CHBC · California Historical Building Code
How are appeals and SHBSB reviews handled for accessibility decisions?
The CHBC gives the State Historical Building Safety Board authority to review accessibility alternatives and hear appeals. Agency officials or affected parties can request SHBSB opinion; state agencies must consult the Board before actions affecting historic properties. The Board decides whether proposed alternatives are “reasonably equivalent,” may recover review costs, and publishes rulings of statewide application. **See §§ 8‑104.1, 8‑104.2, 8‑104.3, 8‑104.2.1**.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB) functions as the statewide appeal and review body for the CHBC. The Board may be asked to review proposed designs, materials or methods (including accessibility alternatives) and to hear appeals from agencies or affected parties — see § 8-104.1 and § 8-104.2. State agencies must consult the Board before taking actions affecting qualified historical buildings, and the Board may recover the costs of reviews and publish rulings — see § 8-104.2.1, § 8-104.2.2, and § 8-106.1.
The Board reviews proposed alternatives and appeals to determine whether a proposal is “reasonably equivalent” for its intended purpose and transmits findings to the enforcing agency.
Requirements in detail
Who may ask for a SHBSB review or file an appeal
- Agency chief, building official, local board of appeals — may file a written request for opinion on a proposed design, material or method. § 8-104.2.
- Any local agency administering the CHBC or any person adversely affected may appeal directly to the Board, but the Board will accept appeals only when it determines the issues are of statewide significance. § 8-104.3.
- All state agencies with ownership or acting on behalf of state owners must consult and obtain SHBSB review prior to taking actions or appeals that affect qualified historical buildings. § 8-104.2.1.
What the Board may review and decide
- Proposed designs, materials, methods of construction, and accessibility alternatives where strict compliance would threaten historic character. The Board determines if the proposal is reasonably equivalent in the purpose intended and transmits findings to the enforcing agency. § 8-104.2.
Board powers, outputs and costs
- The Board may seek advice from other public or private bodies when considering a request. § 8-104.2.
- The Board may recover the costs of reviews; local agencies involved may charge affected persons reasonable fees not to exceed the cost of obtaining reviews and appeals from the Board. § 8-104.2, § 8-104.4.
- Rulings of statewide application are required to be submitted to the California Building Standards Commission and may be used as guidance. § 8-106.1.
Table — Decision-relevant dimensions and values
| Decision dimension | What the CHBC says (value / outcome) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Who may request review | Agency chief, building official, local board of appeals, or enforcing agency | § 8-104.2 |
| Who may appeal | Local agency administering CHBC or any person adversely affected (appeal may be accepted only if of statewide significance) | § 8-104.3 |
| Mandatory state agency consultation | All state agencies must consult and obtain Board review before actions affecting qualified historical buildings | § 8-104.2.1 |
| Emergency demolition / imminent threat | State agency must consult with Board before demolition when an imminent threat is declared | § 8-104.2.2 |
| Standard of decision | Board determines “reasonably equivalent” for intended purpose (including accessibility alternatives) | § 8-104.2 |
| Cost recovery / local fees | Board may recover costs; local agencies may charge reasonable fees not to exceed cost | § 8-104.2, § 8-104.4 |
| Publication of rulings | Rulings of statewide application must be submitted to the California Building Standards Commission | § 8-106.1 |
| Accessibility alternatives to check | Alternative access options and measures (e.g., ramp slopes, door clearances) are considered item-by-item; documentation required if regular code is waived | § 8-602.2, § 8-603, § 8-604 |
Typical process steps (practical sequence)
- Enforcing agency or official identifies proposed alternative or contested interpretation (e.g., accessibility design). § 8-104.2.
- The agency chief, building official, or local board files a written request for opinion to the SHBSB. § 8-104.2.
- The Board may solicit outside expertise, review facts/documentation (including accessibility documentation required under § 8-602.2), and determine whether the proposal is reasonably equivalent. § 8-104.2.
- The Board transmits findings and its decision to the enforcing agency; the Board may recover review costs and publish decisions of statewide application. § 8-104.2, § 8-106.1.
