CHBC · California Historical Building Code
What federal/ADA references define CHBC alternative minimum standards?
The CHBC does not create new federal rules — **§ 8-603.1** refers you to **Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards (28 CFR Pt. 36)** as the alternative minimum standards for qualified historical building alterations, while CHBC §§ 8-603.2–8-603.6 give specific historic‑building alternatives (door widths, ramps, lifts, entries, and power‑assisted doors) that must be applied case‑by‑case with required documentation.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The California Historical Building Code (CHBC) sets the alternative minimum standards for alterations to qualified historical buildings by pointing directly to the federal ADA accessibility rules: Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design as adopted in federal regulation 28 CFR Pt. 36. This referral is the controlling rule in CHBC § 8-603.1. Any use of CHBC alternatives must follow that federal reference unless the CHBC specifically sets its own alternatives (see related CHBC provisions) — documentation and case‑by‑case application are required. § 8-603.1
The CHBC does not invent its own federal standards — it directs you to Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards (as incorporated at 28 CFR Pt. 36) for the baseline alternative minimum standards for historic alterations. § 8-603.1
Requirements in detail
The CHBC's explicit textual referral: § 8-603.1 states that the alternative minimum standards for alterations are those "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." § 8-603.1
The CHBC then supplies several CHBC-specific alternative elements (doors, entries, ramps, toilets, power‑assist) that are applied in tandem with the federal referral — these are codified in CHBC § 8-603.2 – § 8-603.6 (see table below). Where CHBC provides specific numeric alternatives, those are binding under CHBC; where CHBC defers (as in § 8-603.1) the federal text in Section 202.5 is the referenced authority. § 8-603.2 – § 8-603.6
Decision‑relevant dimensions / values
| Decision dimension | Value or rule | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Reference for the alternative minimum standards | Section 202.5, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (as adopted in 28 CFR Pt. 36) | § 8-603.1 |
| Distance to accessible entrance from primary entrance | 200 feet (60 960 mm) maximum | § 8-603.2 |
| Door clear opening alternatives (priority order) | 30 in (762 mm); then 29 1/2 in (749 mm); double‑leaf arrangements as listed | § 8-603.3 |
| Level landings in front of doors | No general exception (must provide), except as allowed by § 8-603.4 (power‑assisted doors) | § 8-603.2 and § 8-603.4 |
| Power‑assisted doors | May be considered equivalent to level landings, strikeside clearance and door opening forces | § 8-603.4 |
| Toilet facilities | Accessible unisex toilet may be designated in lieu of separate‑gender rooms | § 8-603.5 |
| Exterior / interior ramps and lifts (priority) | 1) A lift or ramp with slope greater than regular but no greater than 1:10 for horizontal distances not to exceed 5 ft (1525 mm); 2) Ramps of 1:6 slope for horizontal distance not to exceed 13 in (330 mm) (signage required) | § 8-603.6 |
| Documentation & case‑by‑case application | Alternatives applied item‑by‑item with documentation (meeting minutes/letters) retained by enforcing agency | § 8-602.2 |
| Equivalent facilitation allowance | Where CHBC alternatives would still harm historic features, equivalent facilitation (maps, videos, lifts, technology) may be used — documented and applied case‑by‑case | § 8-604 |
Notes on the table:
- The CHBC both points to the federal ADA reference (§ 8-603.1) and provides CHBC‑specific alternative numeric values and hierarchies for elements (doors, ramps, entries). Where CHBC gives numbers, those must be used. § 8-603.1; § 8-603.3; § 8-603.6
Exceptions & special cases
- CHBC alternatives are applied only on an item‑by‑item or case‑by‑case basis and require documented justification preserved in the enforcing agency file (meeting minutes, letters). § 8-602.2
- For level landings, CHBC does not allow a general exception; the only CHBC-specified equivalency to landings is via power‑assisted doors as an accepted equivalent (see § 8-603.4). § 8-603.2; § 8-603.4
- When CHBC alternatives would still threaten or destroy historical significance, the CHBC permits equivalent facilitation (alternate technologies, programs, or services) but requires documented findings and involvement of accessibility stakeholders. § 8-604
- CHBC notes that equivalent facilitation used as a waiver of an ADA requirement will not make the federal DOJ certification of the code into “rebuttable evidence” for that element — i.e., using CHBC alternatives does not automatically substitute for federal ADA certification. § 8-604
If you need the actual text of Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design or the specific language of 28 CFR Pt. 36, that federal text is referenced by § 8-603.1 but is not reproduced in the CHBC file I reviewed; you will need to consult the 2010 ADA Standards (Section 202.5) or 28 CFR Pt. 36 directly for the federal wording. § 8-603.1
Common mistakes
- Treating CHBC as a free pass: CHBC requires documentation and enforcers must accept alternatives only when strict compliance would threaten historic significance — it is not an automatic exemption. § 8-602.1; § 8-602.2
- Ignoring the federal reference: many assume CHBC replaces all ADA rules; in reality § 8-603.1 refers explicitly to Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards (28 CFR Pt. 36) as the alternative minimum standards — you must consult that federal text for the baseline. § 8-603.1
- Misusing numeric alternatives: applying CHBC door or ramp numbers without following the required priority order or signage/notification requirements (e.g., the 200 ft access rule or posting required ramp signs). § 8-603.2; § 8-603.3; § 8-603.6
- Assuming equivalent facilitation is always federal‑certified: CHBC warns that use of equivalent facilitation as a waiver of an ADA requirement will not carry DOJ certification for that element. § 8-604
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A historic town hall has a primary entrance at the front. The entry floor is 9 inches higher than exterior grade. The building owner wants to provide accessible access without altering the historic stoop.
