C2A-KS11 Flashcards
Knowledge of what is encompassed by the California Building Standards Code (e.g., Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Historical) and how the CBSC is distinct from the model codes.
California Building Standards Code is also known as
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (yes, they refer to the same thing).
California Code of Regulations
The California Code of Regulations (CCR) is the official compilation and publication of the regulations adopted, amended or repealed, by state agencies pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. Properly adopted regulations that have been filed with the Secretary of State have the force of the law.
What is the difference between the California Building
Standards Code and the California Building Code
- California Building Standards Code is also known as Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (yes, they refer to the same thing).
- The California Building Code is one part of the California Building Standards Code
The California Code of Regulations is divided into how many titles?
28 Titles.
The California Building Standards Code is also called what?
How Often is it published?
- Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations and -
- published every 3 years.
True or False
The California Buildings Standards Code is referenced by the California Health and Safety Code Section 18902.
True
California Building Standards Code
- The California Building Standards Code is also known as Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. I have repeated this information here because it is very important to understand.
- Many candidates, practicing architects, and “Title 24 engineers” currently misunderstand Title 24 to mean reference to energy calculations that are submitted to the local building department.
- Title 24 can be wrongly perceived as compliance with the Energy Code (The Energy Code is just one small part of Title 24, namely Part 6).
California Building Standards Commission
Mission Statement/About — Responsible for administering California’s building codes, including adopting, approving, publishing, and implementing codes and standards.
-Download the Guide to Title 24.
What are the parts to the California Building Standards Code (Title 24)?
Please note the list below refers to the 2010 Codes as listed on the California Architects Board reference list of materials;
Part 1: California Building Standards Administrative Code
Part 2: California Building Code
Part 2.5: California Residential Building Code
Part 3: California Electrical Code
Part 4: California Mechanical Code
Part 5: California Plumbing Code
Part 6: California Energy Code
Part 7: California Elevator Safety Construction Code (NOTE: No longer part of Title 24, See Title 8).
Part 8: California Historical Building Code
Part 9: California Fire Code
Part 10: California Existing Building Standards Code
Part 11: California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen Code)
Part 12: California Referenced Standards Code
Part 1
— California Building Standards Administrative Code
Provides administrative regulations for the California Building Standards Commission, Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of the State Fire Marshall, Division of the State Architect and numerous other boards and agencies.
Part 2 —
California Building Code — Based on the 2009 International Building Code
-The California Building Code is just ONE PART of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24). Now you know the difference between the two.
-A great resource for understanding the California Building Code is the Building Codes
Illustrated — A Guide to Understanding the 2009 International Building Code by Francis
Ching. You can find it on Amazon and it’s a good book for your reference library.
Kev Components of the California Building Code (These are also the key elements that the Building Department will be reviewing during plan check);
- Occupancy Type
- Construction Type
- Building or Floor Area
- Building Height
- Exits/Egress
- Building Separation and Shafts
- Fire Protection
- Fire Extinguishing Systems
- Accessibility Requirements
- Engineering Requirements
CBC
Chapter 1 — California Code Provisions
- The purpose of the code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, energy conservation, safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment, and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
- Local Enforcing Agency — The Building Department of every city or county shall enforce all of the provisions and law of this code. (We will review projects related to the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect in Knowledge Statement #30).
CBC
Chapter 2 — Definitions
Definitions of words and terms used in the California Building Code.
CBC
Chapter 3 - Occupancy Classification
A: Assembly
B: Business
E: Educational
F: Factory Industrial
H: Hazardous
I: Institutional
M: Mercantile
R: Residential
S: Storage
U: Utility & Miscellaneous
Assembly Group A
— defined as having 50 or more occupants
- A-I
- A-2
- A-3
- A-4
- A-5
- Assembly areas with fixed seating (performing arts, movie theaters)
- Assembly areas where food and drink are consumed (restaurants, night clubs)
- Assembly for places of worship, recreation, or amusement, and other assembly areas that do not fit into other Group A (Libraries, Museums, Church)
- Assembly areas for viewing if indoor sporting events
- Assembly areas for the participation or viewing of outdoor sporting events
Assembly Group A — defined as having how many occupants?
Assembly Group A — defined as having 50 or more
Business Group B
- Office buildings, Professional Services (architects, attorneys, dentists, etc.)
- Banks
- Post Office
- Laboratories: Testing and Research
- For a complete list, refer to 2010 California Building Code, Chapter 3.
