Accessible entrance requirements and distance/notification alternatives

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

  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

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

  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 § 8-602 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

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

  APPENDIX A

• 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.

  2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 11

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

  ACCESSIBILITY

  SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION

  Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or characterdefining features of the historical building or property.

  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 § 8-601.3 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 § 8-603.5 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 § 8-503 High relevance — show source text

  2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 9

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

  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.

  10 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

  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.

  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

• CHBC § 8-6 Medium relevance — show source text

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

  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 Entities	Title III Private Entities	Title III Barrier Removal
  SECTION 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 § 8-1002.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  8-1002.1 The CHBC shall apply to all sites and districts and their features associated with qualified historical buildings or qualified historical districts as outlined in 8-1001.2 Scope.

  8-1002.2 Where the application of regular code may impact the associated features of qualified historical properties beyond their footprints, by work performed secondarily, those impacts shall also be covered by the CHBC.

  8-1002.3 This chapter shall be applied for all issues regarding code compliance or other standard or regulation as they affect the purpose of this chapter.

  8-1002.4 The application of any code or building standard shall not unduly restrict the use of a qualified historical building or property that is otherwise permitted pursuant to Chapter 8-3 and the intent of the State Historical Building Code, Section 18956.

  SECTION 8-1003 — SITE RELATIONS

  The relationship between a building or property and its site, or the associated features of a district (including qualified historical landscape), site, objects and their features are critical components that may be one of the criteria for these buildings and properties to be qualified under the CHBC. The CHBC recognizes the importance of these relationships. This chapter shall be used to provide context sensitive solutions for treatment of qualified historical buildings, properties, district or their associated historical features, or when work to be performed secondarily impacts the associated historical features of a qualified historical building or property.

  2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 23

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

  24 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

  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 Entities	Title III Private Entities	Title III Barrier Removal
  SECTION 8-601 PURPOSE, INTENT, SCOPE **8-601.1 Purpose.**The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to facilitate access and use by persons with disabilities to and throughout facilities designated as quali- fied historical buildings or properties. These regulations require enforcing agencies to accept alternatives to regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties. **8-601.2 Intent.**The intent of this chapter is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings and properties while providing access to and use by persons with disabilities. **8-601.3 Scope.**The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that is required to provide access to persons with disabilities. 1.Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of historical buildings. 2. Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or properties, alteration is defined in_ California Building Code_ (CBC), Chapter 2. **8-601.4 General application.

• CHBC § 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.

• CHBC § 11B-216.5.2 Medium relevance — show source text

  Exceptions:

  1. Reserved.

  2. In residential facilities, where parking spaces are assigned to specific residential dwelling units, identification of accessible parking spaces shall not be required.

  11B-216.5.2 Electric vehicle charging spaces. Signs identifying electric vehicle charging spaces shall comply with Section 11B-812.8.

  11B-216.5.3 Parking and electric vehicle charging facilities. Signs within parking and charging facilities shall comply with Section 11B-216.5.3.

  11B-216.5.3.1 Signs intended for use by pedestrians. Signs intended for use by pedestrians within parking and charging facili- ties, including directional or informational signs indicating parking sections or levels, shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B-216.

  11B-216.5.3.2 Additional signs. Signs within parking facilities containing parking spaces complying with Section 11B-502 shall comply with Section 11B-502.8.

  11B- 216.6 Entrances. In existing buildings and facilities where not all entrances comply with Section 11B- 404, entrances complying with Section 11B -404 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1. Directional signs complying with Section 11B-703.5 that indicate the location of the nearest entrance complying with Section 11B-404 shall be provided at entrances that do not comply with Section 11B-404. Directional signs complying with Section 11B-703.5, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1, indicating the accessible route to the nearest accessible entrance shall be provided at junctions when the accessible route diverges from the regular circulation path.

  11B- 216.7 Elevators. Where existing elevators do not comply with Section 11B- 407, elevators complying with Section 11B- 407 shall be clearly identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1. Existing buildings that have been remodeled to provide specific elevators for public use that comply with these building standards shall have the location of and the direc- tions to these elevators posted in the building lobby on a sign complying with Section 11B-703.5, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

  11B- 216.8 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with Section 11B- 603, directional signs indicating the location of the nearest toilet room or bathing room complying with Section 11B- 603 within the facility shall be provided. Signs shall comply with Section 11B- 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B -703.7.2.1. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with Section 11B- 603, the toilet rooms or bathing rooms complying with Section 11B- 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1.

• CHBC § 213.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  SECTION 11B- 213—TOILET FACILITIES AND BATHING FACILITIES

  11B- 213.1 General. Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided, they shall comply with Section 11B- 213. Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided in facilities permitted by Section 11B- 206.2.3 Exception 1 not to connect stories by an accessible route, toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall be provided on a story connected by an accessible route to an accessible entrance.

  11B-213.1.1 Toilet facilities for designated user groups. Where separate toilet facilities are provided for the exclusive use of sepa- rate user groups, the toilet facilities serving each user group shall comply with Section 11B-213.

  11B- 213.2 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms. Where toilet rooms are provided, each toilet room shall comply with Section 11B- 603. Where bathing rooms are provided, each bathing room shall comply with Section 11B- 603 .

  Exceptions:

  1. In alterations where it is technically infeasible to comply with Section 11B- 603, altering existing toilet or bathing rooms shall not be required where a single unisex (single-user or family) toilet room or bathing room complying with Section 11B- 213.2.1 is provided and located in the same area and on the same floor as existing inaccessible toilet or bathing

  rooms.

  2. Reserved.

  3. Where multiple single user portable toilet or bathing units are clustered at a single location 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of the toilet units and bathing units at each cluster shall comply with Section 11B- 603. Portable toilet units and bathing units complying with Section 11B- 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1.

  4. Where multiple single user toilet rooms are clustered at a single location, 50 percent, but no fewer than one, of the single user toilet rooms for each use at each cluster shall comply with Section 11B- 603 .

  11B- 213.2.1 Unisex ( single-user or family) toilet and unisex (single-user or family) bathing rooms. Unisex (single-user or family) toilet rooms shall contain not more than one lavatory, and not more than two water closets without urinals or one water closet and one urinal. Unisex (single-user or family) bathing rooms shall contain one shower or one shower and one bathtub, one lavatory, and one water closet. Doors to unisex (single-user or family) toilet rooms and unisex (single-user or family) bathing rooms shall have privacy latches.

  11B-213.2.2 Unisex (Patient) toilet rooms in medical care and long-term care facilities. Common-use unisex toilet rooms for exclusive patient use not located within patient bedrooms shall contain a lavatory and one water closet.

  11B-213.2.3 Unisex (Patient) bathing rooms in medical care and long-term care facilities. Common-use unisex bathing rooms for exclusive patient use not located within patient bedrooms shall contain one shower or one bathtub, one lavatory, and one water closet.

• CHBC § 8-604 Medium relevance — show source text

  2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 11

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

  ACCESSIBILITY

  SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION

  Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or characterdefining features of the historical building or property.

  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.

  12 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

  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.