DSA's Interpretation of Regulations Manual

The Interpretation of Regulations (IR) Manual was created by DSA for use as a documentation of acceptable methods for achieving compliance with applicable building codes and regulations. Its purpose is to promote more uniform statewide criteria in plan review and monitoring of construction of public school, community college and essential services building projects.

• Complete IR Manual
• IRs by Section
  • Administrative
  • Use or Occupancy
  • Fire Protection Systems
  • Means of Egress
  • Access
  • Roofing and Roof Structures
  • Structural Design
  • Structural Tests and Special Inspections
  • Soils and Foundations
  • Concrete
  • Masonry
  • Steel
  • Wood
  • Glass and Glazing
  • Gypsum Board and Plaster
  • Elevators and Conveying Systems
  • Electrical
  • Mechanical
  • Plumbing
  • Energy

  Change of California Building Standards Codes (CBSC)

  On January 1, 2011, the 2010 CBSC took effect for projects under the jurisdiction of DSA. All projects submitted to DSA after January 1, 2011 will be governed by the 2010 CBSC.

  Applicability of IRs to projects submitted under the 2001, 2007 or the 2010 CBSC is indicated below after the IR revision date. "N/A" means that the IR is not applicable to projects submitted to DSA under that edition of the California Building Standards Codes.

  The IR Manual is available for download in its entirety:

  DSA Interpretation of Regulations Manual (PDF - 11.6 MB)
  Updated 05/17/13

  All IRs (by Section) are also available individually for download:

  Administrative

  • IR A-1: Temporary Approval for School Use of HCD Commercial Coaches (PDF - 51 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-2: Certificate of Compliance Without Receipt of All Documents
    Removed 05-16-13. Replaced by the DSA Project Certification Guide, Revised Edition (PDF - 3.2 MB).
  • IR A-3: Construction Management Procedures for Public School Projects (PDF - 32 KB)
    Revised 11/03/08 - 2001, 2007 CBC
  • IR A-4: Geological Hazard Report Requirements (PDF - 47 KB)
    Revised 10/11/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-5: Acceptance of Products, Materials, and Evaluation Reports (PDF - 84 KB)
    Revised 10/05/12 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-6: Construction Change Submittal and Approval Process (PDF - 799 KB)
    Revised 11/21/12 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-7: Project Inspector Certification and Approval (PDF - 161 KB)
    Revised 02/22/13 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-8: Project Inspector and Assistant Inspector Duties and Performance (PDF - 511 KB)
    Revised 12/01/12 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-9: School Site Improvements for School Building Projects (PDF - 24 KB)
    Revised 10/11/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-10: Alteration and Reconstruction Projects - DSA Approval Exemption (PDF - 127 KB)
    Revised 05/16/13 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-11: Incremental Submittals (PDF - 46 KB)
    Revised 10/11/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-12: Assistant Inspector Approval (PDF - 146 KB)
    Revised 04/24/12 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-13: Stop Work and Order to Comply (PDF - 329 KB)
    Revised 12/01/12 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-14: Walk-In Freezers and Cold Storage Boxes (PDF - 34 KB)
    Revised 08/03/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-15: Testing and Inspection of Remotely Fabricated Structural Elements (PDF - 39 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-16: Charter Schools Enforcement Jurisdiction (PDF - 33 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-17: Voidance of Applications and Project Re-Submittal (PDF - 52 KB)
    Revised 05/16/13 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-18: Use of Construction Documents Prepared by Other Professionals (PDF - 49 KB)
    Revised 08/03/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-19: Design Professional's Signature and Seal (Stamp) on Construction Documents (PDF - 135 KB)
    Revised 05/16/13 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-20: New Projects Associated With Existing Uncertified Projects (PDF - 104 KB)
    Revised 03/22/13 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-21: Design, Installation and Maintenance of Fire Alarm (F/A) Systems (PDF - 93 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-22: Small Projects Exempt From DSA Review (PDF - 112 KB)
    Revised 03/22/13 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-23: Construction Cost Reporting and DSA Fees (PDF - 102 KB)
    Revised 08/09/12 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-24: Construction Phase Duties of School District, Contractor, and Design Professional (PDF - 111 KB)
    Revised 08/09/12 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-25: Design, Installation and Maintenance of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems (AFSS) (PDF - 58 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-26: K-12 Occupancy Classification and Occupant Load Factors (PDF - 144 KB)
    Revised 04/18/12 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-26.cc: Occupancy Classifications and Occupant Load Factors for Community Colleges (PDF - 104 KB)
    Revised 04/18/12 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-27: Cargo Containers Used As Storage (PDF - 21 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-28: Fire Alarm System Changes in Existing Buildings
    Removed for Review 05/17/13
  • IR A-29: Wind Turbines (PDF - 42 KB)
    Issued 11/03/10 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR A-30: DSA Hourly Fee Services (PDF - 90 KB) Issued 05/01/13
    Effective May 1, 2013 for construction start date on or after May 1, 2013.