Educational Group E
Used by six or more people for classes up to the 12m grade
Factory Industrial Group F
Moderate Hazard Occupancy
Low Hazard Occupancy
High Hazardous Group H
Classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, or H-5
Institutional Group I
- People are cared for or live in a supervised environment, having physical limitations because of health or age are harbored for medical treatment
- Classified in Groups 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 or 1-4
- Prisons
- Laboratories: Testing and Research
Mercantile Group M
Retail uses, sales of merchandise (department store, markets)
Residential Group R
R-1: Occupants are transient, sleeping in their rooms less than 30 days (hotels, motels, boarding houses - all transient)
R-2Occupants are permanent sleeping in buildings containing more than 2 dwelling units (apartment houses, dormitories)
R-3: Occupants are permanent in nature and not classified in R-1, R-2, R-3.1,
R_4, or I
R-3.1: Facilities licensed by a governmental agency for a residentially based 24 hour care facility providing accommodations for six or fewer clients of
any age
R-4: Residential care or assisted living facilities
Storage Group S
Storage of materials not classified as a hazardous occupancy
Utility and Miscellaneous Group U
Incidental buildings of an accessory nature, usually unoccupied except for short times during a 24 hour period (agricultural buildings, barns, carports, sheds, etc.)
CBC
Chapter 4 — Special Uses and Occupancy
This Chapter discusses detailed requirements for specific building types including, but not
limited to;
- Covered Mall Buildings
- High-Rise Buildings
- Atriums
- Underground Buildings
- Motor-vehicle Related Occupancies
- Institutional Groups 1-2 and 1-3
- Motion Picture Projection Rooms
- Stages and Platforms
- Special Amusement Buildings
- Aircraft Related Occupancies
- Combustible Storage
- Hazardous Materials
- Application of Flammable Finishes
- Drying Room or Dry Kiln
- Organic Coatings
- Special Requirements for I-I, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4
- Hydrogen Cutoff Rooms
- Public Libraries (Sprinkler and Extinguishing
- Systems per State Fire Marshall only)
- Large-Family Day Care Homes (State Fire Marshall requirements)
CBC
Chapter 5 — Building Heights and Areas
This chapter controls the height and area of structures for new construction and additions to existing structures.
-Table 503 illustrates the five types of construction with the allowable building heights and areas for buildings, based on their occupancy.
CBC
Chapter 6 — Types of Construction
- There are five types of construction described in the code, Type I-V.
- The five types of construction classes are divided into two categories A and B, based upon the fire resistance or combustibility of the materials.
- Table 601 defines the required fire resistance of major building elements for each type of construction.
-Differences in Construction Type typically refer to fire ratings of components such as structural system, exterior bearing walls, interior bearing walls, shafts, floors and
floor/ceiling assemblies, and roof and roof/ceiling assemblies.
Types of Construction
Type I: Steel, Reinforced Concrete, Masonry Construction
non-combustible structure required and fire-resistive
Type Il: Steel, Reinforced Concrete, Masonry Construction
non-combustible structure required and fire-resistive
Type Ill: Steel, Reinforced Concrete, Masonry or Wood Construction structural frame typically not wood
Type IV: Heavy Timber
Type V: Steel, Reinforced Concrete, Masonry or Wood Construction
Putting it Together
List the five code related pieces of information that the architect should determine at the start of the Project
- Determine Occupancy Group
- Determine Type of Construction
- Determine Location of building on the property
- Determine the Allowable Floor Area
- Determine Height and Number of Stories
CBC
Chapter 7 — Fire-Resistance Rated Construction
-We will discuss this chapter in Knowledge Statement #15.
CBC
Chapter 7A — Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure
- This chapter applies to buildings materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings located within a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area.
- This chapter is unique to the California Building Code and is one way the California Buildings Standards Code is different from the model codes.
CBC
Chapter 8 — Interior Finishes
This chapter governs the use of materials used as interior finishes, trim, and decorative materials.
CBC
Chapter 9 — Fire Protection Systems
This chapter specifies where fire protection systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation, and operation of fire protection systems.
CBC
Chapter 10 — Means of Egress
-This chapter controls the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to be provided and approved means of egress from buildings.
CBC
Chapter 11 — Accessibility
- This chapter is divided into two chapters:
1. IIA: Housing Accessibility — applicable to multi-family dwellings
2. 11B: Accessibility to Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings, and Publicly Funded Housing.
