2025 Title 24 California Code Changes

Chapter 1 – Building Standards Commission

1-101 Abbreviations

Added an entry for HCAI and corrected the entry for OSHPD.

1-407 Initial rulemaking file submittals by a state proposing agency

Changed to accept digital signatures, accept single soft copies of documents, and clarify signature requirements for the Economic and Fiscal Impact Statement (Form STD 399).

1-408. Certification of delegation of authority

Changed to accept digital signatures.

1-411 Public comment rulemaking file submitted by a state proposing agency

Changed to accept one copy of various required documents.

1-413 Public comments and related actions

Removed the note referencing a public comment form on the website.

1-415 Final rulemaking file by state proposing agencies

Requirements changed to accept digital signatures, accept single copies, clarify documentation of public hearings, clarify the statement necessary if supporting documents are added after the NOPA is published, and clarify requirements when changes are made after the NOPA is published. Also repealed confusing language about the Informative Digest and the memo attesting to a 45-day public comment period.

1-419 Emergency building standards

Changed to accept one copy of various required documents.

Chapter 3 – State Fire Marshal

3-104 Application of building standards

Added a reference to the new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Part 7 of
Title 24.

Chapter 4 – Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety

Sections 4-205, 4-305, 4-402, 4-405

Added a reference to the new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Part 7 of
Title 24.

4-309(a) Reconstruction or alteration projects in excess of $100,000 in cost

Replaced “modifications” with “reconstruction, alteration, or addition” to clarify intent and provide consistency of language with the CEBC.

4-310 School garages, warehouses, storage and similar buildings, dwellings for employees and miscellaneous structures

As a result of AB 358 (Chapter 83, Statutes of 2023), updated language to note community college student housing buildings are exempted from the Field Act.

4-314. Definitions

Added the definition of “Laboratory of Record” to coordinate with language updates and reorganization to create new Article 11 in this chapter.

4-317(e). Plans, specifications, calculations and other data

Added a new exception that allows repair of damage caused by means not related to natural or manmade disaster (e.g. dry rot, vehicle impact) on a school building within 50 feet of fault trace.

4-318(a) Procedure for approval of application and voidance of application

Added editorial revisions to current language that utilizes terms such as “prints,” “tracings,” “reproducible sheets,” which are tied to a paper-based system and not in alignment with current electronic media and submittal processes.

4-318(c) Voidance of application, 4-319 Withdrawal of application, and 4-420 Fees

Clarified amount of refund of fees when work has not yet commenced (checking work or construction) on a project (or subsequent increments) to align with current practice.

Various Sections within Group 1, Articles 5 and 6

Relocated and modified various sections from these articles to new Articles 10 and 11.

4-333 Observation and inspection of construction
 4-333(b) Inspection by a project inspector or assistant inspector

Added language to include assistant inspectors (and removed 4-333(d) Items 3-4). Added language to clarify each inspector’s responsibility to the governing board, including any inspector involved with or providing inspection related activities or services to the district, while also emphasizing that inspectors ultimately report to DSA for enforcement of plans and specifications of the project.

4-333(d) Assistant inspectors

Added requirement that Assistant Inspectors (AI) must meet same project approval requirements as Project Inspectors (PI) for projects inspected by AI. Removed #3-4 and relocated #2 to 4-361.4, with modifications.

4-333.1 Project inspector certification.

Relocated this section to new Article 10 in this chapter and modified language to improve clarity.

4-335(f) Structural tests and special inspections

Removed minimum age requirements and added minimum educational requirements for special inspectors for consistency with Project Inspectors and DSA Certified Special Inspectors.

4-335(f)4.A Special inspector daily reports

Removed requirement for Special Inspector (SI) daily reports to PI within seven days since PI to receive those sooner (within one business day).

4-335.1 DSA Laboratory of record

Relocated portions of the former language to new Article 11 and modified language to improve clarity.

4-342 Duties of the project inspector
 4-342(b) Duties

Added language specifying 48-hours prior notification by the PI to DSA for structural steel erection.

4-342(c) Violations through 4-342(g) Filing an appeal

Relocated items to new Article 10 and modified language to improve clarity.

Group 1, Article 8

Repealed Sections 4-350 and 4-351 to remove conflicts.

Group 1, Article 10

Created new Article 10. Inspector Certification (Sections 4-360 through 4-369) to consolidate and clarify inspector certification, professional conduct, discipline, appeals, and reinstatement requirements.

Group 1, Article 11

Created new Article 11. Laboratory Acceptance (Sections 4-370 through 4-378) to consolidate and clarify laboratory acceptance, professional conduct, discipline, appeals, and reinstatement requirements.

4-411 Definitions

Added definitions for “Classroom” and “Shade Structure” to clarify broad terms frequently reflected in project designs.

Chapter 5 – Division of the State Architect – Access Compliance

Section 5-101 Purpose

Added exception to align with AB 306 (Chapter 49, Statutes of 2021) and AB 358 (Chapter 83, Statutes of 2023), exempting teacher or district employee dwellings and community college student housing buildings from DSA review for access compliance.

Chapter 6 – Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development – Seismic Evaluation Procedures for Hospital Buildings

Article 1. Definitions and Requirements

Added and amended various sections within Article 1 as a result of the enactment of AB 869 (Chapter 801, Statutes of 2024), which establishes a process for small, rural, critical access and district hospitals, as well as hospitals that are recipients of the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, to seek a delay of up to three years to the seismic safety compliance deadline of January 1, 2030, and also provides HCAI with discretion to extend the delay by an additional two years.

1.2 Definitions

Repealed the definitions of “Administrative Extension” and “Critical Community Provider” because the timeframe to request an extension has expired.

1.5.2 Delay in compliance

Amended language to align the NPC compliance requirements and dates with existing statutory mandate and repealed SPC compliance requirements that are no longer applicable per AB 2190 (Chapter 673, Statutes of 2018).

Sections 11.3.1 and 11.3.2

Repealed the torque testing requirements for bolts with no tension as there is no specific test for shear.

Chapter 7 – Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development – Safety Standards for Health Facilities

7-101 Scope

Amended language to add HSC Section 129850 that provides OSHPD has broad statutory authority to make any regulations that it deems necessary, proper, or suitable to carry out the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act of 1983 (HSSA 83).

7-111 Definitions

Amended the definitions of: “Freestanding” to clarify that a building does not have to be adjacent to another building to be freestanding and the separation requirements apply to all adjacent buildings (and not limited to hospital buildings only); and “Office” for consistency with the creation of the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) and the renamed Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).

7-115 Preparation of construction documents and reports

Amended language: Allows fire protection engineers to prepare plans and specifications for fire protection systems; assures compliance with HSC Section 129805(a); and clarifies that only OSHPD Preapproved Details (OPDs) and distribution system preapprovals are required to be inserted in the construction documents.

Section 7-153 Changes to the approved work

Repealed subsections (b)1 and 2 because HCAI does not have the authority.

Chapter 10 – California Energy Commission

Please visit the California Energy Commission’s website for updates.

energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/online-resource-center/overview.

Below is a list of chapters in the California Building Code that contain California amendments. The state agencies amending the chapter are shown in parentheses. 

