CRC · California Residential Code
How do BIPV systems interact with exterior wall coverings and fenestration?
Homeowner summary: The California Residential Code requires any photovoltaic product used as an exterior wall cladding or as a window/module (BIPV) to be specifically listed and labeled to the UL standards named in **§ R705.1**. Even with a listed product, the installer must follow the product’s listed installation method and coordinate flashing and weather‑barrier continuity with the building’s wall and window requirements so the finished wall remains weather‑tight and code‑compliant.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
Building‑integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems used as exterior wall coverings or fenestration must be listed and labeled to recognized photovoltaic product standards. The controlling provision is § R705.1 (listing required) — BIPV wall/fenestration systems must be listed in accordance with UL 1703 or both UL 61730‑1 and UL 61730‑2.
The single most important rule: use a BIPV product that is explicitly listed and labeled to the required UL standard before it is used as a wall cladding or glazed/transparent element.
Requirements in detail
1) The core CRC requirement for BIPV on walls/fenestration
- What the code says: BIPV systems that function as exterior wall coverings or fenestration must be listed and labeled to the stated UL standards. This is the explicit, itemized requirement in § R705.1.
- Practical effect: If the product is not listed to one of those standards, the CRC does not permit it to be substituted for an approved exterior wall covering or fenestration assembly under § R705.1.
2) Related CRC provisions you must check when designing or installing
- The CRC’s BIPV roofing provisions point to other installation requirements for BIPV roof panels (useful when BIPV products are used across roof/wall transitions): § R905.16 (BIPV roof panels — slope, underlayment, testing/attachment).
- The general BIPV incorporation requirement in Chapter 3 states that BIPV exterior wall coverings and fenestration shall comply with § R705 (i.e., R329.5.2 points back to R705).
- Exterior wall covering and window/door rules (e.g., weather‑resistive requirements, flashing and fenestration provisions) remain applicable and must be coordinated with any BIPV system; see § R703 (exterior wall covering) and § R609 (exterior windows and doors) for the envelope rules to consider.
3) Design and installation items you must address (code‑grounded and pragmatic)
- Verify the product is listed as required by § R705.1.
- Coordinate the BIPV product’s listed installation instructions with the building’s flashing, WRB (weather‑resistive barrier), and fenestration flashing requirements in § R703 and § R609. (The CRC text for R705.1 requires listing; the specifics of flashing/WRB are handled elsewhere in the code and via the manufacturer’s listing/installation instructions.)
- Where the project includes BIPV roofing elements, observe roofing‑specific limits (for example, BIPV roof panels are limited to slopes ≥ 2 in 12) and material/test requirements in § R905.16. While that is a roof provision, it is often applicable where roof and wall BIPV interface.
Decision‑relevant table
| Decision / dimension | Required value / action | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Product listing requirement | Listed & labeled to UL 1703 or UL 61730‑1 & UL 61730‑2 | § R705.1 |
| Applicability cross‑check (BIPV ↔ code) | BIPV wall/fenestration must comply with R705 (and coordinate with R703/R609) | § R329.5.2 → § R705 |
| BIPV roof panel slope (related item) | Roof panels: slope ≥ 2 in 12 (if using BIPV as roof panels) | § R905.16.2 |
| Fire / listing exceptions (firefighter safety) | UL 3741 listing may affect firefighter exceptions (see R329 exceptions) | § R329.5.2 (exception referencing UL 3741) |
Exceptions & special cases
- The CRC itself is explicit that BIPV exterior wall/fenestration systems must be listed — there is no general CRC exception in § R705.1 for unlisted installations.
- A related exception appears in rooftop BIPV requirements: some BIPV systems listed to UL 3741 may qualify for a firefighting‑access exception in § R329.5.2 when the product’s listing demonstrates that partial removal/cutting does not expose firefighters to electrical shock. That exception is specific and limited; it is not a general release from listing.
- The CRC defers many installation details (flashing, WRB continuity, fenestration integration) to: (a) the product’s listing/installation instructions and (b) the other applicable code sections (R703 for wall coverings, R609 for windows/doors). If those installation details are not present in the product’s listing, you must follow the regular envelope rules in the CRC.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any photovoltaic panel can be installed as a wall cladding — the code requires a listed BIPV wall/fenestration product per § R705.1.
- Failing to confirm the specific UL listing (UL 1703 vs UL 61730 family) on the product label or listing report. Check the exact standard(s) named in § R705.1.
