CHBC · California Historical Building Code
How to apply equivalent facilitation (nonstructural alternatives, services, tech)?
If a standard CHBC accessibility solution (ramps, doors, entries) would damage a historic feature, you may use equivalent facilitation — services, experiences, or technology (maps, videos, VR, staffed assistance, alternate accessible entrance) — but only for that specific item, only if it provides substantially equivalent access, and only with written documentation and consultation retained in the enforcing agency file (see **§ 8-604**, **§ 8-602.2**, **§ 8-603**).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The CHBC allows use of equivalent facilitation — using other designs, products or technologies instead of particular technical requirements — when strict application of the CHBC alternatives in § 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character‑defining features of a qualified historical building or property. Such alternatives must be applied item‑by‑item or case‑by‑case, must provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility, and must be documented and retained in the enforcing agency permanent file per § 8-604 and the documentation rules in § 8-602.2. § 8-604 ; § 8-602.2 .
The single most important rule: Equivalent facilitation is permitted only when applying the CHBC alternatives in § 8-603 would harm the historic significance or character‑defining features — and any alternative must be selected on an item‑by‑item basis and fully documented. § 8-604
(Definition note: the regular CBC defines equivalent facilitation as “the use of designs, products or technologies as alternatives… resulting in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.”)
Requirements in detail
When you may use equivalent facilitation
- Application is allowed only where applying the CHBC alternative provisions in § 8-603 (ramps, doors, entries, toilet strategies, etc.) would threaten or destroy historic significance or character‑defining features. § 8-604 .
- Alternatives must be applied on an item‑by‑item or case‑by‑case basis (no blanket waivers). § 8-604.1 .
- The alternative must provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability through experiences, services, or technologies (maps, plans, videos, virtual reality, monitored access, assisted services, etc.). § 8-604.2 .
Documentation and consultation
- The enforcing official must document the reasons for using the alternative and its effect on the historical significance or character‑defining features. Documentation must follow the rules of § 8-602.2, Item 2 and include opinions/comments of state/local accessibility officials and representative local disability groups. This documentation is retained in the enforcing agency’s permanent file and should be available at the facility on request. § 8-604.3; § 8-602.2 .
Limits and federal note
- For commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities) the CHBC notes the special applicability; consult the provision notes in § 8-604. § 8-604 (Note) .
- If equivalent facilitation is used as a waiver of an ADA requirement for an element, that element will not be eligible for the Federal Department of Justice certification of this code as rebuttable evidence of ADA compliance. § 8-604 (federal limitation) .
Decision‑relevant table
| Decision factor | Acceptable alternatives / thresholds | When to use | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use trigger | When § 8-603 alternatives would threaten or destroy historic character | Only then, item‑by‑item | § 8-604 |
| Application style | Item‑by‑item / case‑by‑case | Always | § 8-604.1 |
| Documentation | Meeting minutes, letters, opinions of accessibility officials & disability groups; retained in permanent file | Required before approval | § 8-604.3; § 8-602.2, Item 2 |
| Accessible entrance distance | Accessible entrance may be up to 200 feet from primary entrance for certain alternatives | Use when primary entrance is impracticable and per § 8-603.2 | § 8-603.2 |
| Door clear width alternatives | 30 in., 29‑1/2 in., or power‑assist solutions listed by priority | When altering historic doors | § 8-603.3; § 8-603.4 |
| Ramp alternatives | Ramp slope up to 1:10 for horizontal ≤ 5 ft; or 1:6 for horizontal ≤ 13 in. | Short runs where standard ramp would harm character | § 8-603.6 |
| Toilets | Designate an accessible unisex toilet in lieu of separate‑gender arrangement | Where reconfiguring historic plan would cause harm | § 8-603.5 |
| Technology/services | Maps, plans, videos, virtual reality, staffed assistance, remote monitoring, power‑assist devices | When physical alteration is damaging | § 8-604.2 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Title III (private businesses/places of public accommodation): CHBC includes notes about applicability; review the Table of Applicability and the specific § 8-603 exceptions for Title III projects before applying facilitation. § 8-604 (Note); § 8-603 (exceptions) .
