Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
Section 506 — BUILDING AREA
2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-29 · California
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
506.1 General. ¶
The floor area of a building shall be determined based on the type of construction, occupancy classification, whether there is an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout the building and the amount of building frontage on public way or open
space.
506.1.1 Unlimited area buildings. Unlimited area buildings shall be designed in accordance with Section 507.
506.1.2 Special provisions. The special provisions of Section 510 permit the use of special conditions that are exempt from, or modify, the specific requirements of this chapter regarding the allowable areas of buildings based on the occupancy classification and type of construction, provided the special condition complies with the provisions specified in Section 510.
506.1.3 Basements. Basements need not be included in the total allowable floor area of a building provided the total area of such basements does not exceed the area permitted for a one-story above grade plane building.
506.2 Allowable area determination. ¶
The allowable area of a building shall be determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 506.2.1, 506.2.2 and 506.3.
TABLE 506.2—ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR (A = NS, S1, S13R, S13D or SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEETa, b, j
t
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION |
SEE FOOTNOTES | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION |
SEE FOOTNOTES | Type I | Type I | Type II | Type II | Type III | Type III | Type IV | Type IV | Type IV | Type IV | Type V | Type V |
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION |
SEE FOOTNOTES | A | B | A | B | A | B | A | B | C | HT | A | B |
| A-1 | NS | UL | UL | 15,500 | 8,500 | 14,000 | 8,500 | 45,000 | 30,000 | 18,750 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 5,500 |
| A-1 | S1 | UL | UL | 62,000 | 34,000 | 56,000 | 34,000 | 180,000 | 120,000 | 75,000 | 60,000 | 46,000 | 22,000 |
| A-1 | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 46,500 | 25,500 | 42,000 | 25,500 | 135,000 | 90,000 | 56,250 | 45,000 | 34,500 | 16,500 |
| A-1 | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 15,500 | 8,500 | 14,000 | 8,500 | 45,000 | 30,000 | 18,750 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 5,500 |
| A-2 | NS | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 45,000 | 30,000 | 18,750 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 |
| A-2 | S1 | UL | UL | 62,000 | 38,000 | 56,000 | 38,000 | 180,000 | 120,000 | 75,000 | 60,000 | 46,000 | 24,000 |
| A-2 | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 46,500 | 28,500 | 42,000 | 28,500 | 135,000 | 90,000 | 56,250 | 45,000 | 34,500 | 18,000 |
| A-2 | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 45,000 | 30,000 | 18,750 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 |
| A-3 | NS | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 45,000 | 30,000 | 18,750 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 |
| A-3 | S1 | UL | UL | 62,000 | 38,000 | 56,000 | 38,000 | 180,000 | 120,000 | 75,000 | 60,000 | 46,000 | 24,000 |
| A-3 | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 46,500 | 28,500 | 42,000 | 28,500 | 135,000 | 90,000 | 56,250 | 45,000 | 34,500 | 18,000 |
| A-3 | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 45,000 | 30,000 | 18,750 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 |
| A-4 | NS | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 45,000 | 30,000 | 18,750 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 |
| A-4 | S1 | UL | UL | 62,000 | 38,000 | 56,000 | 38,000 | 180,000 | 120,000 | 75,000 | 60,000 | 46,000 | 24,000 |
