CHBC · California Historical Building Code
How does the CHBC interact with the regular accessibility code (CBC Chapter 11B)?
For homeowners: the regular accessibility rules (CBC Chapter 11B) normally apply to historic buildings, but the CHBC lets you use targeted alternatives when following the regular rules would damage important historic features — you must show, in writing, which specific items would be harmed and why, and the local agency will approve alternatives only for those items.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
The default rule is that the regular accessibility code (CBC Chapter 11B, Title 24, Part 2, Vol. 1) applies to qualified historic buildings. However, strict compliance may be relaxed where it would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining features of the building or property — alternative provisions in the CHBC apply on an item‑by‑item basis when properly documented. See § 8-602.1 and § 8-602.2 for the controlling requirements.
The regular accessibility rules apply to historic buildings unless complying exactly would damage the building’s historic character; in that case, CHBC alternatives may be used, but only for the specific items threatened and with written documentation.
Requirements in detail
Core rule
- The regulating text states the regular code (CBC Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless strict compliance will threaten or destroy the historical significance or character‑defining features. This is the controlling provision: § 8-602.1.
When CHBC alternatives are allowed
- If historic significance or character‑defining features are threatened, the CHBC permits alternative provisions for access, but:
- They must be applied only on an item‑by‑item or case‑by‑case basis, and
- Documentation (meeting minutes, letters, findings) explaining the reasons must be retained in the enforcing agency’s permanent file. See § 8-602.2.
Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference table)
| Decision dimension | Values / guidance | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Default obligation | Apply CBC Chapter 11B (regular accessibility code) | § 8-602.1 |
| When to consider alternatives | Where strict compliance would threaten or destroy historical significance or character‑defining features | § 8-602.1 |
| Scope of alternatives | Item‑by‑item / case‑by‑case only | § 8-602.2 (1) |
| Documentation required | Written record (meetings, letters) retained in enforcing agency file | § 8-602.2 (2) |
| Alternative standards referenced | CHBC alternatives (see CHBC § 8-603 and referenced ADA alternatives) — e.g., door clearances, accessible entry options | § 8-603 (see § 8-603.1–.5) |
| Limits on alternatives for entries | Accessible entrance required within 200 feet (60,960 mm) of primary entrance where used, and level landings generally required except limited alternatives | § 8-603.2; § 8-603.4 |
How to apply the rule (procedural steps)
- Identify the regular‑code requirement (CBC Chapter 11B) that applies to the proposed work. § 8-602.1 requires starting with the regular code.
- Determine whether strict compliance would threaten or destroy the building’s historical significance or character‑defining features. This is a fact‑based, project‑specific judgment; document findings. § 8-602.1–.2.
- If threatened, evaluate CHBC alternatives (Chapter 8-6, § 8-603 and following). Apply alternatives only to the specific items where strict compliance causes the threat. § 8-602.2; § 8-603.1.
- Prepare and file the required documentation (meeting minutes, letters, rationale) with the enforcing agency. § 8-602.2 (2).
- If needed, obtain SHBSB review/appeal per CHBC administrative procedures. See § 8-104.2 for Board review authority.
Exceptions & special cases
- New construction or full reconstructions/replicas are not covered by CHBC alternatives; they must meet the regular code. See CHBC scope statements (Chapter 8-6 scope).
- Some CHBC alternatives carry their own limits (for example, accessible entry alternatives require access no further than 200 feet (60,960 mm) from the primary entrance and notification systems in certain cases). Those alternative limits are in § 8-603.
- CHBC alternatives are not a blanket waiver — they are remedies intended to preserve historic fabric while reasonably providing access; the enforcing agency must accept alternatives only where the criteria are met. § 8-601.1 and § 8-602.2 emphasize purpose and required documentation.
Common mistakes
- Treating the CHBC as an automatic exemption: the CHBC does not exempt historic buildings from accessibility rules — it presumes the regular code applies unless strict compliance threatens historic significance (§ 8-602.1).
- Using CHBC alternatives across an entire project instead of limiting them to discrete items shown to be threatened (violates the item‑by‑item requirement in § 8-602.2 (1)).