- Federal certification: If you treat equivalent facilitation as an ADA waiver for an element, you should know that the Federal DOJ will not certify that element as evidence of ADA compliance under their certification program. § 8-604 (federal limitation) .
- Do not treat equivalent facilitation as a substitute for life‑safety structural requirements governed elsewhere in the CHBC (e.g., structural chapters). The CHBC requires reasonably equivalent structural safety where public safety is critical. See Chapters 8‑7 / § 8-701 et seq. .
Common mistakes
- Failing to document: approving alternatives without the required meeting minutes, letters, or comments from accessibility officials and disability representatives (required by § 8-604.3 and § 8-602.2). § 8-604.3; § 8-602.2 .
- Applying blanket waivers: using equivalent facilitation as a building‑wide waiver rather than item‑by‑item decisions. § 8-604.1 .
- Ignoring CHBC alternatives first: failing to evaluate the alternatives listed in § 8-603 (doors, entries, ramps, toilets) before concluding they “threaten” historic fabric. Check § 8-603 options and their priorities before invoking equivalent facilitation. § 8-603 .
- Overlooking stakeholder input: not seeking or recording the opinions of state/local accessibility officials and representative local groups of people with disabilities as required. § 8-604.3 .
- Assuming federal ADA certification follows: mistakenly believing an element approved under equivalent facilitation will receive DOJ certification; the code explicitly warns it will not. § 8-604 (federal limitation) .
Worked example — museum entry and interpretive access
Scenario: A small historic museum has a primary front entry protected by ornate carved stone steps and a carved door surround that are character‑defining. Installing a standard accessible ramp at the façade would irreversibly alter the stone steps and destroy the character feature.
Step 1 — Evaluate CHBC alternatives first:
- Review § 8-603 alternatives: could an alternate door width, power‑assist, or a secondary accessible entrance be used without harming the façade? § 8-603.3–.4 .
Step 2 — Determine if alternatives would threaten historic fabric:
- If providing a compliant ramp or altering the primary façade would irreversibly remove character‑defining stonework, document that § 8-603 solutions threaten significance and are impracticable. This is the trigger to consider equivalent facilitation under § 8-604. § 8-604; § 8-602.2 .
Step 3 — Choose substantially equivalent facilitation package:
- Provide an accessible secondary entrance at the side yard no more than 200 feet from the primary entrance and ensure directional signage from the primary entrance to the accessible entrance (per § 8-603.2). § 8-603.2 .
- On the public façade, retain the historic steps/door and add a push‑button power‑assist door at the side accessible entrance where the door clear width is maintained (or use power assist to achieve effective clear opening as allowed by § 8-603.3–.4). § 8-603.3; § 8-603.4 .
- Offer onsite assistive services (staffed assistance), printed large‑print/ tactile maps, and a virtual‑reality tour of the primary historic room for visitors who cannot use the side entrance — these are explicitly listed examples of methods that can provide access at substantially equivalent levels in § 8-604.2. § 8-604.2 .
- If installation of a short ramp in a secondary interior path is necessary, consider a 1:10 slope for horizontal distances ≤ 5 ft or 1:6 slope for horizontal distances ≤ 13 in., with signage about steepness, per § 8-603.6 (use only where compatible with preservation). § 8-603.6 .
Step 4 — Document and consult:
- Prepare documentation describing: why CHBC alternatives would harm the façade; the selected equivalent facilitation measures; consultation notes/letters from state/local accessibility officials; and comments from representative local disability groups. File and retain this documentation per § 8-604.3 and § 8-602.2. § 8-604.3; § 8-602.2 .
Step 5 — Record limitations:
- If the museum is a Title III entity, note the CHBC caution about federal DOJ certification for any element treated as an ADA waiver. § 8-604 (federal limitation) .
Numbers summary used in this example: 200 feet max distance for alternate accessible entrance; ramp alternatives 1:10 (≤ 5 ft) or 1:6 (≤ 13 in.); door clearances 30 in. or 29‑1/2 in. priorities. § 8-603.2, § 8-603.6, § 8-603.3 .
Related provisions
- § 8-603 — Alternatives (entry, doors, ramps, toilets) — details of the alternative measures you must consider first.
