2007

Ca~ifornia
BuiJ$ling
Code
California Code at;Regulations
Title 24, Part 2, Volu;l1te 1 of 2
California Building
Standards Commission

Based on 2006 International Bu~ilding Code®

EffECTIVE
JANUARY 1, 2008
(For Errata and Supplements, see History Note Appendix)
 2007 California Building Code
Volume 1 of2

First Printing

ISBN-13: 978-1-58001-518-9
ISBN-I0: 1-58001-518-2

Publication Date: June 2007

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This 2007 Calzj"ornia Building Code contains substantial copyrighted material from the 2006 Interna-
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 PREFACE

This document is Part 2 of the official triennial compilation and publication of the adoptions, amendments and repeal of administra-
tive regulations to California Code ofRegulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This Part is
known as the California Building Code and incorporates, by adoption, the 2006 edition of the International Building Code of the
International Code Council with the California amendments.

The California Building Standards Code is published in its entirety every three years by order of the California legislature, with sup-
plements published in intervening years. The California legislature delegated authority to various State agencies, boards, commis-
sions and departments to create building regulations to implement the State's statutes. These building regulations or standards have
the same force of law, and take effect 180 days after their publication unless otherwise stipulated. The Cal(fornia Building Stan-
dards Code applies to occupancies in the State of California as annotated.

A city, county or city and county may establish more restrictive building standards reasonably necessary because of local climatic,
geological or topographical conditions. Findings of the local condition(s) and the adopted local building standard(s) must be filed
with the California Building Standards Commission to become effective and may not be effective sooner than the effective date of
this edition of California Building Standards Code. Local building standards that were adopted and applicable to previous editions
of the California Building Standards Code do not apply to this edition without appropriate adoption and the required filing.

To familiarize themselves with the format of this code, it is suggested that users review the following contents:

• How To Distinguish Model Code Language From California Amendments

• Matrix Adoption Tables

Should users find publication (e.g., typographical) errors or inconsistencies in this code or wish to offer comments toward improv-
ing its format, please address these comments to:

California Building Standards Commission

2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130
Sacramento, CA 95833-2936

Phone: (916) 263-0916

FAX: (916) 263-0959
Web Page: www.bsc.ca.gov

Acknowledgement
The 2007 California Building Standards Code (Code) was developed through the outstanding collaborative efforts of the Depart-
ment of Housing and Community Development, the Division of State Architect, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of
Statewide Health Planning and Development, the California Energy Commission, and the Building Standards Commission (Com-
mission).

This collaborative effort included the assistance of the Commission's Code Advisory Committees and many other volunteers that
worked tirelessly to assist the Commission in the production of this Code.

Members of the Building Standards Commission

Secretary Rosario Marin - Chair Christina Jamison

Isam Hasenin - Vice-Chair Stephen Jensen
James Barthman Robert Pernell
Kim Blackseth Richard Sawhill
Susan Dowty Steven Winkel

David Walls - Executive Director

Thomas Morrison - Deputy
Executive Director

For questions on California state agency amendments, please refer to the contact list on the following page.

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE iii

3000 ~N1011n8 VINl:IO:lI1VO LOOe::
 California Code of Regulations, Title 24
California Agency Information Contact List

California Energy Commission Department of Health Services

Energy Hotline (800) 772-3300 Organized Camps Standards (916) 449-5661
Building Efficiency Standards Public Swimming Pools Standards (916) 449-5661
Appliance Efficiency Standards Asbestos Standards (510) 620-2874
Compliance Manual/Forms

California State Lands Commission Department of Housing and Community Development

Marine Oil Terminals (562) 499-6317 Residential - Hotels, Motels, Apartments,

Single-Family Dwellings (916) 445-9471
California State Library Permanent Structures in Mobilehome and
Construction Standards (918) 445-9604 Special Occupancy Parks (916) 445-9471
Factory-Built Housing, Manufactured
Corrections Standards Authority Housing and Commercial Modular (916) 445-3338
Local Adult Jail Standards (916) 324-1914 Mobilehomes - Permits and Inspections
Local Juvenile Facility Standards (916) 324-1914 Northern Region (916) 255-2501
Southern Region (951) 782-4420
Department of Consumer Affairs - Acupuncture Board Employee Housing Standards (916) 445-9471
Office Standards (916) 445-3021
Department of Water Resources
Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Standards (916) 574-7900 Gray Water Installations Standards (916) 651-9687

Department of Consumer Affairs - Bureau of Barbering Division ofthe State Architect - Access Compliance
and Cosmetology
Barber and Beauty Shop and Access Compliance Standards (916) 445-8100
College Standards (916) 952-5210
Division ofthe State Architect - Structural Safety
Department of Consumer Affairs - Bureau of
Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation Public Schools Standards (916) 445-8100
Insulation Testing Standards (916) 574-2041 Essential Services Building Standards (916) 445-8100

Department of Consumer Affairs - Structural Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
Pest Control Board
Hospital Standards (916) 654-3139
Structural Standards (800) 737-8188
Skilled Nursing Facility Standards (916) 654-3139
Department of Consumer Affairs - Veterinary Clinic Standards (916) 654-3139
Medical Board Permits (916) 654-3392
Veterinary Hospital Standard (916) 263-2610
Office ofthe State Fire Marshal
Department of Food and Agriculture
Code Development and Analysis (916) 445-8200
Meat and Poultly Packing Plant
Fire Safety Standards (916) 445-8200
Standards (916) 654-0509 Fireplace Standards (916) 445-8200
Dairy Standards (916) 654-0773 Day Care Centers Standards (916) 445-8200
Exit Standards (916) 445-8200

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE v

3ao~ ~Nlalln8 V'INl::IO.:lIlV'~ Lom:
 EFFECTIVE USE OF THE ISC/CSC

Distilling the code review process down to a methodical, sequential list of considerations is generally problematic. In many cases,
related provisions from various chapters of the code must be considered simultaneously, or reconsidered later in the process to
arrive at the con-ect classification or determination. Any number of acceptable alternatives may exist for construction of the building
and its specific features. Each choice provided by the code must be evaluated for its specific impact on other aspects of the building's
analysis. With a basic understanding of the inten-elationship of the various chapters, the practiced code user will make an initial
assessment of the building as a first step of the code review process. The following outline may be helpful as a guide for the effective
use of the IBC/CBC, with the understanding that final resolution of each step is often dependant on subsequent steps.
The following process is divided into two distinct areas of analysis, the nonstructural provisions of the IBC/CBC and the struc-
tural provisions.

Nonstructural Provisions
1. Identify the distinct and varied uses of the building. The uses that will occur within the building must be identified, evaluated
and classified into one or more of the distinct occupancy classifications established in the IBC/CBC. Some buildings will be classi-
fied as single occupancy, where there is only one applicable occupancy classification. Others will be considered as mixed occu-
pancy due to the presence of two or more uses that are classified into different occupancy groups.
(California) Chapter i-Application ofCalifornia Building Standards: Determine whether the use or occupancy is regulated
by a state agency. Review California Chapter 1 to determine (1) which agencies regulate the use or occupancy, and (2) which
authority is responsible for enforcement of building standards.
Matrix Adoption Tables-Scope ofCalifornia Building Standards: Review the matrix adoption tables to identify the chapters
and sections o.lmodel code that are adopted, amended or superseded by the California Building Standards. (See "How to Distin-
guish Model Code Languagefrom California Amendments.")
Sec. 302.1 Classify the building into one or more occupancy groups. Although there are 10 general occupancy groups,
many of the groups are subdivided into subgroups to allow for a more exacting analysis of the building under consideration.
Sec. 303 Group A
Sec. 304 Group B
Sec. 305 Group E
Sec. 306 Group F
Sec. 307 Group H
Sec. 308 Group I
Sec. 309 Group M
Sec. 310 Group R
Sec. 311 Group S
Sec. 312 Group U
2. Determine if the building is to be fully sprinklered. Many of the code provisions vary based upon the presence of an automatic
sprinkler system throughout the building.
Sec. 903.2 Determine if the building requires a fire sprinkler system. Many of the mandates for the installation of a sprin-
kler system are based upon the occupancy or occupancies that occur within the building. The provisions will often require some
degree of occupant load determination. Other conditions may also trigger a required sprinkler installation, such as building
height or the lack of exterior openings.
If a sprinkler system is not required, review for potential code modifications if a sprinkler system is installed. There are a
significant number of benefits provided by the code if a sprinkler system is installed. An initial analysis of the building will typi-
cally allow for an early determination of the value of such sprinkler benefits.
Sec. 504.2 Story and height increase
Sec. 506.3 Allowable area increase
Sec. 1017.1 Elimination of corridor fire-resistance rating
Sec. 507 Unlimited area building

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE vii

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE IBC/CBC

3. Determine the appropriate type of construction for the building. The permitted types of construction are primarily based
upon the occupancy classifications involved, the building's height and the building's floor area. Other conditions may also affect the
appropriate construction types, including the building's location on the lot and the intended materials of construction. In buildings
with mixed-occupancy conditions, the methods of addressing the relationship between the multiple occupancies indirectly affect
construction type.
Sec. 202 and 502 Calculate actual height of building in both ''feet'' and "stories above grade plane." The code specifically
describes the method for assigning a building height: measure both in the number of feet and the number of stories above grade plane.
The actual height must be compared with the allowable height to determine if the building's type of construction is acceptable.
Sec. 504 Determine allowable height permitted for both "feet" and "stories"
Sec. 505 Determine if mezzanine provisions are applicable
Sec. 504.3 Determine if any rooftop structures are in compliance
Sec.502 Calculate actual floor area of each story of building. The building area is typically the entire floor area that occurs
within the surrounding exterior walls. The building area for each individual story must be calculated, as well as for the building as
a whole.
Sec. 507 Determine if building qualifies as an unlimited area building
Sec. 506 Determine allowable area permitted for building and each story if:
Sec. 506 Single-occupancy building
Sec. 508.3.1 Multi-occupancy w/accessory occupancies
Sec.508.3.2 Multi-occupancy building w/nonseparated occupancies
Sec. 508.3.3 Multi-occupancy building w/separated occupancies
Sec. 705.1 Use of fire walls
Sec. 509 Determine if special provisions are to be applied for height and/or area. The general requirements for allowable height
and area may be modified under limited conditions, typically where a parking garage is located in a building with other occupancies.
Sec. 602 Verify that the type of materials and degree of fire resistance for the building's major elements comply with
Table 601. Once the acceptable types of construction are determined based upon the building's occupancy, height and floor area,
the major building elements must be evaluated for compliance with the required degree of fire resistance and the appropriate
materials of construction.
4. Locate the building on the site. The location of the building(s) on the lot is fundamental to the degree of fire exposure to and
from adjoining buildings and lots. In addition, the building's location influences the amount of fire depmtment access that can be
provided from the exterior of the building.
Sec.503.1.2 Determine the number of buildings on the site. Where two or more buildings are located on the same lot, they
can be evaluated as a single building or multiple buildings. The type of construction requirements may differ based upon which
of the two methods is utilized.
Sec. 602.1 Determine minimum required fire rating of exterior walls. The fire separation distance is the measurement used
in evaluating the necessary fire rating for exterior walls. It is measured from the building to the lot line, to the center line of a pub-
lic way or to an imaginary assumed line between two buildings on the same lot.
Sec.704.8 Determine exterior opening protection requirements. Openings in exterior walls are regulated by the fire sepa-
ration distance and the rating of the exterior wall in which they are located.
Sec.506.2 Determine frontage increase for allowable area purposes. Utilized primarily for fire department access, open
space adjacent to a building's perimeter provides for an increase in the allowable area.
5. Identify extent of any special detailed occupancy requirements. Special types of buildings, special uses that occur within
buildings and special elements of a building are further regulated through specific requirements found in Chapter 4. Since these pro-
visions are specific in nature, they apply in lieu of the general requirements found elsewhere in the code.
Chapter 4 Determine special detailed requirements based on occupancy. A number of the special provisions are applica-
ble to a specific occupancy or group of similar occupancies.
Sec. 402 Covered mall buildings
Sec. 403 High-rise buildings
Sec. 404 Atriums
Sec. 406 Motor-vehicle-related occupancies
Sec. 407, 408 Group 1-2 and 1-3 occupancies

viii 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 EFFECTIVE USE OF THE IBC/CBC