- CHBC requires you to check the alternatives and federal referral in § 8-603.1 and CHBC ramp/lift options in § 8-603.6. § 8-603.1; § 8-603.6
- CHBC allows a ramp up to 1:10 slope for horizontal distances not to exceed 5 ft (1525 mm). A 5 ft run at 1:10 yields a vertical rise of 6 inches (5 ft = 60 in; 60 / 10 = 6 in). § 8-603.6
- The 9‑inch rise exceeds what a 1:10 ramp (run limited to 5 ft) can accommodate (6 in), so a compliant CHBC ramp per that first alternative would not reach the entry. § 8-603.6
- Next alternatives: CHBC lists a lift or other solutions as options (lift OR ramp up to 1:10 is listed as top priority). A vertical platform lift that accommodates 9 in of rise could be used if it preserves historic character and is accepted by the enforcing agency (documentation required). § 8-603.6; § 8-602.2
- If the owner chooses to provide an alternate accessible entrance instead of modifying the historic primary entrance, CHBC requires that the alternate accessible entrance be no more than 200 ft from the primary entrance and have notification/signage as required. If an accessible entrance is 150 ft away, that complies with the CHBC distance limit. § 8-603.2
- Finally, the enforcing agency will require documented justification (why the ramp would threaten/destroy significance), and will retain meeting minutes/letters as part of the permanent file. § 8-602.2
Bottom line from the example: a 9‑inch rise cannot be handled by the CHBC 1:10/5 ft ramp alternative (max 6 in rise); use a lift or provide an alternate accessible entrance within 200 ft with required signage and documentation. § 8-603.6; § 8-603.2; § 8-602.2
Related provisions
- § 8-601.3 — Scope: CHBC applies to qualified historical buildings required to provide access. § 8-601.3
- § 8-602.1 — Regular code applies unless compliance would threaten historic significance. § 8-602.1
- § 8-602.2 — Alternative provisions applied item‑by‑item with required documentation. § 8-602.2
- § 8-603.2 — Entry access rules, 200 ft distance, signage/notification requirements. § 8-603.2
- § 8-603.3 — Door clear opening priority alternatives (30 in, 29 1/2 in, etc.). § 8-603.3
- § 8-603.4 — Power‑assisted doors as equivalency for landings/clearances. § 8-603.4
- § 8-603.5 — Toilet room alternatives (accessible unisex). § 8-603.5
- § 8-603.6 — Exterior/interior ramps and lifts (slopes and distances). § 8-603.6
- § 8-604 — Equivalent facilitation: alternate methods (maps, videos, VR, lifts) when physical alterations would threaten significance. § 8-604
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Historical Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CHBC § 8-601.3 High 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 § 8-602 High relevance — show source text
** 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.**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
CHBC § 8-6 High 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 § 8-604 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 § 323-9843 Medium relevance — show source text
State Librarian [SL]
library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation
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HOW TO DETERMINE WHERE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE
Symbols in the margins indicate where changes have been made or language has been deleted.
This symbol indicates that a change has been made.
- This symbol indicates deletion of language.