- § 8-602.2 — Alternative provisions: documentation requirements and item‑by‑item application rules referenced by § 8-604.
- § 8-602.1 — Regular code application: regular code applies unless historic significance would be threatened.
- § 8-603.2–.6 — Specific alternative thresholds (accessible entrance distance, door clearances, power‑assist doors, toilets, ramp slopes).
- § 8-601.3 — Scope: where CHBC accessibility provisions apply.
- California Building Code definition of equivalent facilitation (for definition context).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Historical Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CHBC § 8-604 High relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 11
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ACCESSIBILITY
SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION
Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or characterdefining features of the historical building or property.
- Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by- item or a case-by-case basis.
- Access provided by experiences, services, functions, materials and resources through methods including, but not limited to, maps, plans, videos, virtual reality and related equipment, at accessible levels. The alternative design and/or technologies used will provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility to, and usability of, the facility.
- The official charged with the enforcement of the standards shall document the reasons for the application of the design and/or technologies and their effect on the historical significance or character-defining features. Such documentation shall be in accordance with Section 8-602.2, Item 2, and shall include the opinion and comments of state or local accessibility officials, and the opinion and comments of representative local groups of people with disabilities. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency. Copies of the required documentation should be available at the facility upon request.
Note: For commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities).
Equivalent facilitation for an element of a building or property when applied as a waiver of an ADA accessibility requirement will not be entitled to the Federal Department of Justice certification of this code as rebuttable evidence of compliance for that element.
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8-7 STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 8-701 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
8-701.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to the regular code for the structural safety of buildings designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept any reasonably equivalent alternatives to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-701.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to encourage the preservation of qualified historical buildings or structures while providing standards for a minimum level of building performance with the objective of preventing partial or total structural collapse such that the overall risk of life-threatening injury as a result of structural collapse is low.
8-701.3 Application. The alternative structural regulations provided by Section 8-705 are to be applied in conjunction with the regular code whenever a structural upgrade or reconstruction is undertaken for qualified historical buildings or properties.
SECTION 8-702 — GENERAL
8-702.1 The CHBC shall not be construed to allow the enforcing agency to approve or permit a lower level of safety of structural design and construction than that which is reasonably equivalent to the regular code provisions in occupancies which are critical to the safety and welfare of the public at large, including, but not limited to, public and private schools, hospitals, municipal police and fire stations and essential services facilities.
8-702.2 Nothing in these regulations shall prevent voluntary and partial seismic upgrades when it is demonstrated that such upgrades will improve life safety and when a full upgrade would not otherwise be required.
CHBC § 8-603.5 High relevance — show source text
**Power-assisted door or doors may be considered an
equivalent alternative to level landings, strikeside clearance and door-opening forces
required by regular code.
8-603.5 Toilet rooms. In lieu of separate-gender toilet facilities as required in the regular
code, an accessible unisex toilet may be designated.
**8-603.6 Exterior and interior ramps and lifts.**Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
1.A lift or a ramp of greater than standard slope but no greater than 1:10, for horizontal
distances not to exceed 5 feet (1525 mm). Signs shall be posted at upper and lower
levels to indicate steepness of the slope.
2.Access by ramps of 1:6 slope for horizontal distance not to exceed 13 inches (330 mm).
Signs shall be posted at upper and lower levels to indicate steepness of the slope.|Applies|Applies|Applies| |SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION
Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping
requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in
Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining
features of the qualified historical building or property.
1.Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis.
2.Access provided by experiences, services, functions, materials and resources through
methods including, but not limited to, maps, plans, videos, virtual reality and related
equipment, at accessible levels. The alternative design and/or technologies used will
provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility to, and usability of, the
facility.
3.The official charged with the enforcement of the standards shall document the reasons
for the application of the design and/or technologies and their effect on the historical
significance or character-defining features. Such documentation shall be in accordance
with Section 8-602.2, Item 2, and shall include the opinion and comments of state or
local accessibility officials, and the opinion and comments of representative local
groups of people with disabilities. Such documentation shall be retained in the
permanent file of the enforcing agency. Copies of the required documentation should
be available at the facility upon request.