Chapter 1 - Scope and Administration (DSA, OSHPD, SFM)

Chapter 2 - Definitions (DSA, SFM)

Chapter 3 - Occupancy Classification and Use (HCD, SFM)

Chapter 4 - Special Detailed Requirements (SFM)

Chapter 5 - General Building Heights and Areas (SFM)

Chapter 7 - Fire and Smoke Protection Features (SFM)

Chapter 7A - Materials and Construction Methods (SFM)

Chapter 8 - Interior Finishes (SFM)

Chapter 9 - Fire Protection Systems (SFM)

Chapter 10 - Means of Egress (SFM)

Chapter 11A - Housing Accessibility (HCD)

Chapter 11B - Accessibility to Public Buildings (DSA)

Chapter 12 - Interior Enviornment (HCD, OSHPD)

Chapter 14 - Exterior Walls (DSA, OSHPD)

Chapter 15 - Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures (BSC, DSA, HCD, OSHPD)

Chapters 16 and 16A - Structural Design (DSA, OSHPD)

Chapter 17 - Special Inspections and Tests (OSHPD)

Chapter 17A - Special Inspections and Tests (DSA, OSHPD)

Chapters 18 and 18A - Soils and Foundations (DSA, OSHPD)

Chapters 19 and 19A - Concrete (DSA, OSHPD)

Chapter 21 - Masonry (CEC, DSA, OSHPD)

Chapter 21A - Masonry (DSA, OSHPD)

Chapters 22 and 22A - Steel (DSA, OSHPD)

Chapter 23 - Wood (DSA, OSHPD)

Chapter 25 - Gypsum Board, Gypsum Panel Products and Plaster (DSA, OSHPD)

Chapter 30 - Elevator and Conveying Systems (SFM)

Chapter 31 - Special Construction (BSC, DSA, OSHPD, SFM)

Chapter 35 - Referenced Standards (DSA, OSHPD, SFM)

Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration

State Fire Marshal

R102.8 Wildland-Urban Interface

Added new section as a pointer to the new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) which is applicable to houses built in wildland-urban interface areas.

R105.2 Work exempt from permit

Updated the pointer to the new CWUIC that is applicable even if the project is exempt from permits.

Chapter 2 – Definitions

Housing and Community Development

R202 Definitions

Amended multiple definitions to eliminate references to chapters of the IRC that are not adopted and not printed in the CRC.

State Fire Marshal

R202 Definitions

Repealed multiple existing California definitions and adopted new model code definitions that contain the same language.

Chapter 3 – Building Planning

Multiple sections and references in Chapter 3 were renumbered to align with significant numbering changes in the model code.

State Fire Marshal

Multiple sections

Repealed multiple sections regarding Photovoltaic (PV) and Energy Storage Systems and adopted new model code sections that contain essentially the same language.

R337 Materials and construction methods for exterior wildfire exposure

Repealed all of Section R337 and replaced with a “Note” directing the code user to the new CWUIC.

Chapter 44 – Referenced Standards

State Fire Marshal

Updated editions of various referenced standards promulgated by NFPA.

Article 89 – General Code Provisions

Building Standards Commission

89.101.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures, and applications

Amended to align the California Electrical Code with all other parts of Title 24.

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

89.110 Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Added new/amended sections for OSHPD 6 to align requirements with statutory change in Health and Safety Code Section 1250.3.

Chapter 1 – General

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

100 Definitions

Moved all definitions from Article 517 to Article 100 to align with model code format.

Chapter 2 – Wiring and Protection

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

220 Branch-circuit, feeder, and load calculations

Amended to remove additional requirements for load calculations.

Chapter 4 – Equipment for General Use

Housing and Community Development

406.12 Tamper-resistant receptacles

Amended to exclude mobile homes and manufactured homes from the requirement for tamper-resistant receptacles.

Chapter 5 – Special Occupancies

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

517.1(C) Electrical equipment schedules

Amended to require documentation for special seismic certifications.

517.4 Electric power sources, feeders and services

Amended to list requirements for electrical power sources. An “Informational Note” was added to see Section 220.40 for sizing requirements for Electric Power Sources, Feeders and Services.

517.18(B)(2) Receptacle requirements

Repealed Exception #3, which stated hospital grade receptacles were not required in patient sleeping areas in nursing homes.

517.29 Type 1 Essential Electrical Systems

Amended (A.1) to include (Surgical Clinics only) to the existing OSHPD 3 banner.

517.30(A.1) Two independent power sources

Added new section with requirements for two independent power sources for OSHPD 1, 3 (surgical clinics only), 4 and 5.

517.30(B.1) Power sources for the EES

Repealed the requirements for power sources for the ESS.

517.30(B)(3) Battery systems

Repealed the requirements for a connection for a portable diesel generator.

517.30(B)(4) Health care microgrid

Repealed amendment and adopted the model code language.

517.30(B)(5) Health care microgrid

Amended to include requirements for meeting the installation and commissioning requirements in NFPA 99.

517.30(D) Temporary source of power for maintenance or repair of the alternate source of power

Added new section with requirements for temporary source of power for maintenance or repair of the alternate source of power.

517.31(D.1) Requirements for the Essential Electrical System

Repealed the requirement for the EES to have the capacity and rating to meet the maximum actual demand likely to be produced by the connected load.

517.31(E) Receptacle identification

Repealed amendment and adopted model code language.

517.31(H) On-site energy storage systems and fuel supply

Added new section containing requirements for on-site energy storage systems and fuel supply for OSHPD 1, 4 & 5.

517.31(H)(1)

Added new section containing requirements for on-site resources to support not less than 24 hours full-demand operation for correctional treatment centers, and sources to support not less than 72 hours full-demand operation for acute care hospitals.

517.31(H)(2)

Added new section containing requirements for Emergency Power Supply Systems for correctional treatment centers and acute psychiatric hospitals.

517.41(A.1) Two independent power sources

Added new section containing requirements for two independent power sources for OSHPD 2, 4 & 5.

517.41(B.1) Power sources for the EES

Repealed the requirements for power sources for the EES for OSHPD 2, 4 & 5.

517.41(B)(1) through (B)(4) Fuel cell systems

Repealed the list of approved power sources.

517.41(D) Power sources for the EES

Added new section which lists the approved power sources for the EES for OSHPD 2, 4 & 5.

517.41(E) Permanent connection(s) points for EES maintenance and repairs

Added new section containing requirements for permanent connection points for EES maintenance and repair.

517.42 Essential Electrical Systems for Nursing Homes and Limited Care Facilities

517.42(E) Receptacle identification

Repealed the amendment and adopted model code language.

517.42(G) On-site energy storage systems and fuel supply

Added new section containing requirements for on-site energy storage systems and fuel supply for OSHPD 2, 4 & 5.

517.42(G)(1)

Added new section containing requirements for on-site resources to be available at all times to support not less than 6 hours at full output of the EPSS for OSHPD 2, 4 and 5.

517.42(G)(2)

Added new section containing requirements for an alternate source of power for equipment required to maintain safe temperatures, life-saving equipment and oxygen generating devices for OSHPD 2.

517.44(3.1) Optional connections to equipment branch

Repealed the requirements for optional connections to the equipment branch.

517.45 Essential Electrical Systems for other health care facilities

Repealed the existing language in (E.1) and replaced it with the existing language from (G). Existing Section (H) became (G).

Added new Section (H) which requires not less than 4 hours at full output for the EPSS for OSHPD 3 (Surgical Clinics only).

State Fire Marshal

517.31 Requirements for the Essential Electrical System

SFM co-adopted new sections (H), (H)(1) and (H)(2) in coordination with OSHPD (see above).

517.42 Essential Electrical Systems for nursing homes and limited care facilities

SFM co-adopted new sections (G), (G)(1) and (G)(2) in coordination with OSHPD.

517.45 Essential Electrical Systems for other health care facilities

SFM co-adopted new section (H) in coordination with OSHPD.

Chapter 7 – Special Conditions

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

700.12 General Requirements

Repealed the exception in section (C) for battery systems for OSHPD 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

Repealed all the exceptions in section (D)(2) for OSHPD 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 in coordination with SFM.

Repealed the exception in section (G) for OSHPD 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

State Fire Marshal

700.12 General Requirements

Repealed all the exceptions in section (D)(2) in coordination with OSHPD.