  Use or Occupancy

  • IR 3-1: Storage Room Occupancy Separation (PDF - 72 KB)
    Revised 09/23/10 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)

  Fire Protection Systems

  • IR 9-1: Automatic Fire Suppression System Coverage in Concealed Interstitial Space
    Removed Pending Review 09/09/11

  Means of Egress

  • IR 10-1: Illumination Required for Means of Egress (PDF - 93 KB)
    Revised 01/06/12 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC

  Access

  • IR 11B-1: Visual Alarms in Classrooms (PDF - 21 KB)
    Revised 01/01/11 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 11B-2: Beveled Lip at Curb Ramps (PDF - 20 KB)
    Revised 01/01/11 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 11B-3: Detectable Warnings at Curb Ramps (PDF - 19 KB)
    Revised 01/01/11 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 11B-4: Detectable Warnings (PDF - 69 KB)
    Revised 11/18/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 11B-5: Effort to Operate Exterior Doors
    Formally Deleted 04/01/10
  • IR 11B-6: Mechanical Only Projects Exempt From Accessibility Review (PDF - 20 KB)
    Revised 01/01/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 11B-7: Requirements for Accessible Parking Spaces (PDF - 32 KB)
    Revised 01/01/11 - 2007, 2010 CBC (N/A 2001 CBC)
  • IR 11B-8: Use of Predetermined Construction Tolerance Guidelines for Accessibility (PDF - 32 KB)
    Revised 01/01/11 - 2007, 2010 CBC (N/A 2001 CBC)

  Roofing and Roof Structures

  • IR 15-1: Attachment of Clay or Concrete "S" Roof Tile (PDF - 112 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 15-2: Clay and Concrete Roof Tile Materials and Application (PDF - 141 KB)
    Revised 09/23/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC

  Structural Design

  • IR 16-1: Design and Construction Requirements for Relocatable Buildings (PDF - 86 KB)
    Revised 10/11/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 16-2: Computer or Office Access Floors (PDF - 55 KB)
    Revised 09/23/10 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 16-3: Earth Retaining Systems with Precast Concrete or Concrete Masonry Units (PDF - 214 KB)
    Revised 01/24/12 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 16-4: Wind Load Design for One Story Relocatable School Buildings (Less than 2000 Square Feet in Floor Area) (PDF - 71 KB)
    Revised 09/23/10 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 16-5.01: Design and Construction of Reviewing Stands, Grandstands and Bleachers; 2001 CBC (PDF - 221 KB)
    Revised 01/24/12 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 16-5.07: Design and Construction of Reviewing Stands, Grandstands and Bleachers; 2007 CBC (PDF - 525 KB)
    Revised 01/24/12 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007 CBC)
  • IR 16-6: Composite Base for HVAC Units (PDF - 286 KB)
    Revised 09/23/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 16-7: Wind Load Determination - Alternate Method (PDF - 263 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - 2007 CBC (N/A 2001, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 16-8: Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal Systems Systems Review and Approval Requirements (PDF - 432 KB)
    Revised 10/16/12 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 16-9: Pendant Mounted Light Fixtures (PDF - 23 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC

  Structural Tests and Special Inspections

  • IR 17-1: Sampling and Testing of Structural Materials (PDF - 27 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 17-2: Nondestructive Testing (N.D.T.) of Welds (PDF - 32 KB)
    Revised 10/15/07 - 2001, 2007 CBC
  • IR 17-3: Structural Welding Inspection; 2007 and 2010 CBC (PDF - 70 KB)
    Revised 03/19/12 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 17-3.01: Structural Welding Inspection; 2001 CBC (PDF - 68 KB)
    Revised 03/19/12 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 17-4: Basics of Structural Tests and Special Inspections (PDF - 48 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 [Errata 11/10/11] - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 17-5: Structural Testing Laboratory Responsibilities (PDF - 39 KB)
    Revised 08/03/11 [Errata 11/10/11] - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 17-6: Structural Special Inspector Duties and Responsibilities (PDF - 52 KB)
    Issued 11/03/08 [Errata 11/10/11] - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007 CBC
  • IR 17-7: Soils and Foundations Testing and Inspection (PDF - 27 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 [Errata 11/10/11] - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 17-8: Sampling and Testing of High Strength Bolts, Nuts, and Washers (PDF - 33 KB)
    Issued 01/12/11 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 17-9: High Strength Bolting Inspection (PDF - 48 KB)
    Issued 10/11/11 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 17-10: Sampling, Testing and Tagging of Reinforcing Bars (PDF - 38 KB)
    Issued 08/03/11 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC

  Soils and Foundations

  • IR 18-1: Use of Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) as Controlled Fill (PDF - 34 KB)
    Issued 05/18/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC

  Concrete

  • IR 19-1: Post Installed Anchors in Concrete (PDF - 250 KB)
    Revised 11/21/12 - 2001, 2007 CBC (N/A 2010 CBC)
  • IR 19-2: Requirements for Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) Panels (PDF - 104 KB)
    Revised 02/22/13 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2010 CBC
  • IR 19-3: Fly Ash and Natural Pozzolans Used in Concrete (PDF - 33 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 19-4: Use of Recycled Concrete Aggregates (PDF - 33 KB)
    Issued 01/12/11 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC

  Masonry

  • IR 21-1: Masonry Walls - Non Structural (PDF - 17 KB)
    Revised 09/18/07 - 2001 CBC
  • IR 21-2: Concrete Masonry High Lift Grouting Method: 2001 and 2007 CBC (PDF - 59 KB)
    Revised 03/10/11 - 2001, 2007 CBC (N/A 2010 CBC)
  • IR 21-2.10: Concrete Masonry High Lift Grouting Method: 2010 CBC (PDF - 106 KB)
    Revised 05/16/13 - (N/A 2001, 2007 CBC) 2010 CBC
  • IR 21-3: Clay Brick Masonry High Lift Grouting Method (PDF - 33 KB)
    Issued 09/01/99 - 2001 CBC
  • IR 21-4: Concrete Masonry Units Standards (PDF - 30 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC

  Steel

  • IR 22-1: Design Procedure for Steel Deck Diaphragms With Structural Concrete Fill (PDF - 25 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 22-2: Anchor Bolts Connecting Steel to Concrete (PDF - 35 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 22-3: Open Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders; 2007 CBC (PDF - 66 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - 2007 CBC (N/A 2001, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 22-3.10: Open Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders; 2010 CBC (PDF - 69 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - (N/A 2001, 2007 CBC) 2010 CBC