** Note:**For commercial facilities and places of public accommodation
(Title III entities).
Equivalent facilitation for an element of a building or property when applied as a waiver
of an ADA accessibility requirement will not be entitled to the Federal Department of
Justice certification of this code as rebuttable evidence of compliance for that element.|Applies|Waivers
If a builder
applies for a
waiver of an ADA
accessibility
requirement for
an element of a
building, he or
she will not be
entitled to
certification’s
rebuttable
evidence of
compliance for
that element. This
limitation on the
certification
determination
should be noted
in any publication
of Chapter 8-6 if
certification is
granted.|Applies| |**Notes:**The regular code for Chapter 8-6 is contained in Title 24, Part 2, Vol.1, Chapter 11B, which contain standards for new construction.
Provisions of this chapter may be used in conjunction with all other provisions of the regular code and ADA regulations.CHBC § 8-603.2 High relevance — show source text
8-603.2 Entry. These alternatives do not allow exceptions for the requirement of level landings in front of doors, except as provided in Section 8-603.4.
- Access to any entrance used by the general public and no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from the primary entrance.
- Access at any entrance not used by the general public but open and unlocked with directional signs at the primary entrance and as close as possible to, but no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from, the primary entrance.
- The accessible entrance shall have a notification system. Where security is a problem, remote monitoring may be used.
8-603.3 Doors. Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
- Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) of clear opening.
- Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening
- Double door, one leaf of which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening.
- Double doors operable with a power-assist device to provide a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening when both doors are in the open position.
8-603.4 Power-assisted doors. Power-assisted door or doors may be considered an equivalent alternative to level landings, strikeside clearance and door-opening forces required by the regular code.
8-603.5 Toilet rooms. In lieu of separate-gender toilet facilities as required in the regular code, an accessible unisex toilet facility may be designated.
8-603.6 Exterior and interior ramps and lifts. Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
- A lift or a ramp of greater than standard slope but no greater than 1:10, for horizontal distances not to exceed 5 feet (1525 mm). Signs shall be posted at upper and lower levels to indicate steepness of the slope.
- Access by ramps of 1:6 slope for horizontal distance not to exceed 13 inches (330 mm). Signs shall be posted at upper and lower levels to indicate steepness of the slope.
2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 11
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ACCESSIBILITY
SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION
Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or characterdefining features of the historical building or property.
- Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by- item or a case-by-case basis.
- Access provided by experiences, services, functions, materials and resources through methods including, but not limited to, maps, plans, videos, virtual reality and related equipment, at accessible levels. The alternative design and/or technologies used will provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility to, and usability of, the facility.
- The official charged with the enforcement of the standards shall document the reasons for the application of the design and/or technologies and their effect on the historical significance or character-defining features. Such documentation shall be in accordance with Section 8-602.2, Item 2, and shall include the opinion and comments of state or local accessibility officials, and the opinion and comments of representative local groups of people with disabilities. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.
CHBC § 8-6 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 8-6 ACCESSIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section
8-601 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
8-602 Basic Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
8-603 Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
8-604 Equivalent Facilitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
CHAPTER 8-7 STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section
8-701 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8-702 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8-703 Structural Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8-704 Nonhistorical Additions and
Nonhistorical Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8-705 Structural Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8-706 Lateral Load Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CHAPTER 8-8 ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF
CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section
8-801 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8-802 General Engineering Approaches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8-803 Nonstructural Archaic Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
8-804 Allowable Conditions for Specific Materials . . . . . . . 15 8-805 Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8-806 Adobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8-807 Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8-808 Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CHBC § 4-207 Medium relevance — show source text
communications and operations centers, and other facilities required for emer-_ gency response of state-owned essential services buildings, as defined in the California Administrative Code (Title 24, Part 1, CCR) Section 4-207, and all structures required for their continuous operation or access/egress. (3) FIXED EQUIPMENT [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] means equipment that is directly attached to the building or directly connected to a service distribution system/utility and that typically remains in one fixed location during its service life
or use.
(4) INTERIM EQUIPMENT [OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] means equipment that will be in use for the duration of the need for the equipment, not to exceed the duration of the construction project that it is related to. (5) MOBILE EQUIPMENT [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] means equipment, with or without wheels or rollers, that is typi- cally used in a different location than where it is stored and moved from one location in the building to another during ordinary
use.