We will cover this chapter in Knowledge Statement #14
CBC
Chapter 12 — Interior Environment
This chapter specifies ventilation, temperature control, lighting, yards and courts, sound transmission, room dimensions, surrounding materials, and rodent proofing associated with the interior spaces of buildings. -
CBC
Chapter 13 — Energv Efficiency
This chapter states “See the California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6.”
CBC
Chapter 14 — Exterior Walls
-This chapter establishes the minimum requirements for exterior walls, exterior wall coverings, exterior wall openings, exterior windows and doors, architectural trim,
balconies and similar projections, and bay windows.
CBC
Chapter 15 — Roof Assemblies
-This chapter governs the design, materials, construction and quality of roof assemblies, and rooftop structures.
CBC
Chapters 16 — 23: Structural Provisions
-We will discuss the Structural Provisions of the California Building Code in Knowledge Statement # 12.
CBC
Chapters 25 — 35 Other Chapters
Chapters 25-35 include the following subjects:
- Special Construction
- Encroachments into Public Right-of- Way
- Safeguards During Construction
- Existing Structures
- Reference Standards
- Gypsum and Plaster
- Plastic
- Electrical
- Mechanical Systems
- Plumbing Systems
- Elevator and Conveying
- Systems
Part 2.5 — California Residential Building Code — (Based on 2009 International Residential Building Code)
What is the purpose?
Purpose - The purpose of the code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, energy conservation, safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment, and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
Part 2.5 — California Residential Building Code — (Based on 2009 International Residential Building Code)
What is the scope?
Scope — Code applies to every detached one and two family dwelling, townhouse not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and accessory structures.
Part 2.5 — California Residential Building Code — (Based on 2009 International Residential Building Code)
What are the contents?
Chapter 1: Scope and Application
Chapter 2: Definitions
Chapter 3: Building Planning
Chapter 4: Foundations
Chapter 5: Floors
Chapter 6: Wall Construction
Chapter 7: Wall Coverings
Chapter 8: Roof-Ceiling Construction
Chapter 9: Roof Assemblies
Chapter 10: Chimneys and Fireplaces
Several Appendices
Part 3 — California Electrical Code
— (Based on 2008 National Electrical Code)
The CA Electrical Code is concerned primarily with:
- Safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment
- Circuits and circuit protection
- Methods and materials for wiring
- General purpose equipment (cords, receptacles,switches)
Part 4 — California Mechanical Code
— (Based on 2009 Uniform Mechanical Code)
The CA Mechanical Code is concerned primarily with:
- Ventilation & air supply
- Exhaust systems
- Duct systems
- Chimneys & vents
- Steam and hot water boilers
- Refrigeration systems (HVAC)
Part 5 — California Plumbing Code
You can view the California Plumbing Code online at the California Building Standards Commission website
and scroll to the bottom for the link (Personally, I don’t think it is necessary, but I will leave that decision up
to you. If you decide to, just take a look at the Table of Contents). I have provided a small sampling of
examples the Code is concerned with.
— (Based on 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code)
The CA Plumbing Code is concerned primarily with:
- Plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings
- Water heaters
- Water supply and distribution
- Sanitary drainage
- Vents
- Traps and interceptors
- Storm drainage
Part 6 — California Energy Code
We will discuss the California Energy Code in Knowledge Statement #16.
Part 7 - California Elevator Safety Construction Code
NOTE: No longer part of Title 24, See Title 8.
Part 8 — California Historical Building Code (CHBC)
What is the purpose and intent of this part of the CHBC
- Purpose - The purpose of the California Historical Building Code (CHBC) is to provide regulations for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, relocation or reconstruction of buildings or properties designated as qualified historical buildings or properties.
- Intent - The intent of the CHBC is to facilitate the preservation and continuing use of qualified historical buildings or properties while providing reasonable safety for the building occupants and access for persons with disabilities.
How it the California Historical Building Code (CHBC) implemented and enforced?
-Implementation — The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept solutions that are reasonably
equivalent to the regular code (for example, the California Building Code).
-Enforcement — The state or local enforcing agency shall apply the provisions of the CHBC in permitting repairs, alterations, and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, reconstruction, rehabilitation, relocation, or continued use of a qualified historical building or
property.
To what issues is the the California Historical Building Code (CHBC) applicable?