Sec. 415 Group H occupancies

Table 508.2 Determine if building contains any incidental use areas. The uses identified in Table 508.2 are considered as a
portion of the occupancy in which they are located, but special conditions require that they be addressed in a more specific man-
ner.
Sec. 508.2 Provide fire separation and/or fire-extinguishing system
6. Calculate occupant load ofbuilding and individual spaces within building. Although the primary use of an occupant load is in
the design of the building's means of egress system, occupant load is also occasionally an important factor in occupancy classifica-
tion, sprinkler system and fire alarm system requirements and plumbing fixture counts.
Chapter 10 Verify compliance with means of egress provisions. The anticipated occupant load is the basis for the design of
the means of egress system. The egress elements must provide for a direct, continuous, obvious, undiminished and unobstructed
path of travel from any occupiable point in the building to the public way.
Sec. 1005.1 Egress width and distribution
Sec. 1006.3 Emergency lighting
Sec. 1007 Accessible means of egress
Sec. 1008.1.2 Door swing
Sec. 1008.1.8 Door operations
Sec. 1008.1.9 Panic hardware
Sec. 1009.1 Stairway width
Sec. 1009.3 Stairway treads and risers
Sec. 1011.1 Exit signs
Sec. 1012 Stairway and ramp handrails
Sec. 1013 Guards
Sec. 1014.2 Egress through intervening spaces
Sec. 1014.3 Common path of egress travel
Sec. 1015.1 Number of exit or exit access doorways
Sec. 10 15.2 Egress separation
Sec. 1016.1 Travel distance
Sec. 1017.1 Corridor construction
Sec. 1019 Number of exits
Sec. 1020.1 Vertical exit enclosures
Sec. 1021 Exit passageways
Sec. J 022 Horizontal exits
Sec. 1023 Exterior exit stairways
Sec. 1024 Exit discharge
Sec. 1025 Egress from assembly occupancies
7. Identify and evaluate fire-resistance-rated construction elements. Where fire-resistance-rated construction is mandated by
other provisions of the code, the provisions of Chapter 7 identify the appropriate methods for gaining compliance.
Chapter 7 Verify compliance w/ details of fire resistance. The various elements of fire-resistance-rated construction are
detailed, including walls, horizontal assemblies, shaft enclosures and the penetration of such elements by conduit, ducts, piping
and other items.
Sec. 704 Exterior walls
Sec. 70S Fire walls
Sec. 706 Fire barriers
Sec. 708 Fire partitions
Sec. 709 Smoke barriers
Sec. 710 Smoke partitions
Sec. 707 Shaft enclosures

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE ix

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE IBCfCBC

Sec. 7 I0 Horizontal assemblies

Sec. 714 Structural members
Sec. 715 Opening protectives
Sec. 716 Ducts and air transfer openings
8. Identify and evaluate materials utilized as interior floor, wall and ceiling finishes. Finish materials within the building are
primarily regulated for flame spread and smoke development characteristics.
Sec. 803.5 Verify compliance of wall and ceiling finishes. Interior wall and ceiling finishes are regulated based upon the
occupancy classification of the space and their location within the means of egress system. The classification may typically be
reduced where sprinkler protection is provided.
Sec.804.4 Verify compliance of floor finishes. While regulated differently than wall and ceiling finishes, floor finishes com-
prised of fibers are also controlled based upon their use in the egress system, the occupancy classification and the presence of a
sprinkler system.
9. Identify additional fire protection systems that may be required. In addition to automatic sprinkler systems, there are several
other types of fire protection systems that may be required in a building.
Sec. 907.2 Determine compliance with fire alarm provisions. Fire alarm systems are typically mandated based upon the
occupancy classification and the number of occupants.
Sec.905.3 Determine if standpipe system is required. A standpipe system is required in buildings once a specified height is
reached to provide for a more effective means of fighting a fire within the building.
Sec. 905.4-.6 Verify location of standpipe hose connections
10. Identify any special use features of the building. The activities that occur within the building pose varying risks to the occu-
pants. Special conditions are applicable when such activities are anticipated.
Chapter 4 Verify compliance with special detailed requirements. These provisions are often an extension of the general
requirements found elsewhere in the code.
Sec. 410 Stages and platforms
Sec. 413 Combustible storage
Sec. 414 Hazardous materials
Sec. 416 Application of flammable finishes
11. Identify roof assembly or roof covering. The roof covering is designed to provide the building with weather protection, fire
retardancy, decoration or a combination of such purposes.
Sec. 1505.1 Verify classification of roof covering. Roof coverings are typically required to provide protection against moder-
ate or light fire exposures from the exterior. Their minimum required classification is based upon the type of construction of the
building.
12. Determine locations of safety glazing materials. Safety glazing is mandated for glazing located in those areas that are consid-
ered as subject to human impact.
Sec.2406.3 Verify safety glazing provided in hazardous locations. Safety glazing must be appropriately identified to ensure
the proper glazing material is installed.
Items 1-4 In doors
Item 6 Adjacent to doors
Item 7 Large panels
Items 10-11 Adjacent to stairways and landings
13. Determine areas of building and site required to be accessible. In general, access to persons with disabilities is required for
all buildings. See Chapters llA and lIB.
14. Determine extent of other miscellaneous provisions. Additional provisions may be applicable based upon each individual
building and its characteristics.
Chapter 14 Exterior walls. Requirements for installation of wall coverings and the permissible use of combustible materials
on the exterior side of exterior walls.
Chapter 24 Glass and glazing. General provisions for the installation of glazing materials and skylights.
Chapter 25 Gypsum board and plaster. Materials and installation of gypsum board and plaster assemblies.

x 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 EFFECTIVE USE OF THE IBC/CBC

Chapter 26 Plastic. Materials and installation of light-transmitting plastics, as well as the appropriate installation methods for
foam plastic insulation.
Chapters 27-29 Electrical, mechanical and plumbing installations. Limited provisions addressing the fundamental sup-
port systems of a building.
Chapter 30 Elevators. Elevator hoistway provisions, including enclosure of hoistways, emergency operations and hoistway
venting.
Chapter 31 Special construction. A variety of special conditions are addressed, including membrane structures, temporary
structures, pedestrian walkways and tunnels, awnings and canopies, marquees, signs and swimming pool enclosures.
Chapter 32 Encroachment into the public right-of way. Limitations on construction adjacent to public property.
Chapter 33 Safeguards during construction. Methods of protecting pedestrians and adjacent property during construction
activities.

Structural Provisions
General Requirements
1. Structural Materials.
The structural design begins with the selection of the type of structural materials to be used to support the building. Structural fram-
ing systems are constructed of concrete, masonry, steel or wood. Some miscellaneous or specialty structures and components, such
as awnings and canopies, are constructed of aluminum.
The design of various structural materials is covered in specific material chapters in the code, which in tum reference design standards for
the type of material involved. The referenced standards in the 2007 CBC for the structural materials are shown in the following table:

1
STRUCTURAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR STRUCTURAL MATERIALS'

Il
~ATERIAL IBC/CBC CHAPTER REFERENCED STANDARD

AC1318
Concrete 19
Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete

ADM 1
Aluminum 20
Aluminum Design Manual

ACI S30/ASCE SfTMS 402

Masonry 21
Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures

AISC 360
I Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
i'. Steel 22 AISC 341
Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings
l
NAS
I North American Specification for the Design of Cold-formed Steel Structural Members

I
1-
W00 d
----'-
23
-'-
NDS
N_at_io_n_a_I_D_e_s--=ig=--n_S---'p=--e_c_if_ic_a__t_io_n_<_N_D_S_)_f_o_r_.W_o_od_C_o_n_st_ru_c_t_io_n
]. The above table shows the main structural design standards for these structural materials. For a complete list of referenced standards, see IBC/CBC Chapter 35.
_

2. Design Loads.
Determine the applicable design loads that the building structure is expected to be subjected to. Code-prescribed loads are given in
Chapter 16 and the referenced standard, Minimum Design Loadsfor Buildings and Other Structures, ASCE 7. The code-prescribed
minimum live loads are given in CBC Table 1607.1.
Environmental loads, such as flood, rain, snow, seismic and wind vary based on the location of the building site. The various
code-prescribed loads are probabilistic in nature. The following table gives the CBC section and ASCE 7 chapter for various types
of load.

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xi

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE IBC/CBC

I REFERENCED CBC SECTIONS AND ASCE 7 CHAPTERS FOR LOADS

I Type of Load CSC Section ASCE 7 Chapter

Ii
l
Dead loads Ii Section 1606 Chapter 3

L Live loads Section 1607. Table 1607.1 Chapter 4

i
II
Snow loads
Wind loads
Section 1608
Section 1609 lJ Chapter 7

- -- J.-

~
i
i Soil lateral loads Section 1610 Chapter 3
I I
1

~
I
Rain loads Section 1611 Chapter 8

! Flood loads Section 1612 Chapter 51

I
I
Earthquake loads Section 1613 Chapter 11-22
1. Section 16 I 2 references ASCE 24, which references Chapter 5 of ASCE 7.

3. Structural Analysis, Design and Detailing.

Once the applicable loads are determined, the structural system of the building must be analyzed to determine the effects of the gov-
erning gravity and lateral loads that act on the structure. The structural system of a typical building consists of the roof and floor sys-
tems, walls, beams and columns, and the foundation. From the structural analysis, the next step is to design the structural elements
and systems to provide the minimum level of resistance in accordance with the various load combinations prescribed in Section
1605.
Once the structural elements and systems are designed, the next step is to detail the load transfer connections to provide a com-
plete load path from the point of origin to the resisting element. The final step is to prepare a complete set of construction documents
as required by Sections 106 and 1603.

General Requirements
1. Occupancy Category (IBC/CBC Table 1604.S).
Determine the occupancy category of the building based on Table 1604.5.
Where a structure is occupied by two or more occupancies that are not the same occupancy category, the building must be classi-
fied in the highest occupancy category corresponding to the various occupancies.
Where structures have two or more portions that are structurally separated, each separate portion should be separately classified.
Where a separated portion of a structure provides required access or egress from another portion of the building with a higher
occupancy category, both portions of the building must be assigned the higher occupancy category.
Where a separated portion of a structure shares life safety components with another portion of the building with a higher occu-
pancy category, both portions of the building must be assigned the higher occupancy category.
2. Floor and roof live loads (IBC/CBC Table 1607.1).
Determine uniformly distributed and concentrated floor live load for the floor areas of the building in accordance with Section
1603.1.1 and Table 1607.1.
Floor live load reduction in accordance with Section 1607.9 should be indicated for each type of Ii ve load that is reduced.
Detennine the roof live load for roof areas in accordance with Section 1607.11.
Roof live load reduction in accordance with Section 1607.11.2 should be indicated for roof Ii ve loads that are reduced.
3. Snow load (IBC/CBC Section 1608, ASCE 7 Section 7).
Determine the ground snow load, P~, based on the location ofthe building site in accordance with Figure 1608.2 for the contigu-
ous United States and Table 1608.2 for Alaska.
In areas where the ground snow load, P~, exceeds 10 psf, the following information should be detennined:
1. Flat-roof snow load, PI'
2. Snow exposure factor, Ceo
3. Snow load importance factor, I.
4. Thermal factor, Ct.

xii 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 EFFECTIVE USE OF THE IBC/CBC

4. Wind speed and wind exposure category.

Determine the following information related to wind loads in accordance with Section 1603.1.4:
1. Basic 3-second gust wind speed (mph).
2. Wind importance factor, I.
3. Wind exposure category (B, C, D). If more than one wind exposure is used, the wind exposure for each wind direction
should be determined.
4. The applicable internal pressure coefficient.
5. The design wind pressure (pst) used for the design of exterior component and cladding materials not specifically designed
by the registered design professional should be indicated.
5. Earthquake design requirements.
Determine the following information related to seismic loads regardless of whether seismic loads govern the design of the lat-
eral-force-resisting system of the building:
1. Seismic importance factor, I, based on occupancy category.
2. Mapped spectral response accelerations, Ss and 5,.
3. Site class.
4. Design spectral response coefficients, SDS and SD/'
5. Seismic design category.
6. Basic seismic-force-resisting system(s).
7. Design base shear.
8. Seismic response coefficient(s), Cs'
9. Response modification factor(s), R.
10. Analysis procedure used.
6. Special loads.
Determine any special loads that are applicable to the design of the building, structure or portions thereof along with the specific
section of the code that addresses the special loading condition.
7. Load combinations.
Buildings and other structures and portions thereof are required to be designed to resist the load combinations specified in Sec-
tion 1605.2 or 1605.3 and Chapters 18 through 23, and the special seismic load combinations of Section 1605.4 where required
by Section 12.3.3.3 or 12.10.2.1 of ASCE 7.
8. Wind and seismic detailing.
Lateral-force-resisting systems are required to conform to the seismic detailing requirements ofthe code and ASCE 7 (excluding
Chapter 14 and Appendix llA) even when wind load effects are greater than seismic load effects.
9. Serviceability.
Structural systems and members shall be designed to have adequate stiffness to limit deflections and lateral drift. The deflection
of structural members shall not exceed the more restrictive of the limitations of Sections 1604.3.2 through 1604.3.5 or that per-
mitted by Table 1604.3. Structural systems shall be designed to have adequate stiffness to limit deformation and lateral drift due
to earthquake loading in accordance with Section 12.12.1 of ASCE 7.
10. Foundation.
A foundation system must be designed that provides adequate support for gravity and lateral loads. Walls of buildings of conven-
tionallight-frame construction, as defined in Section 202, are permitted to be supported by footings constructed in accordance
with Table 1805.4.2. Otherwise, the foundation system must be designed in accordance with other provisions of Chapter 18. The
following table gives a summary of applicable sections for foundation systems.

