Element-specific alternatives (entrances, doors, ramps, toilets)

Grounded in the retrieved California Historical Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

• CHBC § 8-603.2 High relevance — show source text

  8-603.2 Entry. These alternatives do not allow exceptions for the requirement of level landings in front of doors, except as provided in Section 8-603.4.

  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 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) of clear opening.
  2. Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening
  3. Double door, one leaf of which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening.
  4. 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:

  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.

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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.

  1. Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by- item or a 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.
• CHBC § 8-603.2 High 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|

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  APPENDIX A

  TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY—continued	Col2	Col3	Col4
  	Title II Public Entities	Title III Private Entities	Title 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 § 8-603.5 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 § 8-601.3 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.

  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.

  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 a 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.

  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.

  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 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) of clear opening.
  2. Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening
  3. Double door, one leaf of which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening.
  4. 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|

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  APPENDIX A

• CHBC § 202.3. High relevance — show source text

  3. Residential dwelling units not required to be accessible in compliance with this code shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 202.3.

  11B- 202.3.1 Prohibited reduction in access. An alteration that decreases or has the effect of decreasing the accessibility of a building or facility below the requirements for new construction at the time of the alteration is prohibited.

  11B- 202.3.2 Extent of application. An alteration of an existing element, space or area of a building or facility shall not impose a requirement for accessibility greater than required for new construction.

  11B-202.3.3 Alteration of single elements. If alterations of single elements, when considered together, amount to an alteration of a room or space in a building or facility, the entire room or space shall be made accessible.

  11B- 202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs. When alterations or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, an accessible path of travel to the specific area of alteration or addition shall be provided. The primary accessible path of travel shall include:

  1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,

  4. Public telephones serving the area, and

  5. Signs.

  Exceptions:

  1. Residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-233.3.4.2. 2. If the following elements of a path of travel have been constructed or altered in compliance with the accessibility require- ments of the immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code, it shall not be required to retrofit such elements to reflect the incremental changes in this code solely because of an alteration to an area served by those elements of the path of travel:

  1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,

  4. Public telephones serving the area, and

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  ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

  5. Signs.

  Note: The language in this exception, which refers to the “immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code,” shall permit a reference back to one CBC edition only and is not accumulative to prior editions. 3. Additions or alterations to meet accessibility requirements consisting of one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4: 1. Altering one building entrance. 2. Altering one existing toilet facility. 3. Altering existing elevators. 4. Altering existing steps. 5. Altering existing handrails. 4. Alterations solely for the purpose of barrier removal undertaken pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabil- _ities Act (Public Law 101-336, 28 C.F.R. Section 36.

• CHBC § 8-604 Medium 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.

  1. Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by- item or a 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.

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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 § 11B-705.1.2.2.2 Medium relevance — show source text

  11B-705.1.2.2.2 Parallel curb ramps. Detectable warnings at parallel curb ramps shall be located so the edge nearest the curb is 6 inches (152 mm) minimum and 8 inches (203 mm) maximum from the demarcation line at the face of the curb between the curb and the gutter, street or highway. Detectable warnings shall extend the full width of the turning space at the demarcation between the street and the sidewalk less 2 inches (51 mm) maximum on each side.

  FIGURE 11B-705.1.2.2.2—PARALLEL CURB RAMPS

  11B-705.1.2.2.2.1 One entrance/exit point. Where the turning space has one entrance/exit point other than the sloped ramp segments, detectable warnings shall be 36 inches (914 mm) deep, as measured perpendicular to the curb, and the turning space shall provide a minimum 36 inches (914 mm) wide portion without detectable warnings to allow pedestrian travel in the direction of the sidewalk without travelling over the detectable warnings.

  Exceptions:

  1. Where it is technically infeasible to provide a minimum 72 inches (1828 mm) wide turning space, as measured perpendicular to the curb, the depth of detectable warnings may be reduced to 24 inches (610 mm) minimum.

  2. Existing parallel curb ramps with detectable warnings in compliance with the code requirements in effect at the time of installation shall not be required to provide a minimum 36 inches (914 mm) wide portion of the turning space without detectable warnings.

  11B-705.1.2.2.2.2 Two entrance/exit points. Where the turning space has two entrance/exit points other than the sloped ramp segments, detectable warnings shall be 36 inches (914 mm) deep at both entrance/exit points, as measured perpen- dicular to the curb, and the turning space shall provide a minimum 36 inches (914 mm) wide portion without detectable warnings to allow pedestrian travel in the direction of the sidewalk without travelling over the detectable warnings.

  Exceptions:

  1. Where it is technically infeasible to provide a minimum 108 inches (2743 mm) wide turning space, as measured perpendicular to the curb, the depth of detectable warnings may be reduced to 24 inches (610 mm) minimum.

