CRC · California Residential Code
How do continuous sheathing methods (CS-*) work and can methods be mixed?
Continuous sheathing (CS‑*) in the CRC means one full side of a braced wall line is covered with structural panel sheathing (including around openings), and ends must meet special return/hold‑down conditions. You can mix continuous and intermittent methods, but when mixing along the same braced wall line you must size the required bracing using the highest required value of the methods used and follow the end‑condition, panel, and fastening rules in the code (see **§ R602.10.4.2**, **§ R602.10.4.1**, and **§ R602.10.7**).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Continuous sheathing methods require that structural panel sheathing be applied to all sheathable surfaces on one side of a braced wall line (including areas above/below openings and gable end walls). This is the defining requirement for continuous sheathing and is stated in § R602.10.4.2. The ends of a continuously sheathed braced wall line must meet the specific end‑condition requirements in § R602.10.7.
The single most important rule: a continuous sheathed braced wall line means the framed portions along that entire side of the braced wall line are covered with structural panel sheathing—no gaps counted as "continuous" unless the end conditions of § R602.10.7 are satisfied. § R602.10.4.2
Requirements in detail
What “continuous sheathing” actually requires
- Continuous sheathing = application of a structural panel (wood structural panel or structural fiberboard, etc.) over all sheathable framing on one side of the braced wall line (above and below openings and on gable ends). See § R602.10.4.2.
- Each end of the continuously sheathed braced wall line must comply with the end‑condition options shown in Figure R602.10.7 and the text of § R602.10.7 (returns, hold‑downs, minimum end panel sizes, distance limits).
Mixing methods — when and how you can combine CS and intermittent methods
- Mixing is explicitly permitted but regulated in § R602.10.4.1. Key points:
- You may mix intermittent and continuous methods from story to story. § R602.10.4.1(1).
- You may mix intermittent methods from braced wall line to braced wall line within a story (and, in some wind/seismic regions, mix intermittent with continuous from braced wall line to braced wall line). § R602.10.4.1(2).
- Along a single braced wall line, mixing of continuous sheathing methods CS‑WSP, CS‑G and CS‑PF is permitted; intermittent methods (for example ABW, PFH, PFG) may be used along a braced wall line with continuous sheathing methods provided the length of required bracing for that braced wall line is determined using the highest required value among the methods used (see § R602.10.4.1(4)).
Decision‑relevant table (quick reference)
| Dimension / value | Typical code value(s) | How it affects design | Code reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition of continuous sheathing | Structural panel sheathing on all sheathable surfaces on one side of a braced wall line | Must be full‑height sheathed; counts as continuous bracing only when end conditions met | § R602.10.4.2 |
| Allowed continuous CS methods (mixing) | CS‑WSP, CS‑G, CS‑PF | These continuous methods may be mixed along a braced wall line | § R602.10.4.1(4) |
| Minimum panel thickness — CS‑WSP | 3/8 in. | Use specified thickness and fastening schedule for contribution to bracing | Table R602.10.4 / § R602.10.4 |
| Minimum panel thickness — CS‑PF | 7/16 in. | Portal‑frame continuous sheathing thickness requirement | Table R602.10.4 / § R602.10.4 |
| Minimum panel thickness — CS‑SFB | 1/2 in. or 25/32 in. (depending on stud spacing) | Applies where structural fiberboard method used | Table R602.10.4 / § R602.10.4 |
| Fastener spacing for CS‑WSP | 6 in. at panel edges, 12 in. field | Affects shear capacity — follow connection criteria in table | Table R602.10.4 / § R602.10.4 |
| End‑condition returns (return panel widths) | 24 in. (wood panels) / 32 in. (fiberboard) | Required return panel widths at corners for some end conditions | § R602.10.7 |
| Hold‑down device capacity (end condition option) | 800 lb capacity anchored to stud edge and foundation | Alternative to return panel; see end condition figures | § R602.10.7 |
| Bracing distribution limits | Bracing unit begin ≤ 12 ft from corner; distance between bracing edges ≤ 20 ft | Controls placement frequency/distribution of braced panels | § R602.12.5 |
| Panel joints | Vertical joints over common studs; horizontal joints over blocking 1½ in. thick | Joints must be fastened per § R602.10.4.4 | § R602.10.4.4 |
| When gypsum finish required opposite braced panel | ½ in. gypsum on side opposite bracing (with exceptions) | Interior finish contributes to in‑plane shear unless exception applies | § R602.10.4.3 |
| Long braced wall lines (>50 ft) | May be divided into segments ≤ 50 ft | Allows splitting long braced wall lines for calculation/distribution | R602.10.3 notes (braced wall line length) |
(Where a numeric value above is needed in final design, consult the applicable Tables R602.10.3 and R602.10.5 for the bracing length and contributing lengths used to compute required bracing.)