- Installing without coordinating the WRB/flashing path: even if the BIPV product is listed, air‑ and water‑management details are handled by other code sections and the manufacturer’s listing — don’t ignore § R703 and § R609 requirements.
- Treating BIPV fenestration as “regular window” without verifying the assembly’s listed performance for structural, thermal, and fire requirements — the listing defines permitted use as fenestration or as wall covering.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: You want to replace a 120 ft² section of vertical exterior cladding on a single‑family home (one story) with a BIPV textured‑glass cladding that incorporates a 2 ft × 3 ft glazed BIPV window module.
Step‑by‑step application of the CRC requirements:
- Product selection — listing: Confirm the BIPV cladding/window module is listed & labeled to UL 1703 or UL 61730‑1 & UL 61730‑2. If the product label/report shows the listing, you meet § R705.1. (If not listed, do not install as an exterior wall/fenestration product.) Code cite: § R705.1.
- Manufacturer instructions: Obtain the manufacturer’s listed installation instructions (anchorage, fasteners, WRB interface, flashing details). The CRC requires listing but expects the product listing/installation instructions to supply the safe, tested installation method. Code cite: § R705.1 and cross‑reference to exterior wall covering rules (R703/R609).
- Flashing & WRB continuity: Coordinate flashing of the BIPV fenestration module with the house WRB per normal fenestration rules — verify the BIPV module’s listing allows the window‑module application and provides flashing details. If the product’s listing does not provide WRB/flashing methods, use the applicable CRC wall and fenestration provisions to make the WRB/flashing continuous around the opening. Code cite: § R609, § R703.
- Inspections & documentation: Provide the AHJ (building official) with the product’s listing data and installation instructions showing compliance with § R705.1. The inspector will verify the product label/listing and that the installed assembly follows the listed method.
Numeric check: the only explicit numeric threshold in the retrieved R705 text is the listing standard (UL identifiers). If your project includes BIPV roof panels adjacent to the wall, note the roof panel slope rule (≥ 2 in 12) in § R905.16.2.
Related provisions
- § R705.1 — BIPV systems for exterior wall coverings and fenestration (listing required).
- § R329.5.2 — BIPV exterior wall coverings and fenestration shall comply with § R705 (cross‑reference).
- § R905.16 — BIPV roof panels applied to the roof deck (related BIPV roofing rules, slope, testing).
- § R703 — Exterior wall covering (weather protection, WRB coordination).
- § R609 — Exterior windows and doors (fenestration flashing & installation rules).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 6-106 High relevance — show source text
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
R801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
R802 Wood Roof Framing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
R803 Roof Sheathing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-30
R804 Cold-Formed Steel Roof Framing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-31
R805 Ceiling Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-44
R806 Roof Ventilation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-44
R807 Attic Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-46
CHAPTER 9 ROOF ASSEMBLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-3
R901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
R902 Fire Classification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
CRC § 4.1.1 High relevance — show source text
R329.4.1.1 Roof load. Portions of roof structures not covered with photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed for dead loads and roof loads in accordance with Sections R301.4 and R301.6. Portions of roof structures covered with photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed for the following load cases:
- Dead load (including photovoltaic panel weight) plus snow load in accordance with Table R301.2.
- Dead load (excluding photovoltaic panel weight) plus roof live load or snow load, whichever is greater, in accordance with Section R301.6.
R329.4.1.2 Wind load. Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panel or module systems and their supports shall be designed and installed to resist the component and cladding loads specified in Table R301.2.1(1), adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301.2.1(2).
R329.4.2 Fire classification. Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panel systems shall have the same fire classification as the roof assembly required in Section R902.
R329.4.3 Roof penetrations. Roof penetrations shall be flashed and sealed in accordance with Chapter 9.
R329.5 Building-integrated photovoltaic systems. Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections R329.5.1 through R329.5.2.
R329.5.1 BIPV roofing systems. BIPV roofing systems shall comply with Section R905.15. BIPV roof panels shall comply with Section R905.16.
R329.5.1.1 Fire classification. Building-integrated photovoltaic systems shall have a fire classification in accordance with Section R902.3.
R329.5.2 BIPV exterior wall coverings and fenestration. BIPV exterior wall coverings and fenestration shall comply with Section R705.
R329.6 Roof access and pathways. Roof access, pathways and setback requirements shall be provided in accordance with Sections R329.6.1 through R329.6.2.1. Access and minimum spacing shall be required to provide emergency access to the roof, to provide pathways to specific areas of the roof, provide for smoke ventilation opportunity areas, and to provide emergency egress from the roof.
