California building codes now allow high-rise mass-timber buildings

Structures can be up to 18 stories tall.

By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | September 13, 2022

Mass Timber Construction Building — Courtesy Pexels.

California recently enacted new building codes that allow for high-rise mass-timber buildings to be constructed in the state.

California’s adoption of new provisions enables mass timber structures of up to 18 stories and increased allowable square footage of such buildings. California’s adoption of the mass-timber provision came as new construction and applications for mass-timber buildings are gaining momentum across the U.S.

Earlier this year, the world's tallest mass-timber, hybrid building opened in Milwaukee. The Ascent, a $125 million, 25-story structure features a hybrid timber and concrete frame.

Mass timber structures are built with engineered wood products that are composed of large, solid wood panels, columns, or beams manufactured off-site and used for load-bearing walls, floors, and roofs. The International Code Council (ICC) latest code includes provisions for up to 18 stories of Type IV-A construction for Business and Residential Occupancies

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