- Failing to prepare or retain the required documentation explaining why the regular code would destroy significance (documentation is mandatory per § 8-602.2 (2)).
- Ignoring alternative limits (for example, assuming you can place an accessible entrance arbitrarily far from the primary entrance—CHBC limits this to 200 feet in the entry alternatives). See § 8-603.2.
Worked example
Scenario: A historic public library has original carved stone threshold steps at the main façade (a character‑defining feature). The owner proposes an accessible route.
Step 1 — Start with the regular code: CBC 11B requires an accessible entrance and level landing at doors (regular code applies by default per § 8-602.1).
Step 2 — Evaluate threat: Installing a flush ramp or removing the carved threshold would irreversibly alter the façade and the threshold’s historic fabric — this is a determination that strict compliance would threaten or destroy a character‑defining feature under § 8-602.1.
Step 3 — Apply CHBC alternatives only for the threatened item: The project team documents why the threshold cannot be altered and proposes an alternative: provide an accessible entrance around the corner that is within 200 feet (60,960 mm) of the primary entrance and add signage/notification at the main entrance indicating the accessible route — an alternative described in § 8-603.2. The owner files meeting minutes and letters explaining the decision, which are retained in the enforcing agency file as required by § 8-602.2 (2).
Step 4 — Enforcement/approval: The enforcing agency reviews the item‑by‑item rationale; if acceptable, the agency approves the alternative for that specific entrance while the rest of the building remains subject to the regular code. § 8-602.2.
Related provisions
- § 8-601.1 — Purpose of CHBC (providing alternatives to facilitate access while preserving historic integrity).
- § 8-602.1 — Regular code applies unless strict compliance would threaten historic significance.
- § 8-602.2 — Conditions for applying CHBC alternative provisions (item‑by‑item; documentation).
- § 8-603.1–.5 — Specific alternatives for entrances, doors, power‑assist options, toilet rooms, and other accessibility alternatives referenced by the CHBC.
- § 8-102.1 — CHBC application rules and relationship to the regular code for additions/alterations.
- § 8-104.2 — State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB) review and appeal procedures (useful when a ruling or interpretation is needed).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Historical Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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
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APPENDIX A
CHBC § 8-6 High relevance — show source text
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APPENDIX A Col2 Col3 Col4 CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY Title II
Public EntitiesTitle III
Private EntitiesTitle III
Barrier RemovalSECTION 8-601 PURPOSE, INTENT, SCOPE
**8-601.1 Purpose.**The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to facilitate
access and use by persons with disabilities to and throughout facilities designated as quali-
fied historical buildings or properties. These regulations require enforcing agencies to
accept alternatives to regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or
properties.
**8-601.2 Intent.**The intent of this chapter is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical
buildings and properties while providing access to and use by persons with disabilities.
**8-601.3 Scope.**The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that
is required to provide access to persons with disabilities.
1.Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of
historical buildings.
2. Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or
properties, alteration is defined in_ California Building Code_ (CBC), Chapter 2.
8-601.4 General application. The provisions in the CHBC apply to local, state and federal
governments (Title II entities); alteration of commercial facilities and places of public
accommodation (Title III entities); and barrier removal in commercial facilities and places of
public accommodation (Title III entities). Except as noted in this chapter.Applies Applies Applies SECTION 8-602 — BASIC PROVISIONS
8-602.1 Regular code. The regular code for access for people with disabilities (Title 24, Part
2, Vol.1, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless
strict compliance with the regular code will threaten or destroy the historical significance or
character-defining features of the building or property.
**8-602.2 Alternative provisions.**If the historical significance or character-defining features
are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be applied pursuant to this chapter,
provided the following conditions are met:
1.These provisions shall be applied only on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis.
2.Documentation is provided, including meeting minutes or letters, stating the reasons
for the application of the alternative provisions. Such documentation shall be retained
in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.Applies Applies Applies Section 8-603 — ALTERNATIVES
**8-603.1 Alternative minimum standards.**The alternative minimum standards for alter-
ations of qualified historical buildings or facilities are referenced in Section 202.5 of the_ 2010_
ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as incorporated and set forth in federal regulation 28
CFR Pt. 36.