(6) MOVABLE EQUIPMENT [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] means fixed equipment that is directly attached to the build- ing and/or directly connected to a service distribution system/utility, with or without wheels or rollers, that typically remains in one fixed location during its service life or use but is required to be periodically moved to facilitate cleaning or maintenance. (7) OTHER EQUIPMENT [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] means equipment that is not directly connected to a building service distribution system, with or without wheels or rollers, and is typically used at a single location during its service life. (8) TEMPORARY EQUIPMENT [OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] means fixed, movable, countertop or other equipment that is used during replacement, maintenance or repair for a time of service as defined in Section 108.
EQUIPMENT AREA. An area used for pool recirculation and purification equipment and related piping appurtenances.
[BG] EQUIPMENT PLATFORM. An unoccupied, elevated platform used exclusively for mechanical systems or industrial process equipment, including the associated elevated walkways, stairways, alternating tread devices and ladders necessary to access the platform (see Section 505.3).
EQUIVALENT FACILITATION. The use of designs, products or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed, resulting in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.
Note: In determining equivalent facilitation, consideration shall be given to means that provide for the maximum independence of persons with disabilities while presenting the least risk of harm, injury or other hazard to such persons or others.
[BS] ESSENTIAL FACILITIES. Buildings and other structures that are intended to remain operational in the event of extreme environmental loading from flood, wind, snow or earthquakes.
CHBC § 8-408 Medium relevance — show source text
8-408 Roof Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 8-409 Fire Alarm Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8-410 Automatic Sprinkler Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8-411 Other Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8-412 High-rise Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CHAPTER 8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Section
8-501 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 8-502 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
8-503 Escape or Rescue Windows and Doors. . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8-504 Railings and Guardrails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CHAPTER 8-6 ACCESSIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section
8-601 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
8-602 Basic Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
8-603 Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
8-604 Equivalent Facilitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
CHAPTER 8-7 STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section
8-701 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8-702 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8-703 Structural Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8-704 Nonhistorical Additions and
Nonhistorical Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
CHBC § 8-603.2 Medium relevance — show source text
36.
**8-603.2 Entry.**These alternatives do not allow exceptions for the requirement of level land-
ings in front of doors, except as provided in Section 8-603.4.
1.Access to any entrance used by the general public and no further than 200 feet (60 960
mm) from the primary entrance.
2.Access at any entrance not used by general public but open and unlocked with
directional signs at the primary entrance and as close as possible to, but no further than
200 feet (60 960 mm) from, the primary entrance.
3.The accessible entrance shall have a notification system. Where security is a problem,
remote monitoring may be used.|Applies|Applies|Applies| |**8-603.3 Doors.**Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
1.Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) of clear opening.
2.Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 291/2 inches (749 mm) clear opening.
3.Double door, one leaf of which provides a minimum 291/2 inches (749 mm) clear
opening.
4.Double doors operable with a power-assist device to provide a minimum 291/2 inches
(749 mm) clear opening when both doors are in the open position.
**Exception:**Alternatives in this section do not apply to alteration of commercial facilities
and places of public accommodation (Title III entities).|Does not
apply|Does not
apply|Applies|2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 25
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APPENDIX A
TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY—continued Col2 Col3 Col4 Title II
Public EntitiesTitle III
Private EntitiesTitle III
Barrier Removal**8-603.4 Power-assisted doors.**Power-assisted door or doors may be considered an
equivalent alternative to level landings, strikeside clearance and door-opening forces
required by regular code.
8-603.5 Toilet rooms. In lieu of separate-gender toilet facilities as required in the regular
code, an accessible unisex toilet may be designated.
**8-603.6 Exterior and interior ramps and lifts.**Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
1.A lift or a ramp of greater than standard slope but no greater than 1:10, for horizontal
distances not to exceed 5 feet (1525 mm). Signs shall be posted at upper and lower
levels to indicate steepness of the slope.
2.Access by ramps of 1:6 slope for horizontal distance not to exceed 13 inches (330 mm).
Signs shall be posted at upper and lower levels to indicate steepness of the slope.Applies Applies Applies SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION
Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping
requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in
Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining
features of the qualified historical building or property.