- Application — The CHBC is applicable to all issues regarding code compliance for qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC may be used in conjunction with the regular code to provide solutions to facilitate the preservation of qualified historical buildings of properties.
- The CHBC is intended to provide solutions:
Preservation of qualified historical buildings br properties
Promote sustainability
Provide access to persons with disabilities
Provide a cost-effective approach to preservation
Provide for reasonable safety of the occupants and users
How does the California Historical Building Code (CHBC) apply to additions, alterations, and repairs?
-Additions, Alterations, Repairs
Nonhistorical expansion or additions to a qualified historical building shall conform to the requirements of the regular code (for example, the California Building Code).
How does the California Historical Building Code (CHBC) apply to State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB) ?
-Provides for interpretation of the provisions of the CHBC and to hear appeals and act as
appeal and review body to state and local agencies or any affected party.
-Enforcing agency, building official, or local board may file a written request for opinion of
the SHBSB.
Per California Historical Building Code (CHBC) what is a Qualified Historical Building or Property?
Qualified Historical Building or Property
-A qualified historical building is any building or collection of structures and their associated sites, deemed to be important to the history, architecture, or culture of an
area by an appropriate local, state, or federal governmental jurisdiction.
This shall include buildings on national, state, or local historical registers or inventories, such as:
- National Register of Historical Places
- California Register of Historical Resources
- State Historical Landmarks
- State Points of Historical Interest
- City or county registers
California Historical Building Code (CHBC)
Chapter 8-3 — Use and Occupancy
Existing Use - The use or occupancy shall be permitted to continue regardless of any period of time in which it may have remained unoccupied or in other uses, provided such building otherwise conforms to all applicable requirements of the CHBC.
Change in Occupancy - The use or occupancy may be changed from or returned to its historical use or character provided the new use or occupancy conforms with all
applicable requirements of the CHBC.
California Historical Building Code (CHBC)
Chapter 8-4 — Fire Protection
The intent is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings while maintaining a reasonable degree of fire protection based primarily on the life
safety of the occupants and firefighting personnel.
Topics covered in the this Section:
Fire-Resistive Construction, Interior Finish
Materials, Wood Lath and Plaster, Vertical Shafts, Roof Covering, Fire Alarm Systems, Automatic Sprinkler Systems.
California Historical Building Code (CHBC)
Chapter 8-5 — Means of Egress
Provide an adequate means of egress
California Historical Building Code (CHBC)
Chapter 8-6 — Accessibility
The intent is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings while providing access to and use by persons with disabilities.
True or False
Per California Historical Building Code (CHBC) the regular code (California Building Code, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings unless strict compliance will threaten or destroy the historical significance of the building.
True
See Chapter 8-6 — Accessibility
True or False
Per the accessibility provision found under California Historical Building Code (CHBC), If historical significance are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be
applied providing the following conditions are met;
Applied on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis
True
Documentation is provided stating the reasons for the alternative provisions
California Historical Building Code (CHBC)
Chapter 8-7 — Structural Regulations
- The intent is to provide alternative regulations for the structural safety of buildings designated as qualified historical buildings.
- The CHBC shall not be construed to allow the enforcing agency to approve or permit a lower level of safety of structural design and construction than what is reasonably equivalent to the regular code provisions in occupancies which are critical to the safety and welfare of the public at large, including but not limited to,
public and private schools, hospitals, municipal police and fire stations and essential services facilities. - Structural Survey — survey for structural conditions performed by an architect or structural engineer. Survey shall evaluate:
- Deterioration or signs of distress
- Determine the details of structural framing and the system for resistance of gravity and lateral loads
- Details, reinforcement and anchorage of structural systems and veneers
- Results of the survey shall be utilized for evaluating the structural capacity and for designing modifications to the structural system to reach compliance with the CHBC.
- Topics covered in this Section: Structural Survey, Nonhistorical Additions and Nonhistorical Alterations, Structural Regulations, Lateral Load Regulations
California Historical Building Code (CHBC)
Chapter 8-8 — Archaic Materials and Methods of Construction
-The purpose is to provide regulations for the use of historical methods and materials of construction that are at variance with regular code requirements.
-Topics covered in this Section: General Engineering Approaches, Nonstructural Archaic Materials, Allowable Conditions for Specific Materials, Masonry, Adobe,
Wood, Concrete, Steel and Iron, Hollow Clay Tile, Veneers, and Glass and Glazing.