| A-4 | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 46,500 | 28,500 | 42,000 | 28,500 | 135,000 | 90,000 | 56,250 | 45,000 | 34,500 | 18,000 |
| A-4 | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 45,000 | 30,000 | 18,750 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 |
| A-5 | NS | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL |
| A-5 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 |
| A-5 | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM |
| B | NS | UL | UL | 37,500 | 23,000 | 28,500 | 19,000 | 108,000 | 72,000 | 45,000 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 9,000 |
| B | S1 | UL | UL | 150,000 | 92,000 | 114,000 | 76,000 | 432,000 | 288,000 | 180,000 | 144,000 | 72,000 | 36,000 |
| B | SM | UL | UL | 112,500 | 69,000 | 85,500 | 57,000 | 324,000 | 216,000 | 135,000 | 108,000 | 54,000 | 27,000 |
| E | NS | UL | UL | 26,500 | 14,500 | 23,500 | 14,500 | 76,500 | 51,000 | 31,875 | 25,500 | 18,500 | 9,500 |
| E | S1 | UL | UL | 106,000 | 58,000 | 94,000 | 58,000 | 306,000 | 204,000 | 127,500 | 102,000 | 74,000 | 38,000 |
| E | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 79,500 | 43,500 | 70,500 | 43,500 | 229,500 | 153,000 | 95,625 | 76,500 | 55,500 | 28,500 |
| E | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 26,500 | 14,500 | 23,500 | 14,500 | 76,500 | 51,000 | 31,875 | 25,500 | 18,500 | 9.500 |
| F-1 | NS | UL | UL | 25,000 | 15,500 | 19,000 | 12,000 | 100,500 | 67,000 | 41,875 | 33,500 | 14,000 | 8,500 |
| F-1 | S1 | UL | UL | 100,000 | 62,000 | 76,000 | 48,000 | 402,000 | 268,000 | 167,500 | 134,000 | 56,000 | 34,000 |
| F-1 | SM | UL | UL | 75,000 | 46,500 | 57,000 | 36,000 | 301,500 | 201,000 | 125,625 | 100,500 | 42,000 | 25,500 |
| F-2 | NS | UL | UL | 37,500 | 23,000 | 28,500 | 18,000 | 151,500 | 101,000 | 63,125 | 50,500 | 21,000 | 13,000 |
| F-2 | S1 | UL | UL | 150,000 | 92,000 | 114,000 | 72,000 | 606,000 | 404,000 | 252,500 | 202,000 | 84,000 | 52,000 |
| F-2 | SM | UL | UL | 112,500 | 69,000 | 85,500 | 54,000 | 454,500 | 303,000 | 189,375 | 151,500 | 63,000 | 39,000 |
| H-1 | NSc | 21,000 | 16,500 | 11,000 | 7,000 | 9,500 | 7,000 | 10,500 | 10,500 | 10,500 | 10,500 | 7,500 | NP |
| H-1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 |
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
�
TABLE T5A0B6.L2E— 5A0L6L.2O—WAALBLLOEW AARBELAE F AARCETAO FRA (CAT =O NRS (A, S =1,N SS1,3 SR1,, SS1133DR,o Sr 1S3MD, oars SaMpp, laics aabplpel)i cINa bSlQe)U IANR SEQ FUEAERTEa, bF, E j—ETcoa, nb,t jinued
t t
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION |
SEE FOOTNOTES | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION |
SEE FOOTNOTES | Type I | Type I | Type II | Type II | Type III | Type III | Type IV | Type IV | Type IV | Type IV | Type V | Type V |
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION |
SEE FOOTNOTES | A | B | A | B | A | B | A | B | C | HT | A | B |
| H-2 | NSc | 21,000 | 16,500 | 11,000 | 7,000 | 9,500 | 7,000 | 10,500 | 10,500 | 10,500 | 10,500 | 7,500 | 3,000 |
| H-2 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 |
| H-2 | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM |
| H-3 | NSc | UL | 60,000 | 26,500 | 14,000 | 17,500 | 13,000 | 25,500 | 25,500 | 25,500 | 25,500 | 10,000 | 5,000 |
| H-3 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 |
| H-3 | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM |
| H-4 | NSc, d | UL | UL | 37,500 | 17,500 | 28,500 | 17,500 | 72,000 | 54,000 | 40,500 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 6,500 |
| H-4 | S1 | UL | UL | 150,000 | 70,000 | 114,000 | 70,000 | 288,000 | 216,000 | 162,000 | 144,000 | 72,000 | 26,000 |
| H-4 | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 112,500 | 52,500 | 85,500 | 52,500 | 216,000 | 162,000 | 121,500 | 108,000 | 54,000 | 19,500 |