1.Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis.
2.Access provided by experiences, services, functions,CHBC § 31F-45 Medium relevance — show source text
m = Seismic mass
R p = Response modification factor for nonstructural component or nonbuilding structure S A = Spectral response acceleration at T
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 31F-45
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
MARINE OIL TERMINALS
S xs = Spectral acceleration in Section 3103F.4.2.4 or Section 3103F.4.2.5
S 1 = 1-second spectral response acceleration
T = Fundamental period of the elastic structure
T e = Effective elastic structural period T eff, i = Effective structural period at step i of iteration T p = Period of flexible nonstructural component or nonbuilding structure T 0 = Period at peak of the acceleration response spectrum
V = Base shear strength of the structure obtained from a plastic analysis
V sk = Shear force across shear keys
V Δ T = Total segment lateral force
W = Dead load of the frame
W p = Weight of the nonstructural component or nonbuilding structure Δ d = Target displacement demand Δ d, i = Target displacement demand at step i of iteration Δ d, j = Target displacement demand at step j of iteration α 1 = Positive post-yield slope ratio equal to positive post-yield stiffness divided by the effective stiffness
α 2 = Negative post-yield slope ratio equal to negative post-yield stiffness divided by the effective stiffness
α e = Effective negative post-yield slope ratio equal to effective post-yield negative stiffness divided by the effective stiffness
α P- Δ = Negative slope ratio caused by P- Δ effects Δ avg = Average of displacements, Δ 1 and Δ 2 , at ends of the MOT transverse to an axis Δ d = Target displacement
Δ m = Maximum of displacements, Δ 1 and Δ 2 , at ends of the MOT transverse to an axis Δ y = Displacement at yield strength Δ 1 , Δ 2 = Displacement at ends of the MOT transverse to an axis δ d = Design displacement demand at an element δ x = Displacement of an element in X direction δ y = Displacement of an element in Y direction δ xx = X displacement under X direction excitation δ xy = X displacement under Y direction excitation δ yx = Y displacement under X direction excitation δ yy = Y displacement under Y direction excitation λ = Near-field effect factor
μ max = Maximum strength ratio μ strength = Ratio of elastic strength demand to yield strength μ Δ,ι = Initial ductility level ξ eff,i = Effective structural damping at step i of iteration
3104F.7 References.
[4.1] American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 2016, ASCE/SEI 7-16 (ASCE/SEI 7), “Minimum Design Loads and Associates Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures,” Reston, VA.
CHBC § 8-1002.1 Medium relevance — show source text
8-1002.1 The CHBC shall apply to all sites and districts and their features associated with qualified historical buildings or qualified historical districts as outlined in 8-1001.2 Scope.
8-1002.2 Where the application of regular code may impact the associated features of qualified historical properties beyond their footprints, by work performed secondarily, those impacts shall also be covered by the CHBC.
8-1002.3 This chapter shall be applied for all issues regarding code compliance or other standard or regulation as they affect the purpose of this chapter.
8-1002.4 The application of any code or building standard shall not unduly restrict the use of a qualified historical building or property that is otherwise permitted pursuant to Chapter 8-3 and the intent of the State Historical Building Code, Section 18956.
SECTION 8-1003 — SITE RELATIONS
The relationship between a building or property and its site, or the associated features of a district (including qualified historical landscape), site, objects and their features are critical components that may be one of the criteria for these buildings and properties to be qualified under the CHBC. The CHBC recognizes the importance of these relationships. This chapter shall be used to provide context sensitive solutions for treatment of qualified historical buildings, properties, district or their associated historical features, or when work to be performed secondarily impacts the associated historical features of a qualified historical building or property.
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APPENDIX A Col2 Col3 Col4 CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY Title II
Public EntitiesTitle III
Private EntitiesTitle III
Barrier RemovalSECTION 8-601 PURPOSE, INTENT, SCOPE
**8-601.1 Purpose.**The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to facilitate
access and use by persons with disabilities to and throughout facilities designated as quali-
fied historical buildings or properties. These regulations require enforcing agencies to
accept alternatives to regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or
properties.
