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Previously Submitted - 2007 California Code Questions

Archived Questions

To foster our open discussion format, you may comment on a previously posted question.

To do so, simply email us at the 2007 California Code Question link located on the Building Division home page, and reference the file name (ie 09-01) you wish to comment on.

File: 10-01

I have a 4th room in a currently 3bd2ba in Chico that I want to convert into a formal bedroom to make it a 4bd2ba.  The only thing missing is a clothes closet.  What are the minimum requirements for a closet?  I can't find anything specific on closet dimensions or requirements in the building code or HUD.  Do I need to pull a permit to add a clothes closet?

Below is the info I have found thus far.

Definitions:
CLOSET. A small room or chamber used for storage.

HABITABLE SPACE. A space in a building for living, sleeping,
eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls,
storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not considered
habitable spaces.

E3903.11 Luminaires in clothes closets. For the purposes of
this section, storage space shall be defined as a volume
bounded by the sides and back closet walls and planes extend-
ing from the closet floor vertically to a height of 6 feet(1829
mm) or the highest clothes-hanging rod and parallel to the
walls at a horizontal distance of 24 inches (610 mm) from the
sides and back of the closet walls respectively, and continuing
vertically to the closet ceiling parallel to the walls at a horizon-
tal distance of 12 inches (305 mm) or the width of the shelf,
whichever is greater. For a closet that permits access to both
sides of a hanging rod, the storage space shall include the vol-
ume below the highest rod extending 12 inches (305 mm) on
either side of the rod on a plane horizontal to the floor extend-
ing the entire length of the rod (see Figure E3903.11).

http://www.huduser.org/Publications/PDF/remodel.pdf
The closet opening should be at least 32 inches clear.
Closets deeper than 18 inches should have clear openings of 32 inches minimum to provide adequate room to store and retrieve items.

Ref:
http://www.chico.ca.us/building_development_services/building_services/home_page.asp

 

Building Division response:

Currently under review