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xiii

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE IBC/CBC

FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS

SECTION I IBC/CBC SECTION I

IAllowable soil bearing values I 1804 ---J
I Footings and foundations I 1805. 1805.4 ~
I Footings 1805.4 I
~undation walls 1805.5
General requirements for pier and pile foundations 1808
. . I
Ptle foundatIOns 1809 - 1811 I
[Pi;[oundations 1812 ~
A foundation soils investigation is required where required by Section 1802.2 unless the bJilding official determines that a soils investigaiion is not required in
accordance with the exception.
11. Excavation, grading and fill.
Requirements for excavation, grading and fill related to foundation construction are covered in Section 1803. General require-
ments for site grading are covered in Appendix 1.
12. Flood design data.
If required by Section 1612.5, buildings located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 are required to provide docu-
mentation that includes the following information regardless of whether flood loads govern the design of the building:
I. In flood hazard areas not subject to high-velocity wave action, the elevation of the proposed lowest floor, including the
basement.
2. In flood hazard areas not subject to high-velocity wave action, the elevation to which any nonresidential building will be dry
floodproofed.
3. In flood hazard areas subject to high-velocity wave action, the proposed elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal
structural member of the lowest floor, including the basement.
13. Special inspection, special testing and structural observation.
Where special inspection, special inspection for seismic resistance or structural testing for seismic resistance is required by Sec-
tion 1704, 1707 or 1708, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections
in accordance with Section 1705 for submittal by the permit applicant in accordance with Section 106.1 as a condition for permit
issuance. A statement of special inspections is not required for structures designed and constructed in accordance with the con-
ventional construction provisions of Section 2308. The statement of special inspections is permitted to be prepared by a qualified
person approved by the building official for construction not designed by a registered design professional.

SPECIAL INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS I

!
r

TYPE OF SPECIAL INSPECTION J_. APPLICABLE SECTION I REQUIRED VERIFICATION AND INSPECTION II

ISteel construction L- 1704.3 i Table 1704.3 i

IConcrete construction i 1704.4 I Table 1704.4 ~

! . I , T a b l e 1704.5.1 I
I Masonry constructIOn I 1704.5 I Table 1704.5.3 I
[W;d construction I 1704.6 I - ~
I Site and foundation soils i 1704.7 I. Table 1704.7 I

I Pile foundations II 1704.8 Table 1704.8 ;

II Pier foundations ~,
1704.9 Table 1704.9
I SJ2@.Yed fire resistant materials 1704.10
IMastic and intumescent fire resistive coatings 1704.11
a~ish (EIFS) systems
!Exterior insulation
I Special cases
iSmoke control systems
t
I 1704.12
1704.13
1704.14 I
-
-
_ ---;

Where required by the provisions of Section 1709.2 or 1709.3, the owner shall employ a registered design professional to perform structural observdtions as
defined in Section 1702. At the conclusion of the work included in the permit. the structural observer shall submit a written statement to the building official
that identifies any reported deficiencies that have not been resolved.

xiv 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 EFFECTIVE USE OF THE IBC/CBC

14. Contractor responsibility.

Each contractor responsible for the construction of a main wind- or seismic-force-resisting system, designated seismic system or
a wind- or seismic-resisting component listed in the statement of special inspections is required to submit a written statement of
responsibility to the building official and the owner prior to the commencement of work on the system or component. The con-
tractor's statement of responsibility shall acknowledge awareness of the special requirements contained in the statement of spe-
cial inspections and acknowledge that control will be exercised to obtain conformance with the approved construction
documents.
15. Deferred submittals.
DefeITed submittals that are not submitted at the time of the application must have the prior approval of the building official. The
registered design professional in responsible charge shall list the deferred submittals on the construction documents for review
by the building official. Documents for deferred submittal items shall be reviewed by the registered design professional in
responsible charge who shall forward them to the building official with a notation indicating that they have been reviewed and are
in general conformance with the design of the building.

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xv

3ao~ DNI01lnS ':fINl::IO.:lI1':f~ LOm: !/IX
 HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN MODEL CODE LANGUAGE
AND
CALIFORNIA AMENDMENTS
To distinguish between model code language and the incorporated California amendments, including exclusive California stan-
dards, California amendments will appear in italics.
Due to the nature ofthe California Building Code 'sfirst-time use ofthe International BUilding Code as the base document, symbols
in the margins, previously used to indicate code changes, will not be used in this edition of the California Building Code.
[BSC] This symbol within a section identifies which State agency(s), by its "acronym," has amended a section ofthe model code.

Legend ofAcronyms ofAdopting State Agencies

BSC California Building Standards Commission
SFM Office ofthe State Fire Marshal
HCD Department ofHousing and Community Development
DSA-AC Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance
DSA-SS Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety
OSHPD Office ofStatewide Health Planning and Development
CSA Corrections Standards Authority
DHS Department ofHealth Services
AGR Department of Food and Agriculture
CEC California Energy Commission
CA Department of Consumer Affairs:
Board ofBarbering and Cosmetology
Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine
Board of Pharmacy
Acupuncture Board
Bureau ofHome Furnishings
Structural Pest Control Board
SL State Librarian
SLC State Lands Commission
DWR Department of Water Resources

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xvii

3000 9NI0lInS "IN!JO~I1"O LOOl !!lAX
 CALIFORNIA MATRIX ADOPTION TABLES

Format of the California Matrix Adoption Tables

The matrix adoption tables, which follow, show the user which state agencies have adopted and/or amended given sections of the
model code. The building application determines which state agency's adoptions apply. See Sections 102 through 114 for building
applications and enforcement responsibilities.

Agencies are grouped together, based on either local or state enforcement responsibilities. For example, regulations from
DSA-AC are enforced both at the state and local levels; therefore, DSA-AC is listed twice in each adoption table indicating state
enforcement responsibilities and local enforcement responsibilities.

The side headings identify the scope of state agencies' adoption as follows:

Adopt the entire IBC chapter without state amendments:

If there is an "X" under a particular state agency's acronym on this row, it means that particular state agency has adopted the entire
model code chapter without any state amendments.

Example:
CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
I IAGR
I;
I ssc I SFM
II HCD
2 lilAC AC
DSA
SS
DSHPD I CSA DHS
l-i--'--'2~1 --=3--'--4----1!---'--=-'-'--+--':":":"::'-+1 '-'--'----+)--'-'1I
DWR CEC I CA I SL
1 I Ii
I SLC 1

'I
I--_ _A_d-'op_ting Agency

Adopt Entire Chapter X I

Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended sections
Iisted below)
! i: iii
Adopt only those sections that
are listed below Is AIM P LIEI I I U
:c=h:ap=te=rls=e=ct=io=n===:E=i--+--+J±±±--+--+-II-+--f----+!;--+I---+---+----1--+-------fII--~~
1

Adopt the entire IBC chapter as amended, state-amended sections are listed below:
If there is an "X" under a particular state agency's acronym on this row, it means that particular state agency has adopted the entire
model code chapter with state amendments.

Each state-amended section that the agency has added to that particular chapter is listed. There will be an "X" in the column, by
that particular section, under the agency's acronym, as well as an "X" by each section that the agency has adopted.

Example:

Adopting Agency
f-A-do-Pt-En-tir~eChapter
if-,-----,I-,---+-'
'I

~- i
1SSC 2
I

SFM
I
i/AC I AC I ss
CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
HCD
1 2
DSA
3 4
I DSHPD
- ' 1 ---+1---,----------,--1-,-----+I--+---+--f----+

1 +I--==-+----'----+--'~I---=------:----'---+1-+---+---+---+1
ICSA DHS' AGR
I I
=
IDWR I CEC I CA I SL
,
II
,I
•
JI~li I
I~
',!

•
II

'

Adopt Entire Chapter as I I Ii i I I I I ,1 I 1 I

r-J_i~_;:_~d_be_e~_;_~rn,- -)
e_n_d_ed_s_e_ct_io_n_s_---jl_---c!_x---c_---ci_---c_---c_---:!_---cl_----,__P_I -L--+---+---+----+I---+I---+--rl---+I--f---I
I
1 ~
Adopt only those sections that!
'II

are listed below I

I
I
I!
I
s I A M E II I

•
,I! i
i
l lI I
1
I

I
I

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xix

Adopts only those sections that are listed below:
If there is an "X" under a particular state agency's acronym on this row, it means that particular state agency is adopting only specific
model code or state-amended sections within this chapter. There will be an "X" in the column under the agency's acronym, as well
as an "X" by each section that the agency has adopted.
Example:
CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

'~ ' I
I ' HCD ~ DSA i, - - DSHPD
I I
CSA I
I ;I
1

+"---[-1
i DHS A~ DWR I CEC
I I I I, ,I
~ ~ 1 I~! _I
I=FF
'SSC SFM 1 2 ---lIliAC I AC I SS I 1 I 2 3 f_ I I
L-.JI _ I I I
I ' I

~ i
Adopting Agency -, ,
' 4 I
Adop,E"ire Chop", ' r I I I I ' 1 I 1 I I I •
~_I m~!
Adopt Entire Chapter a s .
amended (amended sectIons
I
:
l
i~....:
I I I

II
I
I I
,' S I
I :

f--j I=J
I
I

r-
I -
-1-

r=c
I
I
:
i
I
I
I
I
_I I ,
I

+=t'
listed below) I I AMP , LiE I
' I _ 1

II. Adopt only those sectIons that I X, , ,

" ,

LI - ' , ~l
I ","Ii,"dhclow
[Chapter/Section i Codes I i i X L.
1 I
I I ~ i 'I I I~I I I ---I -
l I
i- 1____ I :
I '~I I '--t I ~+,
~I
:-----11--" I
~---l__ ~_
202 CA:
--_J---,
I
I ' 1---.1 , ,''
1

.I I I " 1 _I ': _
; : ' __1...-.1
i 202 !BC ',I I
I - -.- X , I
.
-
- -
203
--'!
203..
,._
I
I
CA
!BC I
1
I

I
"
I X=, 0
---' _ , __. "
= ] _
._
I -----,
1 " , __.

xx 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 ORDINANCE

The International Codes are designed and promulgated to be adopted by reference by ordinance. Jurisdictions wishing to adopt the
2007 California Building Code as an enforceable regulation governing structures and premises should ensure that certain factual
information is included in the adopting ordinance at the time adoption is being considered by the appropriate governmental body.
The following sample adoption ordinance addresses several key elements of a code adoption ordinance, including the information
required for insertion into the code text.

SAMPLE ORDINANCE FOR ADOPTION OF

THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
ORDINANCE NO. _

An ordinance of the [JURISDICTION] adopting the 2007 edition of the California Building Code, regulating and governing the condi-
tions and maintenance of all property, buildings and structures; by providing the standards for supplied utilities and facilities and
other physical things and conditions essential to ensure that structures are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use; and the con-
demnation of buildings and structures unfit for human occupancy and use and the demolition of such structures in the [JURISDIC-
TION]; providing for the issuance of permits and collection offees therefor; repealing Ordinance No. of the [JURISDICTION]
and all other ordinances and parts of the ordinances in conflict therewith.
The [GOVERNING BODY] of the [JURISDICTION] does ordain as follows:
Section l.That a certain document, three (3) copies of which are on file in the office of the [TITLE OF JURISDICTION'S KEEPER OF
RECORDS] of [NAME OF JURISDICTION], being marked and designated as the California Building Code, 2007 edition, including
Appendix Chapters [FILL IN THE APPENDIX CHAPTERS BEING ADOPTED] (see California Building Code Appendix Chapter I, Sec-
tion 101.2.1,2007 edition), as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Building Code of the
[JURISDICTION], in the State of [STATE NAME] for regulating and governing the conditions and maintenance of all property, buildings
and structures; by providing the standards for supplied utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to
ensure that structures are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use; and the condemnation of buildings and structures unfit for
human occupancy and use and the demolition of such structures as herein provided; providing for the issuance of permits and col-
lection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said Building Code on file
in the office of the [JURISDICTION] are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this ordinance, with
the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 2 of this ordinance.
Section 2. The following sections are hereby revised:
Section 101.1. Insert: [NAME OF JURISDICTION]
Section 1612.3. Insert: [NAME OF JURISDICTION]
Section 1612.3. Insert: [DATE OF ISSUANCE]
Section 3410.2. Insert: [DATE IN ONE LOCATION]
Section 3. That Ordinance No. of [JURISDICTION] entitled [FILL IN HERE THE COMPLETE TITLE OF THE ORDINANCE OR
ORDINANCES IN EFFECT AT THE PRESENT TIME SO THAT THEY WILL BE REPEALED BY DEFINITE MENTION] and all other ordinances
or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
Section 4. That if any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional,
such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The [GOVERNING BODY] hereby declares that it
would have passed this ordinance, and each section, subsection, clause or phrase thereof. ilTespective of the fact that anyone or more
sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases be declared unconstitutional.
Section 5. That nothing in this ordinance or in the Building Code hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding
impending in any court, or any rights acquired, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action acquired or existing, under any
act or ordinance hereby repealed as cited in Section 3 of this ordinance; nor shall any just or legal right or remedy of any character be
lost, impaired or affected by this ordinance.
Section 6. That the [JURISDICTION'S KEEPER OF RECORDS] is hereby ordered and directed to cause this ordinance to be published.
(An additional provision may be required to direct the number of times the ordinance is to be published and to specify that it is to be
in a newspaper in general circulation. Posting may also be required.)
Section 7. That this ordinance and the rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders and matters established and adopted
hereby shall take effect and be in full force and effect [TIME PERIOD] from and after the date of its final passage and adoption.

