This study proposed a new methodology for seismic capacity evaluation of low-rise reinforced concrete (RC) buildings based on non-linear required spectrum. In order to verify the reliability of the proposed method, relationships between results obtained using the proposed method and the non-linear dynamic analyses were investigated. Compared with the seismic protection index (Es=0.6) defined in the Japanese Standard, the applicability of the method was also estimated. Research results indicate that the method proposed in this study compares reasonably well with the detailed evaluation methods. Using the seismic evaluation method developed in this study, the seismic capacity category and earthquake damage degree of low-rise RC buildings corresponding to a specific earthquake level can be effectively estimated.