Exceptions:
- Detached, nonhabitable structures, including but not limited to detached garages, parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises and similar structures, shall not be required to provide roof access.
- Roof access, pathways and setbacks need not be provided where the enforcing agency has determined that rooftop operations will not be employed.
- These requirements shall not apply to roofs with slopes of 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17-percent slope) or less.
- BIPV systems listed in accordance with UL 3741, where the removal or cutting away of portions of the BIPV system during firefighting operations has been determined to not expose a firefighter to electrical shock hazards.
CRC § 14-3 High relevance — show source text
1402 Performance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
1403 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
1404 Installation of Wall Coverings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
1405 Combustible Materials on the Exterior Side of
Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16
1406 Metal Composite Material (MCM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17
1407 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). . . . 14-18
1408 High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates (HPL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-18
1409 Insulated Metal Panel (IMP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-19
1410 Plastic Composite Decking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-21 1411 Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems for Exterior Wall Coverings and Fenestration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-21
1412 Soffits and Fascias at Roof Overhangs . . . . . . . . . . 14-21
1413 [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Additional Requirements for Anchored and Adhered Veneer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-23
CHAPTER 15 ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP
STRUCTURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1
1501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1502 Roof Drainage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1503 Weather Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1504 Performance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1505 Fire Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-5
1506 Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
1507 Requirements for Roof Coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
CRC § 5.1 Medium relevance — show source text
R329.5.1 BIPV roofing systems. BIPV roofing systems shall comply with Section R905.15. BIPV roof panels shall comply with Section R905.16.
R329.5.1.1 Fire classification. Building-integrated photovoltaic systems shall have a fire classification in accordance with Section R902.3.
R329.5.2 BIPV exterior wall coverings and fenestration. BIPV exterior wall coverings and fenestration shall comply with Section R705.
R329.6 Roof access and pathways. Roof access, pathways and setback requirements shall be provided in accordance with Sections R329.6.1 through R329.6.2.1. Access and minimum spacing shall be required to provide emergency access to the roof, to provide pathways to specific areas of the roof, provide for smoke ventilation opportunity areas, and to provide emergency egress from the roof.
Exceptions:
- Detached, nonhabitable structures, including but not limited to detached garages, parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises and similar structures, shall not be required to provide roof access.
- Roof access, pathways and setbacks need not be provided where the enforcing agency has determined that rooftop operations will not be employed.
- These requirements shall not apply to roofs with slopes of 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17-percent slope) or less.
- BIPV systems listed in accordance with UL 3741, where the removal or cutting away of portions of the BIPV system during firefighting operations has been determined to not expose a firefighter to electrical shock hazards.
R329.6.1 Pathways. Not fewer than two pathways, on separate roof planes from lowest roof edge to ridge and not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide, shall be provided on all buildings. Not fewer than one pathway shall be provided on the street or driveway side of the roof. For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array, a pathway not less than 36 inches wide (914 mm) shall be provided from the lowest roof edge to ridge on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array, on an adjacent roof plane, or straddling the same and adjacent roof planes. Pathways shall be over areas capable of supporting firefighters accessing the roof. Pathways shall be located in areas with minimal obstructions such as vent pipes, conduit, or mechanical equipment.
R329.6.2 Setback at ridge. For photovoltaic arrays occupying not more than 33 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than an 18-inch (457 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge. For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 33 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than a 36-inch (914 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.
R329.6.2.1 Alternative setback at ridge. Where an automatic sprinkler system is installed within the dwelling or townhouse in accordance with NFPA 13D or Section R309, setbacks at ridges shall comply with one of the following:
- For photovoltaic arrays occupying not more than 66 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than an 18-inch (457 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.
- For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 66 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than a 36-inch (914 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.
CRC § 61730-1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION R705—BIPV SYSTEMS FOR EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS AND FENESTRATION
R705.1 Listing required. In addition to complying with other provisions of this code, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems used as exterior wall coverings or fenestration shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1703 or both UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2.
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CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 8 – ROOF-CEILING 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 Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowX X Chapter / Section R802.1.1 Note X R802.10.2 X R803.2.1.2 X R806 Note X R806.1.1 X X R807.1 X The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: †
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8 ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION
User notes:
CRC § 1410.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 1410—PLASTIC COMPOSITE DECKING
[BS] 1410.1 Plastic composite decking. Exterior deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards constructed of plastic composites, including plastic lumber, shall comply with Section 2612.