| H-4 | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 37,500 | 17,500 | 28,500 | 17,500 | 72,000 | 54,000 | 40,500 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 6,500 |
| H-5 | NSc, d | UL | UL | 37,500 | 23,000 | 28,500 | 19,000 | 72,000 | 54,000 | 40,500 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 9,000 |
| H-5 | S1 | UL | UL | 150,000 | 92,000 | 114,000 | 76,000 | 288,000 | 216,000 | 162,000 | 144,000 | 72,000 | 36,000 |
| H-5 | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 112,500 | 69,000 | 85,500 | 57,000 | 216,000 | 162,000 | 121,500 | 108000 | 54,000 | 27,000 |
| H-5 | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 37,500 | 23,000 | 28,500 | 19,000 | 72,000 | 54,000 | 40,500 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 9,000 |
| I-2 | NSd, f | UL | UL | 15,000 | 11,000 | 12,000 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 12,000 | 9,500 | NP |
| I-2 | S1 | UL | UL | 60,000 | 44,000 | 48,000 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 48,000 | 38,000 | NP |
| I-2 | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 45,000 | 33,000 | 36,000 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 36,000 | 28,500 | NP |
| I-2 | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 15,000 | 11,000 | 12,000 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 12,000 | 9,500 | NP |
| I-3 | NSd, e | UL | 15,100 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP |
| I-3 | S1 | UL | 45,300 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP |
| I-3 | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | 30,200 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP |
| I-3 | SM (with height increase) | UL | 15,100 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP |
| I-4 | NSd, g | UL | 60,500 | 26,500 | 13,000 | 23,500 | 13,000 | 76,500 | 51,000 | 25,500 | 25,500 | 18,500 | 9,000 |
| I-4 | S1 | UL | 121,000 | 106,000 | 52,000 | 94,000 | 52,000 | 306,000 | 204,000 | 102,000 | 102,000 | 74,000 | 36,000 |
| I-4 | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | 181,500 | 79,500 | 39,000 | 70,500 | 39,000 | 229,500 | 153,000 | 76,500 | 76,500 | 55,500 | 27,000 |
| I-4 | SM (with height increase) | UL | 60,500 | 26,500 | 13,000 | 23,500 | 13,000 | 76,500 | 51,000 | 25,500 | 25,500 | 18,500 | 9,000 |
| L | NS | UL | 60,000 | 37,500 | 17,500 | 28,500 | 17,500 | 60,000 | 37,500 | 36,000 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 6,500 |
| L | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 |
| L | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM |
| M | NS | UL | UL | 21,500 | 12,500 | 18,500 | 12,500 | 61,500 | 41,000 | 26,625 | 20,500 | 14,000 | 9,000 |
| M | S1 | UL | UL | 86,000 | 50,000 | 74,000 | 50,000 | 246,000 | 164,000 | 102,500 | 82,000 | 56,000 | 36,000 |
| M | SM | UL | UL | 64,500 | 37,500 | 55,500 | 37,500 | 184,500 | 123,000 | 76,875 | 61,500 | 42,000 | 27,000 |
| R-1h | NSd | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 61,500 | 41,000 | 25,625 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 |
| R-1h | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R |
| R-1h | S1 | UL | UL | 96,000 | 64,000 | 96,000 | 64,000 | 246,000 | 164,000 | 102,500 | 82,000 | 48,000 | 28,000 |
| R-1h | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 72,000 | 48,000 | 72,000 | 48,000 | 184,500 | 123,000 | 76,875 | 61,500 | 36,000 | 21,000 |
| R-1h | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 61,500 | 41,000 | 25,625 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 |
| R-2h | NSd | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 61,500 | 41,000 | 25,625 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 |
| R-2h | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R |
| R-2h | S1 | UL | UL | 96,000 | 64,000 | 96,000 | 64,000 | 246,000 | 164,000 | 102,500 | 82,000 | 48,000 | 28,000 |