**8-603.2 Entry.CHBC § 8-503 High relevance — show source text
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MEANS OF EGRESS
SECTION 8-503 — ESCAPE OR RESCUE WINDOWS AND DOORS
Basements in dwelling units and every sleeping room below the fourth floor shall have at least one openable window or door approved for emergency escape which shall open directly into a public street, public way, yard or exit court. Escape or rescue windows or doors shall have a minimum clear area of 3.3 square feet (0.31 m [2] ) and a minimum width or height dimension of 18 inches (457 mm) and be operable from the inside to provide a full, clear opening without the use of special tools.
SECTION 8-504 — RAILINGS AND GUARDRAILS
The height of railings and guard railings and the spacing of balusters may continue in their historical height and spacing unless a distinct hazard has been identified or created by a change in use or occupancy.
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8-6 ACCESSIBILITY
SECTION 8-601 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
8-601.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to facilitate access and use by persons with disabilities to and throughout facilities designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. These regulations require enforcing agencies to accept alternatives to regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-601.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings and properties while providing access to and use by persons with disabilities.
8-601.3 Scope. The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that is required to provide access to persons with disabilities.
- Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of historical buildings.
- Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or properties, alteration is defined in California Building Code (CBC), Chapter 2.
8-601.4 General application. The provisions in the CHBC apply to local, state and federal governments (Title II entities); alteration of commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities); and barrier removal in commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities). Except as noted in this chapter.
SECTION 8-602 — BASIC PROVISIONS
8-602.1 Regular code. The regular code for access for people with disabilities (Title 24, Part 2, Vol. 1, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless strict compliance with the regular code will threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining features of the building or property.
8-602.2 Alternative provisions. If the historical significance or character-defining features are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be applied pursuant to this chapter, provided the following conditions are met:
- These provisions shall be applied only on an item-by-item or a case-by-case basis.
- Documentation is provided, including meeting minutes or letters, stating the reasons for the application of the alternative provisions. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.
SECTION 8-603 — ALTERNATIVES
CHBC § 8-601.3 Medium relevance — show source text
8-601.3 Scope. The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that is required to provide access to persons with disabilities.
- Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of historical buildings.
- Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or properties, alteration is defined in California Building Code (CBC), Chapter 2.
8-601.4 General application. The provisions in the CHBC apply to local, state and federal governments (Title II entities); alteration of commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities); and barrier removal in commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities). Except as noted in this chapter.
SECTION 8-602 — BASIC PROVISIONS
8-602.1 Regular code. The regular code for access for people with disabilities (Title 24, Part 2, Vol. 1, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless strict compliance with the regular code will threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining features of the building or property.
8-602.2 Alternative provisions. If the historical significance or character-defining features are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be applied pursuant to this chapter, provided the following conditions are met:
- These provisions shall be applied only on an item-by-item or a case-by-case basis.
- Documentation is provided, including meeting minutes or letters, stating the reasons for the application of the alternative provisions. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.
SECTION 8-603 — ALTERNATIVES
8-603.1 Alternative minimum standards. The alternative minimum standards for alterations of qualified historical buildings or facilities are referenced in Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as incorporated and set forth in federal regulation 28 CFR Pt. 36.
8-603.2 Entry. These alternatives do not allow exceptions for the requirement of level landings in front of doors, except as provided in Section 8-603.4.
- Access to any entrance used by the general public and no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from the primary entrance.
- Access at any entrance not used by the general public but open and unlocked with directional signs at the primary entrance and as close as possible to, but no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from, the primary entrance.
- The accessible entrance shall have a notification system. Where security is a problem, remote monitoring may be used.
8-603.3 Doors. Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
- Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) of clear opening.
- Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening
- Double door, one leaf of which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening.
- Double doors operable with a power-assist device to provide a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening when both doors are in the open position.
8-603.4 Power-assisted doors. Power-assisted door or doors may be considered an equivalent alternative to level landings, strikeside clearance and door-opening forces required by the regular code.
8-603.5 Toilet rooms. In lieu of separate-gender toilet facilities as required in the regular code, an accessible unisex toilet facility may be designated.
