Section 8-903 — PLUMBING

8-903.1 General. Plumbing systems shall comply with the regular code unless otherwise noted.

8-903.1.1 The provisions of the CHBC shall apply to the acceptance, location, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement or addition of any plumbing system or equipment within or attached to a historical building.

8-903.1.2 Existing systems which do not, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, constitute a safety hazard may remain in use.

8-903.1.3 The enforcing agency may approve any alternative to these regulations which achieves reasonably equivalent life safety.

8-903.2 Residential occupancies.

8-903.2.1 Where toilet facilities are provided, alternative sewage disposal methods may be acceptable if approved by the local health department. In hotels, where private facilities are not provided, water closets at the ratio of one for each 15 rooms may be acceptable.

8-903.2.2 Toilet facilities are not required to be on the same floor or in the same building as sleeping rooms. Water-flush toilets may be located in a building immediately adjacent to the sleeping rooms. When alternative sewage disposal methods are utilized, they shall be located a minimum distance from the sleeping rooms or other locations as approved by the local health department.

8-903.2.3 Kitchen sinks shall be provided in all kitchens. The sink and countertop may be of any smooth nonabsorbent finish which can be maintained in a sanitary condition.

8-903.2.4 Hand washing facilities shall be provided for each dwelling unit and each hotel guest room. A basin and pitcher may be acceptable as adequate hand washing facilities.

8-903.2.5 Hot or cold running water is not required for each plumbing fixture, provided a sufficient amount of water is supplied to permit the fixture’s normal operation.

8-903.2.6 Bathtubs and lavatories with filler spouts less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) above the fixture rim may remain in use, provided there is an acceptable overflow below the rim.

8-903.2.7 Original or salvage water closets, urinals and flushometer valves shall be permitted in qualified historical buildings or properties. Historically accurate reproduction, nonlow-consumption water closets, urinals and flushometer valves shall be permitted except where historically accurate fixtures that comply with the regular code are available.

8-903.3 Materials. New nonhistorical materials shall comply with the regular code requirements. The enforcing agency shall accept alternative materials which do not create a safety hazard where their use is necessary to maintain the historical integrity of the building.

8-903.4 Drainage and vent systems. Plumbing fixtures shall be connected to an adequate drainage and vent system. The enforcing agency may require operational tests for drainage and vent systems which do not comply with applicable requirements of the regular code. Vent terminations may be installed in any location which, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, does not create a safety hazard.

8-903.5 Indirect and special wastes. Indirect and special waste systems shall be installed so that no safety hazard is created. Chemical or industrial liquid wastes which may detrimentally affect the sanitary sewer system shall be pretreated to render them safe prior to discharge.

8-903.6 Traps and interceptors. Traps and interceptors shall comply with the regular code requirements except that the enforcing agency shall accept solutions which do not increase the safety hazard. Properly maintained “S” and drum traps may remain in use.

8-903.7 Joints and connections.

8-903.7.1 Joints and connections in new plumbing systems shall comply with applicable requirements of the regular code.

8-903.7.2 Joints and connections in existing or restored systems may be of any type that does not create a safety hazard.

8-903.8 Water distribution. Plumbing fixtures shall be connected to an adequate water distribution system. The enforcing agency may require operational tests for water distribution systems which do not comply with applicable requirements of the regular code. Prohibited (unlawful) connections and cross connections shall not be permitted.

8-903.9 Building sewers and private sewage disposal systems. New building sewers and new private sewage disposal systems shall comply with applicable requirements of the regular code.

20 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

8-903.10 Fuel-gas piping. Fuel-gas piping shall comply with the regular code requirements except that the enforcing agency shall accept solutions which do not increase the safety hazard.