| R-2h | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 72,000 | 48,000 | 72,000 | 48,000 | 184,500 | 123,000 | 76,875 | 61,500 | 36,000 | 21,000 |
| R-2h | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 61,500 | 41,000 | 25,625 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 |
| R-2 Type VA constructionk |
NSd | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 12,000 | NP |
| R-2 Type VA constructionk |
S13R | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 12,000 | NP |
| R-2 Type VA constructionk |
S1 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 48,000 | NP |
| R-2 Type VA constructionk |
SM_ (without height increase)_ | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 36,000 | NP |
| R-2 Type VA constructionk |
SM (with height increase) | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 36,000 j | NP |
5-10 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
TABLET 5A0B6L.2E— 5A0L6L.2O—WAALBLLOEW AARBELAE F AARCETAO FRA (CAT =O RN S(A, S =1 N, SS1, 3SR1, S13DR,o Sr1 S3MD, oars SaMpp, alisc aabplpel)i cINab SlQe)U IANR SEQ FUEAERTEa, bF, E j—ETcao, nb, tjinued
t t
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION |
SEE FOOTNOTES | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION |
SEE FOOTNOTES | Type I | Type I | Type II | Type II | Type III | Type III | Type IV | Type IV | Type IV | Type IV | Type V | Type V |
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION |
SEE FOOTNOTES | A | B | A | B | A | B | A | B | C | HT | A | B |
| R-2.1h | NSd | UL | 55,000 | 19,000 | NP | 16,500 | NP | 54,000 | NP | NP | NP | 10,500 | NP |
| R-2.1h | S13R | UL | 55,000 | 19,000 | NP | 16,500 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 10,500 | NP |
| R-2.1h | S1 | UL | 220,000 | 76,000 | NP | 66,000 | NP | 216,000 | NP | NP | NP | 42,000 | NP |
| R-2.1h | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | 165,000 | 57,000 | NP | 49,500 | NP | 162,000 | NP | NP | NP | 31,500 | NP |
| R-2.1h | SM (with height increase) | UL | 55,000 | 19,000 | NP | 16,500 | NP | 41,000 | 25,625 | 20,500 | 41,000 | 10,500 | NP |
| R-2.2h | NSl | UL | UL | 24,000 | NP | 24,000 | NP | 61,500 | 41,000 | 25,625 | 20,500 | 12,000 | NP |
| R-2.2h | S1 | UL | UL | 96,000 | NP | 96,000 | NP | 246,000 | _ 164,000_ | 102,500 | 82,000 | 48,000 | NP |
| R-2.2h | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 72,000 | NP | 72,000 | NP | 184,500 | _ 123,000_ | 76,875 | 61,500 | 36,000 | NP |
| R-2.2h | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 24,000 | NP | 24,000 | NP | 61,500 | 41,000 | 25,625 | 20,500 | 12,000 | NP |
| R-3_, R-3-1_h | NSd | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL |
| R-3_, R-3-1_h | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D |
| R-3_, R-3-1_h | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R |
| R-3_, R-3-1_h | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 | S1 |
| R-3_, R-3-1_h | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM | SM |
| R-4h | NSd | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 61,500 | 41,000 | 25,625 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 |
| R-4h | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D | S13D |
| R-4h | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R | S13R |
| R-4h | S1 | UL | UL | 96,000 | 64,000 | 96,000 | 64,000 | 246,000 | 164,000 | 102,500 | 82,000 | 48,000 | 28,000 |
| R-4h | SM_ (without height increase)_ | UL | UL | 72,000 | 48,000 | 72,000 | 48,000 | 184,500 | 123,000 | 76,875 | 61,500 | 36,000 | 21,000 |
| R-4h | SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 61,500 | 41,000 | 25,625 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 |
| S-1 | NS | UL | 48,000 | 26,000 | 17,500 | 26,000 | 17,500 | 76,500 | 51,000 | 31,875 | 25,500 | 14,000 | 9,000 |
| S-1 | S1 | UL | 192,000 | 104,000 | 70,000 | 104,000 | 70,000 | 306,000 | 204,000 | 127,500 | 102,000 | 56,000 | 36,000 |