**8-601.2 Intent.**The intent of this chapter is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical
buildings and properties while providing access to and use by persons with disabilities.
**8-601.3 Scope.**The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that
is required to provide access to persons with disabilities.
1.Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of
historical buildings.
2. Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or
properties, alteration is defined in_ California Building Code_ (CBC), Chapter 2.
**8-601.4 General application.CHBC § 37-14 Medium relevance — show source text
- It is accept-_ able to use ballasts for seismic or wind bracing supports and attachments and limit the design to overturning only without the consideration of sliding, unless directly or indirectly supported by the building structure. 3) Anticipated duration of use must be specified. b. Wind design speeds may be reduced as prescribed in ASCE 37-14 or other standard approved by OSHPD. c. Piping, conductors and ductwork shall be supported. Seismic design for supports and attachments of piping, conductors and ductwork is not required.
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7. Other Equipment: Equipment shall be anchored where any of the following apply: a. [OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] Essential to hospital operations and weight of equipment is greater than 100 pounds (45 kg).
[DSA-SS] Weight of equipment is greater than 100 pounds (45 kg) and essential to operations for emergency preparedness, communications and operations centers, and other facilities required for emergency response of state-owned essential services buildings as defined in the California Administrative Code (Title 24, Part 1, CCR) Section 4-207 and all structures required for their continuous operation or access/egress. b. [OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] Could fall within the patient care vicinity as defined in Article 517.2 of the California Electrical Code.
c. Could fall and block a required means of egress. d. [OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] Weight of equipment is greater than 400 pounds (181.4 kg). e. [DSA-SS] Weight of equipment is greater than 400 pounds (181.4 kg) or center of mass is located greater than 4 feet (1219 mm) above the finished floor or roof level that directly supports the component.
[OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] Weight of equipment is greater than 200 pounds (90 kg) and center of mass located greater than 4 feet (1219 mm) measured from the finished floor.
8. Equipment with hazardous contents. 9. Other architectural, mechanical and electrical components stated in Chapter 13. [DSA-SS] Cabinets shall be restrained in a manner approved by the enforcement agency if they could fall and block a required means of egress. 10. Wall-, Roof- or Floor-Hung Equipment: Seismic design and seismic details shall be provided for wall-, roof- or floor- hung nonstructural components and equipment when the component weighs more than 20 pounds (9 kg) or, in the case of a distribution system, 5 pounds per foot (73 N/m).
[OSHPD 1, 2, 4 & 5] Exemptions:
1. Furniture except storage cabinets as noted in Table 13.5-1. 2. Nonstructural components and equipment, that are attached to the building, provided that the component weighs 20 _pounds (9 kg) or less or, in the case of a distribution system, 5 pounds per foot (73 N/m) or less.
CHBC § 8-601.3 Medium relevance — show source text
8-601.3 Scope. The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that is required to provide access to persons with disabilities.
- Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of historical buildings.
- Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or properties, alteration is defined in California Building Code (CBC), Chapter 2.
8-601.4 General application. The provisions in the CHBC apply to local, state and federal governments (Title II entities); alteration of commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities); and barrier removal in commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities). Except as noted in this chapter.
SECTION 8-602 — BASIC PROVISIONS
8-602.1 Regular code. The regular code for access for people with disabilities (Title 24, Part 2, Vol. 1, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless strict compliance with the regular code will threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining features of the building or property.
8-602.2 Alternative provisions. If the historical significance or character-defining features are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be applied pursuant to this chapter, provided the following conditions are met:
- These provisions shall be applied only on an item-by-item or a case-by-case basis.
- Documentation is provided, including meeting minutes or letters, stating the reasons for the application of the alternative provisions. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.
SECTION 8-603 — ALTERNATIVES
8-603.1 Alternative minimum standards. The alternative minimum standards for alterations of qualified historical buildings or facilities are referenced in Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as incorporated and set forth in federal regulation 28 CFR Pt. 36.
8-603.2 Entry. These alternatives do not allow exceptions for the requirement of level landings in front of doors, except as provided in Section 8-603.4.
- Access to any entrance used by the general public and no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from the primary entrance.
