A205 General Requirements — 2025 California Existing Building Code

[BS] A205.1 General. The seismic-resisting elements specified in this chapter shall comply with applicable provisions of Section 1613 of the California Building Code and Chapter 12 of ASCE 7, except as modified herein.

[BS] A205.2 Requirements for plans. The plans shall accurately reflect the results of the engineering investigation and design and shall show all pertinent dimensions and sizes for plan review and construction. The following shall be provided:

1. Floor plans and roof plans shall show existing framing construction, diaphragm construction, proposed wall anchors, crossties and collectors. Existing nailing, anchors, crossties and collectors shall be shown on the plans if they are considered part of the lateral force-resisting systems.
2. Typical wall panel details and sections with panel thickness, height, pilasters and location of anchors shall be provided.
3. Details shall include existing and new anchors and the method of developing anchor forces into the diaphragm framing, existing and new crossties, and existing and new or improved support of roof and floor girders at pilasters or walls.
4. The basis for design and the building code used for the design shall be stated on the plans.

[BS] A205.3 Structural observation. Structural observation, in accordance with Section 1704.6 of the California Building Code is required, regardless of seismic design category, height or other conditions. Structural observation shall include visual observation of work for conformance to the approved construction documents and confirmation of existing conditions assumed during design.

A205.3.1 Additional special inspection. In addition to the requirements of Section 1705.13 of the California Building Code, special inspection shall be required for:

1. Installation of anchors into existing concrete or masonry walls to form part of a wall anchorage system.

2. Fastening of new or existing steel deck forming part of a wall anchorage system.

3. Installation of continuity connectors along the length of crossties, to ensure compliance with Section A206.2. This inspection may be periodic special inspection.

A205.3.2 Testing to establish adequacy of existing wall anchors. Testing shall show that the existing anchors can sustain a test load of 1.5 times the design tension load without noticeable deformation or damage to the anchor, to the masonry or concrete element, or to any part of the existing load path between the anchor and new retrofit components. Three anchors of each existing detail type shall be tested, and all three shall satisfy the requirement. Prior to testing, the design professional shall submit a test plan for code official approval identifying the expected locations of the existing anchors in question, the locations of the proposed tests, and the test procedure and criteria. After testing, the design professional shall submit a report of the satisfactory testing showing the test results, the design strengths derived from them, and the size and spacing as confirmed by investigation.

Structural testing and inspection for new construction materials, submittals, reports and certificates of compliance shall be in accordance with Sections 1704 and 1705 of the California Building Code . Work done to comply with this chapter shall not be eligible for Exception 1 to Section 1704.2 of the California Building Code or Exception 2 to Section 1705.13 of the California Building Code .