| S-1 | SM | UL | 144,000 | 78,000 | 52,500 | 78,000 | 52,500 | 229,500 | 153,000 | 95,625 | 76,500 | 42,000 | 27,000 |
| S-2 | NS | UL | 79,000 | 39,000 | 26,000 | 39,000 | 26,000 | 115,500 | 77,000 | 48,125 | 38,500 | 21,000 | 13,500 |
| S-2 | S1 | UL | 316,000 | 156,000 | 104,000 | 156,000 | 104,000 | 462,000 | 308,000 | 192,500 | 154,000 | 84,000 | 54,000 |
| S-2 | SM | UL | 237,000 | 117,000 | 78,000 | 117,000 | 78,000 | 346,500 | 231,000 | 144,375 | 115,500 | 63,000 | 40,500 |
| U | NSi | UL | 35,500 | 19,000 | 8,500 | 14,000 | 8,500 | 54,000 | 36,000 | 22,500 | 18,000 | 9,000 | 5,500 |
| U | S1 | UL | 142,000 | 76,000 | 34,000 | 56,000 | 34,000 | 216,000 | 144,000 | 90,000 | 72,000 | 36,000 | 22,000 |
| U | SM | UL | 106,500 | 57,000 | 25,500 | 42,000 | 25,500 | 162,000 | 108,000 | 67,500 | 54,000 | 27,000 | 16,500 |
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
UL = Unlimited; NP = Not Permitted; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S1 = Buildings a maximum of one story above grade plane
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; SM = Buildings two or more stories above grade plane equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
a. See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable area in this chapter.
b. See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
c. New Group H_and all Group L_occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
d. The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building area in accordance with the_California Existing Building Code_.
e. New Group I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6.
f. New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and with Section 1103.5 of the_Cali-_
fornia Fire Code.
g. New Group I-4 occupancies see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
h. New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.
i. The maximum allowable area for a single-story nonsprinklered Group U greenhouse is permitted to be 9,000 square feet, or the allowable area shall be permitted to comply
with Table C102.1 of Appendix C.
j. In other than Group A, E, H, I, L and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the S increases
for height and stories in Tables 504.3 and 504.4 are permitted in addition to the S area increase in accordance with Table 506.2.
k. For Group R-2 buildings of Type VA construction equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, S area increase is permit-
ted in addition to the height and story increase provided the height shall not exceed 60 feet and 4 stories.
l. The NS value is only for use in evaluation of single-occupancy, multistory buildings per the formula in Section 506.2.3.
506.2.1 Single-occupancy buildings. The allowable area of each story of a single-occupancy building shall be determined in accordance with Equation 5-1:
Equation 5-1 A a = A t + ( NS × I f )
where:
A a = Allowable area (square feet).
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
�
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
A t = Tabular allowable area factor (NS, S1, S13R or S13D value, as applicable) in accordance with Table 506.2.
NS = Tabular allowable area factor in accordance with Table 506.2 for nonsprinklered building (regardless of whether the building is sprinklered).
I f = Area factor increase due to frontage (percent) as calculated in accordance with Section 506.3.
The allowable area per story of a single-occupancy building with a maximum of two stories above grade plane shall be determined by Equation 5-1. The total allowable area of a single-occupancy building more than two stories above grade plane shall be determined in accordance with Equation 5-2:
Equation 5-2 A a = [ A t + ( NS × I f )] × S a
where:
A a = Allowable area (square feet). A t = Tabular allowable area factor (NS, S13R, S13D or SM value, as applicable) in accordance with Table 506.2.
