Building Safety

Codes and Regulations

Building Standards Unit

The HCAI Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD) Building Standards Unit is responsible for the development of administrative regulations and building standards for the construction of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, licensed clinics and correctional treatment centers in California. These regulations are developed, as necessary, to implement the provisions of the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Seismic Safety Act of 1983.

Building Standards Unit staff work in conjunction with HCAI’s architects, engineers and construction observation staff, the Hospital Building Safety Board, and interested members of the public to develop code language for new building standards and amendments to existing standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, California Building Standards Code. All regulatory proposals are submitted to the California Building Standards Commission for approval and adoption.

Title 24 California Building Standards Code

2022 Intervening Code Adoption Cycle

The Intervening Supplement (blue pages) were published January 1, 2024, with an effective date of July 1, 2024. The Supplement can be viewed at the link above.

2024 Triennial Code Adoption Cycle

The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) has started development of the 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24.  HCAI/OSHPD has submitted proposed code changes for rulemaking process that is administered by CBSC. Visit the California Building Standards Commission website for resources, current information, and opportunities for public participation: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/en/BSC/Rulemaking/2024-Triennial-Cycle.

Once approved and adopted, the 2025 California Building Standards Code will be published July 1, 2025, with an effective date of January 1, 2026.

OSHPD 3 Clinics

The Department of Health Care Access and Information is responsible for writing regulations pertaining to licensed clinics. These regulations are identified in the California Building Standards Code as “OSHPD 3”. OSHPD 3 requirements for clinics shall only be applied to clinics that are licensed pursuant to Health and Safety Code (H&S) Section 1200 (which includes primary care clinics and specialty clinics) or outpatient services of a hospital licensed pursuant to H&S Section 1250.

The following documents are intended to assist designers, building officials, and clinic operators in applying OSHPD 3 requirements and determining which jurisdiction has authority over the plan review, certification, and construction inspection of clinic facilities.

*Due to the complexity of the data, technical expertise is needed in order to interpret this content. If you have trouble reading please contact RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

Code Application Notices (CANs)

HCAI’s Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development issues Code Application Notices (CANs) to interpret or clarify specific sections of the California Building Standards Code, also known as Title 24. Use the links below to view an index of CANs that were issued for a specific edition of Title 24.

See the CAN Matrix for CANS issued under a specific Title 24 edition that carries forward to subsequent years.  Also, see CAN 1-0 Enforceable Codes to determine which Title 24 code edition is applicable to your project. 

For questions or comments related to PINs or CANs, or to receive accessible copies of the CAN Matrix, please email the Building Standards Unit at RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

2022 California Building Standards Code

Code Application Notices (CANs)

Index of 2022 CANs (Based on 2022 California Building Standards Code)

CAN 1-0 – Enforceable Codes
Effective Date: 09/05/1989
Revised Date: 05/15/2024

CAN 2-0 – OSHPD Jurisdiction
Effective Date: 07/15/2013
Revised Date: 08/01/2024

2022 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 
Part 1, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 1-7-153(b) – (Formerly CAN 1-7-153) Non-Material Alterations (NMA)
Effective Date: 06/08/2023
Revised Date: 07/15/2024

2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 
Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 2-1.10.6 – OSHPD 6 Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospitals
Effective Date: 07/11/2024
Revised Date: N/A

CAN 2-108 – Temporary/ Interim Structures, Tents and Equipment Uses
Effective Date: 07/15/2013
Revised Date: 06/03/2024

CAN 2-1224.4.4.4.2 – Self-contained Medication Dispensing Units
Effective Date: 10/31/2024
Revised Date: N/A

CAN 2-302.2 – Use Designation (subordinate uses)
Effective Date: 12/16/2024
Revised Date: N/A

CAN 2-407.2.2 – Nurse Stations
Effective Date: 04/21/2009
Revised Date: 10/31/2024

CAN 2-703.2 – Rebar in Lieu of Welded Wire Fabric in Fire-Resistance-Rated Assemblies
Effective Date: 05/18/2009
Revised Date: 02/28/2023