How to determine bracing length when mixing
- If multiple methods are used along a braced wall line, determine the required length for each method from the applicable table (Table R602.10.3(1) or R602.10.3(3)). Use the highest required length among the methods for the braced wall line calculation (see § R602.10.4.1(4)).
- When intermittent and continuous methods are combined from story to story, that is permitted; check story‑by‑story tables and use the appropriate table for each story (see § R602.10.4.1(1)).
Exceptions & special cases
- Some continuous/intermittent methods have Seismic Design Category (SDC) restrictions: e.g., CS‑SFB and PFG do not apply in SDCs D0, D1 and D2; check the method notes and footnotes in Table R602.10.4 for SDC limitations.
- Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are permitted only on a single story or the first of two stories (method‑specific limitations). See Table notes and method sections.
- Interior finish (gypsum) is required opposite most braced wall panels, but there are codified exceptions (listed in § R602.10.4.3); some methods (GB, BV‑WSP, ABW, PFH, PFG, CS‑PF) do not require interior gypsum unless other sections require it.
- End conditions: where continuous sheathing does not begin right at the braced wall line end, limited offsets are allowed (panels may begin up to 10 ft from the end) if specific corner/hold‑down/return panel conditions are satisfied. See § R602.10.2.2.1 and § R602.10.7.
If you want, I can:
- Walk through the exact numeric calculation for your project if you provide the building’s Seismic Design Category, braced wall line lengths, the specific methods you plan to use, and the story they are on (so I can pull the exact values from the correct Tables and show the arithmetic).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 10.4.1 High relevance — show source text
Applies to panels next to garage door opening where supporting gable end wall or roof load only. Shall only be used on one wall of the garage. In Seismic Design Categories D0,
D1 and D2, roof covering dead load shall not exceed 3 psf.
c. Garage openings adjacent to a Method CS-G panel shall be provided with a header in accordance with Table R602.7(1). A full-height clear opening shall not be permitted adja-
cent to a Method CS-G panel.
d. Method CS-SFB does not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
e. Method applies to detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories D0 through D2 only.|R602.10.4.1 Mixing methods. Mixing of bracing methods shall be permitted as follows:
- Mixing intermittent bracing and continuous sheathing methods from story to story shall be permitted.
- Mixing intermittent bracing methods from braced wall line to braced wall line within a story shall be permitted. In regions within Seismic Design Categories A, B and C where the ultimate design wind speed is less than or equal to 130 mph (58 m/s), mixing of intermittent bracing and continuous sheathing methods from braced wall line to braced wall line within a story shall be permitted.
- Mixing intermittent bracing methods along a braced wall line shall be permitted in Seismic Design Categories A and B, and detached dwellings in Seismic Design Category C, provided that the length of required bracing in accordance with Table R602.10.3(1) or R602.10.3(3) is the highest value of all intermittent bracing methods used.
- Mixing of continuous sheathing methods CS-WSP, CS-G and CS-PF along a braced wall line shall be permitted. Intermittent methods ABW, PFH and PFG shall be permitted to be used along a braced wall line with continuous sheathed methods, provided that the length of required bracing for that braced wall line is determined in accordance with Table R602.10.3(1) or R602.10.3(3) using the highest value of the bracing methods used.