Chapter 1 – Administration

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Amended multiple subsections to reflect the new department name: Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development.

1.10.6 OSHPD 6

Added new banner designation “OSHPD 6” for a chemical dependency recovery hospital not within an acute care hospital building.

Chapter 2 – Definitions

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Air, Relief

Removed OSHPD 1R from the banner.

Air terminal device

Added new definition for any device (e.g., grille, register, diffuser) placed in an opening to a room, through which controlled air enters or leaves. Component of the air-distribution system which has the purpose of achieving the predetermined movement of air into or from a treated space. Applies to OSHPD 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Building Code, Enforcing Agency, Health Facilities

Added OSHPD 6 to existing definitions.

State Fire Marshal

Refrigerant, Refrigerant Concentration Limit (RCL) and Refrigerant Safety Classifications

Repealed California amendments (early adoption of definitions) and adopted model code definitions.

Chapter 3 – General Regulations

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

321.0 Essential mechanical provisions

Removed OSHPD 1R from the banner

321.3 Cooling equipment

Added new section regarding cooling equipment to maintain temperature and humidity listed in Table 4-A within certain operating rooms and other spaces as identified in the functional program.

321.6 Control components

Added to existing amendment, “fire and smoke dampers” under all control components and control systems to have essential electrical power.

322.0 Sensitive areas or rooms

Removed OSHPD 1R from the banner. Added new items and reformatted the list of sensitive areas or rooms.

State Fire Marshal

307.3, 307.4

Repealed California amendments (early adoption of refrigerant designation) and adopted model code text.

Chapter 4 – Ventilation Air

Division of the State Architect

Repealed “DSA-SS/CC” banners throughout the code. Community colleges are required to comply with all DSA adopted regulations under the authority of the Field Act, Education Code Section 81052. Alternatively, community colleges may comply with alternative structural safety provisions promulgated and adopted pursuant to the authority granted by Education Code Section 81053. These alternative standards are adopted and identified by the DSA-SS/CC banner.

The authority granted to DSA specifically for the adoption of alternative buildings standards for community colleges related to structural safety should only be used or referenced when promulgating an alternative standard pursuant to Education Code Section 81053. All other regulations related to the construction of community colleges are adopted and identified by the “DSA-SS” banner under the authority of Education Code Section 81052.

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Relocated previous section numbers to new section numbers, as follows:

407.4.1.6 to 407.4.1.2

407.4.1.1 to 407.4.1.3

407.4.1.2 to 407.4.1.7

407.4.1.3 to 407.4.2

407.4.1.4 to 407.4.3

 407.4.1.5 to 407.4.4

 407.4.1.7 to 407.4.5

 420.0 to 407.4.1.1

 408.3.4 to 408.3.2

Table 4-A

Repealed the 2022 version of Table 4-A and footnotes, and adopted the ASHRAE 170-2021 Table 7-1, as amended, and added table footnotes from ASHRAE 170-2021 Table 7-1 into Table 4-A.

Table 4-B

Amended Column 3 of the table to change the heading to “A.T.D.” and MERV filters to HEPA filters. Added new Footnote #3, renumbered remaining footnotes, and revised Footnotes #4 and #5 regarding HEPA filter location.

402.1 Occupiable spaces

Removed OSHPD 1R from the banner. Relocated a portion of the amendment in Section 402.1.2 to this section. The change combines amendments into one paragraph as they both relate to the same ventilation requirements for healthcare buildings.

402.1.2 Ventilation in health care facilities

Added to existing amendment requirement for ventilation for health care facilities to be designed and installed in accordance with the code, Table 4-A and amended list of ASHRAE 170 items.

406.0 Evaporative cooling system for health care facilities

Removed OSHPD 1R from the banner. Removed food preparation area from the text.

Section 407.0 Ventilation system details
 407.1.1 Air systems

Changed Exception Item 2 to allow unoccupied turndown to be permitted in accordance with Section 407.7 Unoccupied turndown. Repealed all other subitems.

Relocated previous language in Exception 2 for unoccupied mode to new Section 407.7. Added a column to Table 4-A to identify which spaces are permitted to use unoccupied turndown to match the 2021 ASHRAE 170. Revised OSHPD amendments to coordinate with the national standard.

407.2.2.1 Hazardous exhaust outlets

Add new section clarifying that hazardous exhaust outlets from airborne infection isolation rooms and other hazardous rooms shall have a laboratory chemical fume hood with added discharge requirements.

407.3.1 Air balance

Added language to clarify the pressurization requirement is to be met per Table 4-A.

407.4 Air circulation
 407.4.1.3

Amended to clarify air supplied to operating rooms and similar spaces shall be delivered by a primary supply diffuser array in accordance with ASHRAE 170.7.4.1.

 407.4.1.4, 407.4.1.5, 407.4.1.6

Added new sections to provide requirements for the location of supply registers and return/exhaust inlets, and air supply requirements including low level inlets.

 407.4.2

Revised to match CBC Section 1020.6 for air movement in corridors. Amended Exception 1 to state that use of corridors as a source of makeup air for exhaust systems is permitted where allowed by the CBC.

 407.4.5 Recirculating room units

Revised to clarify requirements for recirculating room units which shall be permitted to provide a portion of total air changes in excess of minimum outside air changes where indicated in Table 4-A.

407.4.5(3)

Amended to provide for use of a MERV 8 or manufacturer’s recommended (OSHPD 2) filter upstream of any surface that is designed to condense water.

407.4.5(4)

Added new section to allow coils designed not to condense water shall maintain surfaces above the dew point temperature.

 407.4.5.1 Recirculating room units for unoccupied spaces

Added new section regarding filtration for unoccupied spaces not directly connected to a patient care area.

407.5 Variable air volume
 407.5.1.4

Added new section for sensitive spaces or rooms to be provided with controls on the return or exhaust duct system to maintain constant flows.

 407.5.1.5

Added new section to provide return air controls for each system, floor, or area with similar conditions.

407.7 Unoccupied turndown
 407.7.1

Relocated Exception 2 into this new section and split the paragraph into four subsections to identify the conditions that allow the number of air changes permitted to be reduced.

407.8 Building pressurization
 407.8.1

Added a new section to align with AHSRAE 170 regarding building pressurization to ensure a building does not fall under negative pressure causing nonfiltered air to be brought into the building.

 408.1.5 and 408.1.6

Amended to align with the minimum requirement in ASHRAE 170 regarding HEPA filtration for high-risk operating rooms and protective environment rooms. Revised Table 4-B to align with this requirement. Repealed previous amendment, but this does not prevent a designer from voluntarily installing additional filtration in the air handler.

 408.1.7

Added a new section specific to HEPA filtration to note the requirement in Table 4-B for HEPA filtration to be installed at the terminal device outlet.

408.2 Filters for hospitals
 408.2.2, 408.2.3, 408.2.4

Repealed these sections since the requirements have been fully incorporated into Section 407.4.5, Recirculating Room Units.

408.3 Filters for skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and correctional treatment centers
 408.3.2, 408.3.3, 408.3.4

Repealed Sections 408.3.2 and 408.3.3 since the requirements have been fully incorporated into Section 407.4.5 Recirculating Room Units. Section 408.3.4 was renumbered to 408.3.2.

408.4 Filters for outpatient facilities
 408.4.1

Revised to clarify that the air ventilation systems for outpatient facilities shall have filter bank efficiencies as listed in Table 4-B.

408.4.2

Moved the filtration requirement for recirculating room units to Section 407.4.5. Repealed the OSHPD amendment for 408.4.2.

408.5 Filters for recirculating room units
 408.5.1

Added a new section pointing to Section 407.4.5 for filtration of recirculating room units. Added additional language to confirm that the full filtration required per Table 4-B is needed when Table 4-A is marked “No” for recirculating room units.