Exceptions & special cases
- The Board will accept direct appeals from parties only if it determines the issues are of statewide significance; not all local disputes will be accepted. § 8-104.3.
- State agencies have an elevated duty: they must consult and obtain SHBSB review before actions affecting qualified historical buildings or before demolition under imminent threat. § 8-104.2.1, § 8-104.2.2.
- Accessibility alternatives remain item-by-item and require documentation (including comments from accessibility officials and local groups) when regular code compliance would threaten historic character. § 8-602.2, § 8-604.
If a particular procedural timeline, fee cap, or adjudicative detail is needed beyond what's in these sections, the CHBC text either does not specify it or defers to the Board/local agency practice; the code does not provide detailed timelines for the Board’s internal process in the cited sections.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the SHBSB automatically accepts every appeal — in fact, for SHBC appeals the Board may accept an appeal only if it finds the issue is of statewide significance. § 8-104.3.
- Forgetting mandatory consultation requirements for state agencies — state agencies must obtain SHBSB review before acting on qualified historical properties. § 8-104.2.1.
- Treating Board opinions as purely informal — while the CHBC frames the Board as an appeal/review body and its findings are transmitted for application, parties should note rulings of statewide application are submitted to the California Building Standards Commission for wider guidance. § 8-104.2, § 8-106.1.
- Skipping required documentation when applying accessibility alternatives — the CHBC requires documentation and retained files when alternative provisions are used. § 8-602.2, § 8-604.
Worked example — concrete scenario applying the rule with numbers
Scenario: A historic courthouse has an original entry with a 6‑inch vertical rise from exterior grade to the main door. Strict application of the regular code would require a standard accessible ramp that would significantly alter the facade. The enforcing official wants an accessibility solution consistent with CHBC alternatives.
Step-by-step:
- The building official prepares documentation showing the historical impact and the accessibility need, including required comments from accessibility officials and local disability groups, per § 8-602.2 and § 8-604.
- The official proposes a ramp alternative under CHBC priorities: the CHBC allows a ramp steeper than the regular code but no greater than 1:10 for horizontal distances not to exceed 5 feet as a listed alternative (see § 8-603.6). Applying that: a 6‑inch rise at 1:10 requires a horizontal run of 60 inches (5 feet), which fits the CHBC alternative limit. § 8-603.6.
- The enforcing official files a written request for opinion to the SHBSB under § 8-104.2 asking whether this 1:10 ramp (5‑ft run) is reasonably equivalent for the intended access purpose given the historical constraints.
- The Board reviews the facts and may consult accessibility experts. If the Board determines the ramp is reasonably equivalent and does not unacceptably damage character-defining features, it transmits findings to the enforcing agency per § 8-104.2. The Board may recover the review costs and the local agency may charge reasonable fees to cover the appeal review. § 8-104.2, § 8-104.4.
This example uses numeric thresholds and distances explicitly provided by the CHBC; the code sections cited are the controlling authority for the choices made.
Related provisions
- § 8-104 — Review and appeals (overview).
- § 8-104.1 — State Historical Building Safety Board (Board duties as appeal/review body).
- § 8-104.2 — SHBSB review procedures (who may request, what Board determines, cost recovery).
- § 8-104.2.1 — State agencies must consult and obtain SHBSB review.
- § 8-104.2.2 — Imminent threat: consult before demolition.
- § 8-104.3 — SHBC appeals acceptance criteria (statewide significance).
- § 8-104.4 — Local agency fees related to appeals.
- § 8-106.1 — Publication/submission of SHBSB rulings of statewide application.