2022 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE 
Part 3, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 3-517.30(B.1)(4) – Health Care Microgrids as Type 1 Essential Electrical System (EES) Source
Effective Date: 06/10/2024
Revised Date: N/A

*Indicates the CAN was revised

For questions or comments related to the CANs, please email the Building Standards Unit at RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

2019 California Building Standards Code

Code Application Notices (CANs)

Index of 2019 CANs (Based on 2019 California Building Standards Code)

*CAN 1-0 – Enforceable Codes
Effective Date: 09/05/1989
Revised Date: 02/18/2020

*CAN 2-0 – OSHPD Jurisdiction
Effective Date: 07/15/2013
Revised Date: 05/08/2020

2019 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 
Part 1, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 1-7-133(k) (Formerly CAN 1-7-133) – Review of Design and Construction by Seismic Examination
Effective Date: 06/22/2020
Revised Date: N/A

*CAN 1-7-153 – Amended Construction Documents
Effective Date: 03/03/2022
Revised Date: 03/30/2022

2019 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 
Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 2-11B – Accessibility in Health Facilities
Effective Date: 07/30/2021
Revised Date: 12/19/2023

CAN 2-102.6 – Remodel
Effective Date: 11/08/2019
Revised Date: 08/03/2021

*CAN 2-108 – Temporary Structures and Uses
Effective Date: 02/03/2021
Revised Date: 06/25/2021

CAN 2-407.4.1 – Direct Corridor Access from Habitable Rooms
Effective Date: 11/12/2015
Revised Date: 04/23/2020

CAN 2-407.2.2 – Nurses’ Stations
Effective Date: 04/21/2009
Revised Date: 07/08/2020

CAN 2-442.2.3 – Location of Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines
Effective Date: 12/08/1994
Revised Date: 08/12/2021

CAN 2-508 – (Formerly CAN 2-1109B.2) – Construction Separation of Emergency Vehicle and Passenger Drop-Off and Loading Zones
Effective Date: 09/03/2020
Revised Date: N/A

*CAN 2-703.2 – Rebar in Lieu of Welded Wire Fabric in Fire-Resistance-Rated Assemblies
Effective Date: 05/18/2009
Revised Date: 02/09/2022

CAN 2-703.3 – Engineering Judgments
Effective Date: 05/20/2009
Revised Date: 09/21/2020

CAN 2-2508.2.1 – Weather Protection for Gypsum Wallboard
Effective Date: 08/19/2009
Revised Date: 04/16/2020

2019 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE 
Part 3, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 3-517.40(B) – Electrical Life-Support Equipment for Nursing Homes and Limited Care Facilities
Effective Date: 10/10/2012
Revised Date: 09/20/2021

2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 
Part 9, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 9-907.2.6.2.2 – Patient and Client Room Smoke Detectors
Effective Date: 01/13/2021
Revised Date: N/A

CAN 9-3301 – Fire-Resistance Rated Assemblies and Construction
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 10/06/2020

*Indicates the CAN was revised

For questions or comments related to the CANs, please email the Building Standards Unit at RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

2016 California Building Standards Code

Code Application Notices (CANs)

Index of 2016 CANs (Based on 2016 California Building Standards Code)

*CAN 1-0 – Enforceable Codes
Effective Date: 09/05/1989
Revised Date: 12/22/2016

*CAN 2-0 – Jurisdiction
Effective Date: 07/15/2013
Revised Date: 01/10/2017

2016 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 
Part 1, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 1-7-2100 – Clinics
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 01/23/2017

2016 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 
Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 2-407.4.1 – Direct Corridor Access from Habitable Rooms
Effective Date: 11/12/2015
Revised Date: 03/06/2017

2016 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 
Part 5, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 5-310.9 – Overhead Piping
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 02/03/2017

2016 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 
Part 9, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 9-3301 – Fire-Resistive Assemblies and Construction
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 03/14/2017

*Indicates the CAN was revised

For questions or comments related to the CANs, please email the Building Standards Unit at RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

2013 California Building Standards Code

Code Application Notices (CANs)

Index of 2013 CANs (Based on 2013 California Building Standards Code)

