University of California Berkeley Facilities Services created the Campus Design Standards to guide design and construction professionals to complete lasting, high-quality additions to the campus built environment. These Standards, along with applicable codes, ensure that new construction and renovation projects at UC Berkeley integrate industry best practices and experience with existing campus buildings, infrastructure, grounds, and maintenance issues.
Design Standard Documents
Full Design Standards
General Overview
Design Guidelines
Section 1 - Project Types
- Part 2.1.1 - Campus Historic Resources
- Part 2.1.2 - Classrooms and Lecture Halls
- Part 2.1.3 - Residences (To be Provided at a Later Date)
- Part 2.1.4 - Lab Design
- Part 2.1.5 - Dining Facilities
Section 2 - General
- Part 2.2.1 - Landscape and Sitework
- Part 2.2.2 - Seismic Design Guidelines
- Part 2.2.3 - Sustainability
- Part 2.2.4 - Energy
- Part 2.2.5 - Campus Safety and Security
- Part 2.2.6 - Campus Signage Standards
- Part 2.2.7 - Accessibility (To be Provided at a Later Date)
- Part 2.2.8 - Pest Management
- Part 2.2.9 - Utility Infrastructure
- Part 2.2.10 - Storm Water Management
Section 3 - Building
- Part 2.3.1 - Audio Visual Systems
- Part 2.3.2 - Room Numbering Guidelines
- Part 2.3.3 - Bathroom and Custodial Guidelines
- Part 2.3.4 - Waste Services
- Part 2.3.5 - Mechanical and Electrical Rooms
- Part 2.3.6 - Commissioning
Section 4 - Systems
Specification Guidelines
- Division 02 - Existing Conditions
- Division 03 - Concrete
- Division 04 - Masonry
- Division 05 - Metals
- Division 07 - Thermal and Moisture Protection
- Division 08 - Openings
- Division 09 - Finishes
- Division 10 - Specialties
- Division 11 - Equipment
- Division 12 - Furnishings
- Division 13 - Special Construction
- Division 14 - Conveying Equipment
- Division 21 - Fire Suppression
- Division 22 - Plumbing
- Division 23 - Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
- Division 25 - Integrated Automation
- Division 26 - Electrical
- Division 27 - Communications
- Division 28 - Electronic Safety and Security
- Division 31 - Earthwork
- Division 32 - Exterior Improvements
- Division 33 - Utilities
- Division 46 - Water and Wastewater Equipment
- Division 48 - Electrical Power Generation
- Appendix A - Drawings
Previous Versions
Administration
The Campus Design Standards are administered by Inspection Services and were developed in concert with the Real Estate Division’s Construction & Design, Facilities Services, Environment, Health & Safety, and other campus units. They apply to all UC-sponsored construction projects. These standards use the Construction Standards Institute’s MasterFormat. Where a division is not listed in this document, there are no current campus standards and current applicable code shall prevail.
Changes and Revisions
The Campus Design Standards are formally revised triennially in sync with the adoption cycle of the California Building Code. Due to the ever-evolving construction environment, revisions between code cycles may be necessary. As part of the plan review process, the Campus Building Department will consider project specific needs when evaluating requests for variances. In addition, we welcome input on these standards at any time, from anyone.