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xxi

300::> ~N10l1n8 'lfINl::IO:lITIf::> LOO~ !!XX
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOLUME 1 306 Factory Group F 50

307 High-hazard Group H 5I
CHAPTER 1 GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS ... 3 308 Institutional Group I 59
Section 309 Mercantile Group M 60
101 General 3 310 Residential Group R 61
102 Building Standards Commission 5 3II Storage Group S 65
103 Corrections Standards Authority 6 312 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U 65
104 Department of Consumer Affairs 6
105 California Energy Commission 6 CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED
106 Department of Food and Agriculture 7 REQUIREMENTS BASED ON
USE AND OCCUPANCy 71
107 Department Of Health Services 7
Section
108 Department of Housing and
Community Development 7 401 Scope 71
108.3 Local Enforcing Agency 8 402 Covered Mall Buildings 71
108.4 Permits, Fees, Applications and Inspections 9 403 High-rise Buildings 74
108.5 Right-of-Entry for Enforcement 9 404 Atriums 76
108.6 Local Modification by 405 Underground Buildings 76
Ordinance or Regulation 9 406 Motor-vehicle-related Occupancies 77
108.7 Alternate Materials, Designs, Tests and 407 Group 1-2 81
Methods of Construction 10
408 Group 1-3 84
108.8 Appeals Board II
409 Motion Picture Projection Rooms 86
108.9 Unsafe Buildings or Structures 11
410 Stages and Platforms 87
108.10 Other Building Regulations II
41 I Special Amusement Buildings 88
109 Division of the State Architect 12
4I2 Aircraft-related Occupancies 89
110 Office of Statewide Health Planning and
4I3 Combustible Storage 9I
Development 13
4I4 Hazardous Materials 91
111 Office of the State Fire Marshal 15
415 Groups H-l, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 95
112 State Librarian 19
4I6 Application of Flammable Finishes 108
113 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
4I7 Drying Rooms 108
114 California State Lands Commission 19
418 Organic Coatings 108
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS 29 419 Group I-I, R-l, R-2, R-3, R-3.1, R-4 109
Section 420 Hydrogen Cutoff Rooms 109
20 I General 29 42 I Reserved 110
202 Definitions 29 422 Reserved I 10
423 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I 10
CHAPTER 3 USE AND OCCUPANCY 424 Reserved I 10
CLASSIFICATION 49
425 Special Provisions for Licensed
Section 24-Hour Care Facilities in a
30 I General 49 Group I-I, R-3.1 or R-4 occupancy [SFM] . 110
302 Classification 49 426 Group 1-4 [SFM] 113
303 Assembly Group A 49 427 Reserved 114
304 Business Group B 50 428 Reserved 114
305 Educational Group E 50 429 Reserved 114

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xxiii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

430 Horse Racing Stables [SFM] 114 706 Fire Barriers 160
431 Pet Kennels [SFM] 114 707 Shaft Enclosures 162
432 Combustion Engines and 708 Fire Partitions 164
Gas Turbines [SFM] 114 709 Smoke Barriers 165
433 Fixed Guideway Transit Systems [SFM] 114 710 Smoke Partitions 166
434 Explosives [SFM] 118 711 Horizontal Assemblies 166
435 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 712 Penetrations 167
436 Winery Caves [SFM] 121 713 Fire-resistant Joint Systems 169
437 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 714 Fire-resistance Rating of
438 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 122 Structural Members 170
439 Public Libraries [SL & SFM] 122 715 Opening Protectives 171
440 Group C [SFM] 123 716 Ducts and Air Transfer Openings 175
441 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 717 Concealed Spaces 178
442 Group E [SFM] 125 718 Fire-resistance Requirements for Plaster 180
443 Group L [SFM] 126 719 Thermal- and Sound-insulating Materials 181
444 Reserved 129 720 Prescriptive Fire Resistance 181
445 Large-family Day Care Homes [SFM] 129 721 Calculated Fire Resistance 202

CHAPTER 5 GENERAL BUILDING CHAPTER 7A MATERIALS AND

HEIGHTS AND AREAS 133 CONSTRUCTION METHODS
Section FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE
EXPOSURE 235
501 General 133
Section
502 Definitions 133
70 I A Scope, Purpose and Application 235
503 General Height and Area Limitations 133
702A Definitions 235
504 Height 135
703A Standards of Quality 236
505 Mezzanines 135
704A Materials, Systems and
506 Area Modifications 136 Methods of Construction 236
507 Unlimited Area Buildings 137
508 Mixed Use and Occupancy 139 CHAPTERS INTERIOR FINISHES 241
509 Special Provisions 140 Section
801 General 241
CHAPTER 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION ... 147 802 Definitions 241
Section 803 Wall and Ceiling Finishes 241
601 General 147 804 Interior Floor Finish 243
602 Construction Classification 147 805 Combustible Materials in Types I
603 Combustible Material in Type I and II and II Construction 244
Construction 148 806 Decorative Materials and Trim 244

CHAPTER 7 FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION

CONSTRUCTION 153 SYSTEMS 251
Section Section
701 General 153 901 General 251
702 Definitions 153 902 Definitions 251
703 Fire-resi stance Ratings and Fire Tests . . . . . . . 154 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems 254
704 Exterior Walls 155 904 Alternative Automatic
705 Fire Walls 158 Fire-extinguishing Systems 260

xxiv 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

905 Standpipe Systems 261 1104A Group R Occupancies 336

906 Portable Fire Extinguishers 264 1105A Group U Occupancies 336
907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems 264 1l06A Site and Building Characteristics 337
908 Emergency Alarm Systems 278 1107A Definitions 337
909 Smoke Control Systems 279 1108A General Requirements for
910 Smoke and Heat Vents 285 Accessible Parking and
Exterior Routes of Travel 339
911 Fire Command Center 287
1109A Parking Facilities 340
912 Fire Department Connections 288
11 lOA Exterior Routes of Travel 341
1111A Changes in Level on Accessible Routes 342
CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS 293
1112A Curb Ramps on Accessible Routes 342
Section
1113A Walks and Sidewalks on an
1001 Administration 293
Accessible Route 343
1002 Definitions 293
1114A Exterior Ramps and
] 003 General Means of Egress 294 Landings on Accessible Routes 343
1004 Occupant Load 296 1115A Exterior Stairways Along
1005 Egress Width 298 Accessible Routes 345
1006 Means of Egress Illumination 298 1116A Hazards on Accessible Routes 345
1007 Accessible Means of Egress 299 1117 A General Requirements for
Accessible Entrances, Exits,
1008 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles 301 Interior Routes of Travel and
1009 Stairways 306 Facility Accessibility 346
1010 Ramps 309 1118A Egress and Areas of Refuge 346
1011 Exit Signs 310 1119A Interior Routes of Travel. 346
1012 Handrails 311 1120A Interior Accessible Routes 347
1013 Guards 312 1121A Changes in Level on Accessible Routes 347
]014 Exit Access 313 1122A Interior Ramps and Landings on
Accessible Routes 347
1015 Exit and Exit Access Doorways 315
1123A Interior Stairways Along
1016 Exit Access Travel Distance 316
Accessible Routes 348
1017 Corridors 317
1124A Elevators and Special Access
1018 Exits 318 (Wheelchair) Lifts 349
1019 Number of Exits and Continuity 318 1125A Hazards on Accessible Routes 351
1020 Vertical Exit Enclosures 319 1126A Doors 351
1021 Exit Passageways 321 1127A Common Use Facilities 352
1022 Horizontal Exits 322 1128A Covered Dwelling Units 358
1023 Exterior Exit Ramps and Stairways 322 1129A Reserved 359
1024 Exit Discharge 323 1130A Accessible Route Within
1025 Assembly 324 Covered Multifamily Dwelling Units 359
1026 Emergency Escape and Rescue 329 1131 A Changes in Level on Accessible Routes 359
1132A Doors 359
CHAPTER 11 RESERVED 331 1133A Kitchens 360
1l34A Bathing and Toilet Facilities 361
CHAPTER llA HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY . .. . 335 1135A Laundry Rooms 364
Section 1136A Electrical Receptacle,
1101A Application 335 Switch and Control Heights 364
] 102A Building Accessibility 335 1137A Other Features and Facilities 365
I103A Design and Construction 336 1138A Reserved 365

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xxv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1139A Accessible Drinking Fountains 365 1123B Access to Employee Areas 458
1140A Accessible Telephones 365 1124B Ground and Floor Surfaces 459
1141A Accessible Swimming Pools 366 1125B Storage 459
1142A Electrical Receptacle, Switch and 1126B Vending Machines and Other Equipment. 459
Control Heights 367 1127B Exterior Routes of Travel 460
1143A Signage 367 1128B Pedestrian Grade Separations
1144A Reserved 368 (Overpasses and Underpasses) 461
1145A Reserved 368 1129B Accessible Parking Required 461
1146A Reserved 368 1130B Parking Structures 463
1147A Reserved 368 1131 B Passenger Drop-off and Loading Zones 463
1148A Reserved 368 1132B Outdoor Occupancies 463
1149A Reserved 368 1133B General Accessibility for
Entrances. Exits and Paths of Travel 465
1150A Site Impracticality Tests 368
1134B Accessibility for Existing Buildings 472
CHAPTER llB ACCESSIBILITY TO 1135B Historic Preservation-
PUBLIC BUILDINGS, Special Standards of
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, Accessibility for Buildings with
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS Historical Significance 473
AND PUBLICLY FUNDED
HOUSING 423 CHAPTER llC STANDARDS FOR CARD
Section READERS AT GASOLINE
FUEL-DISPENSING
1101B Scope 423 FACILITIES 541
I102B Definitions 423 Section
1103B Building Accessibility 426 110 1C Card-reader Devices at
1104B Accessibility for Group A Occupancies 427 Fuel-dispensing Equipment 54 1
1105B Accessibility for Group B Occupancies 430 1102C Application 541
1106B Accessibility for Group E Occupancies 431 1103C Number of Accessible
Card-reading Devices Required 541
1107B Factories and Warehouses 432
1104C Required Features 541
1 l08B Accessibility for Group H Occupancies 432
1105C Protection of Dispensers
1109B Accessibility for Group I Occupancies 432
Mounted at Grade 542
1110B Accessibility for Group M Occupancies 433
1 J lIB Accessibility for Group R Occupancies 434 CHAPTER 12 INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT .... 547
1112B Reserved 437 Section
11 l3B Reserved 437 1201 General 547
1114B Facility Accessibility 437 1202 Definitions 547
1115B Bathing and Toilet Facilities 1203 Ventilation 547
(Sanitary Facilities) 438 1204 Temperature Control 548
1116B Elevators and Special Access 1205 Lighting 549
(Wheelchair) Lifts 444
1206 Yards or Courts 549
1117B Other Building Components 447
1207 Sound Transmission '" 550
1118B Space Allowance and Reach Ranges 454
1208 Interior Space Dimensions 552
J 119B Special Standards of Accessibility for
Buildings with Historical Significance 454 1209 Access to Unoccupied Spaces 553

1120B Floor and Levels 454 1210 Surrounding Materials 553

1121B Transportation Facilities 454 1211 Garage Door Springs 553

1122B Fixed or Built-in Seating, 1212 Reserved 554

Tables and Counters 458 1213 Reserved 554

xxvi 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1214 Reserved 554 CHAPTER 13 ENERGY EFFICIENCy 611