*CAN 1-0 – Enforceable Codes
Effective Date: 09/05/1989
Revised Date: 11/05/2013

*CAN 2-0 (formerly CAN 1-7-103) – Jurisdiction
Effective Date: 07/15/2013
Revised Date: 06/16/2015

2013 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 
Part 1, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 1-7-2100 – Clinics
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 03/03/2014

2013 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 
Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 2-11B – Accessibility in Health Facilities
Effective Date: 09/09/2014
Revised Date: N/A

*CAN 2-102.6 – Remodel
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 03/03/2014

*CAN 2-108 – Temporary Systems, Utilities, Equipment
Effective Date: 04/09/2013
Revised Date: 05/05/2014

*CAN 2-407.4.1 – Direct Corridor Access from Habitable Rooms
Effective Date: 11/12/2015
Revised Date: N/A

CAN 2-907.5.2.3.1 (formerly CAN 9-907.10.1.1) – Visible Fire Alarms
Effective Date: 07/14/2014
Revised Date: N/A

CAN 2-3009 – Special Requirements for Elevators in Hospitals
Effective Date: 10/25/2016
Revised Date: N/A

2013 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE 
Part 3, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 3-517.40(B) – Electrical Life-Support Equipment for Nursing Homes and Limited Care Facilities
Effective Date: 10/10/2012
Revised Date: 03/24/2014

2013 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 
Part 4, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 4-326.0 – (formerly CAN 4-316.0) – Essential Electrical Power for Heating
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 12/01/2014

2013 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 
Part 5, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 5-310.9 – (formerly CAN 5-311.9) – Overhead Piping
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 11/06/2014

2013 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 
Part 9, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 9-3301 – (formerly CAN 9-1401) – Fire-resistive Assemblies and Construction
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 03/11/2014

*Indicates the CAN was revised

For questions or comments related to the CANs, please eMail the Building Standards Unit at RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

2010 California Building Standards Code

Code Application Notices (CANs)

Index of 2010 CANs (Based on 2010 California Building Standards Code)

*CAN 1-0 – Enforceable Codes
Effective Date: 09/05/1989
Revised Date: 12/01/2010

2010 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 
Part 1, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

CAN 1-6-1.4.5.1 – Change in Seismic Performance Category (SPC) by Voluntary Seismic Improvements
Effective Date: 02/13/2010
Revised Date: N/A

CAN 1-6-1.4.5.1.4 – (formerly CAN 2-3406A) –  Removal of Acute Care Services
Effective Date: 08/08/2012
Revised Date: 09/10/2013

*CAN 1-7-103 – OSHPD Jurisdiction
Effective Date: 07/15/2013
Revised Date: N/A

*CAN 1-7-133 – Fees
Effective Date: 03/24/2011
Revised Date: 07/27/2012

CAN 1-7-214 – Suspension or Revocation of a Hospital Inspector of Record Certification
Effective Date: 03/24/2011
Revised Date: N/A

CAN 1-7-153(a) – Materially Alter (Rescinded – See CAN 2-107.4)
Effective Date: 02/13/2010
Rescinded Date: 01/01/2011

*CAN 1-7-2100 – Clinics
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 06/29/2011

2010 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 
Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 2-11B – Accessibility in Health Facilities
Effective Date: 08/22/2008
Revised Date: 06/29/2011

*CAN 2-102.6 (formerly CAN 2-3403A) – Remodel
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 08/08/2013

CAN 2-107.4 – Amended Construction Documents
Effective Date: 01/01/2011
Revised Date: N/A

*CAN 2-108 – Temporary Systems, Utilities, Equipment
Effective Date: 04/09/2013
Revised Date: N/A

*CAN 2-2508.2.1 – Weather Protection for Gypsum Wallboard
Effective Date: 08/19/2009
Revised Date: 06/29/2011

2010 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE 
Part 3, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 3-517.40(B) – Electrical Life-Support Equipment for Nursing Homes and Limited Care Facilities
Effective Date: 10/10/2012
Revised Date: N/A

2010 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 
Part 4, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 4-316.0 – Essential Electrical Power for Heating
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 06/29/2011