409 Ducts
 409.3, 409.4

Repealed amendment. Insulation of ducts is covered in Section 605 and the amendment in 409.3 is a duplicate of the amendment in Section 605.1. Section 409.4 is renumbered to 409.3.

414.0 Airborne infection isolation rooms
 414.1 Exhaust systems

Amended the seven-feet discharge height for airborne infection isolation exhaust to 10 feet. The national standard requires a minimum 10 feet exhaust height.

417.0 Testing and balancing airborne infection isolation rooms and protective environment rooms

Modified this section to include air balance testing which shall include a pressure test at all doors serving the isolation, protective environment and ante rooms to provide directional pressure relationships.

Chapter 6 – Duct systems

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

603.4 Flexible air ducts
 603.4.1.1 Flexible ducts

Added a sentence to clarify that a flexible duct is not permitted when fire and/or smoke dampers are omitted in corridor construction per CBC Section 717.5.4. The CBC exception also requires the duct work to be constructed of steel of not less than a 0.019-inch thickness.

605.0 Insulation of ducts
 605.2

Added room types that are considered sensitive areas and not permitted to have acoustical lining materials: Class 3 imaging, hybrid operating rooms and protective environment rooms. Added pointer to ASHRAE 170, Section 6.9 for duct lining for nonsensitive areas or rooms.

605.3

Amended to repeal the MERV 17 filter rating. A MERV 17 filter rating is not equivalent to a HEPA filter. Coordinated with the change in Table 4-B that defines the minimum requirements for a HEPA filter.

Chapter 11 – Refrigeration

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Table 1104.1 Permissible refrigeration systems

Repealed the I-2.1 occupancy from occupancy group in Table 1104.1 for Permissible Refrigeration Systems.

State Fire Marshal

Repealed requirements throughout Chapter 11 for A2L refrigerants that were early adopted as California amendments in the 2022 Supplements. Adopted model code.

The industry’s efforts to address lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants led to the development of lower flammability refrigerants—A2Ls. Chapter 11 includes these lower flammability refrigerants in Table 1102.3 and contains specific A2L and B2L provisions to address the precautions necessary to properly use these products.

Chapter 12 – Hydronics

California Energy Commission

1217.10.1 California Energy Code Pipe Insulation Requirements

Updated pointers for pipe insulation requirements within the California Energy Code (Part 6 of Title 24) for Tables 120.3-A-1 and 120.3-A-2.

Chapter 18 – Referenced Standards

State Fire Marshal

Updated the publication year for many existing referenced standards.

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Added new reference standard for IEST RP-CC001.7 that defines the minimum requirements for HEPA and ULPA filters.

Chapter 1 – Administration

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Amended multiple subsections to reflect the new department name: Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development.

1.10.6 OSHPD 6

Added new banner designation “OSHPD 6” for a chemical dependency recovery hospital not within an acute care hospital building.

Chapter 2 – Definitions

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Amended existing definitions.

Handwashing fixture

Added that the flow rate for a non-aerating laminar flow device shall not be less than 1 gallon per minute.

Scrub sink

Added requirements for controls to not involve contact with the upper extremities. Single-lever wrist blades shall not be permitted except for the temperature pre-set valve.

Chapter 4 – Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture Fittings

Division of the State Architect

Repealed “DSA-SS/CC” banners throughout the code. Community colleges are required to comply with all DSA adopted regulations under the authority of the Field Act, Education Code Section 81052. Alternatively, community colleges may comply with alternative structural safety provisions promulgated and adopted pursuant to the authority granted by Education Code Section 81053. These alternative standards are adopted and identified by the DSA-SS/CC banner.

The authority granted to DSA specifically for the adoption of alternative building standards for community colleges related to structural safety should only be used or referenced when promulgating an alternative standard pursuant to Education Code Section 81053. All other regulations related to the construction of community colleges are adopted and identified by the “DSA-SS” banner under the authority of Education Code Section 81052.

Building Standards Commission, Division of the State Architect and Department of Housing and Community Development

408.3 Water consumption

Amended to align with appliance efficiency regulations adopted by the California Energy Commission in Title 20 and showerhead requirements in CALGreen.

420.3.1 Pre-rinse spray valves

Repealed existing California amendment and adopted model code.

Building Standards Commission and Division of the State Architect

422.1.1 Fixture calculations and 422.2 Separate facilities

Repealed existing California amendment and adopted model code regarding all-gender multi-user restroom fixtures. Added a BSC amendment to indicate that separate private areas for urinals and water closets located in a privacy compartment shall comply with sections 422.6 and 422.7 of the California Plumbing Code.

422.6 Water closet compartment and 422.7 Urinal partitions

Added an exception referring to IAPMO’s Z124.10 Type A Security for state buildings, University of California and California State University buildings, public elementary and secondary schools, community college buildings, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings.

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

422.3.1 Fixture requirements for special occupancy

Added a second exception that separate toilet facilities for patients, staff, and visitors in public visitor waiting areas with an occupant load of 10 or less shall be permitted for use by both sexes.

Chapter 6 –Water Supply and Distribution

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

604.0 Materials
604.1 Pipe, tube, and fittings

Added Exception for OSHPD 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 regarding the use of CPVC which is not permitted for potable water.

609.0 Installation, testing, unions, and location
609.10 Disinfection of potable water system

Added new Item 5 for OSHPD 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 to the disinfection requirements for the timing of the disinfection procedures relative to the occupancy of a building to align with ASHRAE 188.

613.0 Domestic hot-water distribution systems for health facilities and clinics
Table 613.1 Hot water use

Updated Note #1 regarding rinse water temperature at warewashers or potsinks to align with the California Retail Food Code, Title 22, and Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) guidelines. Added new Note #3 requiring dietary hot water temperatures to meet minimum temperature requirements at the point of use.

613.2 Storage

Added to existing amendment for water heaters and hot-water storage tanks. Storage water heaters and hot water tank storage are to be maintained at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

613.6 Recirculation

Added to existing amendment for hot water recirculation to coordinate with FGI and to require the hot water recirculation piping to return the recirculation loop back through the hot water source. The non-recirculated fixture branch piping shall not exceed 10 feet.

613.9 Flushing

Added new section for hot water distribution to add test ports and valved openings for flushing of portions of the system in accordance with the facilities water management program defined in Appendix N.

614.0 Dialysis water-distribution systems
614.1 and 614.7 Piping materials

Added to an existing amendment for the piping materials allowed in dialysis feedlines to include CPVC to coordinate with AAMI standard RD 62.

616.0 Emergency water supply
616.1 Emergency water supply

Added SPC 4D rating to list of ratings to support 72 hours of continuing operation of on-site water supply in the event of an emergency.

616.3 Water disinfection

Added new section regarding storage tank connections and circulation to limit water stagnation and temperature stratification.

Chapter 7 – Sanitary Drainage

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

727.1 Emergency sanitary drainage

Added SPC 4D rating to list of ratings to support 72 hours of continuing operation of onsite holding tanks to store sewage and liquid waste sufficient to operate essential hospital utilities and equipment in the event of an emergency.

Chapter 15 – Alternate Water Sources for Nonpotable Applications

Building Standards Commission and Department of Housing and Community Development

1506.10.2 Minimum water quality

Added IAPMO IGC 324 as an applicable standard for water quality for on-site treated nonpotable gray water when there are no local water quality requirements.

Department of Water Resources

1505.1 General

Amended to refer to the new “State Water Resources Control Board’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook” along with existing reference to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Titles 22 and 23. Deleted Title 17 from referenced CCR titles in this section.

1505.4 Connections to potable or recycled water supply systems

Amended Exception #4 to clarify the source of regulatory information for recycled water application and uses shall be the new “State Water Resources Control Board’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook” which replaces Title 17 provisions.