- § 8-602.2, § 8-603, § 8-604 — Accessibility alternatives, equivalent facilitation, and documentation requirements when regular code is waived.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Historical Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CHBC § 8-102.1.6 High relevance — show source text
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. When a proposed design, material or method of construction is being considered by the enforcing agency, the agency chief, the building official or the local board of appeals may file a written request for opinion to the SHBSB for its consideration, advice or findings. In considering such request, the SHBSB may seek the advice of other appropriate private or public boards, individuals, or state or local agencies. The SHBSB shall, after considering all of the facts presented, including any recommendation of other appropriate boards, agencies or other parties, determine if, for the purpose intended, the proposal is reasonably equivalent to that allowed by these regulations in proposed design, material or method of construction, and it shall transmit such findings and its decision to the enforcing agency for its application. The Board may recover the costs of such reviews and shall report the decision in printed form, copied to the California Building Standards Commission.
8-104.2.1 State agencies. All state agencies with ownership of, or that act on behalf of state agency owners of, qualified historical buildings or properties, shall consult and obtain SHBSB review prior to taking action or making decisions or appeals that affect qualified historical buildings or properties, per Section 18961 of the Health and Safety Code.
8-104.2.2 Imminent threat. Where an emergency is declared and a qualified historical building or property is declared an imminent threat to life and safety, the state agency assessing such a threat shall consult with the SHBSB before any demolition is undertaken, per Section 18961 of the Health and Safety Code.
CHBC § 8-104.2 High relevance — show source text
8-104.2 SHBSB review. When a proposed design, material or method of construction is being considered by the enforcing agency, the agency chief, the building official or the local board of appeals may file a written request for opinion to the SHBSB for its consideration, advice or findings. In considering such request, the SHBSB may seek the advice of other appropriate private or public boards, individuals, or state or local agencies. The SHBSB shall, after considering all of the facts presented, including any recommendation of other appropriate boards, agencies or other parties, determine if, for the purpose intended, the proposal is reasonably equivalent to that allowed by these regulations in proposed design, material or method of construction, and it shall transmit such findings and its decision to the enforcing agency for its application. The Board may recover the costs of such reviews and shall report the decision in printed form, copied to the California Building Standards Commission.
8-104.2.1 State agencies. All state agencies with ownership of, or that act on behalf of state agency owners of, qualified historical buildings or properties, shall consult and obtain SHBSB review prior to taking action or making decisions or appeals that affect qualified historical buildings or properties, per Section 18961 of the Health and Safety Code.
8-104.2.2 Imminent threat. Where an emergency is declared and a qualified historical building or property is declared an imminent threat to life and safety, the state agency assessing such a threat shall consult with the SHBSB before any demolition is undertaken, per Section 18961 of the Health and Safety Code.
8-104.3 SHBC appeals. If any local agency administering and enforcing the CHBC or any person adversely affected by any regulation, rule, omission, interpretation, decision or practice of the agency enforcing the CHBC wishes to appeal the issue for resolution to the SHBSB, either of these parties may appeal directly to the Board. The Board may accept the appeal only if it determines that issues involved are of statewide significance. The Board may recover the costs of such reviews and shall make available copies of decisions in printed form at cost, copied to the California Building Standards Commission.
8-104.4 Local agency fees. Local agencies, when actively involved in the appeal, may also charge affected persons reasonable fees not to exceed the cost of obtaining reviews and appeals from the Board.
SECTION 8-105 — CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND MATERIALS
8-105.1 Repairs. Repairs to any portion of a qualified historical building or property may be made in-kind with historical materials and the use of original or existing historical methods of construction, subject to conditions of the CHBC. (See Chapter 8-8.)
8-105.2 Solutions to the California Historical Building Code . Solutions provided in the CHBC, or any other acceptable regulation or methodology of design or construction and used in whole or in part, with the regular code, or with any combination of the regular code and the CHBC, shall be allowed. The CHBC does not preclude the use of any proposed alternative or method of design or construction not specifically prescribed or otherwise allowed by these regulations. Any alternative may be submitted for evaluation to the appropriate enforcing agency for review and acceptance. The enforcing agency may request that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding such solutions. Any alternative offered in lieu of that prescribed or allowed in the CHBC shall be reasonably equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety to that of the CHBC.