NS = Tabular allowable area factor in accordance with Table 506.2 for a nonsprinklered building (regardless of whether the building is sprinklered).
I f = Area factor increase due to frontage (percent) as calculated in accordance with Section 506.3.
S a = 3 for other than Group A, E, H, I, L and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, where the actual number of stories above grade plane exceeds three.
S a = 2 for Group A, E, H, I, L and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, actual number of building stories above grade plane, not to exceed two.
The actual area of any individual floor shall not exceed the allowable area per Equation 5-1.
506.2.2 Mixed-occupancy buildings. The allowable area of each story of a mixed-occupancy building shall be determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 508.3.2 for nonseparated occupancies and Section 508.4.2 for separated occupancies.
For buildings with more than two stories above grade plane, the total building area shall be such that the aggregate sum of the ratios of the actual area of each story divided by the allowable area of such stories, determined in accordance with Equation 5-3 based on the applicable provisions of Section 508.1, shall not exceed three, provided the aggregate sum of the ratios for portions of mixed-occupancy, multistory buildings containing A, E, H, I, L and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, including any other associated non-separated occupancies, shall not exceed two.
Equation 5-3 A a = [ A t + ( NS × I f )]
where:
A a = Allowable area (square feet). A t = Tabular allowable area factor (NS, S13R, S13D or SM value, as applicable) in accordance with Table 506.2.
NS = Tabular allowable area factor in accordance with Table 506.2 for a nonsprinklered building, regardless of whether the building is sprinklered.
I f = Area factor increase due to frontage (percent) as calculated in accordance with Section 506.3.
506.2.2.1 Group H-2 or H-3 mixed occupancies. For a building containing Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies, the allowable area shall be determined in accordance with Section 508.4.2, with the automatic sprinkler system increase applicable only to the portions of the building not classified as Group H-2 or H-3.
506.3 Frontage increase. ¶
Every building shall adjoin or have access to a public way to receive an area factor increase based on frontage. Area factor increase shall be determined in accordance with Sections 506.3.1 through 506.3.3.
506.3.1 Minimum percentage of perimeter. To qualify for an area factor increase based on frontage, a building shall have not less than 25 percent of its perimeter on a public way or open space. Such open space shall be either on the same lot or dedicated for public use and shall be accessed from a street or approved fire lane.
506.3.2 Minimum frontage distance. To qualify for an area factor increase based on frontage, the public way or open space adjacent to the building perimeter shall have a minimum distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) measured at right angles from the building face to any of the following:
The closest interior lot line.
The entire width of a street, alley or public way.
The exterior face of an adjacent building on the same property.
The frontage increase shall be based on the smallest public way or open space that is 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater, and the percentage of building perimeter having a minimum 20 feet (6096 mm) public way or open space.
506.3.3 Amount of increase. The area factor increase based on frontage shall be determined in accordance with Table 506.3.3.
5-12 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
TABLE 506.3.3—FRONTAGE INCREASE FACTORa
| PERCENTAGE OF BUILDING PERIMETER | OPEN SPACE (feet) | OPEN SPACE (feet) | OPEN SPACE (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERCENTAGE OF BUILDING PERIMETER | 20 to less than 25 | 25 to less than 30 | 30 or greater |
| 0 to less than 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 25 to less than 50 | 0.17 | 0.21 | 0.25 |
| 50 to less than 75 | 0.33 | 0.42 | 0.50 |
| 75 to 100 | 0.50 | 0.63 | 0.75 |
| For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Interpolation is permitted. |
506.3.3.1 Section 507 buildings. Where a building meets the requirements of Section 507, as applicable, except for compliance with the minimum 60-foot (18 288 mm) public way or yard requirement, the area factor increase based on frontage shall be determined in accordance with Table 506.3.3.1. The frontage increase shall be based on the smallest public way or open space that is 30 feet (9144 mm) or greater, and the percentage of building perimeter having a minimum 30 feet (9144 mm) public way or open space.