Chapter 16 – Nonpotable Rainwater Catchment Systems

Building Standards Commission and Department of Housing and Community Development

1603.20 Rainwater diversion valves

Amended to remove reference to IAPMO PS 59 and IAPMO IGC 352 standards to allow use of other available approved diverter valves.

Chapter 17 – Referenced Standards

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development and
State Fire Marshal

Updated existing referenced standards to the latest edition and added two new referenced standards:

ANSI/AAMI/ISO 23500-2 – Preparation and Quality Management of Fluids for Haemodialysis and Related Therapies – Part 2: Water Treatment Equipment for Haemodialysis Applications.

ANSI/AAMI/ISO 23500-3 – Preparation and Quality Management of Fluids for Haemodialysis and Related Therapies – Part 3: Water for Haemodialysis and Related Therapies

Please visit the California Energy Commission’s website for Part 6 updates.

energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/online-resource-center/overview

Overview

The new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC), based on the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, was created by relocating chapters, sections and language from several parts of Title 24, including the California Building Code (Chapter 7A), California Residential Code (Section R337) and the California Fire Code (Chapter 49). Additionally, it incorporates other provisions from Title 24 (not relocated),  and sections from Title 14 (Natural Resources) and Title 19 (Public Safety) of the California Code of regulations, and sections from the Government Code, the Health and Safety Code, and Public Resources Code.

Section H107, Cross Reference Tool, was added to Appendix H of the CWUIC. It lists each section of the code and identifies the source document and section for each provision.

As part of the effort to consolidate language from the multiple areas of law and regulations, a reasonable amount of “clean-up” was made before codifying the language into the CWUIC. This consisted of clarifying intent, correcting minor errors from previous code cycles, and reorganizing sections to align with model code.

Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration

This chapter contains administrative provisions. Consistent with other parts of Title 24, it consists of two divisions: Division I details the state agencies’ administrative provisions and Division II contains model code sections with amendments incorporated from the California Building Code (CBC), California Fire Code (CFC), and California Residential Code (CRC). The sections in Division I have been incorporated from the California Building Code (Part 2), the California Fire Code (Part 9) and Title 14.

Chapter 2 – Definitions

Definitions in this chapter are an aggregate collection of terms used in the laws and regulations referenced above.

Chapter 3 – Wildland-Urban Interface Areas

Language in Chapter 3 has been migrated from the California Fire Code and also incorporates provisions from the Public Resources Code and the Government Code to provide the framework for defining and designating wildland-urban interface areas within the state.

Chapter 4 – Wildland-Urban Interface Areas Requirements

Chapter 4 provides the access, water supply, and fire protection plan requirements that apply to all occupancies in the wildland-urban interface based on designated fire hazard severity zones. Amendments delete and/or replace model code language where it conflicts with existing California laws and regulations, and incorporate sections from the CFC as well as requirements found in Title 14 and Title 19.

Chapter 5 – Special Building Construction Regulations

Chapter 5 contains regulations that establish minimum standards for the location, design and construction of buildings and structures within designated fire hazard severity zones or WUI areas. Amendments delete and/or replace model code language where it conflicts with existing California laws and regulations, and incorporate provisions from the Health and Safety Code. All of the regulations from Chapter 7A in the CBC and Section R337 in the CRC have been relocated into Chapter 5.

Chapter 6 – Fire Protection Requirements

Chapter 6 contains additional requirements for development and construction in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) and areas designated as State Responsibility Areas (SRA). Amendments delete and/or replace model code language where it conflicts with existing California laws and regulations, relocate provisions from CFC Chapter 49, and incorporate provisions found in Title 14 and Title 19 for the code user’s convenience. The chapter includes requirements for the establishment and maintenance of defensible space and other mitigation strategies to reduce the hazards of fire originating within a structure spreading to wildland, and fire originating in wildland spreading to structures.

Chapter 7 – Referenced Standards

Chapter 7 contains referenced standards of the 2024 IWUIC and is amended to incorporate all relevant standards referenced in various sections of the CWUIC.

Appendix A – General Requirements

Appendix A, while not adopted by SFM, can be enforced by a local jurisdiction when specifically included in its adopting ordinance. This appendix provides fire protection measures supplemental to those found in Chapter 6 to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability for controlling such fires.

Appendix B – Vegetation Management Plan

Appendix B, while not adopted by SFM, can be enforced by a local jurisdiction when specifically included in its adopting ordinance. This appendix provides criteria for submitting vegetation management plans, specifying their content, and establishing a criterion for considering vegetation management as a fuel modification.

Appendix C – Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework

Deleted 2024 IWUIC Appendix C – Fire Hazard Severity Form and replaced it with Appendix C – Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework that is printed, but not adopted by SFM, in the 2025 CWUIC. This framework is provided for information purposes (not intended for adoption) and can be used as a guideline for firesafe councils and others. This appendix contains the same language as Appendix P of the 2022 CFC (renumbered to Appendix Q in 2025 CFC).

Appendix D – Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption

Deleted 2024 IWUIC Appendix D – Fire Danger Rating System and replaced it with Appendix D – Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption. This appendix is a sample ordinance for a city, county, city and county, or fire district to use to establish and designate fire hazard severity zones within their jurisdiction.

Appendix E – [Reserved]

Deleted 2024 IWUIC Appendix E – Findings of Fact, and reserved Appendix E for future use.

Appendix F – Characteristics of Fire Smart Vegetation

Appendix F is informational and provided for the convenience of the code user. It contains a list of the eight characteristics of fire-smart vegetation that can be used effectively within wildland-urban interface areas to reduce the likelihood of fire spread through vegetation.

Appendix G – Voluntary Home Hardening Recommendations

Deleted 2024 IWUIC Appendix G – Self-Defense Mechanism and replaced it with Appendix G – Voluntary Home Hardening Recommendations. Appendix G provides nonmandatory home hardening recommendations for existing structures to protect them from wildfire. It also provides correlation and consistency with California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) home hardening guidelines.

Appendix H – Referenced California Documents

Deleted IWUIC Appendix H – Wildland-Urban Interface Code Flowchart and replaced it with Appendix H – Referenced California Documents to provide excerpts of statutes and regulations that are the sources for California amendments in the 2025 CWUIC. This includes reprinting certain sections from California laws: Civil Code, Government Code, Public Resources Code, Health and Safety Code, and California Code of Regulations Titles 14 and 19.

Appendix I – Board of Appeals

Appendix I, while not adopted by SFM, can be enforced by a local jurisdiction when specifically included in its adopting ordinance or legislation. It provides guidelines for establishing a board of appeals to hear applications for modifications of requirements in the CWUIC.

All amendments and additions in this part are proposed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration

1.11.2.4 Request for alternate means of protection

Updated the reference pointer to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 19 due to program changes in the requirements of Risk Management Plans and the handling of hazardous materials under the oversight of CalEPA (AB 148, Stats. 2021). These programs were previously in CCR Title 19, Division 2 (CalOES), but are now located in Title 19, Division 5 (CalEPA), and have been effective as of March 6, 2024.

1.11.4.4 Fire clearance pre-inspection

Corrected the reference pointer that delegates authority from the State Fire Marshal to the local fire prevention enforcement authority, which is governed by Health and Safety Code Sections 13145 and 13146.

102.13 Wildland-Urban Interface

Added a new section providing reference to the newly adopted California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC), Part 7 of Title 24. As a result of the creation of the CWUIC, Chapter 49 is deleted from the California Fire Code (CFC). Other changes affect provisions and references in CFC Chapters 2 and 3, and Appendix P, as well as chapters in the California Building Code and California Residential Code (Parts 2 and 2.5 of Title 24).