- In Seismic Design Categories A and B, and for detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category C, mixing of intermittent bracing methods along the interior portion of a braced wall line with continuous sheathing methods CS-WSP, CS-G and CS-PF along the exterior portion of the same braced wall line shall be permitted. The length of required bracing shall be the highest value of all intermittent bracing methods used in accordance with Table R602.10.3(1) or R602.10.3(3) as adjusted by Tables R602.10.3(2) and R602.10.3(4), respectively. The requirements of Section R602.10.7 shall apply to each end of the continuously sheathed portion of the braced wall line. R602.10.4.2 Continuous sheathing methods. Continuous sheathing methods require structural panel sheathing to be used on all sheathable surfaces on one side of a braced wall line including areas above and below openings and gable end walls and shall meet the requirements of Section R602.10.7. R602.10.4.3 Braced wall panel interior finish material. Braced wall panels shall have gypsum wall board installed on the side of the wall opposite the bracing material.
CRC § 10.3 High relevance — show source text
Mixing of continuous sheathing methods CS-WSP, CS-G and CS-PF along a braced wall line shall be permitted. Intermittent methods ABW, PFH and PFG shall be permitted to be used along a braced wall line with continuous sheathed methods, provided that the length of required bracing for that braced wall line is determined in accordance with Table R602.10.3(1) or R602.10.3(3) using the highest value of the bracing methods used.
In Seismic Design Categories A and B, and for detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category C, mixing of intermittent bracing methods along the interior portion of a braced wall line with continuous sheathing methods CS-WSP, CS-G and CS-PF along the exterior portion of the same braced wall line shall be permitted. The length of required bracing shall be the highest value of all intermittent bracing methods used in accordance with Table R602.10.3(1) or R602.10.3(3) as adjusted by Tables R602.10.3(2) and R602.10.3(4), respectively. The requirements of Section R602.10.7 shall apply to each end of the continuously sheathed portion of the braced wall line. R602.10.4.2 Continuous sheathing methods. Continuous sheathing methods require structural panel sheathing to be used on all sheathable surfaces on one side of a braced wall line including areas above and below openings and gable end walls and shall meet the requirements of Section R602.10.7. R602.10.4.3 Braced wall panel interior finish material. Braced wall panels shall have gypsum wall board installed on the side of the wall opposite the bracing material. Gypsum wall board shall be not less than [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) in thickness and be fastened with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for interior gypsum wall board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges for gypsum wall board opposite Method LIB bracing shall not exceed 8 inches (203 mm). Interior finish material shall not be glued in Seismic Design Categories D 0, D 1 and D 2 . Exceptions:
Interior finish material is not required opposite wall panels that are braced in accordance with Methods GB, BVWSP, ABW, PFH, PFG and CS-PF, unless otherwise required by Section R302.6.
An approved interior finish material with an in-plane shear resistance equivalent to gypsum board shall be permitted to be substituted, unless otherwise required by Section R302.6.
Except for Method LIB, gypsum wall board is permitted to be omitted provided that the required length of bracing in Tables R602.10.3(1) and R602.10.3(3) is multiplied by the appropriate adjustment factor in Tables R602.10.3(2) and R602.10.3(4), respectively, unless otherwise required by Section R302.6. R602.10.4.4 Panel joints. Vertical joints of panel sheathing shall occur over and be fastened to common studs. Horizontal joints of panel sheathing in braced wall panels shall occur over and be fastened to common blocking of a thickness of 1 [1] / 2 inches (38 mm) or greater.
CRC § 10.4.1. High relevance — show source text
Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories.
g. Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1.
h. One- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D2 exceeding two stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
b. Interpolation of bracing length between the_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories shall be permitted when a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accor-
dance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_.
c. Where the braced wall line length is greater than 50 feet, braced wall lines shall be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of 50 feet or less, and the
amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this table.
d. Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for
interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches.
e. Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
f. Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories.
g. Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1.
h. One- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D2 exceeding two stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
b. Interpolation of bracing length between the_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories shall be permitted when a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accor-
dance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_.
c. Where the braced wall line length is greater than 50 feet, braced wall lines shall be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of 50 feet or less, and the
amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this table.
d. Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for
interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches.
e. Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
f. Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories.
g. Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1.
