CHBC · California Historical Building Code
What are limitations (ADA certification, waivers) for equivalent facilitation?
Under the CHBC (§ 8-604), you may use alternative designs or technologies (maps, VR, alternate entrances, etc.) only when meeting standard accessibility rules would threaten or destroy historic features. Each alternative must be justified and documented, include input from accessibility officials and disability groups, and be applied item‑by‑item. If the alternative is used as a waiver of an ADA requirement, that specific element is not covered by DOJ certification.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The CHBC allows equivalent facilitation — using other designs, technologies, or deviations — only when strict compliance would threaten or destroy historical significance or character‑defining features, and only on an item‑by‑item, case‑by‑case basis under § 8-604. The enforcing official must document the reasons and include input from state/local accessibility officials and representative disability groups; that documentation must be kept in the enforcing agency’s permanent file. Importantly, if an equivalent facilitation is applied as a waiver of an ADA accessibility requirement, that element will not be entitled to Department of Justice certification of this code as rebuttable evidence of compliance for that element (see § 8-604).
The single most important rule: Equivalent facilitation is a narrowly applied, documented alternative used only where compliance would harm the historic character, and using it as an ADA waiver removes the element from DOJ certification protection. § 8-604.
Requirements in detail
Core limits and triggers
- When permitted: Only when meeting the CHBC’s trigger — strict compliance would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character‑defining features. § 8-604.
- Scope: Applied only on an item‑by‑item or case‑by‑case basis (no blanket building‑wide substitutions). § 8-604.
- What alternatives may look like: Substitutes can be experiences or technologies (for example maps, plans, videos, virtual reality), provided they give substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability. § 8-604.
- Documentation and review: The enforcing official must document the reasons, effects on historical significance, include opinions/comments of state/local accessibility officials and representative disability groups, and retain the documentation in the permanent enforcing agency file. Documentation must follow § 8-602.2, Item 2 and § 8-604.
ADA certification / waiver limitation (the key limitation)
- If equivalent facilitation is used as a waiver of an ADA accessibility requirement for a particular element, that element will not be covered by the Federal DOJ certification of this code as rebuttable evidence of compliance. Note: this affects only the element for which the ADA requirement is waived — it does not nullify CHBC applicability elsewhere. § 8-604.
Quick decision table (decision‑relevant dimensions)
| Decision dimension | Typical values / thresholds | What to check | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trigger to use equivalent facilitation | Historic significance would be threatened or destroyed by strict compliance | Historic‑resource assessment showing conflict between required alteration and character‑defining features | § 8-604; see also § 8-602.2 for documentation requirement. |
| Application scope | Item‑by‑item / case‑by‑case only | Confirm each element separately; no blanket exemptions | § 8-604. |
| Acceptable alternatives | Maps, plans, videos, VR, power‑assist doors, lifts, etc. — must be substantially equivalent | Evaluate whether alternative provides substantially equivalent access/usability | § 8-604; alternatives elaborated in § 8-603 (e.g., doors, ramps). |
| Documentation content | Must include opinions of accessibility officials and representative disability groups; retained in permanent file | Attach meeting minutes/letters and accessibility officials’ comments | § 8-604; documentation per § 8-602.2, Item 2. |
| ADA waiver effect | No DOJ certification for the waived element | If pursuing ADA waiver-equivalent facilitation, note certification limitation in project record/publication | § 8-604 Note. |
| Related numeric thresholds (from § 8-603 alternatives) | 200 feet (distance to alternative entrance); ramp slopes 1:10 (short distance) and 1:6 (very short distance) | If using CHBC alternatives in lieu of physical alteration, verify conformance to those numeric limits in § 8-603 | § 8-603.2, § 8-603.6. |
Process requirements (practical steps an enforcing official or applicant must follow)
- Demonstrate, with evidence, that strict compliance would threaten/destroy historic character. § 8-604.
- Propose specific equivalent facilitation measures and explain how they provide substantially equivalent accessibility/usability (maps, videos, VR, power‑assist doors, alternate entrance with signage, etc.). § 8-604 and § 8-603.
- Obtain and include written opinions/comments from state or local accessibility officials and representative local disability groups. § 8-604.
- Retain the documentation in the enforcing agency’s permanent file and make copies available at the facility on request. § 8-604.