SECTION 1411—BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) SYSTEMS FOR EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS AND FENESTRATION
1411.1 Listing required. In addition to complying with other provisions of this code, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems used as exterior wall coverings or fenestration shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1703 or both UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2.
SECTION 1412—SOFFITS AND FASCIAS AT ROOF OVERHANGS
1412.1 General. Soffits and fascias at roof overhangs shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section.
1412.2 General wind requirements. Soffits and fascias shall be capable of resisting the component and cladding loads for walls determined in accordance with Chapter 16 using an effective wind area of 10 square feet (0.93 m [2] ).
1412.3 Vinyl and aluminum soffit panels. Vinyl and aluminum soffit panels shall comply with Section 1412.2, shall be installed using fasteners specified by the manufacturer and shall be fastened at both ends to a supporting component such as a nailing strip, fascia or subfascia component in accordance with Figure 1412.3(1). Where the unsupported span of soffit panels is greater than 12 inches (406 mm) and the design wind pressure is greater than 30 psf (1.44 kN/m [2] ) or the unsupported span of soffit panels is greater than 16 inches (406 mm) and the wind pressure is 30 psf (1.44 kN/m [2] ) or less, intermediate nailing strips shall be provided in accordance with Figure 1412.3(2). Vinyl and aluminum soffit panels shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
FIGURE 1412.3(1)—SINGLE-SPAN VINYL OR ALUMINUM SOFFIT PANEL SUPPORT
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
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FIGURE 1412.3(2)—DOUBLE-SPAN VINYL OR ALUMINUM SOFFIT PANEL SUPPORT
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
1412.4 Fiber-cement soffit panels. Fiber-cement soffit panels shall comply with Section 1412.2, shall be not less than [1] / 4 inch (6.4 mm) in thickness and shall comply with the requirements of ASTM C1186, Type A, minimum Grade II, or ISO 8336, Category A, minimum Class 2. Panel joints shall occur over framing or over wood structural panel sheathing. Soffit panels shall be installed with spans and fasteners in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
CRC § 7-34 Medium relevance — show source text
Spacing at intermediate supports shall be not greater than 12 inches on center.|
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R704.4 Fascia. Fascia shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
R704.4.1 Aluminum fascia. Aluminum fascia shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and comply with Section R704.4.1.1 or R704.4.1.2.
R704.4.1.1 Fascia installation where the design wind pressure is 30 psf or less. Where the design wind pressure is 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa) or less, aluminum fascia shall be a attached with one finish nail [1 [1] / 4 inches by 0.57 inch by 0.177 inch head diameter (32 mm × 14.5 mm × 4.5 mm)] in the return leg spaced a maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) on center, and the fascia shall be inserted under the drip edge with at least 1 inch (305 mm) of fascia material covered by the drip edge. Where the fascia can not be inserted under the drip edge, the top edge of the fascia shall be secured using one finish nail [1 [1] / 4 inches by 0.57 inch by 0.177 inch head diameter (32 mm × 14.5 mm × 4.5 mm)] located not more than 1 inch (25 mm) below the drip edge and spaced a maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) on center.
R704.4.1.2 Fascia installation where the design wind pressure exceeds 30 psf. Where the design wind pressure is greater than 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa), aluminum fascia shall be attached with one finish nail [1 [1] / 4 inches by 0.57 inch by 0.177 inch head diameter (32 mm × 14.5 mm × 4.5 mm)] in the return leg spaced a maximum of 16 inches (406 mm) on center and one finish nail located not more than 1 inch (25 mm) below the drip edge spaced a maximum of 16 inches (406 mm) on center. As an alternative, the top edge of the fascia is permitted to be secured using utility trim installed beneath the drip edge with snap locks punched into the fascia spaced not more than 6 inches (152 mm) on center.
SECTION R705—BIPV SYSTEMS FOR EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS AND FENESTRATION
R705.1 Listing required. In addition to complying with other provisions of this code, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems used as exterior wall coverings or fenestration shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1703 or both UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2.
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CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 8 – ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION
CRC § 1409.7.2. Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
Assemblies protected on the outside with one of the following:
- A thermal barrier complying with Section 1409.7.2.
- Concrete or masonry not less than 1 inch (25 mm) in thickness.
- Glass-fiber-reinforced concrete panels not less than [3] / 8 inch (9.5 mm) in thickness.