- Access at any entrance not used by the general public but open and unlocked with directional signs at the primary entrance and as close as possible to, but no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from, the primary entrance.
- The accessible entrance shall have a notification system. Where security is a problem, remote monitoring may be used.
8-603.3 Doors. Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
- Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) of clear opening.
- Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening
- Double door, one leaf of which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening.
- Double doors operable with a power-assist device to provide a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening when both doors are in the open position.
8-603.4 Power-assisted doors. Power-assisted door or doors may be considered an equivalent alternative to level landings, strikeside clearance and door-opening forces required by the regular code.
8-603.5 Toilet rooms. In lieu of separate-gender toilet facilities as required in the regular code, an accessible unisex toilet facility may be designated.
CHBC § 160.5 Medium relevance — show source text
No more than 500 watts of rated lighting power shall be controlled together as a single zone; and iii. The occupant sensing controls shall be capable of automatically turning the lighting fully ON only in the separately controlled zone and shall be automatically activated from all designed paths of egress. Interior areas of parking garages are under the classification of indoor lighting and shall comply with Section 160.5(b)4Cvic. Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are under the classification of outdoor hardscape and shall comply with Section 160.5(c). D. Daylight responsive controls. Daylight responsive controls shall be installed in the following locations, as applicable: i. In any enclosed space where the total installed wattage of general lighting luminaires completely or partially within skylit daylit zones is 75 watts or greater, the general lighting in the skylit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. ii. In any enclosed space where the total installed wattage of general lighting luminaires completely or partially within primary sidelit daylit zones is 75 watts or greater, the general lighting in the primary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. iii. In any enclosed space where the total wattage of general lighting luminaires in the secondary zones is 75 watts or greater, the general lighting in the secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. General lighting in the secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled independently of general lighting in the primary sidelit daylit zones. iv. For skylights located in an atrium, the skylit daylit zones shall apply to the floor area directly under the atrium and the top floor area directly adjacent to the atrium. v. Parking garage areas where the total installed wattage of the general lighting in the primary and the secondary sidelit daylit zones is 60 watts or greater, the general lighting in the primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. All daylight responsive controls shall meet the following requirements: vi. All skylit daylit zones, primary sidelit daylit zones, secondary sidelit daylit zones and the combined primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones in parking garages shall be shown on the plans; and NOTE: Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are outdoor hardscape, not skylit daylit areas. vii. The daylight responsive controls shall provide separate control for general lighting in each type of daylit zone. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the following: a. General lighting in overlapping skylit daylit zone and sidelit daylit zone shall be controlled as part of the skylit daylit zone.
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b. General lighting in overlapping primary and secondary sidelit daylit zone shall be controlled as part of the primary sidelit daylit zone. c. General lighting luminaires longer than 8 feet shall be controlled as segments of 8 feet or less according to the type of the daylit zone where the segment is primarily located; and Exception to Section 160.5(b)4Dviic: Where a luminaire contains a factory-assembled housing and light source as an integral unit in segments longer than 8 feet, the luminaire is allowed to be controlled according to the type of the daylit zone in which the segment is primarily located. viii. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the following: a.
Frequently asked questions
When is equivalent facilitation allowed?
Only when applying the CHBC alternatives in § 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character‑defining features, and it must be evaluated and approved on an item‑by‑item basis. § 8-604
What documentation is required?
The enforcing official must document the reasons, effect on historic features, and include opinions/comments from state/local accessibility officials and representative local disability groups; these documents are retained in the permanent enforcing‑agency file. § 8-604.3; § 8-602.2
Can I use virtual reality or videos as the only accessibility solution?
Yes — if that approach provides substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability and is justified because physical alternatives would damage historic character. Document justification per § 8-604.2–.3.
Does this substitute for ADA compliance or federal certification?
No. If an equivalent facilitation is used as a waiver of an ADA requirement for an element, that element will not receive the DOJ certification of this code as rebuttable evidence of ADA compliance. § 8-604 (federal limitation)
Do I have to try the CHBC specific alternatives first?
Yes. The CHBC alternatives in § 8-603 should be evaluated first; equivalent facilitation is appropriate only if those alternatives would harm historic character. § 8-603; § 8-604
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