h.CRC § 25.4 High relevance — show source text
Method applies to detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories D0 through D2 only.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 degree = 0.0175 rad, 1 pound per square foot = 47.8 N/m2, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
a. Adhesive attachment of wall sheathing, including Method GB, shall not be permitted in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1 and D2.
b. Applies to panels next to garage door opening where supporting gable end wall or roof load only. Shall only be used on one wall of the garage. In Seismic Design Categories D0,
D1 and D2, roof covering dead load shall not exceed 3 psf.
c. Garage openings adjacent to a Method CS-G panel shall be provided with a header in accordance with Table R602.7(1). A full-height clear opening shall not be permitted adja-
cent to a Method CS-G panel.
d. Method CS-SFB does not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
e. Method applies to detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories D0 through D2 only.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 degree = 0.0175 rad, 1 pound per square foot = 47.8 N/m2, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
a. Adhesive attachment of wall sheathing, including Method GB, shall not be permitted in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1 and D2.
b. Applies to panels next to garage door opening where supporting gable end wall or roof load only. Shall only be used on one wall of the garage. In Seismic Design Categories D0,
D1 and D2, roof covering dead load shall not exceed 3 psf.
c. Garage openings adjacent to a Method CS-G panel shall be provided with a header in accordance with Table R602.7(1). A full-height clear opening shall not be permitted adja-
cent to a Method CS-G panel.
d. Method CS-SFB does not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
e. Method applies to detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories D0 through D2 only.|R602.10.4.1 Mixing methods. Mixing of bracing methods shall be permitted as follows:
- Mixing intermittent bracing and continuous sheathing methods from story to story shall be permitted.
- Mixing intermittent bracing methods from braced wall line to braced wall line within a story shall be permitted. In regions within Seismic Design Categories A, B and C where the ultimate design wind speed is less than or equal to 130 mph (58 m/s), mixing of intermittent bracing and continuous sheathing methods from braced wall line to braced wall line within a story shall be permitted.
- Mixing intermittent bracing methods along a braced wall line shall be permitted in Seismic Design Categories A and B, and detached dwellings in Seismic Design Category C, provided that the length of required bracing in accordance with Table R602.10.3(1) or R602.10.3(3) is the highest value of all intermittent bracing methods used.
CRC § 10.4.1. High relevance — show source text
Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches.
e. Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
f. Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories.
g. Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1.
h. One- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D2 exceeding two stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
b. Interpolation of bracing length between the_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories shall be permitted when a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accor-
dance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_.
c. Where the braced wall line length is greater than 50 feet, braced wall lines shall be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of 50 feet or less, and the
amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this table.
d. Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for
interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches.
e. Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
f. Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories.
g. Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1.
h. One- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D2 exceeding two stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
b. Interpolation of bracing length between the_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories shall be permitted when a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accor-
dance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_.
c. Where the braced wall line length is greater than 50 feet, braced wall lines shall be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of 50 feet or less, and the
amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this table.
d. Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for
interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches.
e. Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
f. Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories.
g.CRC § 3.5 High relevance — show source text
Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for
interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches.
e. Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
f. Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories.
g. Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1.
h. One- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D2 exceeding two stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
b. Interpolation of bracing length between the_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories shall be permitted when a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accor-
dance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_.
c. Where the braced wall line length is greater than 50 feet, braced wall lines shall be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of 50 feet or less, and the
amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this table.
d. Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for
interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches.
e. Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
f. Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories.
g. Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1.
h. One- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D2 exceeding two stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
b. Interpolation of bracing length between the_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories shall be permitted when a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accor-
dance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_.
c. Where the braced wall line length is greater than 50 feet, braced wall lines shall be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of 50 feet or less, and the
amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this table.
d. Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for
interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches.
e.CRC § 10.4.1. High relevance — show source text
Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1.
h. One- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D2 exceeding two stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
b. Interpolation of bracing length between the_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories shall be permitted when a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accor-
dance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_.
c. Where the braced wall line length is greater than 50 feet, braced wall lines shall be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of 50 feet or less, and the
amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this table.
d. Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for
interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches.
e. Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
f. Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories.
g. Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1.