  2. Existing parallel curb ramps with detectable warnings in compliance with the code requirements in effect at the time of installation shall not be required to provide a minimum 36 inches (914 mm) wide portion of the turning space without detectable warnings.

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  ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

  11B-705.1.2.3 Islands or cut-through medians. Detectable warnings at pedestrian islands or cut-through medians shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum in depth extending the full width of the pedestrian path or cut-through less 2 inches (51 mm) maximum on each side, placed at the edges of the pedestrian island or cut-through median, and shall be separated by 24 inches (610 mm) minimum of walking surface without detectable warnings.

• CHBC § 8-5 Medium relevance — show source text

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

  8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS

  SECTION 8-501 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

  8-501.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum means of egress regulations for qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept reasonably equivalent alternatives to the means of egress requirements in the regular code.

  8-501.2 Intent. The intent of these regulations is to provide an adequate means of egress.

  8-501.3 Scope. Every qualified historical building or portion thereof shall be provided with exits as required by the CHBC when required by the provisions of Section 8-102.

  SECTION 8-502 — GENERAL

  8-502.1 General. The enforcing agency shall grant reasonable exceptions to the specific provisions of applicable egress regulations where such exceptions will not adversely affect life safety.

  8-502.2. Existing door openings and corridor widths of less than dimensions required by regular code shall be permitted where there is sufficient width and height for the occupants to pass through the opening or traverse the exit.

  8-502.3 Stairs. Existing stairs having risers and treads or width at variance with the regular code are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard. Handrails with nonconforming grip size or extensions are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard.

  8-502.4 Main entry doors. The front or main entry doors need not be rehung to swing in the direction of exit travel, provided other means or conditions of exiting, as necessary to serve the total occupant load, are provided.

  8-502.5 Existing fire escapes. Existing previously approved fire escapes and fire escape ladders shall be acceptable as one of the required means of egress, provided they extend to the ground and are easily negotiated, adequately signed and in good working order. Access shall be by an opening having a minimum width of 29 inches (737 mm) when open with a sill no more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the adjacent floor, landing or approved step.

  8-502.6 New fire escapes and fire escape ladders. New fire escapes and fire escape ladders which comply with this section shall be acceptable as one of the required means of egress. New fire escapes and new fire escape ladders shall comply with the following:

  1. Access from a corridor shall not be through an intervening room.
  2. All openings within 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be protected by three-fourths-hour fire assemblies. When located within a recess or vestibule, adjacent enclosure walls shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
  3. Egress from the building shall be by a clear opening having a minimum dimension of not less than 29 inches (737 mm). Such openings shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. The sill of an opening giving access shall not be more than 30 inches (737 mm) above the floor, step or landing of the building or balcony.
  4. Fire escape stairways and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.79 kN/m [2] ) and shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side. The pitch of the stairway shall not exceed 72 degrees with a minimum width of 18 inches (457 mm).
• CHBC § 909.20.5 Medium relevance — show source text

  Exception: When approved by the enforcing agency, other engineered design methods capable of discharging a minimum of 2,500 cubic feet per minute (1180 L/s) of air at the design pressure difference shall be permitted.

  909.20.5 Pressurized stair and vestibule alternative. The provisions of Sections 909.20.5.1 through 909.20.5.3 shall apply to smokeproof enclosures using a pressurized stair and pressurized entrance vestibule.

  909.20.5.1 Vestibule doors. The door assembly from the building into the vestibule shall be a fire door assembly complying with Section 716.2.2.1. The door assembly from the vestibule to the stairway shall have not less than a 20-minute fire protection rating and meet the requirements for a smoke door assembly in accordance with Section 716.2.2.1. The door shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 105.

  909.20.5.2 Pressure difference. The stair enclosure shall be pressurized to not less than 0.05 inch of water gage (12.44 Pa) positive pressure relative to the vestibule with all stairway doors closed under the maximum anticipated stack pressures. The vestibule, with doors closed, shall have not less than 0.05 inch of water gage (12.44 Pa) positive pressure relative to the fire floor. The pressure difference across doors shall not exceed 30 pounds (133-N) maximum force to begin opening the door.

  909.20.5.3 Dampered relief opening. A controlled relief vent having the capacity to discharge not less than 2,500 cubic feet per minute (1180 L/s) of air at the design pressure difference shall be located in the upper portion of the pressurized exit enclosure.

  909.20.5.4 Smoke detection. The fan system shall be equipped with a smoke detector that will automatically shut down the fan system when smoke is detected within the system.