CHBC § 1.8.7.3 High relevance — show source text
3. The local building department may require tests performed by an approved testing agency at the expense of the owner or owner’s agent as proof of compliance.
4. If the proposed alternate is related to accessi bil- ity in covered multifamily dwellings or facilities serving covered multifamily dwellings, as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code, the proposed alternate must also meet the threshold set for equivalent facilitation as defined in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code.
For additional information regarding approval of alternates by a local building department pur- suant to the State Housing Law, see California Health and Safety Code Section 17951(e) and Cali- fornia Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.
1.8.7.3 Department of Housing and Community Devel- opment. The Department of Housing and Community Development may approve alternates for use in the erec- tion, construction, reconstruction, movement, enlarge- ment, conversion, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels, lodging houses, dwellings, or accessory structures thereto, and permanent buildings in mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks. The consideration and approval of alternates shall comply with the following:
1. The department may require tests at the expense of the owner or owner’s agent to substantiate compli- ance with the California Building Standards Code.
2. The approved alternate shall, for its intended pur- pose, be at least equivalent in performance and safety to the materials, designs, tests, or methods of construction prescribed by this code.
1.8.8 Appeals Board.
1.8.8.1 General. Every city, county, or city and county shall establish a process to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions, and determinations made by the enforc- ing agency relative to the application and interpretation of this code and other regulations governing construction use, maintenance and change of occupancy. The govern- ing body of any city, county, or city and county may estab- lish a local appeals board and a housing appeals board to serve this purpose. Members of the appeals board(s) shall not be employees of the enforcing agency and shall be knowledgeable in the applicable building codes, reg- ulations and ordinances as determined by the governing body of the city, county, or city and county.
Where no such appeals boards or agencies have been established, the governing body of the city, county, or city and county shall serve as the local appeals board or housing appeals board as specified in California Health and Safety Code Sections 17920.5 and 17920.6.
1.8.8.2 Definitions. The following terms shall for the purposes of this section have the meaning shown.
CHBC § 8-604 High relevance — show source text
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ACCESSIBILITY
SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION
Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or characterdefining features of the historical building or property.
- Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by- item or a case-by-case basis.
- Access provided by experiences, services, functions, materials and resources through methods including, but not limited to, maps, plans, videos, virtual reality and related equipment, at accessible levels. The alternative design and/or technologies used will provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility to, and usability of, the facility.
- The official charged with the enforcement of the standards shall document the reasons for the application of the design and/or technologies and their effect on the historical significance or character-defining features. Such documentation shall be in accordance with Section 8-602.2, Item 2, and shall include the opinion and comments of state or local accessibility officials, and the opinion and comments of representative local groups of people with disabilities. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency. Copies of the required documentation should be available at the facility upon request.
Note: For commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities).
Equivalent facilitation for an element of a building or property when applied as a waiver of an ADA accessibility requirement will not be entitled to the Federal Department of Justice certification of this code as rebuttable evidence of compliance for that element.
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8-7 STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 8-701 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
8-701.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to the regular code for the structural safety of buildings designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept any reasonably equivalent alternatives to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-701.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to encourage the preservation of qualified historical buildings or structures while providing standards for a minimum level of building performance with the objective of preventing partial or total structural collapse such that the overall risk of life-threatening injury as a result of structural collapse is low.
8-701.3 Application. The alternative structural regulations provided by Section 8-705 are to be applied in conjunction with the regular code whenever a structural upgrade or reconstruction is undertaken for qualified historical buildings or properties.
SECTION 8-702 — GENERAL
8-702.1 The CHBC shall not be construed to allow the enforcing agency to approve or permit a lower level of safety of structural design and construction than that which is reasonably equivalent to the regular code provisions in occupancies which are critical to the safety and welfare of the public at large, including, but not limited to, public and private schools, hospitals, municipal police and fire stations and essential services facilities.
8-702.2 Nothing in these regulations shall prevent voluntary and partial seismic upgrades when it is demonstrated that such upgrades will improve life safety and when a full upgrade would not otherwise be required.