- Metal-faced panels having outer facings not less in thickness than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm) aluminum or 0.016 inch (0.41 mm) corrosion-resistant steel.
- Stucco not less than [7] / 8 inch (22.2 mm) in thickness, complying with Section 2510.
- Fiber-cement lap, panel or shingle siding complying with Section 1404.17 and Section 1404.17.1 or 1404.17.2, and having a thickness of not less than [1] / 4 inch (6.4 mm).
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1409.8 Type V construction. IMP shall be permitted for use in Type V construction.
1409.9 Labeling. Unless otherwise specified, the edge or face of each IMP or package shall bear the label of an approved agency. The label shall contain the manufacturer’s or distributor’s identification, model number, serial number or definitive information describing the product or materials’ performance characteristics and approved agency’s identification.
1409.9.1 Foam plastic core. IMP having a foam plastic core shall be labeled in accordance with Sections 2603.2 and 2603.5.6, as applicable.
SECTION 1410—PLASTIC COMPOSITE DECKING
[BS] 1410.1 Plastic composite decking. Exterior deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards constructed of plastic composites, including plastic lumber, shall comply with Section 2612.
SECTION 1411—BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) SYSTEMS FOR EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS AND FENESTRATION
1411.1 Listing required. In addition to complying with other provisions of this code, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems used as exterior wall coverings or fenestration shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1703 or both UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2.
SECTION 1412—SOFFITS AND FASCIAS AT ROOF OVERHANGS
1412.1 General. Soffits and fascias at roof overhangs shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section.
1412.2 General wind requirements. Soffits and fascias shall be capable of resisting the component and cladding loads for walls determined in accordance with Chapter 16 using an effective wind area of 10 square feet (0.93 m [2] ).
1412.3 Vinyl and aluminum soffit panels. Vinyl and aluminum soffit panels shall comply with Section 1412.2, shall be installed using fasteners specified by the manufacturer and shall be fastened at both ends to a supporting component such as a nailing strip, fascia or subfascia component in accordance with Figure 1412.3(1).
CRC § 12-113 Medium relevance — show source text
1248 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-113
1249 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-113
1250 [CA] Pharmacies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-113
1251 [CA] Veterinary Premises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-113
1252 [CA] Barber Colleges and Shops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-114
1253 [CA] Schools of Cosmetology, Cosmetological Establishments and Satellite Classrooms . . . . . 12-114
1254 [CA] Acupuncture Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-115
CHAPTER 13 ENERGY EFFICIENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
CHAPTER 14 EXTERIOR WALLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
1402 Performance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
1403 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
1404 Installation of Wall Coverings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
1405 Combustible Materials on the Exterior Side of
Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16
1406 Metal Composite Material (MCM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17
1407 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). . . . 14-18
1408 High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates (HPL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-18
1409 Insulated Metal Panel (IMP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-19
1410 Plastic Composite Decking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-21 1411 Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems for Exterior Wall Coverings and Fenestration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-21
California Residential Code Medium relevance — show source text
[A] BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
[BS] BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) ROOF COVERING. A BIPV system that also functions as a roof covering. Coverings include, but are not limited to, shingles, tiles and roof panels.
[BS] BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) ROOF PANEL. A photovoltaic panel that functions as a component of the building envelope.
[BS] BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) SYSTEM. A building system that incorporates photovoltaic modules and functions as an integral part of the building envelope, such as roof assemblies and roof coverings, exterior wall envelopes and exterior wall coverings, and fenestration.
[BS] BUILT-UP ROOF COVERING. Two or more layers of felt cemented together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineral aggregate, smooth coating or similar surfacing material.
[BG] CANOPY. A permanent structure or architectural projection of rigid construction over which a covering is attached that provides weather protection, identity or decoration. A canopy is permitted to be structurally independent or supported by attachment to a building on one or more sides.
[F] CAPACITOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM. A stationary, rechargeable energy storage system consisting of capacitors, chargers, controls and associated electrical equipment designed to provide electrical power to a building or facility. The system is typically used to provide standby or emergency power, an uninterruptable power supply, load shedding, load sharing or similar capabilities.
[F] CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS. A system supplying carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from a pressurized vessel through fixed pipes and nozzles. The system includes a manual- or automatic-actuating mechanism.
[F] CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM. A single- or multiple-station alarm intended to detect carbon monoxide gas and alert occupants by a distinct audible signal. It incorporates a sensor, control components and an alarm notification appliance in a single unit.
[F] CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR. A device with an integral sensor to detect carbon monoxide gas and transmit an alarm signal to a connected alarm control unit.