  909.20.6 Pressurization equipment. The activation of pressurization equipment required by the alternatives in Sections 909.20.4 and 909.20.5 shall be by smoke detectors installed at each floor level at an approved location at the entrance to the smokeproof enclosure and upon activation of the automatic controls required by Section 909.12.4 . When the closing device for the stairway and ramp shaft and vestibule doors is activated by smoke detection or power failure, the mechanical equipment shall activate and operate at the required performance levels. Smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.3.

  909.20.6.1 Pressurization systems. Smokeproof enclosure pressurization systems shall be independent of other building ventilation systems. The equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall comply with one of the following:

  1. Equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall be located exterior to the building and directly connected to the smokeproof enclosure or connected to the smokeproof enclosure by ductwork enclosed by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

  2. Equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall be located within the smokeproof enclosure with intake or exhaust directly from and to the outside or through ductwork enclosed by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

• CHBC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text

  The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: † The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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  APPENDIX B-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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  B SUPPLEMENTARY ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING

  BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

  The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance.

  User notes:

  About this appendix: Chapters 11A and 11B of the California Building Code contain provisions that set forth requirements for accessibility to buildings and their associated sites and facilities for people with physical disabilities. Appendix B was added to address accessibility in construction for items that are not typically enforceable through the traditional building code enforcement

  process.

  SECTION B101—QUALIFIED HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

  [BE] B101.1 General. Qualified historic buildings and facilities shall comply with Sections B101.2 through B101.5.

  [BE] B101.2 Qualified historic buildings and facilities. These procedures shall apply to buildings and facilities designated as historic structures that undergo alterations or a change of occupancy.

  [BE] B101.3 Qualified historic buildings and facilities subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Where an alteration or change of occupancy is undertaken to a qualified historic building or facility that is subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the federal agency with jurisdiction over the undertaking shall follow the Section 106 process. Where the state historic preservation officer or Advisory Council on Historic Preservation determines that compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, ramps, entrances, or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, the alternative requirements of Section 306.7.16 for that element are permitted.

  [BE] B101.4 Qualified historic buildings and facilities not subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Where an alteration or change of occupancy is undertaken to a qualified historic building or facility that is not subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and the entity undertaking the alterations believes that compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, ramps, entrances or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, the entity shall consult with the state historic preservation officer. Where the state historic preservation officer determines that compliance with the accessibility requirements for accessible routes, ramps, entrances or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historical significance of the building or facility, the alternative requirements of Section 306.7.18 for that element are permitted.

  [BE] B101.4.1 Consultation with interested persons. Interested persons shall be invited to participate in the consultation process, including state or local accessibility officials, individuals with disabilities, and organizations representing individuals with disabilities.

• CHBC § 8-410.3 Medium relevance — show source text

  3. Buildings with floors above 75 feet, NFPA 13.

  4. When the building is free standing or with property line separation, two floors and 1500 square feet per floor or less, NFPA 13D.

  5. For exterior wall and opening protection. As required by this chapter.

  Exception: When the automatic sprinkler systems are used to reach compliance using this code, in three or more occasions, NFPA 13D standard shall be increased to NFPA 13R standard, or NFPA 13R standard shall be increased to a NFPA 13 standard.

  8-410.3 Automatic sprinkler systems shall not be used to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits from any facility. (See Chapter 8-5 for exiting requirements.)

  8-410.4 An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all detention facilities.

  SECTION 8-411 — OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

  Fire alarm systems, smoke and heat detection systems, occupant notification and annunciation systems, smoke control systems and fire modeling, timed egress analysis and modeling, as well as other engineering methods and technologies may be accepted by the enforcing agency to address areas of nonconformance.

  SECTION 8-412 — HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

  Qualified historical buildings having floors for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access shall conform to the provisions of the regular code for existing high-rise buildings as amended by the CHBC.

  8 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

  8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS

  SECTION 8-501 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

  8-501.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum means of egress regulations for qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept reasonably equivalent alternatives to the means of egress requirements in the regular code.

  8-501.2 Intent. The intent of these regulations is to provide an adequate means of egress.

  8-501.3 Scope. Every qualified historical building or portion thereof shall be provided with exits as required by the CHBC when required by the provisions of Section 8-102.

  SECTION 8-502 — GENERAL

  8-502.1 General. The enforcing agency shall grant reasonable exceptions to the specific provisions of applicable egress regulations where such exceptions will not adversely affect life safety.

  8-502.2. Existing door openings and corridor widths of less than dimensions required by regular code shall be permitted where there is sufficient width and height for the occupants to pass through the opening or traverse the exit.

  8-502.3 Stairs. Existing stairs having risers and treads or width at variance with the regular code are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard. Handrails with nonconforming grip size or extensions are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard.

  8-502.4 Main entry doors. The front or main entry doors need not be rehung to swing in the direction of exit travel, provided other means or conditions of exiting, as necessary to serve the total occupant load, are provided.