.
FIGURE BN102.1(1)—EXTENDED PLATE WALL (EPW) CONSTRUCTION, SECTION VIEW
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APPENDIX BN — EXTENDED PLATE WALL CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE BN102.1(2)—EXTENDED PLATE WALL, ELEVATION VIEW
BN102.2 Wood structural panel sheathing. Wood structural panel sheathing with a nominal thickness of [7] / 16 inch (11 mm) to [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) shall be installed vertically and attached to wall plates and studs in accordance with Figure BN102.1(2) and Table BN102.2. The vertical joints between adjacent wood structural panels shall occur only at framing members. Where used as part of wall bracing, each wood structural panel shall be installed without horizontal joints between the extended top and bottom plates.
TABLE BN102.2—SHEATHING FASTENER REQUIREMENTS FOR EPW Col2 Col3 ** MINIMUM NAIL LENGTH AND DIAMETER** ** MAXIMUM FASTENER SPACING** ** MAXIMUM FASTENER SPACING** ** MINIMUM NAIL LENGTH AND DIAMETER** At perimeter of wood structural panels
(inches)In field of wood structural panels
(inches)No. CRC § 3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
See Figure R603.3.1(4) for details.|
FIGURE R603.3.1(1)—WALL TO FLOOR CONNECTION
FLOOR JOIST
FLOOR SHEATHING
NO. 8 SCREWS SPACED PER TABLE R603.3.1
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TRACK
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
For SI: 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
FIGURE R603.3.1(2)—WALL TO FOUNDATION CONNECTION
NO. 8 SCREW THROUGH EACH FLANGE
4 NO. 8 SCREWS THROUGH EACH FLANGE
STUD BLOCKING INSIDE WALL TRACK (MINIMUM THICKNESS OF STUD)
ANCHOR BOLT OR OTHER CONNECTION AS REQUIRED
FOUNDATION OR SLAB ON GRADE
SILL SEALER AS REQUIRED
FIGURE R603.3.1(3)—WALL TO WOOD SILL CONNECTION
MINIMUM 3 ″ x 4 ″ x 33 MIL
METAL PLATE
4-10d OR 6-8d COMMON NAIL
NO. 8 SCREW THROUGH EACH FLANGE
MINIMUM 4 NO. 8 SCREWS
ANCHOR BOLT THROUGH WOOD SILL OR OTHER CONNECTION AS REQUIRED
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FIGURE R603.3.1(4)—WIND UPLIFT CONNECTOR
CONTINUOUS 1.25 IN. .33 MIL STEEL STRAP UNDER WOOD SILL ATTACHED TO EACH FLANGE OF STUD
ANCHOR BOLT OR OTHER CONNECTOR AS REQUIRED
For SI: 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
WOOD FOUNDATION SILL
Col1 Col2 Col3 Col4 CON
STRA
TO E
WOOD FOUNR603.3.1.1 Gable endwalls. Gable endwalls with heights greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be anchored to foundations or floors in accordance with Table R603.3.1.1(1) or R603.3.1.1(2).
CRC § 3.3 Medium relevance — show source text
FIGURE R603.3.3(2)—STUD BRACING WITH STRAPPING AND SHEATHING MATERIAL
STUD/TRACK BLOCKING
WALL FRAMING
1½ ″ x 33 MIL FLAT STRAP
BEND SECTION OR CLIP FLANGE TO FORM VERTICAL
2 NO. 8 SCREWS @ STRAP TO BLOCKING
NO. 8 SCREW
@ EACH STRAP TO STUD
For SI: 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
R603.3.4 Cutting and notching. Flanges and lips of cold-formed steel studs and headers shall not be cut or notched.
R603.3.5 Splicing. Steel studs and other structural members shall not be spliced without an approved design. Tracks shall be spliced in accordance with Figure R603.3.5.
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FIGURE R603.3.5—TRACK SPLICE
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
R603.4 Corner framing. In exterior walls, corner studs and the top tracks shall be installed in accordance with Figure R603.4.
FIGURE R603.4—CORNER FRAMING
4 NO. 8 SCREWS AT LAPPED TRACK
TRACK
PLAN
ALTERNATE PLAN
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
R603.5 Exterior wall covering. The method of attachment of exterior wall covering materials to cold-formed steel stud wall framing shall conform to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
R603.6 Headers. Headers shall be installed above all wall openings in exterior walls and interior load-bearing walls. Box beam headers and back-to-back headers each shall be formed from two equal sized C-shaped members in accordance with Figures R603.6(1) and R603.6(2), respectively, and Tables R603.6(1) through R603.6(6). L-shaped headers shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance with AISI S230. Alternately, headers shall be permitted to be designed and constructed in accordance with AISI S240.