CHBC § 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 § 8-101.1 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 § 8-1001 Medium relevance — show source text
Section
8-1001 Purpose and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 8-1002 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 8-1003 Site Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
APPENDIX A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
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8-1 ADMINISTRATION
Note: The California Historical Building Code, Part 8 of Title 24, governs for all qualified historical buildings or properties in the State of California.
SECTION 8-101 — TITLE, PURPOSE AND INTENT
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.
CHBC § 8-102.1.6 Medium 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 § 8-1001.1 Medium relevance — show source text
8-1001.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction of associated historical features of qualified historical buildings, properties or districts (as defined in Chapter 8-2), and for which Chapters 8-3 through 8-9 of the CHBC may not apply.
8-1001.2 Scope. This chapter applies to the associated historical features of qualified historical buildings or properties such as historical districts that are beyond the buildings themselves which include, but are not limited to, natural features and designed site and landscape plans with natural and man-made landscape elements that support their function and aesthetics. This may include, but will not be limited to:
- Site plan layout configurations and relationships (pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular site circulation, topographical grades and drainage, and use areas).
- Landscape elements (plant materials, site structures other than the qualified historical building, bridges and their associated structures, lighting, water features, art ornamentation, and pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular surfaces).
- Functional elements (utility placement, erosion control and environmental mitigation measures).
SECTION 8-1002 — APPLICATION
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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CHBC § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
BJ105.1(3)—TYPICAL TOP OF LOAD-BEARING STRAWBALE WALL
BOUNDARY NAILING PER TABLE R602.3(1)
ROOF SYSTEM PER CHAPTER 8
CAPACITY AT MAX. 2' O.C.
2X BLOCKING FOR DIRECT
BEARING ONTO PLASTER PER
SECTION BJ106.11
METAL CONNECTOR WITH MIN. 400
LB CAPACITY AT MAX. 2' O.C. FOR
BRACED WALL PANELS
FOR BRACED WALL PANELS
INSULATION FILL
STRAW BALES PER SECTIONS BJ103
AND BJ106.4 SHOWN LAID FLAT.
ON-EDGE IS PERMITTED.
For SI inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 2.2 kg.
2X BLOCKING FOR DIRECT BEARING
ONTO PLASTER PER SECTION
BJ106.11
HEADER AT WALL OPENINGS PER TABLE R602.7(1) AND SECTION BJ106.12.3
16d NAILS @ 4 "
MESH STAPLES PER TABLE BJ106.13(1) FOR BRACED WALL PANELS FOR WIND UPLIFT, PER SECTION BJ106.14.
MULTIPLE 2X WHERE REQUIRED FOR HEADERS PER TABLE R602.7(1)
PLASTER FOR LOAD-BEARING
WALLS PER TABLE BJ106.12 AND PER TABLE BJ106.13(1) WHERE WALL IS ALSO USED AS A BRACED
WALL PANEL
MESH AS REQUIRED PER TABLE BJ106.12 OR BJ106.13(1) OR SECTION BJ106.14
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APPENDIX BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE BJ105.1(4)—TYPICAL TOP OF POST-AND-BEAM WALL WITH PLASTERED STRAWBALE INFILL
BOUNDARY NAILING PER TABLE R602.3(1)
ROOF SYSTEM PER
CHAPTER 8
2X BLOCKING PER SECTION
BJ106.11 FOR BRACED WALL
PANELS
MESH STAPLES PER TABLE BJ106.13(1) FOR BRACED WALL PANELS
PLASTER, PLYWOOD OR GYPSUM BOARD PER SECTION BJ104.2
STRAW BALES PER SECTIONS BJ103
AND BJ106.4 SHOWN LAID FLAT.
ON-EDGE IS PERMITTED.
NOTE:
NOTE:
NONPLASTER FINISHES ARE
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
MESH STAPLES PER TABLE BJ106.13(1) FOR BRACED WALL PANELS
2X BLOCKING PER SECTION
BJ106.11 FOR BRACED WALL
PANELS
BEAM PER TABLE R602.7(1) AND SECTION BJ106.15, WITH MIN. 1½ ″ BEARING OVER POSTS
POSTS BEYOND, AT SPACING PER SPAN IN TABLE R602.7(1). POST = NJ + 1 WITH APPROVED
CONNECTION TO BEAM.