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PART 8 CONTAINS ALTERNATIVE REGULATIONS
FOR QUALIFIED HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
The California Historical Building Code (CHBC) is unique among state regulations. The authoring of the original CHBC required state agencies promulgating regulations for building construction to work in harmony with representatives of other design and construction disciplines. The result was a totally new approach to building codes for historical structures, which maintains currently acceptable life safety standards. These regulations are also unique in that they are performance oriented rather than prescriptive. The provisions of the CHBC are to be applied by the enforcing authority of every city, county, city and county, or state agency in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, rehabilitation, relocation, related construction, change of use or continued use of a qualified historical building. The authority for use of the CHBC is vested in Sections 18950 through 18961 of the Health and Safety Code. Section 18954 states, “The building department of every city or county or other local agency that has jurisdiction over the enforcement of code within its legal authority shall apply the alternative standards and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 18959.5 in permitting repairs, alterations, and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, safety, moving, or continued use of a qualified historical building or structure. A state agency shall apply the alternative regulations adopted pursuant to Section 18959.5 in permitting repairs, alterations, and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, safety, moving, or continued use of a qualified historical building or structure.” However, be aware that in order to use the CHBC, the structure under consideration must be qualified by being designated as an historical building or structure. Section 18955 states, “For the purposes of this part, a qualified historical building or structure is any structure or property, collection of structures, and their related sites deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction. This shall include historical buildings or structures on existing or future national, state or local historical registers or official inventories, such as the National Register of Historic Places, State Historical Landmarks, State Points of Historical Interest, and city or county registers or inventories of historical or architecturally significant sites, places, historic districts, or landmarks. This shall also include places, locations, or sites identified on these historical registers or official inventories and deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction.” The regulations of the CHBC have the same authority as state law and are to be considered as such. Liability is the same as for prevailing law. The intent of the CHBC is to save California’s architectural heritage by recognizing the unique construction problems inherent in historical buildings and by providing a code to deal with these problems.
CHBC § 8-503 Medium relevance — show source text
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MEANS OF EGRESS
SECTION 8-503 — ESCAPE OR RESCUE WINDOWS AND DOORS
Basements in dwelling units and every sleeping room below the fourth floor shall have at least one openable window or door approved for emergency escape which shall open directly into a public street, public way, yard or exit court. Escape or rescue windows or doors shall have a minimum clear area of 3.3 square feet (0.31 m [2] ) and a minimum width or height dimension of 18 inches (457 mm) and be operable from the inside to provide a full, clear opening without the use of special tools.
SECTION 8-504 — RAILINGS AND GUARDRAILS
The height of railings and guard railings and the spacing of balusters may continue in their historical height and spacing unless a distinct hazard has been identified or created by a change in use or occupancy.
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8-6 ACCESSIBILITY
SECTION 8-601 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND 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 qualified 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.
- 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
CHBC § 8-603.5 Medium 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 § 8-102.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
- State agencies. All state agencies shall apply the provisions of the CHBC in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, safety, relocation, reconstruction or continued use of qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-102.1.1 Additions, alterations and repairs. It is the intent of the CHBC to allow nonhistorical expansion or addition to a qualified historical building or property, provided nonhistorical additions shall conform to the requirements of the regular code (as defined in Chapter 8-2).
8-102.1.2 Relocation. Relocated qualified historical buildings or properties shall be sited to comply with the regular code or with the solutions listed in the CHBC. Nonhistorical new construction related to relocation shall comply with the regular code. Reconstruction and restoration related to relocation is permitted to comply with the provisions in the CHBC.
8-102.1.3 Change of occupancy. For change of use or occupancy, see Chapter 8-3, Use and Occupancy.
8-102.1.4 Continued use. Qualified historical buildings or properties may have their existing use or occupancy continued if such use or occupancy conformed to the code or to the standards of construction in effect at the time of construction, and such use or occupancy does not constitute a distinct hazard to life safety as defined in the CHBC.
8-102.1.5 Unsafe buildings or properties. When a qualified historical building or property is determined to be unsafe as defined in the regular code, the requirements of the CHBC are applicable to the work necessary to correct the unsafe conditions. Work to remediate the buildings or properties need only address the correction of the unsafe conditions, and it shall not be required to bring the entire qualified historical building or property into compliance with regular code.
8-102.1.6 Additional work. Qualified historical buildings or properties shall not be subject to additional work required by the regular code, regulation or ordinance beyond that required to complete the work undertaken. Certain exceptions for accessibility and for distinct hazards exist by mandate and may require specific action, within the parameters of the CHBC.
SECTION 8-103 — ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT
8-103.1 Authority. The state or local enforcing agency, pursuant to authority provided under Section 18954 of the Health and Safety Code, shall administer and enforce the provisions of the CHBC in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, reconstruction, rehabilitation, relocation or continued use of a qualified historical building or property.
8-103.2 State enforcement. All state agencies pursuant to authority provided under Section 18954 and Section 18961 of the Health and Safety Code shall administer and enforce the CHBC with respect to qualified historical buildings or properties under their respective jurisdiction.
8-103.3 Liability. Prevailing law regarding immunity of building officials is unaffected by the use and enforcement of the CHBC.
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ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 8-104 — REVIEW AND APPEALS
8-104.1 State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB or Board). In order to provide for interpretation of the provisions of the CHBC and to hear appeals, the SHBSB shall act as an appeal and review body to state and local agencies or any affected party.
