2025 Applicable Codes and Standards
The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Cal. Code Regs., Title 24) published July 1, 2025, is effective January 1, 2026, as amended by Santa Cruz County. Supplement and emergency standard compliance is required upon effective dates. Further information is available through the Building Standards Commission.
2025 California Administrative Code | Part 1
2025 California Building Code (amended 2024 International Building Code) | Part 2
2025 California Residential Code (amended 2024 International Residential Code) | Part 2.5
2025 California Electrical Code (amended 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)) | Part 3
2025 California Mechanical Code (amended 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code) | Part 4
2025 California Plumbing Code (amended 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code) | Part 5
2025 California Energy Code | Part 6
2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (amended 2024 IWUIC) | Part 7
2025 California Historical Building Code | Part 8
2025 California Fire Code (amended 2024 International Fire Code) | Part 9
2025 California Existing Code (amended 2024 International Existing Building Code) | Part 10
2025 California Green Building Standards | Part 11
2025 California Referenced Standards Code | Part 12
California Building Standards Codes
Seismic
Seismic Design Categories, SDC, are based on specific site locations. Values for spectral response accelerations, S1 and SS, and design spectral response accelerations, SD1 and SDS, may be determined using an online tool below. These values, along with the risk category (most buildings in Santa Cruz County will be Risk Category I, II or III, with residences as Risk Category II), will determine the SDC. Most of Santa Cruz County will be SDC D or E. Unless a geotechnical report determines otherwise, the default site conditions shall be the worst case of site class C, CD and D as required by Section 11.4.2.1 of ASCE 7-22. Where Site Class DE, E or F soils are present, a geotechnical report is required, and the seismic design category shall be determined in accordance with ASCE 7-22. For structures required to have a structural analysis (non-conventional), See ASCE Standard 7-22, Chapter 11, for complete Seismic Design Criteria.
SEAOC/OSHPD Tool
ASCE 7 Hazard Tool
Wind
Basic wind speed, V (3 second gust), is 90 mph for Risk Category II buildings (most buildings). Santa Cruz County has various exposure categories, so the design must be site specific. Exposure categories B (urban and suburban areas), C (open terrain with scattered obstructions or areas that are not Exposure B or D) or D (unobstructed areas and ocean front areas) all exist in Santa Cruz County. For structures required to have a structural analysis (non-conventional), See CBC 1609 or ASCE Standard 7-22, Chapter 26, for complete Wind Design Criteria.
ASCE 7 Hazard Tool
Wildland-Urban Interface
Those areas mapped in all Fire Hazard Severity Zones in State Responsibility Areas (SRA), and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, shall comply with the Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure. Please see Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Codes and Standards for the Santa Cruz County adopted requirements.
Climate Zone
Climate Zones 3 and 4 exist within the County. For energy compliance, use Climate Zone 3. See the California Energy Commission and Energy Standards for additional information.