CHBC · California Historical Building Code
When will enforcing agencies accept alternatives or nonstandard solutions?
If you propose an alternative for work on a qualified historical building, the CHBC lets the enforcing agency accept it so long as you show it is reasonably equivalent in performance and does not create safety hazards; provide clear documentation and be prepared to supply tests or data the agency requests.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires
The CHBC allows an enforcing agency to accept proposed alternatives or nonstandard solutions for work on a qualified historical building whenever the substitute is shown to be reasonably equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety to what the CHBC prescribes. The property owner or designer may submit any alternative for review; the enforcing agency may ask for evidence and may accept or reject the proposal. See § 8-105.2 .
The single most important rule: an alternative will be accepted only if the enforcing agency finds it reasonably equivalent and not a safety hazard, and the proposer supplies the supporting evidence the agency requests (per § 8-105.2).
Requirements in detail
The baseline rule
- The CHBC does not forbid alternatives; it expressly permits them to be used alone or together with CHBC and/or the regular code — so long as the alternative is shown to be reasonably equivalent to CHBC solutions. § 8-105.2 establishes this standard and the enforcing agency’s review role.
What the enforcing agency looks for
- Equivalence across the five named dimensions: quality, strength, effectiveness, durability, safety (text in § 8-105.2).
- Evidence or proof (tests, calculations, product data, manufacturer installation instructions, precedent rulings) when requested by the enforcing agency (per § 8-105.2).
- For accessibility-related alternatives, the CHBC requires item-by-item or case-by-case application and documentation of reasons when regular code compliance would threaten historical significance or character-defining features (see § 8-602.2).
Documentation and process requirements
- Alternatives for accessibility or where historical features could be threatened must be documented and retained in the enforcing agency’s permanent file; documentation can include meeting minutes or letters stating the reasons for the alternative (see § 8-602.2).
- For significant or statewide-significance disputes, the State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB) can be asked for opinion/review, and the enforcing agency or board may request that review (see § 8-104.2).
Decision-relevant table
| Decision dimension | What matters / threshold | What the enforcing agency will check | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equivalence standard | Reasonably equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability, safety | Evidence (tests, calculations, accepted standards, performance data) | § 8-105.2 |
| Documentation | Item-by-item / case-by-case record when CHBC alternatives are used because historic features are threatened | Meeting minutes, letters, opinions from accessibility officials or stakeholder groups; retained in agency file | § 8-602.2 |
| Safety threshold | Not acceptable if it creates a safety hazard or reduces life-safety to below acceptable levels (esp. critical occupancies) | Enforcement opinion, operational tests, evidence of no increased hazard | § 8-902.1.2, § 8-702.1 |
| Accessibility alternatives | Alternatives permitted, but applied item-by-item; some CHBC alternatives list specific dimensional alternatives (doors, ramps, distances) | Verify measurable compliance with CHBC alternative options (e.g., door clearances, distance to accessible entrance) | § 8-603 (see § 8-603.2–.4) |
| Appeals / statewide review | SHBSB review may be requested by enforcing agency or board for opinion on proposed nonstandard solutions | SHBSB issues findings on reasonable equivalence for the intended purpose | § 8-104.2 |
| Equivalent facilitation (access) | Use of other designs/technologies allowed if CHBC alternatives threaten historical significance | Requires documentation, stakeholder comment (incl. people with disabilities), kept on permanent file | § 8-604 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Critical occupancies: the CHBC shall not be used to permit a lower level of structural safety for occupancies critical to public safety (e.g., hospitals, fire stations) — enforcing agencies cannot accept alternatives that reduce required safety in those cases (§ 8-702.1).
- Safety-hazard prohibition: some existing historical materials/methods may remain only if, in the enforcing agency’s opinion, they do not constitute a safety hazard; alternatives that increase hazard are not acceptable (multiple provisions, e.g., § 8-902.1.2, § 8-903.3).
- Accessibility “equivalent facilitation”: when CHBC accessibility alternatives would still damage historic character, the code allows other technologies (maps, videos, virtual experiences) as substitutes — but those require documentation and stakeholder input and are applied case-by-case (§ 8-604). Note: equivalent facilitation used as a waiver of ADA requirements may not be automatically certified by DOJ.