105.5.14 Energy Storage Systems

Provided exceptions to requirements for an operational permit for stationary and mobile ESS for detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, other than Group R-4.

Chapter 2 – Definitions

Definitions related to battery types

Amended model code definitions and added several new battery type definitions to correlate with current International Fire Code and NFPA 855 technology requirements. The intent is to increase understanding of the application of code requirements to new technologies with no associated increases in technical requirements.

203 Occupancy classification and use

Occupancy classification definitions have been relocated from Section 202 into new Section 203 in 2024 IFC, so existing 2022 amendments to these definitions have been relocated also.

203.4.2 Group E, child-care facilities
203.7.4.1 Classification as Group E

Amended the exception to Group E child-care facilities and added language with special provisions to include those occupancies providing care for 6-100 children under 36 months of age, allowing them to operate when in compliance with special requirements.

Chapter 3 – General Requirements

320 Battery storage
 320.1 General

Replaced existing amendments in 2022 CFC Section 322 with new 2024 IFC Section 320 which has been amended in 2025 CFC to address all battery storage regardless of the battery type. Added Exemption 6 to clarify it is not the intent of this section to regulate miscellaneous small consumer-size batteries in equipment (radios, power tools, etc.), or batteries staged or charging as commonly found in maintenance areas, fire stations, contractor shops, etc.

Sections 320.1.1 through 320.1.2

Added new sections to address storage of lithium-ion, lithium metal, and other battery types.

320.4.1.1 Unused or unwanted battery collection

Revised to clarify batteries placed loose into open-top containers is for collection of used or unwanted batteries from the public or a building’s employees (NFPA 855).

320.4.1.2 Waste storage

Added a common practice provision for limited storage (DOT regulations) to require batteries be placed in bags to prevent short-circuiting and space between filled with vermiculite. The quantity is still limited to 15 cf.

320.4.1.3 Miscellaneous storage

Added new section to clarify that other storage configurations are allowed. Provides for storage in original wholesale shipping containers and DOT packaging which has undergone extensive testing for shipping of lithium-ion batteries and cells.

320.4.3 Outdoor storage and subsections

Added requirements for a technical report to evaluate the fire and explosion risks associated with outdoor storage of lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries and to make recommendations for fire and explosion protection.

Revised and updated existing amendments that were relocated and merged with new model code sections to address the following requirements:

• Distance from storage to exposures
• Storage area size limits and separation
• Fire detection
• Containers
• Weather protection

320.5 Other Battery Types General and subsections

Added amendments providing general guidance for safe storage of batteries other than lithium-ion and lithium-metal consistent with updated requirements and standards of care in the industry, including the following:

• Impact protection
• Battery charging and long-term storage practices
• Mechanical exhaust requirements
• Spill control capabilities
• Hazard warning signage and NFPA 704 placarding

Chapter 9 – Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

Existing 2022 California amendments in Chapter 9 are carried forward, repealed, renumbered and updated to align with revised 2024 IFC formatting and language.

903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations

Deleted existing amendment Number 6 in the listed locations regarding elevator hoistways, machine rooms, machinery spaces, control spaces and control rooms, and the reference pointer to CBC Section 3005.4.1.

903.4.3 Alarms

Deleted existing amendment regarding visible alarm notification and reference pointer to Section 907.

905.4 Location of Class I standpipe hose connections

Deleted model code language in Item 6 that was an existing amendment that was overlooked in the 2022 CFC (amendment was not carried forward).

907.2.12 Special amusement areas

Repealed and replaced some existing amendments with model code language in Section 907.2.12, and blended existing amendment regarding exit access into new model code language to carry forward existing provisions. Repealed amendments in model code Sections 907.2.12.1 - 907.2.12.3 as these sections do not exist in 2024 IFC. Matched the same modifications made to Section 907.2.12 in the California Building Code, Part 2 of Title 24.

915.4.4 Interconnection

Replaced new model language with existing amendment as 2024 IFC has copied portions of the California amendment, but left out the majority of the information needed for clarity and consistency in implementation and enforcement.

915.6.1 Enclosed parking garages

Added an amendment to coordinate with the existing provision in Section 915.6.1 of Part 2.

Chapter 10 – Means of Egress

1008.3 Illumination required by an emergency electrical system

Added amendment to reinstate provisions published in several previous editions of the California Building Code to address previously adopted requirement for egress lighting for I-2 occupancies and align with provisions published in National Fire Protection Association 101 – The Life Safety Code.

1009.4.1 Standby power
1015.2 Where required

Added new amendment to align with the California Building Code.

Table 1020.2 Corridor fire-resistance rating

Modified existing amendment to repeal line-item for occupancy Group E, and to require one-hour fire resistance rating for corridors with sprinklers in occupancy Group I-4. Aligned with the same section in the California Building Code, Part 2 of Title 24.

1026.6 Two-way communication

Added new amendment specifying that two-way communication systems must be installed in all horizontal exit compartments. An Exception for I-2 and I-3 facilities is provided. Aligned with the same section in Part 2.

Chapter 31 – Tents, Temporary Special Event Structures and Other Membrane Structures

3104.2 Flame propagation performance testing and registration
3106.3 Combustible materials

Added amendments to clarify that all fabrics and all interior decorative fabrics or materials shall be flame resistant in accordance with the provisions set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 19 (Public Safety), Division 1, Chapter 8.

Chapter 49 – Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Areas

Added a “User Note” to direct code users to the new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. This chapter is deleted from the CFC.

Chapter 80 – Referenced Standards

Updated adoption of referenced standards to the newest editions published and available for adoption.

Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Amended multiple sections to reflect the change in the department name: Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development.

1.10.6 OSHPD 6

Added new sections for OSHPD 6 to align requirements with statutory change in Health and Safety Code Section 1250.3.

107.1 General

Clarified that only one extension is permitted for temporary uses, equipment and systems.

Chapter 2 – Definitions

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Updated applicability of several definitions to include OSHPD 1R, 2, and 5 applications.

Chapter 3 – Provisions for All Compliance Methods

Division of the State Architect

317.3.1

Added [DSA-SS] banner, which was unintentionally omitted in the last edition of Title 24, relative to seismic evaluation and rehabilitation of buildings.

Building Standards Commission and Division of the State Architect

Table 317.5

Revised footnotes and seismic performance criteria for Risk Category IV buildings to align with the model code and adopted referenced standard.

318 Definitions

Repealed the definition of REPAIR in coordination with the adoption of the model code definition for the same term contained in Section 202.

319.2 Existing conditions

Amended to coordinate with changes made in the newly adopted 2023 edition of the adopted standard, ASCE 41: Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings.

319.5 Configuration requirements

Relocated existing amendment from Section 319.7.2 to Section 319.5, as the basis for determination of an irregular classification belongs in the primary section addressing irregularities rather than a later section defining the conditions that require the use of Method B.

319.7 Prescriptive selection of the design method with subsections

Amended to improve the presentation and clarity of provisions that define conditions requiring the use of Method B and relocated some language to Section 319.5.

Division of the State Architect and Department of Housing and Community Development

306 Accessibility for existing buildings

Removed the content of model code Section 306 as it is not adopted in California and clarified the notes about application of Chapters 11A and 11B.

Department of Housing and Community Development

301.3 Alteration, addition or change of occupancy
 301.3.2 Work area compliance method

Repealed the notes as HCD adopted Chapters 6-11 that address work area compliance method.

State Fire Marshal

308.1 Carbon monoxide detection

Removed model code exceptions to requirements for carbon monoxide detection.

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

304.3.3 Criteria for Incidental and minor structural alteration, additions, or repairs of pre-1973 code buildings

Added provisions for incidental and minor alteration pursuant to statutory mandate.

