A5.404 Efficient Framing Techniques — 2025 California Green Building Standards Code

A5.404.1 Wood framing. Employ advanced wood framing techniques or OVE, as recommended by the US Department of Energy’s Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs and as permitted by the enforcing agency.

A5.404.1.1 Structural or fire-resistance integrity. The OVE selected shall not conflict with structural framing methods or firerated assemblies required by the California Building Code.

A5.404.1.2 Framing specifications. Advanced framing techniques include the following:

1. Building design using 2-foot modules;
2. Spacing wall studs up to 24 inches on center;
3. Spacing floor and roof framing members up to 24 inches on center;
4. Using 2-stud corner framing and drywall clips or scrap lumber for drywall backing;
5. Eliminating solid headers in non-load-bearing walls;
6. Using in-line framing, aligning floor, wall and roof framing members vertically for direct transfer of loads; and
7. Using single lumber headers and top plates where appropriate.

Note: Additional information can be obtained from the US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) website.