**8-104.2 SHBSB review.
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 § 409.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Lightweight Ready-Mixed2**|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2| |CONCRETE PRODUCT CATEGORY|TIER 1
MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
VALUE (unfabricated)
(GWPallowed)|TIER 2
MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
VALUE (unfabricated)
(GWPallowed)|UNIT OF MEASUREMENT| |up to 2499 psi
|750|500|kg CO2e/m3| |2500~~-3499 psi-~~4499 psi|891|594|kg CO2e/m3| |1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table A5.409.3 are based on 150% of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not included
|819|546|kg CO2e/m3| |3500
in BCCA.
2. For concrete, Tier 1 is 150%, Tier 2 is 100% of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) 2022 version 3 Pacific Southwest regional benchmark values are used for
the GWP allowed, except for High Early Strength.
3. Concrete High Early Strength ready-mixed shall be calculated at 130% of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table A5.409.3 are based on 150% of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not included
in BCCA.
2. For concrete, Tier 1 is 150%, Tier 2 is 100% of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) 2022 version 3 Pacific Southwest regional benchmark values are used for
the GWP allowed, except for High Early Strength.
3. Concrete High Early Strength ready-mixed shall be calculated at 130% of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table A5.409.3 are based on 150% of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not included
in BCCA.
2. For concrete, Tier 1 is 150%, Tier 2 is 100% of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) 2022 version 3 Pacific Southwest regional benchmark values are used for
the GWP allowed, except for High Early Strength.
3. Concrete High Early Strength ready-mixed shall be calculated at 130% of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table A5.409.3 are based on 150% of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not included
in BCCA.
2. For concrete, Tier 1 is 150%, Tier 2 is 100% of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) 2022 version 3 Pacific Southwest regional benchmark values are used for
the GWP allowed, except for High Early Strength.
3. Concrete High Early Strength ready-mixed shall be calculated at 130% of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|CHBC § 8-7 Medium relevance — show source text
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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.
SECTION 8-703 — STRUCTURAL SURVEY
8-703.1 Scope. When a structure or portion of a structure is to be evaluated for structural capacity under the CHBC, it shall be surveyed for structural conditions by an architect or engineer knowledgeable in historical structures. The survey shall evaluate deterioration or signs of distress. The survey shall determine the details of the structural framing and the system for resistance of gravity and lateral loads. Details, reinforcement and anchorage of structural systems and veneers shall be determined and documented where these members are relied on for seismic lateral resistance.
8-703.2 The results of the survey shall be utilized for evaluating the structural capacity and for designing modifications to the structural system to reach compliance with this code.
8-703.3 Historical records. Past historical records of the structure or similar structures may be used in the evaluation, including the effects of subsequent alterations.
SECTION 8-704 — NONHISTORICAL ADDITIONS AND NONHISTORICAL ALTERATIONS
8-704.1 New nonhistorical additions and nonhistorical alterations which are structurally separated from an existing historical building or structure shall comply with regular code requirements.
8-704.2 New nonhistorical additions which impose vertical or lateral loads on an existing structure shall not be permitted unless the affected part of the supporting structure is evaluated and strengthened, if necessary, to meet regular code requirements.
Note: For use of archaic materials, see Chapter 8-8.
SECTION 8-705 — STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS
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,
Frequently asked questions
What specific federal document does CHBC § 8-603.1 point to?
CHBC § 8-603.1 points to Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as incorporated in federal regulation 28 CFR Pt. 36. The CHBC text makes the reference but does not reproduce the federal language. § 8-603.1
If the CHBC gives a numeric alternative (e.g., 30 in door) and the ADA standard differs, which controls?
Where CHBC provides a numeric alternative for historic buildings (e.g., door clearances in § 8-603.3), those CHBC provisions apply for qualified historical buildings — but CHBC’s referral to Section 202.5 remains the federal baseline and enforcing agencies will consider both. § 8-603.1; § 8-603.3
Do I need to prepare documentation to use an alternative?
Yes. CHBC requires item‑by‑item/case‑by‑case application and documentation (meeting minutes, letters) explaining why strict compliance would threaten historic significance; that documentation is retained by the enforcing agency per § 8-602.2. § 8-602.2
Can I rely on CHBC alternatives to satisfy federal ADA enforcement automatically?
No. The CHBC provides alternative standards and points to the federal ADA standards as a reference; CHBC also warns that equivalent facilitation used as a waiver of an ADA requirement will not automatically carry DOJ certification for that element. § 8-604
If I need the exact federal wording of Section 202.5, where do I get it?
The CHBC refers to Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards and 28 CFR Pt. 36, but that federal text is not included in the CHBC document I reviewed. Obtain Section 202.5 directly from the 2010 ADA Standards or the Code of Federal Regulations (28 CFR Pt. 36) for the federal language. § 8-603.1
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