h. One- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D2 exceeding two stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.|6-32 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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**
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. CRC § 0.131 High relevance — show source text
nails; For1/2″, 8d
common (21/2″ long × 0.131″
dia.) nails|3″ edges 6″ field| |Intermittent
Bracing
Methods
(continued)|PCP
Portland
cement plaster|See Section R703.6 for
maximum 16″ stud
spacing||11/2″ long, 11 gage, 0.120" dia.,
7/16″ dia. head nails or7/8″ long,
16 gage staples|6″ o.c. on all framing
members| |Intermittent
Bracing
Methods
(continued)|HPS
Hardboard
panel siding|7/16″ for maximum
16″ stud spacing||0.092″ dia., 0.225″ dia. head
nails with length to accommo-
date 11/2″ penetration into studs|4″ edges 8″ field| |Intermittent
Bracing
Methods
(continued)|ABW
Alternate
braced wall|3/8″||See Section R602.10.6.1|See Section
R602.10.6.1| |Intermittent
Bracing
Methods
(continued)|PFH
Portal frame
with hold-downs|3/8″||See Section R602.10.6.2|See Section
R602.10.6.2| |Intermittent
Bracing
Methods
(continued)|PFG
Portal frame at
garage|7/16″||See Section R602.10.6.3|See Section
R602.10.6.3| |Continuous
Sheathing
Methods|CS-WSP
Continuously
sheathed wood
structural panel|3/8″||Exterior sheathing
per Table R602.3(3)|6″ edges 12″ field| |Continuous
Sheathing
Methods|CS-WSP
Continuously
sheathed wood
structural panel|3/8″||Interior sheathing per
Table R602.3(1) or R602.3(2)|Varies by fastener| |Continuous
Sheathing
Methods|CS-Gb, c
Continuously
sheathed wood
structural panel
adjacent to
garage openings|3/8″||See Method CS-WSP|See Method CS-WSP| |Continuous
Sheathing
Methods|CS-PF
Continuously
sheathed
portal frame|7/16″||See Section R602.10.6.4|See Section
R602.10.6.4|2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 6-35
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
WALL CONSTRUCTION
CRC § 10.6.2 High relevance — show source text
10.6.2|See Section
R602.10.6.2| |Intermittent
Bracing
Methods
(continued)|PFG
Portal frame at
garage|7/16″||See Section R602.10.6.3|See Section
R602.10.6.3| |Continuous
Sheathing
Methods|CS-WSP
Continuously
sheathed wood
structural panel|3/8″||Exterior sheathing
per Table R602.3(3)|6″ edges 12″ field| |Continuous
Sheathing
Methods|CS-WSP
Continuously
sheathed wood
structural panel|3/8″||Interior sheathing per
Table R602.3(1) or R602.3(2)|Varies by fastener| |Continuous
Sheathing
Methods|CS-Gb, c
Continuously
sheathed wood
structural panel
adjacent to
garage openings|3/8″||See Method CS-WSP|See Method CS-WSP| |Continuous
Sheathing
Methods|CS-PF
Continuously
sheathed
portal frame|7/16″||See Section R602.10.6.4|See Section
R602.10.6.4|2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 6-35
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
WALL CONSTRUCTION
TABLE R602.10.4—BRACING METHODS—continued Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 ** METHODS, MATERIAL** ** METHODS, MATERIAL** ** MINIMUM THICKNESS** ** FIGURE** ** CONNECTION CRITERIAa** ** CONNECTION CRITERIAa** ** METHODS, MATERIAL** ** METHODS, MATERIAL** ** MINIMUM THICKNESS** ** FIGURE** ** Fasteners** ** Spacing** Continuous
Sheathing
Methods
(continued)CS-SFBd
Continuously
sheathed
structural
fiberboard1/2″ or25/32″ for maximum
16″ stud spacing11/2″ long × 0.12″ dia. (for1/2″
thick sheathing) 13/4″ long ×
0.12″ dia. (for25/32″ thick
sheathing) galvanized
roofing nails3″ edges 6″ field For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 degree = 0.0175 rad, 1 pound per square foot = 47.8 N/m2, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
a. Adhesive attachment of wall sheathing, including Method GB, shall not be permitted in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1 and D2.