CHBC § 8-1002.1 Medium relevance — show source text
8-1002.1 The CHBC shall apply to all sites and districts and their features associated with qualified historical buildings or qualified historical districts as outlined in 8-1001.2 Scope.
8-1002.2 Where the application of regular code may impact the associated features of qualified historical properties beyond their footprints, by work performed secondarily, those impacts shall also be covered by the CHBC.
8-1002.3 This chapter shall be applied for all issues regarding code compliance or other standard or regulation as they affect the purpose of this chapter.
8-1002.4 The application of any code or building standard shall not unduly restrict the use of a qualified historical building or property that is otherwise permitted pursuant to Chapter 8-3 and the intent of the State Historical Building Code, Section 18956.
SECTION 8-1003 — SITE RELATIONS
The relationship between a building or property and its site, or the associated features of a district (including qualified historical landscape), site, objects and their features are critical components that may be one of the criteria for these buildings and properties to be qualified under the CHBC. The CHBC recognizes the importance of these relationships. This chapter shall be used to provide context sensitive solutions for treatment of qualified historical buildings, properties, district or their associated historical features, or when work to be performed secondarily impacts the associated historical features of a qualified historical building or property.
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APPENDIX A Col2 Col3 Col4 CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY Title II
Public EntitiesTitle III
Private EntitiesTitle III
Barrier RemovalSECTION 8-601 PURPOSE, INTENT, SCOPE
**8-601.1 Purpose.**The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to facilitate
access and use by persons with disabilities to and throughout facilities designated as quali-
fied historical buildings or properties. These regulations require enforcing agencies to
accept alternatives to regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or
properties.
**8-601.2 Intent.**The intent of this chapter is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical
buildings and properties while providing access to and use by persons with disabilities.
**8-601.3 Scope.**The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that
is required to provide access to persons with disabilities.
1.Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of
historical buildings.
2. Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or
properties, alteration is defined in_ California Building Code_ (CBC), Chapter 2.
**8-601.4 General application.CHBC § 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 § 8-104.4 Medium relevance — show source text
8-104.4 Local agency fees. Local agencies, when actively involved in the appeal, may also charge affected persons reasonable fees not to exceed the cost of obtaining reviews and appeals from the Board.
SECTION 8-105 — CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND MATERIALS
8-105.1 Repairs. Repairs to any portion of a qualified historical building or property may be made in-kind with historical materials and the use of original or existing historical methods of construction, subject to conditions of the CHBC. (See Chapter 8-8.)
8-105.2 Solutions to the California Historical Building Code . Solutions provided in the CHBC, or any other acceptable regulation or methodology of design or construction and used in whole or in part, with the regular code, or with any combination of the regular code and the CHBC, shall be allowed. The CHBC does not preclude the use of any proposed alternative or method of design or construction not specifically prescribed or otherwise allowed by these regulations. Any alternative may be submitted for evaluation to the appropriate enforcing agency for review and acceptance. The enforcing agency may request that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding such solutions. Any alternative offered in lieu of that prescribed or allowed in the CHBC shall be reasonably equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety to that of the CHBC.
SECTION 8-106 — SHBSB RULINGS
8-106.1 General. Rulings of the SHBSB (i.e., formal appeals, case decisions, code interpretations and administrative resolutions, etc.) that are issues of statewide application are required to be submitted to the California Building Standards Commission in printed form. These rulings may be used to provide guidance for similar cases or issues.
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8-2 DEFINITIONS
SECTION 8-201 — DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of the CHBC, certain terms and phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this chapter. Additional definitions and/or terms may appear in the various other chapters relative to terms or phrases primarily applicable thereto. Any reference to “authority having jurisdiction” does not necessarily preclude the appellate process of Section 8-104.3.
ADDITION. A nonhistorical extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or property.
ALTERATION. A modification to a qualified historical building or property that affects the usability of the building or property, or part thereof. Alterations include, but are not limited to, remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historical restoration, changes or rearrangement of the structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangements in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions.