1215 Reserved 554
1216 Reserved 554 CHAPTER 14 EXTERIOR WALLS 615
1217 Reserved 554 Section
1218 Reserved 554 1401 General 615
1219 Reserved 554 1402 Definitions 615
1220 Reserved 554 1403 Performance Requirements 615
1221 Reserved 554 1404 Materials 616
1222 Reserved 554 1405 Installation of Wall Coverings 616
1223 Reserved 554 1406 Combustible Materials on the
Exterior Side of Exterior Walls 620
1224 Hospitals 555
1407 Metal Composite Materials (MCM) 621
1225 Skilled Nursing and
Intermediate-care Facilities 581 1408 Additional Requirements for
Anchored and Adhered Veneer 622
1226 Clinics 586
1227 Correctional Treatment Centers 589
CHAPTER 15 ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND
1228 Reserved 594 ROOFTOP STRUCTURES 625
1229 Reserved 594 Section
1230 Minimum Standards for 1501 General 625
Juvenile Facilities 594
1502 Definitions 625
1231 Local Detention 598
1503 Weather Protection 625
1232 Reserved 603
1504 Performance Requirements 626
1233 Reserved 603
1505 Fire Classification 627
1234 Reserved 604
1506 Materials 628
1235 Sanitary Control of Shellfish
(Plants and Operations) 604 1507 Requirements for Roof Coverings 628
1236 Laboratory Animal Quarters 604 1508 Roof Insulation 637
1237 Wild Animal Quarantine Facilities 604 1509 Rooftop Structures 637
1238 Reserved 605 1510 Reroofing 638
1239 Reserved 605 1511 Seismic Anchorage of
Slate Shingle, Clay and
1240 Meat and Poultry Processing Plants 605 Concrete Tile Roof Coverings 639
1241 Collection Centers and Facilities 606
1242 Renderers 607 INDEX 641
1243 Horsemeat and Pet Food Establishments 607
1244 Reserved 608 HISTORY NOTE 673
1245 Reserved 608
VOLUME 2
1246 Reserved 608
1247 Reserved 608
CHAPTER 16 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 3
1248 Reserved 608
Section
1249 Reserved 608
1601 General 3
1250 Pharmacies 608
1602 Definitions and Notations 3
1251 Veterinary Facilities 608
1603 Construction Documents 4
1252 Barber Colleges and Shops 609
1604 General Design Requirements 5
1253 Schools of Cosmetology,
Cosmetologica1 Establishments and 1605 Load Combinations 8
Satellite Classrooms 609 1606 Dead Loads 9
1254 Acupuncture Offices 609 1607 Live Loads 10

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xxvii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

l608 Snow Loads 15 CHAPTER 17A STRUCTURAL TESTS AND

SPECIAL INSPECTIONS 105
1609 Wind Loads 15
Section
1610 Soil Lateral Loads 25
1701A General. 105
1611 Rain Loads 25
1702A Definitions 105
1612 Flood Loads 26
1703A Approvals 106
1613 Earthquake Loads 28
1704A Special Inspections 107
1705A Statement of Special Inspections 117
CHAPTER 16A STRUCTURAL DESIGN 53
1706A Contractor Responsibility 118
Section
1707A Special Inspections for Seismic Resistance 118
1601A General 53
1708A Structural Testing for Seismic Resistance 119
1602A Definitions and Notations 53
1709A Structural Observations 120
1603A Construction Documents 55
1710A Design Strengths of Materials 120
1604A General Design Requirements 56
1711 A Alternative Test Procedure 120
1605A Load Combinations 59 1712A Test Safe Load 120
1606A Dead Loads 60 1713A In-situ Load Tests 120
1607A Live Loads 60 1714A Preconstruction Load Tests 121
1608A Snow Loads 66 1715A Material and Test Standards 122
1609A Wind Loads 66
1610A Soil Lateral Loads 71 CHAPTER 18 SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS .... 125
1611A Rain Loads 71 Section
1612A Flood Loads 72 1801 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

1613A Earthquake Loads 74 1802 Foundation and Soils Investigations 125

1803 Excavation, Grading and Fill 128
1614A Modifications to ASCE 7 78
1804 Allowable Load-bearing Values of Soils 129
CHAPTER 17 STRUCTURAL TESTS AND 1805 Footings and Foundations 129
SPECIAL INSPECTIONS 87 1806 Retaining Walls 140
Section 1807 Dampproofing and Waterproofing 140
1701 General 87 1808 Pier and Pile Foundations 141
1702 Definitions 87 1809 Driven Pile Foundations 146
1703 Approvals 88 1810 Cast-in-place Concrete Pile Foundations 149
1704 Special Inspections 88 1811 Composite Piles 153
1705 Statement of Special Inspections 97 1812 Pier Foundations 153

1706 Contractor Responsibility 98

CHAPTER 18A SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS .... 157
1707 Special Inspections for Seismic Resistance 98
Section
1708 Structural Testing for Seismic Resistance 99
180 IA General 157
1709 Structural Observations 100 1802A Foundation and Soils Investigations 157
1710 Design Strengths of Materials 100 1803A Excavation, Grading and Fill 160
1711 Alternative Test Procedure 100 1804A Allowable Load-bearing Values of Soils 161
1712 Test Safe Load 100 1805A Footings and Foundations 161
1713 In-situ Load Tests 101 1806A Retaining Walls and Cantilever Walls 165
1714 Preconstruction Load Tests 101 1807A Dampproofing and Waterproofing 166
1715 Material and Test Standards 102 1808A Pier and Pile Foundations 167

xxviii 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1809A Driven Pile Foundations 172 1917A Existing Concrete Structures 2 I2

1810A Cast-in-place Concrete Pile Foundations 175
1811A Composite Piles 178 CHAPTER 20 ALUMINUM 215
1812A Pier Foundations 179 Section
2001 General 215
CHAPTER 19 CONCRETE 183 2002 Materials 2 I5
Section 2003 Inspection 2 I5
1901 General 183
1902 Definitions 183 CHAPTER 21 MASONRY 219
1903 Specifications for Tests and Materials 183 Section
1904 Durability Requirements 183 2101 General 2 I9
1905 Concrete Quality, Mixing and Placing 185 2102 Definitions and Notations 219
1906 Formwork, Embedded Pipes and 2103 Masonry Construction Materials 223
Construction Joints 185 2104 Construction 226
1907 Details of Reinforcement 186 2 I05 Quality Assurance 229
1908 Modifications to ACI 318 186 2 I06 Seismic Design 230
1909 Structural Plain Concrete 189 2107 Allowable Stress Design 232
1910 Minimum Slab Provisions 190 2108 Strength Design of Masonry 232
1911 Anchorage to Concrete-Allowable 2109 Empirical Design of Masonry 233
Stress Design 190
2110 Glass Unit Masonry 239
1912 Anchorage to Concrete-Strength Design 191
2111 Masonry Fireplaces 24 I
1913 Shotcrete 191
21 12 Masonry Heaters 243
1914 Reinforced Gypsum Concrete 192
2113 Masonry Chimneys 243
1915 Concrete-filled Pipe Columns 192
CHAPTER 21A MASONRY 251
CHAPTER 19A CONCRETE 197
Section
Section
2101A General 25 I
1902A General................................ 197
2102A Definitions and Notations 251
1902A Definitions 197
2103A Masonry Construction Materials 255
1903A Specifications for Tests and Materials 197
2104A Construction 258
1904A Durability Requirements 198
2105A Quality Assurance 263
1905A Concrete Quality, Mixing and Placing 200
2106A Seismic Design 265
1906A Formwork, Embedded Pipes and
2107A Allowable Stress Design 267
Construction Joints 201
2108A Strength Design of Masonry 268
1907A Details of Reinforcement 201
2109A Empirical Design of Masonry 268
1908A Modifications to ACI 318 202
2110A Glass Unit Masonry 268
1909A Structural Plain Concrete 208
21 11 A Masonry Fireplaces 269
1910A Minimum Slab Provisions 208
2112A Masonry Heaters 271
1911 A Anchorage to Concrete-
Allowable Stress Design 208 2113A Masonry Chimneys " 271
1912A Anchorage to Concrete- 2114A Nonbearing Walls 275
Strength Design 209 2115A Masonry Screen Walls 276
1913A Shotcrete 209
1914A Reinforced Gypsum Concrete 211 CHAPTER 22 STEEL 279
1915A Concrete-filled Pipe Columns 211 Section
1916A Concrete Testing 211 2201 General 279

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xxix

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2202 Definitions 279 2402 Definitions 373

2203 Identification and Protection of Steel 2403 General Requirements for Glass 373
for Structural Purposes 279 2404 Wind, Snow, Seismic and
2204 Connections 279 Dead Loads on Glass 373
2205 Structural Steel 279 2405 Sloped Glazing and Skylights 376
2206 Steel Joists 280 2406 Safety Glazing 377
2207 Steel Cable Structures 280 2407 Glass in Handrails and Guards 379
2208 Steel Storage Racks 281 2408 Glazing in Athletic Facilities 379
2209 Cold-formed Steel 281 2409 Glass in Elevator Hoistway 380
2210 Cold-formed Steel Light-framed
Construction 281 CHAPTER 25 GYPSUM BOARD
AND PLASTER 383
CHAPTER 22A STEEL 285 Section
Section 2501 General. 383
2201A General 285 2502 Definitions 383
2202A Definitions 285 2503 Inspection 383
2203A Identification and Protection of 2504 Vertical and Horizontal Assemblies 383
Steel for Structural Purposes 285 2505 Shear Wall Construction 384
2204A Connections 285 2506 Gypsum Board Materials 384
2205A Structural Steel 286 2507 Lathing and Plastering 384
2206A Steel Joists 288 2508 Gypsum Construction 385
2207 A Steel Cable Structures 289 2509 Gypsum Board in Showers and
2208A Steel Storage Racks 289 Water Closets 386
2209A Cold-formed Steel 289 2510 Lathing and Furring for Cement
Plaster (Stucco) 386
2210A Cold-formed Steel Light-framed
Construction 289 2511 Interior Plaster 387
2211 A Light Modular Steel Moment 2512 Exterior Plaster 387
Frames for Public Elementary and 2513 Exposed Aggregate Plaster 388
Secondary Schools, and
Community Colleges 289
CHAPTER 26 PLASTIC 393
2212A Testing 290
Section
CHAPTER 23 WOOD 293 2601 General 393

Section 2602 Definitions 393

230 I General 293 2603 Foam Plastic Insulation 393

2302 Definitions 293 2604 Interior Finish and Trim 396

2303 Minimum Standards and Quality 295 2605 Plastic Veneer. 397

2304 General Construction Requirements 299 2606 Light-transmitting Plastics 397

2305 General Design Requirements for 2607 Light-transmitting Plastic Wall Panels 398
Lateral-foree-resisting Systems 309 2608 Light-transmitting Plastic Glazing 399
2306 Allowable Stress Design 317 2609 Light-transmitting Plastic Roof Panels 399
2307 Load and Resistance Factor Design 327 2610 Light-transmitting Plastic Skylight Glazing .. 400
2308 Conventional Light-frame Construction 327 2611 Light-transmitting Plastic Interior Signs ..... 400

CHAPTER 24 GLASS AND GLAZING 373 CHAPTER 27 ELECTRICAL 403

Section Section
2401 General 373 2701 General 403

xxx 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

2702 Emergency and Standby Power Systems ..... 403 3107B Additional Requirements for a
Temporary Training Pool 433
CHAPTER 28 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS 407 3108B Pool Geometry 433
Section 3109B Permanent Markings 433
280 I General 407 3110B Steps, Recessed Steps, Ladders and
Recessed Stairs (Treads) 437
2802 Spark Arresters 407
3111B Handho1ds 437
CHAPTER 29 PLUMBING SYSTEMS 409 3ll2B Diving Boards 437
Section 3113B Pool Decks 437
2901 General 409 3114B Pool Lighting 438
3115B Bathhouse Dressing,
CHAPTER 30 ELEVATORS AND Shower and Toilet Facilities 438
CONVEYING SYSTEMS 413 3116B Drinking Fountains 438
Section 3117B Hose Bibbs 439
3001 General 413 31 l8B Enclosure of Pool Area 439
3002 Hoistway Enclosures 413 3119B Signs 439
3003 Emergency Operations 414 3120B Indoor Pool Ventilation 441
3004 Hoistway Venting 416 3121B Foundations For Pool Equipment 441
3005 Conveying Systems 416 3122B Gas Chlorination Equipment Room 441
3006 Machine Rooms 417 3123B General Requirements 441
3007 Special Requirements for 3124B Turnover Time 442
Elevators in Hospitals 417 3125B Recirculation Piping System and
Components 442
CHAPTER 31 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION .... 421 3126B Recirculation Pump Capacity 442
Section 3127B Water Supply Inlets 442
3101 General 421 3l28B Filters (All Types) 442
3102 Membrane Structures 421 3129B Rapid Sand Pressure Filters 443
3103 Temporary Structures 422 3130B Diatomaceous Earth Filters 443
3104 Pedestrian Walkways and Tunnels 422 3131 B High-rate Sand Filters 443
3105 Awnings and Canopies 423 3132B Chemical Feeders 443
3106 Marquees 424 3133B Disinfectant Feeders 444
3107 Signs 424 3134B Pool Fittings 444
3108 Radio and Television Towers 424 3135B Spa Pool Special Requirements 445
3109 Swimming Pool Enclosures and 3136B Cleaning Systems 445
Safety Devices 424 3137B Waste Water Disposal 445
3138B Reserved 446
CHAPTER 31B PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS ... 431
3 J 39B Reserved 446
Section
3140B Reserved 446
310lB Scope 431
3 141 B Reserved 446
3102B Definitions 431
3142B Reserved 446
3103B Special Pool Classifications 432
3143 B Reserved 446
3104B Accessibility to the Physically
Handicapped Person 432 3144B Reserved 446