b. Applies to panels next to garage door opening where supporting gable end wall or roof load only. Shall only be used on one wall of the garage. In Seismic Design Categories D0,
D1 and D2, roof covering dead load shall not exceed 3 psf.
c.CRC § 10.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Col1 Col2 Col3 4' MA X BRACED WALL LINE LOCATIONS
AND OFFSETS SHALL COMPLY
WITH R602.10.1.2
BRACED WALL
PANNELNOTE: CONTINUOUS SHEATHING METHODS REQUIRE ALL FRAMED PORTIONS OF THE BRACED WALL LINE TO BE SHEATHED.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Col1 20' MAX Col3 20' MAX Col5 Col6 20' MAX 20' MAX 20' MAX 20' MAX BRACED WALL
PANELBRACED WALL
PANELBRACED WALL
PANELBRACED WALL
PANELBRACED WALL
PANELR602.10.2.2.1 Location of braced wall panels in Seismic Design Categories D 0 , D 1 and D 2 . Braced wall panels shall be located at each end of a braced wall line.
Exceptions:
- Braced wall panels constructed of Method WSP or BV-WSP and continuous sheathing methods as specified in Section R602.10.4 shall be permitted to begin not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) from each end of a braced wall line provided that each end complies with one of the following: 1.1. A minimum 24-inch-wide (610 mm) panel for Methods WSP, CS-WSP, CS-G and CS-PF is applied to each side of the building corner as shown in End Condition 4 of Figure R602.10.7. 1.2. The end of each braced wall panel closest to the end of the braced wall line shall have an 1,800-pound (8 kN) hold-down device fastened to the stud at the edge of the braced wall panel closest to the corner and to the foundation or framing below as shown in End Condition 5 of Figure R602.10.7.
- Braced wall panels constructed of Method PFH or ABW, or of Method BV-WSP where a hold-down is provided in accordance with Table R602.10.6.5.4, shall be permitted to begin not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) from each end of a braced wall line.
R602.10.2.3 Minimum number of braced wall panels. Braced wall lines with a length of 16 feet (4877 mm) or less shall have not less than two braced wall panels of any length or one braced wall panel equal to 48 inches (1219 mm) or more. Braced wall lines greater than 16 feet (4877 mm) shall have not less than two braced wall panels.
R602.10.3 Required length of bracing. The required length of bracing along each braced wall line shall be determined as follows:
- All buildings in Seismic Design Categories A and B shall use Table R602.10.3(1) and the applicable adjustment factors in Table R602.10.3(2).
- Detached buildings in Seismic Design Category C shall use Table R602.10.3(1) and the applicable adjustment factors in Table R602.10.3(2).
CRC § 12.5 Medium relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
WALL CONSTRUCTION
R602.12.5 Distribution of bracing units. The placement of bracing units on exterior walls shall meet all of the following requirements as shown in Figure R602.12.5.
- A bracing unit shall begin not more than 12 feet (3658 mm) from any wall corner.
- The distance between adjacent edges of bracing units shall be not greater than 20 feet (6096 mm).
- Segments of wall greater than 8 feet (2438 mm) in length shall have not less than one bracing unit.
FIGURE R602.12.5—BRACING UNIT DISTRIBUTION
20 FT. 12 FT. 20 FT.
WALL WALL WALL CORNER CORNER CORNER
4 FT. BRACING UNIT
3 FT. BRACING UNIT
Col1 20 FT. 12 FT. Col4 MAX MAX MAX Col1 20 FT. Col3 Col4 MAX MAX MAX MULTIPLE BRACING UNITS MULTIPLE BRACING UNITS EQUAL LENGTH DIVIDED BY 4 EQUAL LENGTH DIVIDED BY 3
BRACING WITH AREAS BETWEEN BRACING UNITS WITH ALL FRAMED COVERED WITH OTHER MATERIALS PORTIONS OF WALL SHEATHED
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
R602.12.6 Narrow panels. The bracing methods referenced in Section R602.10 and specified in Sections R602.12.6.1 through R602.12.6.3 shall be permitted where using simplified wall bracing.