- If the alternative is a waiver of an ADA requirement, note that DOJ certification protection for that element is forfeited and annotate project records accordingly. § 8-604 (Note).
Exceptions & special cases
- Equivalent facilitation is not a blanket exception for entire projects — it must be decisions about specific elements (item‑by‑item). § 8-604.
- Alternatives in Chapter 8‑6 (e.g., door, ramp alternatives in § 8-603) may have their own numeric limits and exceptions (e.g., accessible entrance distance 200 feet); those limits still apply when you rely on those alternatives. § 8-603.2.
- For commercial facilities / Title III entities: certain CHBC alternative door exceptions may not apply; check § 8-603 exceptions. (See § 8-603 for scope/exception language.)
- Special legal effect: using equivalent facilitation as a waiver of an ADA requirement removes that element from the scope of the DOJ’s certification-of-code protection (no rebuttable evidence of compliance certification for that element). § 8-604 Note.
Common mistakes
- Treating equivalent facilitation as a blanket waiver for the whole building instead of item‑by‑item (violates § 8-604).
- Failing to document the specific historic conflict and the decision rationale, or failing to include accessibility officials’ and disability‑group comments (required by § 8-604 and § 8-602.2).
- Assuming DOJ certification covers elements where an ADA waiver was used — it does not (see § 8-604 Note).
- Proposing an alternative experience (video/VR) that does not provide substantially equivalent access or usability — equivalency must be demonstrable per § 8-604.
- Overlooking numeric limits in § 8-603 when relying on CHBC alternatives (e.g., 200 feet, ramp slopes 1:10 or 1:6) — those limits still constrain acceptable alternatives. § 8-603.2, § 8-603.6.
Worked example — concrete scenario with numbers
Scenario: A museum in a qualified historical building has a primary front entrance with a historic stone stoop and carved columns considered character‑defining. Installing a code‑compliant ramp at that entrance would require removing the columns.
Step 1 — Trigger: Owner documents (photos, preservation report) that constructing a compliant ramp would destroy character‑defining columns (historic‑resource assessment). This satisfies the CHBC trigger for equivalent facilitation. § 8-604.
Step 2 — Proposed equivalent facilitation:
- Provide an accessible alternative entrance around the corner that is fully accessible, located 120 feet from the primary entrance (within the 200‑foot CHBC alternative limit in § 8-603.2).
- At the historic primary entrance, install interpretive signage and an indoor/outdoor virtual‑reality (VR) kiosk that reproduces the entry experience at accessible levels, plus a staffed notification/escort system. § 8-604.
Step 3 — Review & documentation: The enforcing official documents the assessment, includes written comments from the local accessibility official and a representative disability‑group (meeting minutes and letters), and files them in the agency permanent file; copies are available at the museum. § 8-604; § 8-602.2.
Step 4 — ADA waiver implication: If the owner is treating the alternate entrance + VR as a waiver of a specific ADA element at the historic entrance, note in the record that DOJ certification of the CHBC will not provide rebuttable-evidence coverage for that waived element (per § 8-604 Note).
Result: The museum preserves the character‑defining entrance, provides substantially equivalent access with the nearby accessible entrance and VR experience, and has the required documentation to support the decision — but the owner understands the DOJ certification limitation for any waived ADA element. § 8-604.
Related provisions
- § 8-602.1 — Regular code applies unless it threatens/destroys historical significance (basis for alternatives).
- § 8-602.2 — Alternative provisions: documentation requirements (meeting minutes/letters) and item‑by‑item application.
- § 8-603 — Alternatives (doors, entries, ramps, power‑assist doors, toilet rooms) and numeric limits referenced by equivalent facilitation.
- § 8-603.2 — Entry alternatives and the 200‑foot limit for alternate accessible entrances.
- § 8-603.4 — Use of power‑assisted doors as an equivalent alternative for some door requirements.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Historical Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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 § 8-604 High relevance — show source text
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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 § 8-602.2 High relevance — show source text
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.|**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.|**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.|**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.|26 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
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HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX
2025 California Historical Building Code California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 8
HISTORY:
For prior history, see the History Note Appendix to the California Historical Building Code, 2022 Triennial Edition, effective January 1, 2023.
- Adoption of the 2025 California Historical Building Code, CCR Title 24, Part 8, carrying forward existing amendments from the 2022 edition. Effective on January 1, 2026.
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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 § 8-603.2 Medium 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.
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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.