  Wood

  • IR 23-1: Pre-fabricated Wood Construction Connectors (PDF - 30 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 23-2: Wood Diaphragms (PDF - 21 KB)
    Revised 11/01/07 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)
  • IR 23-3: Concrete Curbs in Wood Frame Buildings (PDF - 19 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 23-4: Metal-Plate-Connected Wood Trusses (PDF - 121 KB)
    Revised 12/21/12 - 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 23-5: Bolts Used in Wood Construction (PDF - 59 KB)
    Revised 12/21/12 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 23-6: Wood Structural Panel Acceptance - Plywood and Oriented Standard Board (OSB) 2007 and 2010 CBC ((PDF - 42 KB)
    Revised 10/11/11 - (N/A 2001), 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 23-6.01: Wood Structural Panel Acceptance - Oriented Standard Board (OSB) 2001 CBC (PDF - 50 KB)
    Revised 10/11/11 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 23-7: Minimum Fastener Penetration in Framing - Wood Diaphragms (PDF - 22 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 23-8: Manufactured Wood-Chord-Metal-Web Trusses (PDF - 94 KB)
    Revised 12/21/12 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 23-9: Prefabricated Wood I-Joist; 2001 and 2007 CBC (PDF - 35 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007 CBC (N/A 2010 CBC)
  • IR 23-9.10: Prefabricated Wood I-Joist; 2010 CBC (PDF - 36 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - (N/A 2001, 2007 CBC) 2010 CBC
  • IR 23-10: Structural (Certified) Glued Lumber (PDF - 85 KB)
    Revised 12/21/12 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC

  Glass and Glazing

  • IR 24-1: Glass Panel Railings (PDF - 113 KB)
    Revised 02/22/13 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC

  Gypsum Board and Plaster

  • IR 25-1: Maximum Allowable Load for 10 Gage and 12 Gage Wires (PDF - 62 KB)
    Revised 09/23/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR 25-2.01: Metal Suspension Systems for Lay-In Panel Ceilings: 2001 CBC (PDF - 969 KB)
    Revised 05/18/11 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 25-2.07: Metal Suspension Systems for Lay-In Panel Ceilings: 2007 CBC (PDF - 996 KB)
    Revised 05/18/11 - 2007 CBC (N/A 2001, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 25-2.10: Metal Suspension Systems for Lay-In Panel Ceilings: 2010 CBC (PDF - 1.18 MB)
    Revised 05/16/13 - 2010 CBC (N/A 2001, 2007 CBC)
  • IR 25-3: Drywall Ceiling Suspension Conventional Construction - One Layer (PDF - 96 KB)
    Revised 05/16/13 - 2007, 2010 CBC (N/A 2001 CBC)
  • IR 25-3.01: Drywall Ceiling Suspension Conventional Construction - One Layer: 2001 CBC (PDF - 120 KB)
    Revised 05/16/13 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007, 2010 CBC)
  • IR 25-4: Self-Furring Lath (PDF - 20 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC

  Elevators and Conveying Systems

  • IR 30-1: Title 24 Elevators; Building Materials and Systems (PDF - 21 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC

  Electrical

  • IR E-1: Grounding of Buildings Fabricated Off Site (PDF - 107 KB)
    Revised 01/12/11 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR E-2: Ground Fault Circuit-Interrupter (PDF - 85 KB)
    Revised 09/23/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC
  • IR E-3: Reliable Power Supply for Electric Fire Pumps (PDF - 21 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC

  Mechanical

  • IR M-1: Lab Fume Hood Duct Manifold Requirements (PDF - 23 KB)
    Issued 03/10/11 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC

  Plumbing

  • IR P-1: Nonwater-Supplied Urinal Fixtures (PDF - 25 KB)
    Revised 11/03/10 - 2001, 2007, 2010 CBC

  Energy

  • IR N-1: Pre-Check (PC) Designs Energy Compliance Review (PDF - 106 KB)
    Revised 04/18/12 - (N/A 2001 CBC) 2007, 2010 CBC