312.3.1 Freestanding buildings containing qualifying nonacute care services

Added permitting for chemical dependency recovery services pursuant to statutory mandate contained in Health and Safety Code Section 1250.3(f).

312.3.6 Chemical dependency recovery services

Added new section recognizing that chemical dependency recovery services may be provided in a building that has been removed from general acute care pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1250.3(f).

Chapter 3A – [OSHPD1] Provisions for All Compliance Methods

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

302A.3.1 Existing seismic force-resisting systems.

Corrected the reference to point to the California Building Code for seismic coefficients since they are not provided in the California Existing Building Code.

304A.3.4 - 304A.3.4.8 Performance objectives of performance-based methods

Clarified the application of ASCE 41-13 and ASCE 41-23 specifying how they apply to various types of buildings.

304A.3.5 - 304A.3.6.9 Modifications to ASCE 41-13

Clarified modifications to ASCE 41-13 for SPC-2 and SPC-4D and added new sections to address modifications to ASCE 41-23.

311A.1.1.1.1 - 311A.1.1.1.3 Means of egress for hospital buildings

Corrected code references to point to new building provisions in the California Building Code for bracing requirements of nonstructural components in the path of egress.

Chapter 4 – Repairs

Building Standards Commission

401.1 Scope

Removed reference to Chapter 12 of 2024 IEBC and referred to the California Historical Building Code (CHBC).

407.1 General

Adopted Section 407.1 and co-adopted existing HCD amendment that refers to California Mechanical Code (Part 4 of Title 24).

408.1 Materials

Adopted Section 408.1 and co-adopted existing HCD amendment that refers to California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24) and added reference to Division 5.3 of the California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11 of Title 24, known as CALGreen).

408.2 Water closet replacement

Adopted Section 408.2 and co-adopted existing HCD amendments which correct the maximum flow rate for water closets. Deleted the model code exception.

Chapter 4A – Repairs

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

401A.3, 405A.1, 405A.2.1, 405A.2.3, 405A.2.3.1, 405A.2.3.3, 405A.2.4, 405A.2.6

Repealed existing OSHPD amendments to several sections because these provisions are now included in the model code language.

405A.2.3.3 Extent of repair for noncompliant buildings

Lowered limit for seismic load to 75% of new building design earthquake forces for consistency with ASCE 41 requirements.

408A.2 Water closet replacement

Deleted the model code exception for blowout-design water closets.

Chapter 5 – Prescriptive Compliance Method

Building Standards Commission

502.1 General

Amended Exception #2 to maintain status quo requiring structural elements to comply with the requirements of Sections 317 through 322 for projects within BSC’s authority and listed in Section 1.2 of the CEBC.

507 Historic buildings

Replaced model code provisions for historic buildings with reference to the California Historical Building Code.

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

502.1 General

Added amendment to remove limitation of structural requirements to Sections 502.2 through 502.3 for applicable OSHPD applications.

State Fire Marshal

502.5, 503.16 and 503.16.1

Replaced Group I-1 with R-2.1 since Group I-1 is not used in California.

Chapter 5A – Prescriptive Compliance Method

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

Several sections in Chapter 5A were renumbered to align with the new format of the 2024 IEBC.

502A.1 General

Deleted model code language to remove limitation of structural requirements to Sections 502.2 through 502.3 for applicable OSHPD applications.

502A.2, 502A.3, 503A.1, 503A.3, 506A.1, 506A.3

Repealed California amendments and adopted model code language.

503A.3.1 Design live load

Deleted because the language duplicated Section 304A.1.

503A.4 Existing structural elements carrying gravity load

Revised existing amendments to align with changes in 2024 IEBC. Clarified the amount of reduced seismic forces to be permitted.

503A.13 Voluntary seismic improvements

Replaced with IEBC Section 503.13 and carried forward some previous amendments.

506A.5 Structural

Replaced existing amendments with IEBC Section 506.5, except Section 506.5.3 Exceptions and Section 506.5.4.

507A Historic Buildings

Deleted IEBC section since there are no OSHPD 1 buildings classified as historic buildings.

Chapters 6 through 11

Building Standards Commission

708.1, 809.1 and 907.1 1104.1 Minimum requirements

Replaced model code energy conservation provisions with reference to the California Energy Code (Part 6 of Title 24).

State Fire Marshal

902.2 and 902.2.1, 1011.5.2, 1101.5

Replaced Group I-1 with R-2.1 since Group I-1 is not used in California.

904.1.8 Supervision and alarms

Deleted this new model code section to eliminate possible conflicts with existing California laws and regulations.

Department of Housing and Community Development

Chapters 6 through 11

HCD adopted Chapters 6-11 that address work area compliance method.

Chapter 16 – Referenced Standards

Building Standards Commission, Division of the State Architect, Department of Housing and Community Development, and Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

ASCE 41 2023 Adopted the 2023 edition of ASCE 41.

Division of the State Architect and Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

ASCE 7 2022 Updated supplements to match reference in the California Building Code (Part 2 of Title 24) and the 2022 edition of ASCE 7.

State Fire Marshal

NFPA 72 2025 Adopted the 2025 edition of NFPA 72.

Chapter 2 – Definitions

Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)

Residential Long-Term Bicycle Parking

Added to describe secured bicycle parking for more than twelve hours.

Residential Short-Term Bicycle Parking

Added to describe secured bicycle parking for less than twelve hours in unsheltered, open area.

California Energy Commission (CEC)

Energy Design Rating (EDR) and Time Dependent Valuation (TDV) Energy

Deleted definitions.

Energy Budget

Revised to remove references to the previously used energy metric—Time Dependent Valuation (TDV)—for measuring energy consumption. New reference to the new energy metric—Long-term System Cost (LSC)—added as specified in Section 10-109 of the California Energy Code (Part 6 of Title 24) and the Alternative Calculation Method (ACM) Reference Manual.

Long-Term System Cost (LSC)

Added to describe California Energy Commission’s projected present value of costs to California’s energy systems over a period of 30 years.

Recovered Energy and Recovered Energy, On-Site

Added to describe the energy used in a building that is recovered from various building functions, equipment and processes; energy that would otherwise be wasted.

Solar Pool Heating System

Added to describe an assembly of components designed to heat water for swimming pools, spas, or swimming pool and spa combinations by solar thermal means, excluding pool recirculation components.

Chapter 4 – Residential Mandatory Measures

Department of Housing and Community Development

4.106.4.2.2 Multifamily dwellings
4.106.4.2.6 Hotels and motels

Removed requirements for hotels and motels from Section 4.106.4.2.2 and created new Section 4.106.4.2.6 Hotels and motels for electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements for those occupancies.

Revised subsections in these two sections to clarify and address the following compliance requirements:

• Appropriate numbers of Low Power Level 2 and Level 2 EV charging receptacles for dwelling units with assigned and unassigned parking.
• Parking facilities served by parking lifts.
• Charging receptacles at assigned parking spaces shall be provided with a dedicated branch circuit connected to the dwelling unit’s electrical panel, when practical.
• Percentages of parking spaces not already provided with low-power Level 2 EV charging receptacles, and common use parking, shall be provided with Level 2 EV chargers at a rate of twenty-five (25) percent of those spaces (an increase from the current ten (10) percent).
• Allowance for the designation of specific EV charger connector types—J1772 or J3400—to provide flexibility to the designer or builder to serve most EV users.
• Added mandatory ALMS measures under new subsection number 4.106.4.2.2 (2)(c) as an option to reduce maximum required electrical capacity for the site.

4.106.4.3 Electric vehicle charging for additions and alterations of parking facilities serving existing multifamily buildings, hotels and motels.