3l05B Alternate Equipment, Materials and 3l45B Reserved 446

Methods of Construction 432 3146B Reserved 446
3106B Pool Construction 432 3147B Reserved 446

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xxxi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3l48B Reserved 446 CHAPTER 31F MARINE OIL TERMINALS ..... 465
3l49B Reserved 446 Section
3l50B Reserved 446 3l01F Introduction 465
3l51B Reserved 446 3102F Audit and Inspection 466
3l52B Reserved 446 3103F Structural Loading Criteria 476

3l53B Reserved 446 3] 04F Seismic Analysis and

Structural Performance 488
3l54B Reserved 446
3l05F Mooring and Berthing Analysis and
3l55B Reserved 446 Design 494
3l56B Reserved 446 3106F Geotechnical Hazards and Foundations 499
3l57B Reserved 446 3l07F Structural Analysis and
Design of Components 502
3l58B Reserved 446
3108F Fire Prevention, Detection and Suppression .. 514
3l59B Reserved 446
3l09F Piping and Pipelines 518
3l60B ...................................... 446
3ll0F Mechanical and Electrical Equipment 520
3l61B ...................................... 447
3111 F Electrical Systems 523

CHAPTER 31C RADIATION 451 CHAPTER 32 ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE

Section PUBLIC RIGHT·OF-WAY 527
3101 C Scope 451 Section
3l02C Radiation Shielding Barriers 451 3201 General. 527
3] 03C Medical Radiographic and 3202 Encroachments 527
Photofluorographic Installations 451
CHAPTER 33 SAFEGUARDS DURING
3l04C Medical Therapeutic X-ray Installations 451
CONSTRUCTION 531
Section
CHAPTER 31D FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS . .... 455
3301 General 531
Section
3302 Construction Safeguards 531
310 1D Scope 455
3303 Demolition 531
3l02D Definitions 455 3304 Site Work 531
3l03B Building and Structures 455 3305 Sanitary 531
3306 Protection of Pedestrians 531
CHAPTER 31E TENTS AND MEMBRANE Protection of Adjoining Property 533
3307
STRUCTURES 459
3308 Temporary Use of Streets, Alleys and
Section Public Property 533
3l01E General Provisions 459 3309 Fire Extinguishers 533
3l02E Definitions 459 3310 Exits 533
3103E Tents Having an Occupant of 3311 Standpipes 533
Load 10 or More 459
3312 Automatic Sprinkler System 534
3l04E Location of Tents 459
3105E Structural Requirements 460 CHAPTER 34 EXISTING STRUCTURES 537
3106E Exit Requirements 460 Section
3107E Heating Equipment 460 3401 General. 537
3] 08E Membrane (Air-supported and 3402 Definitions 537
Air-inflated) Structures 460 3403 Additions, Alterations or Repairs 537
3109E Alternative Means of Protection 460 3404 Fire Escapes 539

xxxii 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

3405 Glass Replacement 539 CHAPTER 35 REFERENCED STANDARDS.... 585

3406 Change of Occupancy 540
APPENDIX CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION .... 609
3407 Historic Buildings 540
Section
3408 Moved Structures 540
101 General 609
3409 Reserved 540
102 Applicability 609
3410 Compliance Alternatives 540
103 Department of Building Safety 610
3411 Existing Group R-I and 104 Duties and Powers of Building Official 610
Group R-2 Occupancies 549
105 Permits 611
3412 Existing High-rise Buildings 552
106 Construction Documents 613
3413 Existing Group I Occupancies 554
107 Temporary Structures and Uses 614
3414 Existing Group L Occupancies 554
108 Fees 614
3415 Earthquake Evaluation and 109 Inspections 615
Design for Retrofit of
Existing Buildings 555 110 Certificate of Occupancy 616
3416 Definitions 557 III Service Utilities 616
112 Board of Appeals 616
3417 Seismic Criteria Selection for
Existing Buildings 557 113 Violations 616
3418 Method A 560 114 Stop Work Order 617
3419 Method B 560 115 Unsafe Structures and Equipment 617

3420 Peer Review Requirements 561

APPENDIX A EMPLOYEE
3421 Additional Requirements for QUALIFICATIONS 621
Public Schools 562
Section
A101 Building Official Qualifications 621
CHAPTER 34A EXISTING STRUCTURES 565
AI02 Referenced Standards 621
Section
340 IA General 565 APPENDIX B BOARD OF APPEALS 625
3402A Definitions 565 Section
3403A Additions, Alterations or Repairs 566 B 101 General. 625
3404A Fire Escapes 567
APPENDIX C GROUP U-AGRICULTURAL
3405A Glass Replacement 568 BUILDINGS 629
3406A Change of Occupancy 568 Section
3407A Historic Buildings 568 C 101 General 629
3408A Moved Structures 568 C I02 Allowable Height and Area 629
3409A Reserved 568 C I03 Mixed Occupancies 629
3410A Compliance Alternatives 568 CI04 Exits 629

3411A Additions, Alterations, Repairs and

Seismic Retrofit to Existing APPENDIX D FIRE DISTRICTS 633
Buildings or Structures 577 Section
3412A Earthquake Evaluation and D 101 General 633
Design for Retrofit of Existing DI02 Building Restrictions 633
Hospital Buildings 578
D103 Changes to Buildings 634
3413A Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings 579
DI04 Buildings Located Partially in the
3414A Peer Review Requirements 582 Fire District 634

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xxxiii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

D105 Exceptions to Restrictions in Fire District 634 APPENDIX I PATIO COVERS 661
DI06 Referenced Standards 635 Section
1101 General 661
APPENDIX E RESERVED 639 II 02 Definitions 661
1103 Exterior Openings 661
APPENDIX F RODENTPROOFING 643
1104 Structural Provisions 661
Section
FI01 General 643 APPENDIX J GRADING 665
11 01 General 665
APPENDIX G FLOOD-RESISTANT
CONSTRUCTION 647 11 02 Definitions 665
Section J 103 Permits Required 665
G 101 Administration 647 1104 Permit Application and Submittals 665
GI02 Applicability 647 J I 05 Inspections 666
G I 03 Powers and Duties 647 1106 Excavations 666
GI04 Permits 648 11 07 Fills 667
G I 05 Variances 648 J I 08 Setbacks 667
G201 Definitions 649 11 09 Drainage and Terracing 667
G301 Subdivisions 650 JIIO Erosion Control 668
G40 I Site Improvement. 650 1111 Referenced Standards 668
G50 I Manufactured Homes 650
INDEX 669
G601 Recreational Vehicles 650
G701 Tanks 651 HISTORY NOTE 701
G80 I Other Building Work 651
G90 I Referenced Standards 651

APPENDIX H SIGNS 655

Section
HIOI General 655
HI02 Definitions 655
HI03 Location 655
HI04 Identification 655
HI05 Design and Construction 655
HI06 Electrical 656
HI07 Combustible Materials 656
HI08 Animated Devices 656
Hl09 Ground Signs 656
HIIO Roof Signs 657
HIlI Wall Signs 657
HI12 Projecting Signs 657
HI13 Marquee Signs 658
HI14 Portable Signs 658
HIlS Referenced Standards 658

xxxiv 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE - MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CALIFORNIA CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS

Adopting Agency ssc SFM HCD DSA OSHPD CSA DHS AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
1 2 11AC AC SS 1 2 3 4

Adopt Entire California

Chapter

Adopt Entire California

Chapter as amended
(amended sections listed
below)

Adopt only those sections that

are listed below
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Chapter I Codes
Section
101 CA x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
102 CA x
103 CA x
104 CA x
105 CA x
106 CA x
107 CA x
108 CA x x x
109.1 CA x
109.2 CA x
110.1 CA x
110.2 CA x
110.3 CA x
110.4 CA x
111 CA x
112.0 CA x
114.0 CA x

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

3ao~ ~)NIOlIn8 'ltINHO.:lIl'lt~ LOOZ
 (CALIFORNIA) CHAPTER 1
GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
SECTION 101
GENERAL
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California
Building Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to
herein as "this code." The California Building Code is Part 2 of
12 pa rts ofthe official compilation and publication ofthe adop-
tion amendment and repeal o.f'building regulations to the Cali-
fornia Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the
California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by
adoption the 2006 International Building Code of the Interna-
tional Code Council with necessal}' California amendments.
101.2 Purpose. The pUipose ofthis code is to establish the min-
imum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and
general we(l"are through structural strength, means of egress
facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanita-
tion, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy COnSeilla-
tion; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards
attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety tofire
fighters and emergency responders during emergency opera-
tions.
[DSA-AC] The pllljJose of this code is to ensure that bar-
rier-free design is incorporated in all buildings, facilities, site
work and other developments to which this code applies and to
ensure that they are accessible to and usable by persons with
disabilities.
101.3 Scope. The provisions ofthis code shall apply to the con-
struction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement,
repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance,
removal and demolition of every building or structure or any
appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or
structures throughout the State of California.
101.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and
applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursu-
ant to Section 101.8, the following standards in the Califor-
nia Code ofRegulations, Title 24, Parts 2,3,4,5, 6, 9 and 10
shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regu-
lated by a state agency.
101.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures and applica-
tions. The model code, state amendments to the model code,
and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model
code provisions shall apply to the following buildings,
structures, and applications regulated by state agencies as
referenced in the Matrix Adoption Tables and as specified in
Sections 102 through 114, except where modified by local
ordinance pursuant to Section 101.8. When adopted by a
state agency, the provisions ofthis code shall be enforced by
the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of
authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See Preface to distinguish the model code provi-
sions fi'Oln the California provisions.
1. State-owned buildings, including buildings con-
structed by the Trustees 01" the Calil"ornia State
2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
University, and to the extent permitted by Cali-
fornia laws, buildings designed and constructed
by the Regents of the University of California,
and regulated by the Building Standards Com-
mission. See Section 102 for additional scope
provisions.
2. Local detention facilities regulated by the Cor-
rections Standards Authority. See Section 103 for
additional scope provisions.
3. Bm"bering, cosmetology or electrolysis estab-
lishments, acupuncture offices, pharmacies, vet-
erinary facilities and structural pest control
locations regulated b)' the Department of Con-
sumer Affairs. See Section 104 for additional
scope provisions.
4. Energy efficiency standards regulated by the Cal-
ifornia Energy Commission. See Section 105 for
additional scope provisions.
5. Dairies and places of meat inspection regulated
by the Department of Food and Agriculture. See
Section 106for additional scope provisions.
6. Organized camps, laboratOl}' animal quarters,
public swimming pools, radiation protection,
commissaries serving mobile food preparation
vehicles and wild animal quarantine facilities
regulated by the Department o.f'Health Services.
See Section 107for additional scope provisions.
7. Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartment
houses, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums,
shelters for homeless persons, congregate resi-
dences, employee housing,factory-built housing
and other types ofdwellings containing sleeping
accommodations with or without com/non toilets
or cooking facilities. See Section 108.2.1.1 for
additional scope provisions.
8. Accommodations for persons with disabilities in
buildings containing newly constructed covered
multifamily dwellings, new common use spaces
senling existing covered multifamily dwellings,
additions to existing buildings where the addition
alone meets the definition o.f' a "Covered multi-
family dwelling" and coml/lOn-use .\paces serv-
ing covered multifamily dwellings which are
regulated by the Department of' Housing and
Community Development. See Section 108.2.1.2
for additional scope provisions.
9. Permanent buildings and permanent accessory
buildings or structures constructed 'within
mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks
regulated by the Department o.f' Housing and
Comlllunity Development. See Section 108.2.1.3
for additional scope provisions.
3
GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
10. Accommodations for persons with disabilities
regulated by the Division of the State Architect.
See Section 109.1 for additional scope provi-
sions.
11. Public elementm)' and secondary schools, com-
munity college buildings and state-owned or
state-leased essential senJice buildings regulated
by the Division ofthe State Architect. See Section
109.2 for additional scope provisions.
12. Qualified historical buildings and structures and
their associated sites regulated by the State His-
torical Building Safety Board with the Division of
the State Architect. See Section 109.3 for addi-
tional scope provisions.
13. General acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric
hospitals, skilled nursing and/or intermediate
carefacilities, clinics licensed by the Department
of Health Services and correctional treatment
centers regulated by the Office of Statewide
Health Planning and Development. See Section
110 for additional scope provisions.
14. Applications regulated by the Office of the State
Fire Marshal include, but are not limited to, the
following in accordance lvith Section 111:
14.1. Buildings or structures used or intended
for use as an:
14.1.1. Asylum, jail.
14.1.2. Mental hospital, hospital,
home for the elderl.v, chil-
dren '.I nursery, children '.I
home or institution, school
or any similar occupancy of
any capacity.
14.1.3. Theate/; dmlcehall, skating
rink, auditorium, assembly
hall, meeting hall, nightclub,
fair building or similar place
of assemblage where 50 or
more persons may gather to-
gether in a building. room or
structure for the plll7Jose of
amusement, entertainment,
instruction, deliberation,
worship, drinking or dining,
awaiting transportation, or
education.
14.1.4. Sma llfamily day ca re homes,
largefamily day care homes,
residentialfacilities and res-
idential facilities for the el-
derly, residential care
facilities.
14.1.5. State institutions or other
state-owned or state-occu-
pied buildings.
14.1.6. High rise structures.
14.1.7. Motion picture production
studios.
14.1.8. Organized camps.
4 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
14.1.9. Residential structures.
14.2. Tents, awnings or otherfabric enclosures
used in connection with any occupancy.
14.3. Fire alarm devices, equipment and sys-
tems in connection with any occupancy.
14.4. Hazardous materials. flammable and
combustible liquids.
14.5. Public school automatic fire detection,
alarm and sprinkler systems.
14.6. Wildland-urban inte/facefire areas.
IS. Public libraries constructed and renovated using
funds frO/II the California Librm)' Construction
and Renovation Bond Act of 1988 and regulated
by the State Librarian. See Section 112 for addi-
tional scope provisions.
16. Graywater systems regulated by the Department
of Water Resources. See Section 113 for addi-
tional scope provisions.
17. For applications listed in Section 109.1 regulated
by the Division of the State Architect-Access
Compliance. outdoor environments and uses
shall be classified according to accessibility uses
described in Chapters II A, lIB and II C.
18. Marine Oil Terminals regulated by the California
State Lands Commission. See Section 114for ad-
ditional scope provisions.
101.4 Appendices. Provisions contained in the appendices of
this code shall not apply unless specifically adopted by a state
agency or adopted by a local enforcing agency in compliance
with Health and Safety Code Section 18938(17) for Building
Standards Law. Health and Safety Code Section 17950 for
State Housing Law and Health and Sqfety Code Section
13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts. See Section 101.8 of this
code.
101.5 Referenced codes. The codes, standards and publica-
tiOIlS adopted and set forth in this code, including other codes,
standards and publications referred to therein are, b\' title and
date ofpublication, hereby adopted as standard reference doc-
uments ofthis code. When this code does not specifically cover
any subject related to building design and construction, recog-
nized architectural or engineering practices shall be
employed. The National Fire Codes and the Fire Protection
Handbook ofthe National Fire Protection Association are per-
mitted to be used as authoritative guides in determining recog-
nized.fire prevention engineering practices.
101.6 Nonbuilding standards, orders and regulations.
Requirements contained in the International Building Code, or
in any other referenced standa rd, code or document, which are
not building standards as defined in Health and Safety Code
Section 18909, shall not be construed as part of the provisions
of this code. For nonbuilding standards, orders and regula-
tions, see other titles of the California Code of Regulations.
101. 7 Order ofprecedence and use.
101. 7.1 Differences. In the event olany differences betlveen
these building standards and the standard reference docu-
ments, the text of these building standards shall govern.