CAN 4-408.1.5 – Humidifiers
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 06/29/2011

2010 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 
Part 5, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 5-311.9 – Overhead Piping
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 06/29/2011

2010 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 
Part 9, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 9-1401 – Fire-resistive Assemblies and Construction
Effective Date: 06/19/2008
Revised Date: 06/29/2011

*Indicates the CAN was revised

For questions or comments related to the CANs, please eMail the Building Standards Unit at RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

2007 California Building Standards Code

Code Application Notices (CANs)

Index of 2007 CANs (Based on 2007 California Building Standards Code)

2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 
Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations

*CAN 2-407.2.2 – Nurses’ Stations
Effective Date: 04/21/2009
Revised Date: N/A

*CAN 2-703.2 – Rebar in Lieu of Welded Wire Fabric in Fire-Resistance-Rated Assemblies
Effective Date: 05/18/2009
Revised Date: N/A

*CAN 2-703.3 – Engineering Judgments
Effective Date: 05/20/2009
Revised Date: N/A

CAN 2-1912A.1 – Qualification, Design, and Use of Anchors Installed in Concrete
Effective Date: 07/01/2008
Revised Date: N/A

CAN 2-1916A.8 – Field Tests for Post-Installed Anchors in Concrete
Effective Date: 07/01/2008
Revised Date: N/A

*Indicates the CAN was revised

For questions or comments related to the CANs, please email the Building Standards Unit at RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

2007 and 2001 California Building Standards Code

Code Application Notices (CANs)

2007 and 2001 CANS are available upon request, please email RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

For questions or comments related to the CANs, please email the Building Standards Unit at RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

Policy Intent Notices (PINs)

A Policy Intent Notice (PIN) is the Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development’s (the Office’s) policy on a specific subject. Use the links below to view an index of PINs that have been issued. The PINs are listed in numeric order.

PIN 2 – Installation of Underground Fuel Storage Tanks
Effective Date: 05/20/1994
Revised Date: 04/18/2016

PIN 4 –  Review of Existing Facilities for Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms and Projects Related to Isolation of TB Patients
Effective Date: 02/14/1996
Revised Date: 06/09/2011

PIN 5 – Review of Underground Fire Main Submittals
Effective Date: 09/01/1994
Revised Date: 12/05/2013

PIN 8 –  Hazardous Materials Inventory
Effective Date: 03/30/1995
Revised Date: 08/03/2020

PIN 11 – Establishment of Policy in Facilities Development Division
Effective Date: 05/30/1995
Revised Date: 06/09/2011

PIN 13 – Lighting System Retrofits
Rescinded Date: 07/12/2022

PIN 14 – Fire Watch
Effective Date: 05/16/1995
Revised Date: 02/14/2023

PIN 16 – Interior Finish Material(s) Approval
Effective Date: 06/20/1996
Revised Date: 06/19/2008

PIN 20 – Pneumatic Tube Systems Support and Bracing
Effective Date: 01/30/1997
Revised Date: 06/09/2011

PIN 32 – NPC-2 Seismic Bracing Upgrades
Effective Date: 05/03/2001
Revised Date: 09/19/2011

PIN 34–  Review of Mobile Units Used for Outpatient Hospital Services
Effective Date: 03/08/2002
Revised Date: 03/17/2017

PIN 35 – Healthcare Decontamination Facilities
Effective Date: 07/21/2003
Revised Date: 12/05/2013

PIN 36 – Projects of $50,000 or less – Exempt from Plan Review Process
Effective Date: 01/05/2007
Revised Date: 06/10/2020

PIN 38 – Electrical Load Capacity Verification Guideline
Effective Date: 10/06/1993
Revised Date: 05/11/2021

PIN 40 – Dietary and Food Services within Health Facilities
Effective Date: 03/31/1993
Rescinded Date: 08/19/2024
Note: See “Advisory Guide A3 – Dietetic Design and Review Checklist for Hospital and SNF Facilities” for more details/information

PIN 44 – Senate Bill 306 Facility Master Plan components and Submittal Approach
Rescinded Date: 11/16/2019