Modified existing requirements for EV capable spaces to include a requirement for either a low-power Level 2 EV charging receptacle or a Level 2 EV charger. Removed the EV capable spaces percentage requirements, and added that each parking space being added or altered will be required to be equipped with a Low Power Level 2 EV charging receptacle or a Level 2 EV charger.

Added an exception for the installation of Level 1 EV charging receptacles during alterations and additions to existing parking facilities serving multifamily buildings, hotels, and motels.

Removed Notes 1 and 2 as they are no longer relevant to this section.

4.106.4.4 Bicycle parking

Made previously voluntary measures mandatory for newly constructed multifamily buildings, hotels, and motels. Amended to clarify the type of long-term bicycle parking enclosures and anchoring required for hotels and motels.

4.303.1.4.5 Pre-rinse spray valves

Replaced references to and reprints from California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Appliance Efficiency Regulations with reference to the California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24), Section 420.3. Coordinated with the Building Standards Commission (BSC), California Energy Commission (CEC), and the Division of the State Architect (DSA) with no intended change in regulatory effect.

Chapter 5 – Nonresidential Mandatory Measures

Building Standards Commission

Section 5.106.4.1.1 Short-term bicycle parking

Amended to provide a new compliance method based on the number of anticipated “peak daily visitors” instead of the number of vehicle parking spaces used by customers. Removed the exception for additions or alterations that add nine or fewer visitor vehicular parking spaces.

Section 5.106.4.1.2 Long-term bicycle parking (general)

Relocated bicycle parking requirements from Section 5.106.4.1.5 into main paragraph using existing code section.

Section 5.106.4.1.2.1 Long-term bicycle parking (for new buldings) and
Section 5.106.4.1.2.2 Long-term bicycle parking (for additions or alterations) and
Section 5.106.4.1.2.3 Long-term bicycle parking (for shell buildings)

Added and amended long-term bicycle parking requirements to provide a new compliance method based on the number of “tenant-occupants” instead of the number of vehicle parking spaces used by workers and increased percentage from five (5) percent to ten (10) percent.

5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging (exceptions)

Amended existing Exception #2 for parking spaces accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems to align with HCD requirements for residential occupancies.

Table 5.106.5.3.1 Electric vehicle (EV) charging

Amended by adding a title and creating separate columns for “Other than Office and Retail” and “Office and Retail.” Increased number of required Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Amended table Footnote #2.

5.106.5.3.2.1 Receptacle configurations

Added to allow use of NEMA receptacle configuration types.

5.106.5.3.2.2 EV charger connectors

Added to specify that EV chargers shall be equipped with SAE J1772 with a maximum output 240 Volts AC or SAE J3400 connectors.

5.106.5.3.2.4.1 Raceway capacity requirements

Added to allow for future upgrades to the electrical conductors serving Low Power Level 2 charging receptacles 208/240-volt 20-ampere to a dedicated 208/240-volt 40-ampere branch circuit.

Table 5.106.5.3.6 EVCS–Power allocation method

Amended by adding a title and creating separate columns for “Other than Office and Retail” and “Office and Retail.”

Amended Footnote #3 to specify that the maximum allowed kVA to be utilized for EV capable spaces is 50 percent (reduced from 75 percent).

Added new Footnote #5 to set the maximum kVA power allowed in column 4 for EV capable spaces to 25 percent. This change leaves 75 percent of the available kVA required to be used for EVCS which may increase the number of EVCS.

5.106.5.6 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)–Power allocation method

Added new subsections with similar amendments found in Section 5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS):

Section 5.106.5.3.6.1 Receptacle Configurations

Section 5.106.5.3.6.2 EV Charger Connectors

Section 5.106.5.3.6.3 Raceway Capacity Requirements

5.106.5.4.2 Existing buildings or parking areas with previously installed EV capable infrastructure

Amended to promote more installed chargers by requiring that all existing EV capable spaces, panel capacity and conduit at a site must be built out before any new EV capable spaces are added.

Section 5.506.4 Carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitoring in classrooms

Added requirements for carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitoring in newly constructed projects and qualifying additions and alterations for University of California, California State University, and private school classrooms, lecture and post-secondary classrooms.

Building Standards Commission and
Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety

Section 5.303.3.4.6 Pre-rinse spray valve

Replaced references to and reprints from California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Appliance Efficiency Regulations with reference to the California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24), Section 420.3. Added “Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves” to clarify application.

Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety

5.506.3 Carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitoring in classrooms

Amended description of classrooms that shall be equipped with a carbon dioxide monitor or sensor to include “other similar rooms that are used for group instruction.”

Chapter A4 – Residential Voluntary Measures

Department of Housing and Community Development

A4.106.8.2.1 Multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels

• Increased numbers of Low Power Level 2 EV and Level 2 EV charging receptacles for dwelling units with assigned and unassigned parking relative to the mandatory requirements.
• Increased EV-ready parking spaces with Low Power Level 2 EV receptacles from fifty (50) percent to sixty (60) percent.
• Specified raceway capacity requirements for future upgrades to electrical conductors.
• Clarified exceptions regarding EV charging in parking facilities served by parking lifts.
• Increased compliance requirements and percentages for EV-ready parking spaces with EV chargers from fifteen (15) percent to forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces.
• Clarified that, when practical, EV charging receptacles at assigned parking spaces shall be provided with a dedicated branch circuit connected to the dwelling unit’s electrical panel.
• Amended requirements for multifamily parking facilities with unassigned or common use parking spaces shall be provided with Level 2 EV chargers at a rate of forty (40) percent, an increase from current fifteen (15) percent.
• Deleted Tier 2 options for EV Ready and EV charging receptacles in multifamily parking facilities.
• Deleted Tier 2 options for EV chargers for projects with 20 or more dwelling units, sleeping units or guest rooms.

A4.106.9 Bicycle parking

Deleted, relocated to Chapter 4, and amended.

California Energy Commission

Section A4.203 Performance approach for newly constructed buildings

Repealed various existing voluntary code sections and provisions to renumber, reformat, modify, and adopt new sections addressing newly defined terms regarding energy efficiency, climate zone compliance margins, as well as lighting efficiency consultation requirements for local electric service providers.

Section A4.204 Requirements for alterations to existing buildings

Added voluntary provisions regarding mechanical ventilation systems and solar heating systems for altered pool and spa heating in existing multifamily facilities.

Chapter A5 – Nonresidential Voluntary Measures

Building Standards Commission

Table A5.106.5.3.1 Tier 1 EV capable spaces and EVCS
Table A5.106.5.3.3 Tier 2 EV capable spaces and EVCS

Amended by adding a title and creating separate columns for “Other than Office and Retail” and “Office and Retail.”

Amended Footnote #2 to clarify that each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.

Table A5.106.5.3.2 Tier 1 EVCS–Power allocation method
Table A5.106.5.3.4 Tier 2 EVCS–Power allocation method

Amended by adding a title and creating separate columns for “Other than Office and Retail” and “Office and Retail.” Amended Footnote # 3 and added Footnote #5.

California Energy Commission

Section A5.203 Performance approach

Repealed various existing voluntary code sections and provisions to renumber, reformat, modify, and adopt new sections addressing newly defined terms regarding energy efficiency, climate zone compliance margins, as well as lighting efficiency consultation requirements for local electric service providers.

Section A5.204 Requirements for alterations to existing buildings

Added to address provisions regarding mechanical ventilation systems, and solar heating systems for altered pool and spa heating in existing nonresidential facilities.

Section A5.211 Reserved

The requirements of A5.211 “Renewable Energy” no longer apply to voluntary measures addressing reliable reductions in wasteful, uneconomic, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy as directed by California Public Resources Code Sections 25213 and 25402 due to issues with implementation and enforcement.

Section A5.213 Energy efficient framing

Changed the section title from “Energy Efficient Steel Framing” to “Energy Efficient Framing.”