101.7.2 Specific provisions. Where a specUic provision var-
ies from a general provision. the specific provision shall
apply.
101.7.3 Conflicts. When the requirements of this code con-
flict with the requirements ofany otherpart ofthe California
Building Standards Code, Title 24, the nwst restrictive
requirements shall prevail.
101.8 City, county or city and county amendments, additions
or deletions. The provisions ofthis code do not limit the author-
ity of city, county or city and county governments to establish
more restrictive and reasonably necessary d(fferences to the
provisions contained in this code pursuant to complying with
Section 101.8.1. The effective date of amendments, additions
or deletions to this code ofcities, counties or city and coullties
,filed pursuant to Section 101.8.1 shall be the datefiled. How-
evel; in no case shall the amendments, additions or deletions to
this code be effective any sooner than the e.ffective date of this
code.
Local lIlodifications shall comply with Health and SC!fety
Code Section 18938(b) for Building Standards Lmv, Health
and Safety Code Section 17950 for State Housing Law or
Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection
Districts.
101.8.1 Findings and filings.
I. The city, county or city and county shall make e.\press
,findings for each amendment, addition or deletion
based upon climatic, topographical or geological
conditions.
Exception: Hazardous building ordinances and
programs mitigating unreir~forced masonry build-
ings.
2. The city, county or city and county shall file the
amendments, additions or deletions expressly marked
and identUied as to the applicable findings. Cities,
counties, cities and counties. and ,fire departments
shall.file the amendmel1fs, additions or deletions, and
the ,findings with the Cal(fornia Building Standards
Commission at 2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130,
Sacramento, CA 95833,
3. Findings prepared by,fire protection districts shall be
rat(fied by the local city, county or city and county mid
filed with the California Department of Housing and
Community Development at 1800 1'<1 Street, Room
260, Sacramento, CA 95814.
101.9 Effective date of this code. Dnly those standards
approved by the Cal(fornia Building Standards Commission
that are e.ffective at the time an application for building permit
is submitted shall apply to the plans and specificationsf01; and
to the construction pelformed undel; that permit. For the e.ffec-
tive dates ofthe provisions contained in this code, see the His-
tory Note page of this code.
101.10 Availability of codes. At least one entire copy each of
Titles 8,19,20,24 and 25 with all revisions shall be maintained
in the office ofthe building official responsible for the adminis-
tration and enforcement of this code, See Health and Safety
Code Section 18942(d)(1) and (2).
2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
101.11 Format. This part fundamentally adopts the Interna-
tional Building Code by reference on a chapter-by-chapter
basis. Such adoption is re.flected in the Matrix Adoption Table
of each chapter ofthis part. When the Matrix Adoption Tables
make no reference to a spec(fic chapter of the Imernational
Building Code such chapter ofthe International Building Code
is not adopted as a portion of this code.
101.12 Validity. If any c!wptel; section. subsection, sentence,
clause orphrase ofthis code isforany reason held to be uncon-
stitutional, contrary to statute, exceeding the authority of the
state as stipulated by statutes or otherwise inoperative, such
decision shall not affect the validity ofthe remaining portion of
this code.
SECTION 102
BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION
102.1 Spec(fic scope of application of the agency responsible
for enforcement, the enforcement agency and the spec(fic
authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code,
unless otherwise stated.
1. State buildings for all occupancies.
Application-State buildings (all occupancies),
including buildings constructed by the Trustees ofthe
Cal(fornia State University and the Regents of the
University of California where no state agency has
the authority to adopt building standards applicable
to such buildings.
Enforcing agency-State or local agency specified
by the applicable provisions of law.
Authority cited-Health and Seifety Code Section
18934.6.
Reference-Health and Safety Code, Division 13,
Part 2.5, commencing with Section 18901.
2, University of California, California State Universities
and California Community Colleges.
Application-Standardsfor lighting for parking lots
and primary campus walkways at the University of
Cal(fornia, CalUornia State Universities and Califor-
nia Community Colleges.
Enforcing agency-State or local agency spec(fied
by the applicable provisions of law.
Authority cited-Government Code Section 14617.
Reference-Government Code Section 14617.
3. Existing state-owned buildings, including those owned
by the University of California and by the California
State University.
Application-Building seismic retrofit standards
including abating falling hazards of structural and
nonstructural components and strengthening of
building structures. See also Division of the State
Architect.
Enforcing agency-State or local agency specUied
by the applicable provisions of law.
5
GENERALCODEPROW$ONS
Authority cited-Government Code Section 16600.
Reference-Government Code Sections 16600
through 16604.
4. Unreinforced masonry-bearing wall buildings.
Application-Minimum seismic strengthening stan-
dardsfor buildings specified in Appendix Chapter Al
of the California Existing Building Code, except for
buildings subject to building standards adopted pur-
,want to Health and Safety Code (commencing) with
Section 17910.
Enforcing agency-State or local agency specified
by the applicable provisions ollaw.
Authority cited-Health and Safety Code Section
18934.6.
Reference-Health and Safety Code Sections 18901
through 18949.
SECTION 103
CORRECTIONS STANDARDS AUTHORITY
103.1 Specific scope of application of the agency responsible
for ellfarcement, the ellforcement agency and the specific
authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code,
unless otherwise stated.
Application-Local detention facilities.
Enforcing agency-Corrections Standards Authority.
Authority cited-Penal Code Section 6030; Welfare and
Institutions Code Sections 207.1,210 and 885.
Reference-Penal Code Section 6030; Welfare and Institu-
tions Code Sections 207.1,210 and 885.
SECTION 104
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
104.1 Specific scope of application of the agency responsible
for ellfarcement, the eliforcement agency and the specific
authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code,
unless otherwise stated.
1. Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Application-Any establishment or mobile unit
where barbering, cosmetology or electrolysis is being
pelformed.
Enforcing agency-State or local agency specified
by the applicable provisions of law.
Authority cited-Business and Professions Code
Section 7312.
Reference-Business and Professions Code Sections
7303.7303.1.7312 and 7313.
2. Acupuncture Board.
Application-Acupuncture offices.
6 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
Enforcing agency-State or local agency specified
by the applicable provisions of law.
Authority cited-Business and Professions Code
Section 4933.
Reference-Business and Professions Code Sections
4928,4928.1 and 4933.
3. Board of Pharmacy.
Application-Pharmacies.
Enforcing agency-State or local agency specified
by the applicable provisions oflaw.
Authority cited-Business and Professions Code
Section 4005.
Reference-Business and Professions Code Sections
4005,4127.7 and 4201.
4. Veterinary Medical Board.
Application-Veterinary facilities.
Enforcing agency-State or local agency specified
by the applicable provisions of law.
Authority cited-Business and Professions Code
Section 4808.
Reference-Business and Professions Code Sections
4800,4800.1,4808 and 4809.5.
5. Structural Pest Control Board.
Application-structural pest control locations.
Enforcing agency-Structural Pest Control Board.
Authority cited-Business and Professions Code
Section 8525.
Reference-Business and Professions Code Sections
8520, 8520. I and 8525.
SECTION 105
CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION
105.1 Specific scope of application of the agency responsible
for eliforcement, enforcement agency, and the specific author-
ity to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless
otherwise stated.
Application-All occupancies as specified in Title 24, Part
6, Section 100.
Enforcing agency -Local building department or the Cal-
ifornia Energy Commission.
Authority cited-Public Resources Code Sections 25213,
25402, 25920 and 25402.2.
Reference-Public Resources Code Sections 25001,
25213, 25402 and 25402.2.