2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 6-77
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
WALL CONSTRUCTION
TABLE R603.6(1)—BOX-BEAM AND BACK-TO-BACK HEADER SPANS
(HEADERS SUPPORTING ROOF AND CEILING ONLY)a, b, dCol2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 Col8 Col9 Col10 Col11 MEMBER
DESIGNATIONGROUND SNOW LOAD
(20 psf)GROUND SNOW LOAD
(20 psf)GROUND SNOW LOAD
(20 psf)GROUND SNOW LOAD
(20 psf)GROUND SNOW LOAD
(20 psf)GROUND SNOW LOAD
(30 psf)GROUND SNOW LOAD
(30 psf)GROUND SNOW LOAD
**(30CRC § 2.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Framing members that are both load-bearing and stabilization members shall meet the requirements of Section R602 and this section. Nonstructural stabilization members shall be not more than 32 inches (813 mm) on center. 2. Horizontal stabilization shall be installed at not more than 24 inches (610 mm) on center and in accordance with Figure BI103.2.4(1), BI103.2.4(2) or BI103.2.4(3). Horizontal stabilization shall be of any of the following with the stated minimum dimensions: [3] / 4 -inch (19.1 mm) bamboo, [1] / 2 -inch (12.7 mm) fiberglass rod, 1-inch (25 mm) wood dowel or nominal 1-inch by 2-inch (25 mm by 51 mm) wood.
FIGURE BI103.2.4(1)—LIGHT STRAW-CLAY WALL WITH LARSEN TRUSSES
DOUBLE TOP PLATE
VERTICAL SOLID BLOCKING
FLAT SOLID BLOCKING
LADDER (LARSEN) TRUSSES MADE WITH 2x4s AND GUSSETS PER SECTION BI103.2.4, ITEM 1
GUSSETS: [3] / 8 ″ x 3 ″ PLYWOOD OR 1x4 FASTENERS: 4–4d NAILS OR 4–1¾ ″ STAPLES
WOOD OR METAL STRAP BRACING (LIB) PER TABLE 602.10.4 WHERE APPLICABLE PER SECTION R602.10
LIGHT STRAW-CLAY INFILL
HORIZONTAL STABILIZATION OF LIGHT STRAW-CLAY PER SECTION BI103.4, ITEM 2
ANCHORAGE PER SECTION R403.1.6
2X SILL PLATE
CONCRETE OR MASONRY FOUNDATION PER SECTION R401
FRAMING FASTENERS PER TABLE R602.3(1)
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
APPENDIX BI-4 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX BI — LIGHT STRAW-CLAY CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE BI103.2.4(2)—LIGHT STRAW-CLAY WALL, SINGLE STUD WIDTH
DOUBLE TOP PLATE
FLAT SOLID BLOCKING
WOOD METAL STRAP BRACING (LIB) PER TABLE R602.10.4 WHERE APPLICABLE PER SECTION R602.10
2X STUDS PER SECTION BI103.2.4, ITEM 1
1x1 CLEAT CENTERED ON EACH STUD FACE BETWEEN HORIZONTAL STABILIZATION
HORIZONTAL STABILIZATION OF LIGHT STRAW-CLAY PER SECTION BI103.2.4, ITEM 2
LIGHT STRAY-CLAY INFILL
ANCHORAGE PER SECTION R403.1.6
2X SILL PLATE
CONCRETE OR MASONRY FOUNDATION PER SECTION R401
FRAMING FASTENERS PER TABLE R602.3(1)
FIGURE BI103.2.4(3)—LIGHT STRAW-CLAY WALL WITH BLIND STUDS
DOUBLE TOP PLATES
2X LET-IN PLATE
WOOD METAL BRACING (LIB) PER TABLE R602.10.4 WHERE APPLICABLE PER SECTION R602.10
2x6 MINIMUM STUDS PER SECTION BI103.2.4, ITEM 1
LIGHT STRAW-CLAY INFILL
Frequently asked questions
What section controls braced wall panels and how they’re connected?
Braced wall panel methods, required lengths and connection rules are in § R602.10; continuous sheathing methods, interior finish requirements (e.g., gypsum board) and panel joint rules are spelled out there.
Where are exterior veneer and masonry veneer limits found?
Limits and construction details for stone or masonry veneer (including attachment and height limits) are provided in Chapter 7, § R703 (see R703.8 for masonry veneer details and figures).
If I’m using SIPs, which CRC section applies?
Structural insulated panel wall requirements — panel connections, headers, bracing and thermal barrier rules for SIPs — are in § R610.
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