for compliance with the minimum 60-foot (18 288 mm) public way or yard requirement, the area factor increase based on frontage shall be determined in accordance with Table 506.3.3.1. The frontage increase shall be based on the smallest public way or open space that is 30 feet (9144 mm) or greater, and the percentage of building perimeter having a minimum 30 feet (9144 mm) public way or open space.
TABLE 506.3.3.1—SECTION 507 BUILDINGSa
| PERCENTAGE OF BUILDING PERIMETER |
OPEN SPACE (feet) | OPEN SPACE (feet) | OPEN SPACE (feet) | OPEN SPACE (feet) | OPEN SPACE (feet) | OPEN SPACE (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PERCENTAGE OF BUILDING PERIMETER |
30 to less than 35 | 35 to less than 40 | 40 to less than 45 | 45 to less than 50 | 50 to less than 55 | 55 or greater |
| 0 to less than 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 25 to less than 50 | 0.29 | 0.33 | 0.38 | 0.42 | 0.46 | 0.50 |
| 50 to less than 75 | 0.58 | 0.67 | 0.75 | 0.83 | 0.92 | 1.00 |
| 75 to 100 | 0.88 | 1.00 | 1.13 | 1.25 | 1.38 | 1.50 |
| For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Interpolation is permitted. |
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Ask AI about this code▸ Contents — 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
- Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
- Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY A…
-
▸ Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
Overview- Section 501 — GENERAL
- Section 502 — BUILDING ADDRESS
- Section 503 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHT AND AREA LIMITATIONS
- Section 504 — BUILDING HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES
- Section 505 — MEZZANINES AND EQUIPMENT PLATFORMS
- Section 506 — BUILDING AREA
- Section 507 — UNLIMITED AREA BUILDINGS
- Section 508 — MIXED USE AND OCCUPANCY
- Section 509 — INCIDENTAL USES
- Section 510 — SPECIAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
- Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR EXTERIOR W…
- Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
- Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
- Chapter 11 — RESERVED
- Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
- Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
- Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
- Chapter 13 — ENERGY EFFICIENCY
- Chapter 14 — EXTERIOR WALLS
- Chapter 15 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
- Chapter 16 — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
- Chapter 16A — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
- Chapter 17 — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
- Chapter 17A — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
- Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
- Chapter 18A — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
- Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
- Chapter 19A — CONCRETE
- Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
- Chapter 21 — MASONRY
- Chapter 21A — MASONRY
- Chapter 22 — STEEL
- Chapter 22A — STEEL
- Chapter 23 — WOOD
- Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
- Chapter 25 — GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
- Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
- Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
- Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
- Chapter 29 — PLUMBING SYSTEMS
- Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
- Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 31A — SYSTEMS FOR WINDOW CLEANING OR EXTERIOR BUILDING…
- Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS
- Chapter 31C — RADIATION
- Chapter 31D — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 31F — MARINE OIL TERMINALS
- Chapter 32 — ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
- Chapter 33 — SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 34 — RESERVED
- Chapter 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
- Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
- Appendix C — GROUP U—AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
- Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
- Appendix E — RESERVED
- Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
- Appendix G — FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION
- Appendix H — SIGNS
- Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
- Appendix J — GRADING
- Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES PROTECTED B…
- Appendix L — EARTHQUAKE RECORDING INSTRUMENTATION
- Appendix M — TSUNAMI-GENERATED FLOOD HAZARDS
- Appendix N — REPLICABLE BUILDINGS
- Appendix O — PERFORMANCE-BASED APPLICATION
- Appendix P — SLEEPING LOFTS
- Appendix Q — EMERGENCY HOUSING