DSA's Interpretation of Regulations Manual

The Interpretation of Regulations (IR) Manual was created by DSA for use as a documentation of acceptable methods for achieving compliance with applicable building codes and regulations. Its purpose is to promote more uniform statewide criteria in plan review and monitoring of construction of public school, community college and essential services building projects.

Change of California Building Code

On January 1, 2008, the 2007 CBC took effect for projects under the jurisdiction of DSA. This new edition of the California Building Code is based on a new model code: the 2006 IBC. This means the new code is significantly different from the 2001 CBC. Most California amendments have moved to new locations in the new code. All projects submitted to DSA after January 1, 2008 will be governed by the 2007 CBC.

As a result of these changes, some IRs may become unnecessary if their provisions are part of a new model code or have been incorporated into new California amendments. Other IRs may be modified and still others may remain unaffected.

Applicability of IRs to projects submitted under the 2001 CBC or the 2007 CBC is indicated below after the IR revision date. "N/A" before a date means the IR is not applicable to projects submitted to DSA under that edition of the California Building Code.

The IR Manual is available for download in its entirety:

DSA Interpretation of Regulations Manual (PDF - 2.96 MB) Updated 12/30/09

All IRs are also available individually for download:

Administrative

• IR A-1: Temporary Approval for School Use of HCD Commercial Coaches (PDF - 40 KB)
  Issued 09/6/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-2: Certificate of Compliance Without Receipt of All Documents (PDF - 19 KB)
  Issued 09/01/99 - 2001 CBC
• IR A-3: Construction Management Procedures for Public School Projects (PDF - 32 KB)
  Revised 11/03/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-4: Geological Hazard Report Requirements (PDF - 48 KB)
  Revised 06/17/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-5: Acceptance of Products, Materials, and Evaluation Reports (PDF - 38 KB)
  Revised 06/02/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-6: Change Order and Field Change Approval Process (PDF - 215 KB)
  Revised 11/16/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-7: Project Inspector Certification and Approval (PDF - 67 KB)
  Revised 09/18/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-8: Project Inspector and Assistant Inspector Duties and Performance (PDF - 67 KB)
  Revised 11/03/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-9: School Site Improvements for School Building Projects (PDF - 24 KB)
  Revised 04/21/05 - 2001 CBC
• IR A-10: Reconstruction and Alteration Projects - Exemption from DSA Approval (PDF - 34 KB)
  Revised 07/02/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-11: Incremental Submittals (PDF - 34 KB)
  Revised 03/11/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-12: Assistant Inspector Approval (PDF - 37 KB)
  Revised 02/27/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-13: Stop Work and Order to Comply (PDF - 63 KB)
  Issued 04/05/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-14: Walk-In Freezers and Cold Storage Boxes (PDF - 23 KB)
  Issued 08/28/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-15: Testing and Inspection of Remotely Fabricated Structural Elements (PDF - 47 KB)
  Revised 12/17/09 (Was Circular A-1) - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-16: Charter Schools Enforcement Jurisdiction (PDF - 22 KB)
  Issued 11/01/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-17: Voidance of Applications and Project Re-Submittal (PDF - 27 KB)
  Issued 02/01/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-18: Use of Construction Documents Prepared by Other Professionals (PDF - 55 KB)
  Issued 07/01/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-19: Design Professional's Signature and Seal (Stamp) on Construction (PDF - 40 KB)
  Revised 04/07/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-20: New Projects Associated With Existing Uncertified Projects (PDF - 45 KB)
  Revised 08/06/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-21: Design, Installation and Maintenance of Fire Alarm (F/A) Systems (PDF - 55 KB)
  Revised 08/25/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-22: Small Projects Exempt From DSA Review (PDF - 53 KB)
  Issued 08/15/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-23: Construction Cost Reporting and DSA Fees (PDF - 44 KB)
  Issued 11/03/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-24: Construction Phase Duties of School District, Contractor, and Designer (PDF - 49 KB)
  Issued 11/03/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR A-25: Design, Installation and Maintenance of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems (AFSS) (PDF - 47 KB)
  Issued 05/26/09 - 2007 CBC
• IR A-26: Occupancy Classifications and Occupant Load Factors (PDF - 56 KB)
  Removed pending review and revision

Use or Occupancy

• IR 3-1: Storage Room Occupancy Separation (PDF - 23 KB)
  Revised 09/18/07 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)

Fire Protection Systems

• IR 9-1: Automatic Fire Suppression System Coverage in Concealed Interstitial Space (PDF - 26 KB)
  Issued 10/15/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC

Means of Egress

• IR 10-1: Illumination Required for Means of Egress (PDF - 35 KB)
  Issued 06/22/09 - 2007 CBC

Access

• IR 11B-1: Visual Alarms in Classrooms (PDF - 23 KB)
  Revised 11/01/07 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)
• IR 11B-2: Beveled Lip at Curb Ramps (PDF - 22 KB)
  Revised 11/01/07 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)
• IR 11B-3: Detectable Warnings at Curb Ramps (PDF - 21 KB)
  Revised 11/01/07 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)
• IR 11B-4: Detectable Warnings (PDF - 25 KB)
  Revised 11/01/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 11B-5: Effort to Operate Exterior Doors (PDF - 30 KB)
  Revised 08/01/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 11B-6: Mechanical Only Projects Exempt From Accessibility Review (PDF - 22 KB)
  Issued 02/04/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 11B-7: Requirements for Accessible Parking Spaces (PDF - 37 KB)
  Issued 08/01/09 - 2007 CBC (N/A 2001 CBC)
• IR 11B-8: Use of Predetermined Construction Tolerance Guidelines for Accessibility (PDF - 46 KB)
  Issued 11/19/09 - 2007 CBC (N/A 2001 CBC)

Roofing and Roof Structures

• IR 15-1: Attachment of Clay or Concrete "S" Roof Tile (PDF - 30 KB)
  Revised 10/15/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 15-2: Clay and Concrete Roof Tile Materials and Applications (PDF - 26 KB)
  Issued 10/15/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC

Structural Design

• IR 16-1: Conditional Certification for Relocatable School Buildings (PDF - 60 KB)
  Revised 04/15/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 16-2: Computer Access Floors (PDF - 25 KB)
  Revised 01/02/08 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)
• IR 16-3: Earth Retaining Systems (PDF - 26 KB)
  Revised 09/18/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 16-4: Wind Load Design for One Story Relocatable School Buildings (Less than 2000 Square Feet in Floor Area) (PDF - 23 KB)
  Revised 01/02/08 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)
• IR 16-5: Design and Construction of Reviewing Stands, Grandstands and Bleachers (PDF - 130 KB)
  Revised 06/02/08 - 2001 CBC
• IR 16-6: Composite Base for HVAC Units (PDF - 254 KB)
  Revised 10/15/07 (Was Circular 16-1) - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 16-7: Wind Load Determination - Alternate Method (PDF - 158 KB)
  Issued 12/18/07 - (N/A 2001 CBC), 2007 CBC
• IR 16-8: Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal Systems Acceptance Requirements (PDF - 100 KB)
  Revised 04/03/09 - (N/A 2001 CBC), 2007 CBC
• IR 16-9: Pendant Mounted Light Fixtures (PDF - 28 KB)
  Issued 06/22/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 16-10: Design and Construction of Reviewing Stands, Grandstands, and Bleachers: 2007 CBC (PDF - 168 KB)
  Issued 08/06/09 - (N/A 2001 CBC), 2007 CBC

Structural Tests and Special Inspections

• IR 17-1: Sampling and Testing of Structural Materials (PDF - 29 KB)
  Revised 10/15/07 (Was Circular 17-1) - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 17-2: Nondestructive Testing (N.D.T.) of Welds (PDF - 32 KB)
  Revised 10/15/07 (Was Circular 17-2) - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 17-3: Structural Welding Inspection (PDF - 34 KB)
  Revised 04/07/08 (Was Circular 17-3) - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)
• IR 17-4: Basics of Structural Tests and Special Inspections (PDF - 50 KB)
  Issued 11/03/08 - (N/A 2001 CBC), 2007 CBC
• IR 17-5: Structural Testing Laboratory Responsibilities (PDF - 39 KB)
  Issued 11/03/08 - (N/A 2001 CBC), 2007 CBC
• IR 17-6: Structural Special Inspector Duties and Responsibilities (PDF - 52 KB)
  Issued 11/03/08 - (N/A 2001 CBC), 2007 CBC
• IR 17-7: Soil and Foundation Testing (PDF - 28 KB)
  Issued 11/03/08 - (N/A 2001 CBC), 2007 CBC

Concrete

• IR 19-1: Post Installed Anchors in Concrete (PDF - 97 KB)
  Revised 03/06/06 - 2001 CBC
• IR 19-2: Requirements for Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) Panels (PDF - 26 KB)
  Issued 09/01/99 - 2001 CBC
• IR 19-3: Fly Ash and Natural Pozzolans Used in Concrete (PDF - 26 KB)
  Issued 06/10/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC

Masonry

• IR 21-1: Masonry Walls - Non Structural (PDF - 17 KB)
  Revised 09/18/07 - 2001 CBC
• IR 21-2: Concrete Masonry High Lift Grouting Method (PDF - 58 KB)
  Revised 12/17/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 21-3: Clay Brick Masonry High Lift Grouting Method (PDF - 33 KB)
  Issued 09/01/99 - 2001 CBC
• IR 21-4: Concrete Masonry Units Standards (PDF - 33 KB)
  Revised 11/01/07 (Was Circular 21-1) - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC

Steel

• IR 22-1: Design Procedure for Steel Deck Diaphragms With Structural Concrete Fill (PDF - 25 KB)
  Revised 01/02/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 22-2: Anchor Bolts Connecting Steel to Concrete (PDF - 41 KB)
  Revised 01/01/07 (Was Circular 22-1) - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 22-3: Open Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders (PDF - 74 KB)
  Issued 07/15/08 - 2007 CBC (N/A 2001 CBC)

Wood

• IR 23-1: Pre-fabricated Wood Construction Connectors (PDF - 30 KB)
  Revised 11/01/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 23-2: Wood Diaphragms (PDF - 21 KB)
  Revised 11/01/07 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)
• IR 23-3: Concrete Curbs in Wood Frame Buildings (PDF - 16 KB)
  Revised 10/03/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 23-4: Light Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses (PDF - 61 KB)
  Revised 11/01/07 - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)
• IR 23-5: Bolts Used in Wood Construction (PDF - 26 KB)
  Revised 10/15/07 (Was Circular 23-1) - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 23-6: Wood Structural Panels - Marking for Plywood and Oriented Standard Board (OSB) (PDF - 42 KB)
  Revised 08/25/09 (Was Circular 23-2) - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 23-7: Minimum Fastener Penetration in Framing - Wood Diaphragms (PDF - 22 KB)
  Revised 11/01/07 (Was Circular 23-3) - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)
• IR 23-8: Manufactured Wood-Chord-Metal-Web Trusses (PDF - 74 KB)
  Issued 12/17/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 23-9: Prefabricated Wood I-Joist (PDF - 46 KB)
  Revised 08/25/09 (Was AC 23-1) - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 23-10: Structural (Certified) Glued Lumber (PDF - 27 KB)
  Issued 08/15/08 - (N/A 2001 CBC), 2007 CBC
• IR 23-11: Wood Structural Panels - Oriented Strand Board (OSB)(PDF - 39 KB)
  Revised 12/17/09 (Was AC 23-2) - 2001 CBC (N/A 2007 CBC)

Glass and Glazing

• IR 24-1: Glass Panel Railings (PDF - 25 KB)
  Revised 01/02/08 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC)

Gypsum Board and Plaster

• IR 25-1: Maximum Allowable Load for 10 Gage & 12 Gage Wires (PDF - 22 KB)
  Revised 09/18/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 25-2: Metal Suspension Systems for Lay-In Panel Ceilings (PDF - 209 KB)
  Revised 07/21/05 - 2001 CBC
• IR 25-3: Drywall Ceiling Suspension Conventional Constructon - One Layer (PDF - 33 KB)
  Revised 07/21/05 - 2001 CBC
• IR 25-4: Self-Furring Lath (PDF - 22 KB)
  Revised 01/02/08 (Was Circular 25-1) - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR 25-5: Metal Suspension Systems for Lay-In Panel Ceilings (PDF - 574 KB)
  Issued 06/22/09 - 2007 CBC

Elevators and Conveying Systems

• IR 30-1: Title 24 Elevators: Building Materials and Systems (PDF - 28 KB)
  Issued 08/25/09 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC

Electrical

• IR E-1: Grounding of Relocatable Buildings (PDF - 88 KB)
  Revised 10/03/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC
• IR E-2: Ground Fault Circuit-Interrupter (PDF - 31 KB)
  Revised 10/03/07 - 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC

Plumbing

• IR P-1: Nonwater-Supplied Urinal Fixtures (PDF - 25 KB)
  Revised 06/02/08 - (Was AC M-1) 2001 CBC, 2007 CBC

Energy

• IR N-1: Pre-Check (PC) Designs Energy Compliance Review (PDF - 42 KB)
  Revised 07/01/09 - (N/A 2001 CBC), 2007 CBC