BUILDING STANDARD. Any guideline, regulation or code that may be applied to a qualified historical building or property.
CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURE. Those visual aspects and physical elements that comprise the appearance of a historical building or property, and that are significant to its historical, architectural and cultural values, including the overall shape of the historical building or property, its materials, craftsmanship, decorative details, interior spaces and features, as well as the various aspects of its site and environment.
CULTURAL RESOURCE. Building, site, property, object or district evaluated as having significance in prehistory or history.
CHBC § 8-2 Medium relevance — show source text
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8-2 DEFINITIONS
SECTION 8-201 — DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of the CHBC, certain terms and phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this chapter. Additional definitions and/or terms may appear in the various other chapters relative to terms or phrases primarily applicable thereto. Any reference to “authority having jurisdiction” does not necessarily preclude the appellate process of Section 8-104.3.
ADDITION. A nonhistorical extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or property.
ALTERATION. A modification to a qualified historical building or property that affects the usability of the building or property, or part thereof. Alterations include, but are not limited to, remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historical restoration, changes or rearrangement of the structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangements in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions.
BUILDING STANDARD. Any guideline, regulation or code that may be applied to a qualified historical building or property.
CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURE. Those visual aspects and physical elements that comprise the appearance of a historical building or property, and that are significant to its historical, architectural and cultural values, including the overall shape of the historical building or property, its materials, craftsmanship, decorative details, interior spaces and features, as well as the various aspects of its site and environment.
CULTURAL RESOURCE. Building, site, property, object or district evaluated as having significance in prehistory or history.
DISTINCT HAZARD. Any clear and evident condition that exists as an immediate danger to the safety of the occupants or public right of way. Conditions that do not meet the requirements of current regular codes and ordinances do not, of themselves, constitute a distinct hazard. Section 8-104.3, SHBC appeals, remains applicable.
ENFORCING AGENCY, Authority Having Jurisdiction, Local Agency with Jurisdiction. An entity with the responsibility for regulating, enforcing, reviewing or otherwise that exerts control of or administration over the process of granting permits, approvals, decisions, variances, appeals for qualified historical buildings or properties.
EXIT LADDER DEVICE. An exit ladder device is a permanently installed, fixed, folding, retractable or hinged ladder intended for use as a means of emergency egress from areas of the second or third stories. Unless approved specifically for a longer length, the ladder shall be limited to 25 feet (7620 mm) in length. Exit ladders are permitted where the area served by the ladder has an occupant load less than 10 persons.
FIRE HAZARD. Any condition which increases or may contribute to an increase in the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized by the authority having jurisdiction, or any condition or act which could obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with the operations of firefighting personnel or the egress of occupants in the event of fire. Section 8-104.3, SHBC appeals, remains applicable.
HISTORICAL FABRIC OR MATERIALS. Original and later-added historically significant construction materials, architectural finishes or elements in a particular pattern or configuration which form a qualified historical property, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE. Importance for which a property has been evaluated and found to be historical, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction.
CHBC § 8-101.1 Medium relevance — show source text
8-101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Historical Building Code and will be referred to herein as “the CHBC.”
8-101.2 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, relocation or reconstruction of buildings or properties designated as qualified historical buildings or properties (as defined in Chapter 8-2). The CHBC is intended to provide solutions for the preservation of qualified historical buildings or properties, to promote sustainability, to provide access for persons with disabilities, to provide a cost-effective approach to preservation, and to provide for the reasonable safety of the occupants or users. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept solutions that are reasonably equivalent to the regular code (as defined in Chapter 8-2) when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-101.3 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to facilitate the preservation and continuing use of qualified historical buildings or properties while providing reasonable safety for the building occupants and access for persons with disabilities.
SECTION 8-102 — APPLICATION
8-102.1 Application. The CHBC is applicable to all issues regarding code compliance for qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC may be used in conjunction with the regular code to provide solutions to facilitate the preservation of qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC shall be used by any agency with jurisdiction and whenever compliance with the code is required for qualified historical buildings or properties.