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 § 8-6 Medium relevance — show source text
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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. 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.Applies Applies Applies 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:
1.These provisions shall be applied only on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis.
2.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.Applies Applies Applies Section 8-603 — ALTERNATIVES
**8-603.1 Alternative minimum standards.**The alternative minimum standards for alter-
ations 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.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 § 517.34. Medium relevance — show source text
12. Transformers.
13. Electrical substations.
14. UPS and batteries.
15. Panelboards as defined in the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 100. 16. Industrial control panels as defined in the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 100. 17. Power isolation and correction systems. 18. Motorized surgical lighting systems. 19. Motorized operating table systems. 20. Internal communication servers, routers and switches failure of which could impair the continued operation of the facility. 21. Medical gas and vacuum systems. 22. Electrical busways as defined in UL 857. 23. Electrical control panels powered by the life safety branch in accordance with the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 517.33 or the critical branch in accordance with the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 517.34.
Exceptions: 1. Equipment and components weighing not more than 75 lbs. rigidly attached to structures or surface mounted on equipment or components that are not required to have special seismic certification by this section. 2. Mobile equipment/components. 3. Pipes, ducts, conduits and cable trays, excluding in-line equipment and components. 4. Underground tanks. 5. Electric motors, base-mounted horizontal pumps and compressors. 6. Based-mounted vertical pumps up to 20 hp. 7. Substitution of certified active subcomponents up to operating weight of 10 lbs. 8. Components where importance factor, I p , is permitted to be 1.0 by this code. 9. Emergency generators up to 25 kilowatts. 10. Equipment and components used for clinical trials only. 11. Elevator machines and governors. 12. Temporary and Interim equipment.
For Exceptions 5, 6 and 7:
Exempt subcomponents, which are an integral part of equipment that require special seismic certification, shall be tested attached to the equipment. Exempt subcomponents shall be permitted to be substituted without testing, provided that the substituted subcomponent relative to the certified subcomponent has: 1. Similar configuration with equivalent function. 2. Supports and attachments of similar configuration with equivalent strength and stiffness.
3. Same attachment location.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 17A-19
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
4. Changes in dimensions, center of gravity and mass, of not more than 10 percent of the certified subcomponent and still meets Exception 5, 6 or 7. 5. Manufacturing process with ISO 9001 certification.
1705 A .14.4 Seismic isolation and damping systems. Seismic isolation and damping systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F shall be tested in accordance with Section 17.8 and 18.6 of ASCE 7.
Prototype and production testing and associated acceptance criteria for isolator units and damping devices shall be subject to preapproval by the building official. Testing exemption for similar units shall require approval by the building official.
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 § 204.1 Medium relevance — show source text
- Lighting for industrial sites, including but not limited to, rail yards, maritime shipyards and docks, piers and marinas, chemical and petroleum processing plants, and aviation facilities.
- Lighting of tunnels, bridges, stairs, wheelchair elevator lifts for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and ramps that are not parking garage ramps.
- In theme parks: outdoor lighting only for themes and special effects.
- Lighting for outdoor theatrical and other outdoor live performances, provided that these lighting systems are additions to area lighting systems and are controlled by a multi-scene or theatrical cross-fade control station accessible only to authorized operators.
- Outdoor lighting systems for qualified historical buildings, as defined in the California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8), if they consist solely of historical lighting components or replicas of historical lighting components. If lighting systems for qualified historical buildings contain some historical lighting components or replicas of historical components, combined with other lighting components, only those historical or historical replica components are exempt. All other outdoor lighting systems for qualified historical buildings shall not be exempted.
APPENDIX A4-10 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
SECTION A4.204 — REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS
A4.204.1 Energy efficiency. Alterations to existing residential buildings shall comply with Sections A4.204.1.1 and A4.204.1.2.
A4.204.1.1 Altered space-conditioning system serving existing single-family dwelling units – mechanical cooling. When a space-conditioning system serving an existing single-family dwelling unit is altered in Climate Zones 1 through 14 and 16 by installation or replacement of an air conditioner, the altered system shall comply with either a or b below in addition to the requirements for installation specified by Title 24, Part 6, Sections 150.2(b)1E and 150.2(b)1F: a. A heat pump shall be the primary heating source and sized according to the system selection requirements specified by Title 24, Part 6 of Section 150.0(h)5. Supplemental heating may be provided by an existing gas furnace or existing electric resistance heating; or b. An air conditioner shall meet the following requirements: i. R-8 duct insulation for ducts located in unconditioned space; and ii. The duct system measured air leakage shall be equal to or less than 5 percent of the system air handler airflow as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, per the requirements in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; and iii. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 400 CFM per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.35 W/CFM. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, following the procedures outlined in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3; and iv.