California Historical Building Code (CHBC)
Chapter 8-9 — Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical Requirements ll.
The intent is to provide regulations for the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems of buildings designated as qualified historical buildings.
Note: Existing systems may remain if, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, do not constitute a safety hazard
True or False
Per the California Historical Building Code (CHBC), Existing Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical systems that don’t meet current standards must always be updated
False
Existing systems may remain if, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, do not constitute a safety hazard
• Chapter 8-10 — Qualified Historical Districts, Sites and Open Spaces
The purpose is to provide regulations for qualified historical buildings, properties, or districts for which Chapters 8-3 through 8-9 of the CHBC may not apply.
Part 9 — California Fire Code
- (Based on the 2009 International Fire Code)
- Purpose — Establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practices to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises, and to provide safety and assistance to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
- This Code establishes regulations affecting or relating to buildings, structures, processes, premises and a reasonable degree of life and property safeguards regarding:
- The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices;
- Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the use or occupancy of buildings, structures or premises;
- Fire hazards in the buildings, structures or on premises from use of, occupancy of or operation;
- Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression or alarm systems;
- Conditions affecting the safety of fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
Part 10— California Existing Building Code
— (Based on the 2009 International Existing Building Code)
Purpose — Promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes on existing unreinforced
masonry bearing walls.
Scope — Shall apply to all existing buildings having at least one unreinforced masonry bearing wall.
Part 11 — California Green Building Standards Code — (CALGreen Code)
- Purpose — Improve public health, safety, and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a
reduced negative impact or positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories:
- Planning and design
- Energy Efficiency
- Water efficiency and conservation
- Material conservation and resource efficiency
- Environmental quality
- Scope — Shall apply to the planning, design, operation, construction, use, and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure, unless otherwise
indicated in this Code, throughout the State of California.
Contents of the CALGreen Code:
Chapter 1 — Administration
Chapter 2 — Definitions
Chapter 3 — Green Building
Chapter 4 — Residential Mandatory Measures
Chapter 5 — Nonresidential Mandatory Measures
Chapter 6 — Reference Organizations and Standards
Chapter 7 — Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications
Chapter 8 — Compliance Forms and Worksheets
Part 12 — California Reference Standards Code
Contains minimum test standards required by the California Building Standards Code.
How is the California Building Standards Code (CBSC) different from the model codes?
- To distinguish between model code language and the incorporated California amendments, including exclusive California standards, California amendments will appear
in italics. - State agencies that have amended a section of the model code is indicated by [BSC] in brackets, with the State agency abbreviation as listed below
- BSC— California Building Standards Commission
- SFM - Office of State Fire Marshall
- HCD — Department of Housing and Community Development
- DSA-AC — Division of the State Architect — Access Compliance
- DSA-SS — Division of the State Architect — Structural Safety
- OSHPD — Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
- CSA — Corrections Standards Authority
- DHS — Department of Health Services
- AGR — Department of Food and Agriculture
- CEC — California Energy Commission
CA — Department of Consumer Affairs
- SL — State Librarian
- SLC — State Lands Commission
- DWR — Department of Water Resources
California Building Standards Code includes (Specifically, the California Building Code);
- More stringent seismic design requirements
- More stringent structural tests and special inspections
- Chapter 7A Wildfire Exposure - Added to the California Building Code
- Chapter 1 IA (Housing) and 11B (Public Buildings) —
- Accessibility Requirements developed and maintained by the Division of the State Architect (DSA)
- CBSC also includes The California Energy Code (Part 6)
I used the following sources to compile information in this section;
- California Building Standards Code — 2010
2. Building Codes Illustrated 2009 — FrancisChing/Steven Winkel
Why are model codes amended by the state?
Those Parts of CCR Title 24 that are based on a model code incorporate the model code language along with amendments.
The California Building Standards Commission and other state adopting agencies have determined that amendments are necessary to:
eliminate conflict with state laws,
to include requirements of state laws, or
to eliminate conflicts with other adopted model codes.
Out of all state adopting agencies, which one may adopt provisions for publication in Title 24
only the Building Standards Commission may adopt the provisions for publication in Title 24.
Which parts of Title 24 are modeled entirely by state agencies as a California Standard?
Parts 6, 8 and 11 are developed entirely by state adopting agencies as aCalifornia Standard. These Parts are not based on a model code. The text ofthese Parts is printed in standard font, not italic font because the text is not a California Amendment to a model code.