- State or local enforcing agency. The state or local enforcing agency shall apply 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 when so elected by the private property owner.
- 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.
CHBC § 8-6 Medium relevance — show source text
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APPENDIX A Col2 Col3 Col4 CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY Title II
Public EntitiesTitle III
Private EntitiesTitle III
Barrier RemovalSECTION 8-601 PURPOSE, INTENT, SCOPE
**8-601.1 Purpose.**The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to facilitate
access and use by persons with disabilities to and throughout facilities designated as quali-
fied historical buildings or properties. These regulations require enforcing agencies to
accept alternatives to regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or
properties.
**8-601.2 Intent.**The intent of this chapter is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical
buildings and properties while providing access to and use by persons with disabilities.
**8-601.3 Scope.**The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that
is required to provide access to persons with disabilities.
1.Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of
historical buildings.
2. Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or
properties, alteration is defined in_ California Building Code_ (CBC), Chapter 2.
8-601.4 General application. The provisions in the CHBC apply to local, state and federal
governments (Title II entities); alteration of commercial facilities and places of public
accommodation (Title III entities); and barrier removal in commercial facilities and places of
public accommodation (Title III entities). Except as noted in this chapter.Applies Applies Applies SECTION 8-602 — BASIC PROVISIONS
8-602.1 Regular code. The regular code for access for people with disabilities (Title 24, Part
2, Vol.1, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless
strict compliance with the regular code will threaten or destroy the historical significance or
character-defining features of the building or property.
**8-602.2 Alternative provisions.**If the historical significance or character-defining features
are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be applied pursuant to this chapter,
provided the following conditions are met:
1.These provisions shall be applied only on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis.
2.Documentation is provided, including meeting minutes or letters, stating the reasons
for the application of the alternative provisions. Such documentation shall be retained
in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.Applies Applies Applies Section 8-603 — ALTERNATIVES
**8-603.1 Alternative minimum standards.**The alternative minimum standards for alter-
ations of qualified historical buildings or facilities are referenced in Section 202.5 of the_ 2010_
ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as incorporated and set forth in federal regulation 28
CFR Pt. 36.
**8-603.2 Entry.CHBC § 8-503 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 9
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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.
10 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
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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 § 11B-3 Medium relevance — show source text
DIVISION 1 – APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . .11B-3
11B-101 Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-3
11B-102 Dimensions for Adults and Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-3
11B-103 Equivalent Facilitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-3
11B-104 Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-3
11B-105 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-4
11B-106 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-4
11B-107 Special Conditions Appeals Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-7
11B-108 Maintenance of Accessible Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-7
DIVISION 2 – SCOPING REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-8
11B-201 Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-8
11B-202 Existing Buildings and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-8
11B-203 General Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-10
11B-204 Protruding Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-11
11B-205 Operable Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-11
11B-206 Accessible Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-12
11B-207 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-16
11B-208 Parking Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-16
Frequently asked questions
Who can initiate a SHBSB review for an accessibility design?
An agency chief, building official, or local board of appeals may file a written request for opinion. Local agencies and adversely affected parties may appeal to the Board (subject to the Board’s acceptance criteria). § 8-104.2, § 8-104.3.
Must state agencies always consult the Board for accessibility changes?
Yes. All state agencies with ownership of, or acting for owners of, qualified historical buildings must consult and obtain SHBSB review before taking actions that affect those properties. § 8-104.2.1.
If the Board issues a decision, is it published?
Rulings of the SHBSB that are of statewide application are required to be submitted to the California Building Standards Commission and made available in printed form. § 8-106.1.
Can the Board charge for reviews?
Yes. The Board may recover the costs of reviews; local agencies involved may also charge affected persons reasonable fees not to exceed the cost of obtaining reviews and appeals from the Board. § 8-104.2, § 8-104.4.
What standard does the Board use to evaluate accessibility alternatives?
The Board determines whether the proposed design, material, or method is reasonably equivalent to what the regulations allow for the intended purpose. § 8-104.2.
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