CHBC § 209.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
- Lighting required by a health or life safety statute ordinance or regulation, including but not limited to, emergency lighting.
- Lighting for steps or stairs that require illumination during daylight hours.
- Lighting that is controlled by a motion sensor and photocontrol.
- Lighting for facilities that have equal lighting requirements at all hours and are designed to operate continuously.
- Temporary outdoor lighting.
- Signs.
A6.209.4 Outdoor lighting. This section applies to all outdoor lighting, whether attached to buildings, poles, structures or selfsupporting, including but not limited to, hardscape areas including parking lots, lighting for building entrances, sales and nonsales canopies; lighting for all outdoor sales areas; and lighting for building facades.
Exceptions: When more than 50 percent of the light from a luminaire falls on one or more of the following applications, the lighting power for that luminaire shall be exempt from Section A6.209.4.2.
Temporary outdoor lighting.
Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Coast Guard.
Lighting for public streets, roadways, highways and traffic signage lighting, including lighting for driveway entrances occurring in the public right-of-way.
Lighting for sports and athletic fields and children’s playground.
Lighting for industrial sites, including but not limited to, rail yards, maritime shipyards and docks, piers and marinas, chemical and petroleum processing plants and aviation facilities.
Lighting specifically for automated teller machines as required by California Financial Code Section 13040 or required by law through a local ordinance.
Lighting of public monuments.
Signs shall meet the requirements of Section A6.209.5.
Lighting used in or around swimming pools, water features or other locations subject to Article 680 of Title 24, Part 3, California Electrical Code.
Lighting of tunnels, bridges, stairs, wheelchair elevator lifts for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and ramps that are other than parking garage ramps.
Landscape lighting.
In theme parks: outdoor lighting for themes and special effects.
Lighting for outdoor theatrical and other outdoor live performances, provided that these lighting systems are additions to area lighting systems and are controlled by a multiscene or theatrical cross-fade control station accessible only to authorized operators.
Outdoor lighting systems for qualified historical buildings, as defined in Title 24, Part 8, California Historical Building Code, if they consist solely of historical lighting components or replicas of historical lighting components. If lighting systems for qualified historical buildings contain some historical lighting components or replicas of historical components, combined with other lighting components, only those historical or historical replica components are exempt. All other outdoor lighting systems for qualified historical buildings shall comply with Section A6.209.4.
A.5.209.4.1 Outdoor lighting power trade-offs. Outdoor lighting power trade-offs shall be determined as follows:
- Allowed lighting power determined according to Section A6.209.4.4.1 for general hardscape lighting allowance may be traded to specific applications in Section A6.209.4.4.2, provided the hardscape area from which the lighting power is traded continues to be illuminated in accordance with Section A6.209.4.4.1.1.
Frequently asked questions
When can equivalent facilitation be used instead of meeting regular ADA technical requirements?
Only when strict compliance would threaten or destroy the building’s historical significance or character‑defining features, and only on an item‑by‑item basis as allowed by § 8-604. Documentation and stakeholder input are required.
Does using equivalent facilitation as a waiver give me Federal DOJ certification protection?
No. If equivalent facilitation is applied as a waiver of an ADA accessibility requirement for an element, that element will not be entitled to DOJ certification of the code as rebuttable evidence of compliance. § 8-604 Note.
What documentation do I need to keep?
You must document the reasons, effects on historic significance, and include opinions/comments of state/local accessibility officials and representative disability groups; retain these documents in the enforcing agency’s permanent file (per § 8-604 and § 8-602.2).
Can I substitute a VR tour or video for physical access?
Yes — but only if the alternative (maps, plans, videos, VR, etc.) provides substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability for the affected element and is justified and documented under § 8-604.
Are there numeric limits I must still follow when using CHBC alternatives?
Yes. Where you rely on CHBC alternatives (see § 8-603), specific numeric thresholds still apply (for example, an alternative accessible entrance must be within 200 feet of the primary entrance; ramp alternatives have slope/distance limits).
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