R602.12.6.1 Method CS-G. Braced wall panels constructed as Method CS-G in accordance with Tables R602.10.4 and R602.10.5 shall be permitted for one-story garages where all framed portions of all exterior walls are sheathed with wood structural panels. Each CS-G panel shall be equivalent to 0.5 of a bracing unit. Segments of wall that include a Method CS-G panel shall meet the requirements of Section R602.10.4.2.
R602.12.6.2 Method CS-PF. Braced wall panels constructed as Method CS-PF in accordance with Section R602.10.6.4 shall be permitted where all framed portions of all exterior walls are sheathed with wood structural panels. Each CS-PF panel shall equal 0.75 bracing units. Segments of wall that include a Method CS-PF panel shall meet the requirements of Section R602.10.4.2.
R602.12.6.3 Methods ABW, PFH and PFG. Braced wall panels constructed as Method ABW, PFH and PFG shall be permitted where bracing units are constructed using wood structural panels applied either continuously or intermittently. Each ABW and PFH panel shall equal one bracing unit and each PFG panel shall be equal to 0.75 bracing unit.
R602.12.7 Lateral support. For bracing units located along the eaves, the vertical distance from the outside edge of the top wall plate to the roof sheathing above shall not exceed 9.25 inches (235 mm) at the location of a bracing unit unless lateral support is provided in accordance with Section R602.10.8.2.
California Residential Code Medium relevance — show source text
; 2′6″ C.R.S. with 1″ cover on
both top and bottom flanges; 12′ span
simply supported.|115 psf|29 min|||7|1, 5,
13|1/4| |F/C-6-RC-31|6″|6″ deep (3450 psi) concrete deck; 4″ ×
13/4″ × 5 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S. with 1″ cover
on both top and bottom flanges; 12′ span
simply supported.|25 psf|3 hrs
35 min|||7|1, 2|31/2| |F/C-6-RC-32|6″|6″ deep (4460 psi) concrete deck; 4″ ×
13/4″ × 5 lbs R.S.J.; 2′ C.R.S. with 1″ cover
on both top and bottom flanges; 12′ span
simply supported.|60 psf|4 hrs
30 min|||7|1, 10|41/2| |F/C-6-RC-33|6″|6″ deep (4360 psi) concrete deck; 4″ × 13/4″
× 5 lbs R.S.J.; 2′ C.R.S. with 1″ cover on
both top and bottom flanges; 13′1″ span
restrained.|60 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-6-RC-34|61/4″|61/4″ thick; 43/4″ (5120 psi) concrete core;
1″ T&G board flooring;1/2″ plaster under-
coat; 4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush
with top surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-6-RC-35|61/4″|43/4″ (3600 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush with top
surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|2 hrs
30 min|||7|1, 5|21/2| |F/C-6-RC-36|61/4″|43/4″ (2800 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix CS‑WSP with ABW on the same braced wall line?
Yes — mixing continuous (e.g., CS‑WSP) and intermittent (e.g., ABW) methods along the same braced wall line is permitted, but the required bracing length for that braced wall line must be determined using the highest required value of the methods used. § R602.10.4.1(4)
Do the ends of a continuous sheathed braced wall need special treatment?
Yes — every end of a continuously sheathed braced wall line must meet one of the end conditions shown in Figure R602.10.7 (returns, hold‑downs, minimum end panel widths, etc.). See § R602.10.7.
Is interior gypsum always required opposite a continuously sheathed panel?
Generally gypsum board (½ in.) is required opposite braced wall panels, but there are exceptions for several methods (including CS‑PF and others). See § R602.10.4.3 for exceptions and substitution rules.
What if my braced wall line is longer than 50 ft?
The code allows braced wall lines longer than 50 ft to be divided into segments ≤ 50 ft, and each segment’s required bracing is determined per the tables. See R602.10.3 notes.
Are there seismic restrictions on continuous sheathing methods?
Yes — method applicability and attachment rules (and some method exclusions) depend on Seismic Design Category; check the method notes and the tables for SDC‑specific restrictions (e.g., CS‑SFB and PFG limitations). See the Table R602.10.4 notes and method footnotes.
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