CARE AND SUPERVISION. Any one or more of the following activities provided by a person or facility to meet the needs of the clients: 1. Assistance in dressing, grooming, bathing and other personal hygiene. 2. Assistance with taking medication. 3. Central storing and/or distribution of medications. 4. Arrangement of and assistance with medical and dental care. 5. Maintenance of house rules for the protection of clients. 6. Supervision of client schedules and activities. 7. Maintenance and/or supervision of client cash resources or property. 8. Monitoring food intake or special diets. 9. Providing basic services required by applicable law and regulation to be provided by the licensee in order to obtain and main- tain a community-care facility license.
[F] CARBON MONOXIDE SOURCE. A piece of commonly used equipment or permanently installed appliance, fireplace or process that produces or emits carbon monoxide gas.
California Residential Code Medium relevance — show source text
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DEFINITIONS
[RB] BUILDING LINE. The line established by law, beyond which a building shall not extend, except as specifically provided by law.
[RB] BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
[MP] BUILDING SEWER. That part of the drainage system that extends from the end of the building drain and conveys its discharge to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage-disposal system or other point of disposal.
[RB] BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) ROOF COVERING. A BIPV system that also functions as a roof covering. Coverings include, but are not limited to, shingles, tiles and roof panels.
[RB] BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) ROOF PANEL. A photovoltaic panel that functions as a component of the building envelope.
[RB] BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) SYSTEM. A building system that incorporates photovoltaic modules and functions as an integral part of the building envelope, such as roof assemblies and roof coverings, exterior wall envelopes and exterior wall coverings, and fenestration.
[RB] BUILT-UP ROOF COVERING. Two or more layers of felt cemented together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineral aggregate, smooth coating or similar surfacing material.
[RB] CAP PLATE. The top plate of the double top plates used in structural insulated panel (SIP) construction. The cap plate is cut to match the panel thickness such that it overlaps the wood structural panel facing on both sides.
[RB] CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM. A single- or multiple-station alarm intended to detect carbon monoxide gas and alert occupants by a distinct audible signal. It incorporates a sensor, control components and an alarm notification appliance in a single unit.
[RB] CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR. A device with an integral sensor to detect carbon monoxide gas and transmit an alarm signal to a connected alarm control unit.
CARE AND SUPERVISION. Any one or more of the following activities provided by a person or facility to meet the needs of the clients:
Assistance in dressing, grooming, bathing and other personal hygiene
Assistance with taking medication
Central storing and/or distribution of medications
Arrangement of and assistance with medical and dental care
Maintenance of house rules for the protection of clients
Supervision of client schedules and activities
Maintenance and/or supervision of client cash resources or property
Monitoring food intake or special diets
Providing basic services required by applicable law and regulation to be provided by the licensee in order to obtain and maintain a community-care facility license
CATASTROPHICALLY INJURED. A person whose origin of disability was acquired through trauma or nondegenerative neurologic illness, for whom it has been determined by the Department of Health Services Certification and Licensing that active rehabilitation would be beneficial.
[RB] CEILING HEIGHT. The clear vertical distance from the finished floor to the finished ceiling.
[RB] CEMENT PLASTER. A mixture of Portland or blended cement, Portland cement or blended cement and hydrated lime, masonry cement or plastic cement and aggregate and other approved materials as specified in this code.
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
Frequently asked questions
What exactly must the product be listed to?
It must be listed and labeled to UL 1703 or both UL 61730‑1 and UL 61730‑2, per § R705.1.
If a PV panel is mechanically attached to the wall, is that automatically allowed?
No. Mechanical attachment alone does not satisfy § R705.1 — the assembly must be a listed BIPV wall/fenestration product or be used exactly as specified in a listing.
Does § R705.1 cover flashing and WRB details?
No — § R705.1 mandates listing. Flashing/WRB continuity is handled by the applicable wall and fenestration sections (e.g., § R703, § R609) and by the product’s listed installation instructions.
Are there firefighting exceptions for wall BIPV like there are for some roof BIPV?
An exception for systems listed to UL 3741 appears in the rooftop BIPV text (R329) for firefighting access; that is limited and specific — it does not override the base listing requirement in § R705.1 for wall/fenestration products.
Where do I show compliance to the inspector?
Provide the product’s listing report/label and the manufacturer’s installation instructions demonstrating compliance with § R705.1; show how the listed installation integrates with the WRB/flashing per § R703/§ R609.
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