SECTION 106
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
106.1 Specific scope (?lapplication of the agency responsible
for el(forcemellt, the el(forcement agency and the specific
authorizy to adopt and el\force such provisions (!f this code,
unless othenvise stated.
Application-Dairies and places of meat and poultry
inspection.
Enforcing agency-Departmem ofFood and Agriculture.
Authority cited-f()()d and Agricultural Code Sections
l8735, 18960, 19384,33481 and 33731.
Reference-Food and Agricultural Code Sections 18735,
18960.19384,33481 and 33731.
SECTION 107
DEPARTMENTOFHEALTHSERWCES
107.1 Spec(fic scope (?f application of the agency responsible
for eJiforcement, the enforcement agency and the spec(fic
authority to adopt and eI(force such provisions (!f this code,
unless otherwise stated.
Department ofHealth Services.
Application-Organized camps, laboratory animal
quarters, public swimming pools, radiation protection
and producing facilities, commissaries serving mobile
food preparation vehicles, wild animal quarantinefacili-
ties, shel?fish facilities and./(wd establishments.
Enforcing agency-The Departmem ofHealth Services
and the local health agencies.
Authority cited-Health and Safery Code Sections 1660,
18897.2, 100275, 110065, 112165, 113710, 114304,
115061. 116050 and 121795.
Reference-Health and Sqfery Code Sections 1650,
1660, 18897.2, 18897.4, 18897.7, 100150, 100275,
110065, 113705, 113710, 114825, 114965, 115061,
116050, 116503, 112165 and 121795.
SECTION 108
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
108.1 Plllpose. The purpose ofthis code is to establish the min-
inzwn requirements necessary to protect the health, sqfery and
general welfare (?f the occupants and the public by governing
accessibility, erection, construction, enlargement, conversion,
alteration, repaiJ; moving, removal, demolition, occupancy,
use, height, court, area, sanitation, ventilation, maintenance,
s«(fety to l(fe and property from .fire and other hawrds attrib-
uted to the built environment.
108.2 Authority and abbreviations.
108.2.1 General. The Department (jfHousing and Commu-
nity Development is authoriz.ed by law to promulgate and
adopt building standards and regulations for several rypes
of building applications. These applications are grouped
2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE JANUARY 1, 2008 ERRATA
GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
and identified by abbreviation in the Matrix Adoption
Tables to show which model code sections and amendments
are applicable to each application. The applications under
the authority (?fthe Department qfHousing and COInlnunizy
Development are listed in Sections 108.2.1.1 through
108.2.1.3.
108.2.1.1 HOllsing construction. Applicatiem-Hotels,
motels, lodging houses, apartment houses. dwellings.
dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless per-
sons, congregate residences, employee housing, fac-
tory-built housing and other types of dwellings
cOl/taining sleeping accommodations with or without
common toilet or cooking facilities ineluding accessory
buildings, facilities, and uses thereto. Sections of this
code which pertain to applications listed in this section
are ident(fied in the Matrix Adoption Table using the
abbreviation "HCD l."
Enforcing agency-Local building department or
the Department ofHousing and Communitv Develop-
ment.
Authority cited-Health and Safety Code Sections
17921, 17922 and 19990.
Reference-Health and Sqlety Code Sections 17000
through 17060, 17910 through 17990 and 19960
through 19997.
108.2.1.2 Housing accessibility. Application - Covered
mult(family dwelling units as de.fined in Chapter llA
including, but not limited to, lodging houses, d017nito-
ries, timeshares, condominiums, shelters for homeless
persons, congregate residences, apartment houses,
dwellings, employee housing, facto/)'-built housing and
other rypes of dwellings containing sleeping aCCOllllno-
dations with or without common toilet or cooking facili-
ties.
Sections ofthis code ident(fied in the Matrix Adoption
Table by the abbreviation "HCD l-AC" require specific
aCCOll1ll1Odations for persons with physical disabilities,
as defined in Chapter liA. The application ofsuch provi-
siems shall be in conjunction with other requiremems q{
this code and apply only to Group R occupancies which
are newly constructed covered mult(f(//nily d'wellings as
de.fined in Chapter 11 A (jlthe Califomia Building Code.
"HCD l-AC" applications include, but are not limited
to, the following:
1. All newly constmcted covered multilamily (hvell-
ings as de.fined in Chapter llA.
2. New common use areas as defined in Chapter llA
serving existing covered l11ult(family dwellings.
3. Additions to existing buildings, where the addition
alone meets the definition ofa "Covered mult(fam-
ily dwelling" as de.fined in Chapter liA.
4. Common use areas sen'ing covered mult(family
dwellings.
"HCD l-AC" building standards generally do /lOt
apply to public lise areas or public accommodations
7
GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
such as hotels and motels. Public use areas, public
accommodations alld housing which is publicly fimded
as defined in Chapters 2, IIA and lIB qfthis code are
subject to the Divisioll of the State Architect (DSA-AC)
alld are referellced in Sectioll 109.1.
E/~forcing agency-Local b//ildillg department or
the Dcpartment ofHousillg alld Community Develop-
ment.
Authority cited-Health and Safet)' Code Sections
17921, 17922 and 19990 and Governmellt Code Sec-
tion 12955.1.
Reference-Health and Safety Code Sections 17000
through 17060, 17910 through 17990 and 19960
through 19997 and Government Code Section
12955.1.
108.2.1.3 Permanent buildings in lIlobilehome parks
and special occupancy parks. Application-Permanent
buildings, and perinanent accessOlY buildings or struc-
tures, constructed within mobilehome parks and special
occupancy parks that are under the control and owner-
ship qfthe park operat01: Sections ofthis code which per-
tain to applications listed in this sectiou are identified in
the Matrix Adoption Table using the abbreviation "HCD
2."
Enforcing agency-Local building department or
other local agenc), responsiblefor the enforcement of
Health and SClfety Code Division 13, Part 2.1 com-
mencing with Section 18200 for 1lI0bilehome parks
and Health and Safety Code Division 13, Part 2.3
commencing with Section 18860 for special occu-
pancy parks or the Department ofHousing and Com-
rnunity Developmellt.
Authority cited-Health and Sqfety Code SectiollS
18300 and 18865.
Reference-Health and Safet)' Code Sections 18200
through 18700 alld 18860 through 18874.
SECTION 108.3
LOCAL ENFORCING AGENCY
108.3.1 Duties and powers. The building department of
every city, countv or cit)' alld coul1l.v shall enforce all the
provisions q(law, this code, alld the other rules and regula-
tirills promulgated by the Department ofHousing and COlIl-
munit)' Development pertaining to the installation, erection,
reconstruction, movement, enlargement, conversion, alter-
ation, repail; removal, demolition or arrangement rlfapart-
ment houses, hotels and dwellings, including accessory
buildings, facilities and uses thereto.
The provisions regulating the erection and construction
of dwellings and appurtenant structures shall not apply to
existing structures as to which construction is commenced
or approved prior to the effective date c!l'these regulations.
Requirements relating to use, maintenance and occupanc)'
shall apply to all dwellings and appurtenant structures
approvedfor construction or constructed bcdelre or q{ter the
effective date of this code.
8 JANUARY 1, 2008 ERRATA
108.3.2 Laws, rules and regulations. Other than the build-
iug standards contoined in this code, and notwithstandillg
other provisions CJflaw, the statl//ory ([uthorit)' and location
of the I([ws, rules and regulations to be el(frlrced by local
enforcing agencies are listed by statllfe in Sections
108.3.2.1 through 108.3.2.5 belo1,F:
108.3.2.1 State HOllsing Law. Refe r to the State Housing
Low, Cal(frJmia Health and Sq{ety Code, Division 13,
Part 1.5 commencillg 1,vith Section 17910 (lnd California
Code qf Regulatiolls, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1,
Subchapter 1, Article 1, cOllllllencing Ivith Section I,for
the crection, reconstruction, IIIOVelnent, enlargement,
conversion, alteration, repail; removal, demolition or
arrallgement qfapartment houses, hotels and dwellings,
including accessory buildings, facilities and uses
thereto.
108.3.2.2 Mobilehollle Parks Act. Refer to the
Mobilehome Parks Act, Califi;rnia Health and Sq(ety
Code, Division 13, Part 2.1, A.rticle 1, commencing with
Section 18200 alld Califomia Code c~f Regulations, Title
25, Division 1, Chapter 2, commencing with Section
IOOOfrJr mobilehmne park administrative and el~fiJrce­
ment authority, permits, plans, fees, violations, inspec-
tiolls and penalties both within and outside mobilelwme
parks.
Exception: Mobilehome parks where the Departlllellt
of Housing alld Community Development is the
enforcing agency.
108.3.2.3 Special Occupancy Parks Act. Refer to the
Special Occupancy Parks Act, California Health and
Salety Code, Divisioll 13, Part 2.3, commencing with
SectirJl[ 18860 and California Code ofRegulations. Title
25, Division 1, Chapter 2.2, Article I, cOlilmencing with
Sectioll 2000.f(lr special occupallcy park administrative
and el(frJrcement authority, permits, fees, violations,
illspectiolls and penolties both with ill and OIl/side c~fspe­
cial occupancy parks.
Exception: Special occupancy parks where the
Department CJ( Housillg and Community Develop-
ment is the el1forcing agellcy.
108.3.2.4 Employee Housing Act. Refer to the Employee
Housing A.ct, CalifeJrnia Health olld St!(ety Code. Divi-
sion 13, Part 1, cmlllnclicing with Section 17000 alld
Califimlia Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division I,
Chapter 1, SUIH)wpter 3, Article 1, cOllunellcing with
Section 600 FJr employee housing administrative and
CI~filrcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspec-
tions and penalties.
108.3.2.5 Factory-Built Housing Law. Refer to the Fac-
tOly-Built Housing Law, CalifrJrnia Health and Sqfety
Code, Divisioll 13, Part 6 cOllllllencing \\'ith Section
19960 and California Code of Regulatiolls, Title 25,
Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1, Article I, com-
mencing with Section 3000 for factOly-built IlOl/sing
administ rative alld el(filrCemellf al/thorif)', permits, fees.
violations, inspections and penalties.
2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

SECTION 108.4
PERMITS, FEES, APPLICATIONS AND
INSPECTIONS
108.4.1 Permits. A written construction permit shall be
obtained jimn the er~forcing agency prior to the erection,
construction, reconstruction, installation, moving or alter-
ation of any building or structure.
Exceptions:
1. Work exemptfrom permits as spec(fied in Appendix
Chapter 1, Section 105.2.
2. Changes, alterations or repairs of({ minor nature
not affecting structural features, egress, sanita-
tion, sl~fety or accessibility as determined by the
enforcing agency.
Exemplions jivm permit requirements shall not be
deemed 10 grant authorization for any work to be done in
any manner in violation of other provisions of law or this
code.
108.4.2 Fees. Subject to other provisions oflaw, Ihe govern-
ing body ofany cily, county or cily and county may prescribe
fees 10 defray the cost of enforcement of rules and regula-
tions promulgated by Ihe Department ofHousing and Com-
munity Development. The amount of the fees shall not
exceed the amount reasonably necessary to administer or
process permits, cert(ficates, fonns or other documents, or
to defray the costs of enforcement. For additional iI~forma­
lion, see the State Housing Lll\\; Health and SafelY Code,
Division 13, Pal'l 1.5, Seclion17951 and California Code of
Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1,
Article 3, commencing with Section 6.
108.4.3 Plan review and time limitations. Subject 10 other
provisions of law, pmvisions related to plan checking, pro-
hibilion ofexcessive delays and contracting with or employ-
ment of private parties to IJe/jorm plan checking are set
forth in the State Housing Law, Health and Slifety Code Sec-
tion 17960.1, and for employee housing, in Health and
SafelY Code Section 17021.
108.4.3.1 Retention of plans. The building department
ofevery cil); county or cil)' and county shallmainlain an
ojficial copy. microfilm, electronic orother type ofphoto-
graphic copy of the plans of every building, during Ihe
life of the building. for which the deparlment issued a
building permit.
Exceptions:
1. Single or multiple dwellings not more Ihan two
. stories and basement in heighl.
2. Garages and other struclures appurtenant to
buildings listed in Exception 1.
3. Farm or ranch buildings appurlenant to build-
ings listed in Exception 1.
4. Anyone-story building where the span between
bearing walls does not exceed 25 feet (7620
mm), except a steelframe or concrete building.
All plansfor cOlnmon inlerest developments as de.fined
in Section 1351 of the California Civil Code shall be
2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
retained. For additional information regarding plan
retention and reproduction of plans !Jy an enjorcing
agency, see Health and Slifety Code Sections 19850 and
19851.
108.4.41nspectiol/s. Constnlction or 1l'Orkjor which a per-
mit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building
official and such construction or work shall remain accessi-
ble and exposed for inspeClion purposes until approved.
Approval as a result ofan inspection shall not be construed
to be an approval ofa violation ofthe provisions ofthis code
or other regulations of the Department qf Housing aud
Conul1lll1ity Development. Required inspections are listed
in Appendix Chapter 1, Sections 109.3.1 through 109.3.6,
109.3.8, 109.3.9 and 109.3.10.
SECTION 108.5
RIGHT-OF-ENTRY FOR ENFORCEMENT
108.5.1 General. Subject to other provisions oflaw, o.fficers
and agents of the e/\forcing agency may enter and inspect
public and private properties to secure compliance wilh the
rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of
Housing and Community Development. For limitations and
additional information regarding enforcement, see the/al-
lowing:
1. For applications subject to the State Housing Law as
re.ferenced in Section 108.3.2.1 of this code, refer to
Health and Safe I)' Code Sections 17970 through
17972 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25,
Division 1, Chapter 1, Su!Jchapler 1.
2. For applications subject to the Mo!Jilehome Parks Acl
as referenced in Section 108.3.2.2 qflhis code, refer to
the Health and Safe(v Code, commencing with Sec-
tion 18200 and California Code l~f Regulations, Title
25, Division 1, Chapter 2.
3. For applications subject to the Special Occupancy
Parks Acl as referenced in Section 108.3.2.3 l~f this
code, re.fer to Health and Safety Code. commencing
with Section 18860 and Cal(!c}/,/Iia Code of Regula-
tions, Title 25, Division 1. Chapter 2.2.
4. For applications subject to the Employee Housing Act
as referenced in Section 108.3.2.4 qfthis code, re.fer to
Health and Safel)' Code Section 17052 and California
Code qfRegulations, Title 25, Division 1. Chapter 1,
Subchapter 3.
5. For applications subject to the Factory-Built Housing
Law as referenced in Section 108.3.2.5 of this code,
refer to Health and Sqfel)' Code Sections 19960
through 19997 and Cal!fornia Code of Regulations,
Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1.
SECTION 108.6
LOCAL MODIFICATION BY ORDINANCE OR
REGULATION
108.6.1 General. Subject to other provisions of law, a city,
county or cil)' and county may make changes to the
9