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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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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    WALL CONSTRUCTION

    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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    WALL CONSTRUCTION

    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-
    CG
    SFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting agency BSC BSC-
    CG
    SFM 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 below
    Chapter / 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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    6-2 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

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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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    WALL CONSTRUCTION

    FIGURE R608.7.1.1(2)—VERTICAL REINFORCEMENT LAYOUT DETAIL

    DETAIL
    NO.
    NOM. WALL
    THICKNESS, IN.
    REINFORCEMENT LAYOUT AT ENDS OF
    SOLID WALL SEGMENTS
    NOTES
    1 4 3 inch Max. Typical
    2 inch Typical
    For 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 CO RNER FRAMING DETAIL

    8d 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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    WALL CONSTRUCTION

    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**
    METHODS
    1 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 C
    Any story ≤ 35 feet 1.0 1.0
    2 Braced wall line spacing,
    townhouses in SDC C
    Any story > 35 feet and ≤ 50 feet 1.43 1.43
    3 Braced wall line spacing,
    in SDC D0, D1, D2 c
    Any story > 25 feet and ≤ 30 feet 1.2 1.2
    3 Braced wall line spacing,
    in SDC D0, D1, D2 c
    Any 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 supporting
    1-, 2- or 3-story building ≤ 15 psf 1.0 1.0
    5 Roof/ceiling dead load
    for wall supporting
    2- or 3-story building > 15 psf and ≤ 25 psf 1.1 1.1
    5 Roof/ceiling dead load
    for wall supporting
    1-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, e
    1.0 1.0 All methods
    6 Walls with stone or
    masonry veneer,
    townhouses in SDC Cd, e
    1.5 1.5 1.5
    6 Walls with stone or
    masonry veneer,
    townhouses in SDC Cd, e
    1.5 1.5 1.5
    7 Walls with stone or
    masonry veneer, detached
    one- and two-family
    dwellings in SDC D0 – D2 d, f
    Any 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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    WALL COVERING

    1. 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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    WALL COVERING

    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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    WALL COVERING

    |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:

    1. Not more than two stories above grade plane in height.
    2. Limited to Seismic Design Categories A and B as determined from Figures R301.2.2.1(1) through (7).
    3. Limited to ultimate design wind speeds not more than 115 mph (185 kph) as determined from Figure R301.2(2).
    4. 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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    WALL CONSTRUCTION

    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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    WALL CONSTRUCTION

    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 FOUN

    R603.3.1.1 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.

    6-76 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

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

    WALL CONSTRUCTION

    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, d
    Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 Col8 Col9 Col10 Col11
    MEMBER
    DESIGNATION
    GROUND 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
    **(30
  • CRC § 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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