PIN 45 – Converting a Senate Bill 1661 Project to a Senate Bill 499 Project
Rescinded Date: 11/16/2019

PIN 46 – Minimum Non-refundable Application Filing Fee
Effective Date: 01/01/2011
Revised Date: 04/20/2011

PIN 47 – Expedited Appeals
Effective Date: 02/21/2012

PIN 48 – School District Fee Compliance
Effective Date: 01/01/2011
Revised Date: 03/24/2021

PIN 50 – Integrated Review IR (formerly Collaborative Review and Construction Process (CRC) & Phased Plan Review (PPR))*
Effective Date: 07/30/2021

*Due to the complexity of the data, technical expertise is needed in order to interpret this content. If you have trouble reading please contact RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

PIN 51 – Use of HCAI Pre-Approved Details
Effective Date: 08/16/2011
Revised Date: 04/26/2022

PIN 52 – Requests for Seismic Compliance Extension Under Senate Bill 90
Rescinded Date: 11/16/2019

PIN 53 – Requests for Seismic Compliance Extensions under Senate Bill 499 and Senate Bill 1661
Rescinded Date: 11/16/2019

PIN 54 – Application of Enforceable Codes
Rescinded Date: 02/18/2020  

PIN 55 – Special Seismic Certification Preapproval (OSP)
Effective Date: 02/24/2014
Revised Date: 08/03/2022

PIN 56 – Request for Reopening a Closed Project
Effective Date: 02/07/2014
Revised Date: 06/18/2020

PIN 57 – Functional Program
Rescinded Date: 11/16/2019

PIN 58 – OSHPD Preapproved Agency (OPAA) for Structural Tests and Special Inspections
Effective Date: 07/20/2014
Revised Date: 10/23/2024

PIN 59 – SB 90 Financial Capacity Reports
Rescinded Date: 11/16/2019

PIN 60 – Temporary Wireless Nurse Call System
Effective Date: 08/07/2014
Revised Date: 10/04/2021 

PIN 61 – Reasonable Accommodation For Hospital Inspector Certification and Recertification Examinations
Effective Date: 12/29/2014
Revised Date: 08/01/2024

PIN 62 – OSHPD Preapproval of Manufacturer’s Certification (OPM)
Effective Date: 06/02/2016  
Revised Date: 08/22/2023

PIN 63 – Fire Alarm Voltage Drop and Testing
Effective Date: 04/28/2016  

PIN 65 – All-Gender Toilet Facilities
Effective Date: 01/03/2017
Revised Date: 07/08/2020  

PIN 67 – Fire-Resistant Penetrations and Joints – Special Inspections
Rescinded Date: 11/04/2022

PIN 68 – Support and Attachment Requirements for Fixed, Interim, Mobile, Movable, Other and Temporary Equipment 
Effective Date: 03/04/2020
Revised Date: 12/28/2023

PIN 69 – Automated Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS)
Effective Date: 09/03/2020

PIN 70 – Electrical Coordination
Effective Date: 08/12/2021
Revised Date: 10/17/2023

PIN 71 – Compliance Plan Requirements for Participants in the Small and Rural Hospital Relief Program
Effective Date: 06/01/2022

PIN 72 – Emergency Work Authorization
Effective Date: 06/15/2022

PIN 73 – Procedure and Class 1 Imaging
Rescinded Date: 07/08/2024

PIN 74 – Skilled Nursing Facility Alternate Source of Power
Effective Date: 12/12/2022
Revised Date: 12/05/2024
PIN 74 FAQ’s

PIN 75 – Hospital Seismic Safety Public Notices and Annual Status Update Reporting
*Please Note: this file is large and may take time to load
Effective Date: 12/12/2022
Revised Date: 05/30/2023

PIN 76 – Inspection Services Companies and Project Management: Ethical Practices and Incompatible Activities
Effective Date: 05/07/2024

PIN 77 – Steel Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) – Revisions coming soon
Effective Date: 10/30/2024

For questions or comments related to the PINs, please email the Building Standards Unit at RegsUnit@hcai.ca.gov.

Related Information