PLASTER PER SECTION BJ104.4 OR PER TABLE BJ106.13(1) WHERE WALL IS USED AS A BRACED WALL
PANEL
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 § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.|TABLE 722.6.2(5)—TIME ASSIGNED FOR ADDITIONAL PROTECTION Col2 DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FIRE RESISTANCE
(minutes)Add to the fire-resistance rating of wood stud walls if the spaces between the studs are completely filled with glass
fiber mineral wool batts weighing not less than 2 pounds per cubic foot (0.6 pound per square foot of wall surface),
or cellulose insulation having a nominal density not less than 2.6 pounds per cubic foot.15 For SI: 1 pound/cubic foot = 16.0185 kg/m3. For SI: 1 pound/cubic foot = 16.0185 kg/m3. 722.6.2.1 Fire-resistance rating of wood frame assemblies. The fire-resistance rating of a wood frame assembly is equal to the sum of the time assigned to the membrane on the fire-exposed side, the time assigned to the framing members and the time assigned for additional contribution by other protective measures such as insulation. The membrane on the unexposed side shall not be included in determining the fire resistance of the assembly.
722.6.2.2 Time assigned to membranes. Table 722.6.2(1) indicates the time assigned to membranes on the fire-exposed side.
722.6.2.3 Exterior walls. For an exterior wall with a fire separation distance greater than 10 feet (3048 mm), the wall is assigned a rating dependent on the interior membrane and the framing as described in Table 722.6.2(1) and Table 722.6.2(2). The membrane on the outside of the nonfire-exposed side of exterior walls with a fire separation distance greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) shall consist of sheathing, sheathing paper and siding as described in Table 722.6.2(3).
722.6.2.4 Floors and roofs. In the case of a floor or roof, the standard test provides only for testing for fire exposure from below. Except as noted in Section 703.2.3, floor or roof assemblies of wood framing shall have an upper membrane consisting of a subfloor and finished floor conforming to Table 722.6.2(4) or any other membrane that has a contribution to fire resistance of not less than 15 minutes in Table 722.6.2(1).
722.6.2.5 Additional protection. Table 722.6.2(5) indicates the time increments to be added to the fire resistance where glass fiber, rockwool, slag mineral wool or cellulose insulation is incorporated in the assembly.
722.6.2.6 Fastening. Fastening of wood frame assemblies and the fastening of membranes to the wood framing members shall be done in accordance with Chapter 23.
722.7 Fire-resistance rating for mass timber. The required fire resistance of mass timber elements in Section 602.4 shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2 or Section 703.3 . The fire-resistance rating of building elements shall be as required in Tables
Frequently asked questions
Who decides whether strict compliance would "threaten or destroy" historical significance?
That factual determination is made by the enforcing agency (with the property owner and design professionals), and may be appealed or referred to the State Historical Building Safety Board for review under § 8-104.2. Document the findings as required by § 8-602.2 (2).
Must every accessible feature be altered if some are allowed to remain historic?
No. CHBC alternatives are applied item‑by‑item; other portions of the project remain subject to CBC Chapter 11B unless they also meet the CHBC threshold for alternatives. § 8-602.2 (1).
Is there a required format for the documentation the CHBC demands?
The CHBC requires documentation such as meeting minutes or letters stating the reasons for applying alternatives; it must be retained in the enforcing agency’s permanent file. The code does not mandate a strict form beyond preserving the rationale. § 8-602.2 (2).
Can a historic building owner use ADA or federal guidance as part of the alternatives?
Yes — CHBC alternatives reference ADA standards and federal guidance (see § 8-603.1 referencing alternative minimum standards). Use those standards as part of the justification and technical solution set.
If the agency denies my proposed alternative, can I appeal?
Yes. CHBC contains appeals and SHBSB review procedures; see § 8-104.2 and § 8-104.3 for review and appeals processes.
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