- State agency actions and emergencies: state agencies must consult the SHBSB before taking actions that affect qualified historical properties; in imminent-threat emergencies, consultation is also required before demolition (§ 8-104.2).
Common mistakes
- Treating CHBC permission as automatic: submitting an alternative does not guarantee approval — the enforcing agency must still find reasonable equivalence (§ 8-105.2).
- Poor or missing documentation: failing to provide the item-by-item justification or meeting notes for accessibility alternatives (required by § 8-602.2) undermines acceptance.
- Neglecting safety-critical limits: proposing alternatives that reduce protection for critical occupancies or create safety hazards (contrary to § 8-702.1 and safety provisions) is likely to be rejected.
- Ignoring established CHBC alternative lists: for some accessibility items the CHBC lists prioritized alternatives (e.g., door clearances, ramp slopes in § 8-603) — ignoring those priorities lengthens review.
- Not using SHBSB when appropriate: for statewide-significance or complex equivalence questions, skip the SHBSB at your peril — the Board can provide binding guidance (§ 8-104.2).
Worked example — entry door accessibility (concrete scenario)
Scenario: A property owner is restoring a historic storefront entry on a qualified historical building. The existing single-leaf historic door yields a usable clear opening of 29.5 inches (749 mm) when one leaf is open. The regular code (11B / ADA) requires larger clearances, but CHBC lists alternative priorities for doors (including a 29.5 in option) and allows power-assisted doors as alternatives to some landing/force requirements.
How to proceed (step-by-step, tied to CHBC rules):
- Identify the CHBC alternatives that apply: § 8-603.3 lists a 29.5 in (749 mm) clear opening as an acceptable alternative priority; § 8-603.4 allows power-assisted doors as an equivalent alternative to some level-landing/force requirements.
- Prepare documentation per CHBC: gather measured clear opening (29.5 in), door hardware specifications (power-assist model, rated opening force), plans showing that the accessible route to the entrance is within 200 feet (60,960 mm) of the primary entrance if needed, and a narrative explaining how the proposal preserves the historic door while providing substantially equivalent access. The CHBC requires documentation for such alternatives (§ 8-602.2) and permits the listed alternative door dimensions in § 8-603.
- Submit the alternative to the enforcing agency under § 8-105.2, including the evidence demonstrating reasonable equivalence (performance data, manufacturer test results, and a site plan). The enforcing agency may request proof (per § 8-105.2).
- Agency review outcome: if the enforcing agency determines that the door + power-assist provides substantially equivalent access and the treatment does not threaten the historic character, it may accept the alternative and approve permit issuance; if there is disagreement of statewide significance, either party may seek SHBSB review (§ 8-104.2).
Result (numbers): Owner keeps historic door with 29.5 in (749 mm) clear opening plus a listed power-assist device. Provided the agency accepts the evidence, this meets the CHBC alternative priorities and is acceptable under § 8-603.3–.4 and § 8-105.2.
Related provisions
- § 8-105.2 — Solutions to the CHBC (controlling text on alternatives and evidence).
- § 8-602.2 — Alternative provisions; documentation and item-by-item/case-by-case application for accessibility alternatives.
- § 8-603 — Alternatives (accessibility-specific alternative dimensions and priorities).
- § 8-604 — Equivalent facilitation; other designs/technologies and required stakeholder documentation.
- § 8-104.2 — SHBSB review procedures for proposed alternatives and appeals.
- § 8-101.2 — CHBC purpose: CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept reasonably equivalent solutions.
- § 8-102.1 — Application: which agencies must apply CHBC and how it is used with the regular code.
- § 8-702.1 — Limit on reducing structural safety for critical occupancies.
- § 8-902.1.3 — Enforcing agency may approve any alternative which would achieve equivalent life safety (mechanical systems example).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Historical Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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 § 8-503 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 § 8-104.2 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 § 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 § 8-302.6 High relevance — show source text
8-302.6 Fire-resistive construction. See Chapter 8-4.
8-302.7 Light and ventilation. Existing provisions for light and ventilation which do not, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, constitute a safety hazard may remain. See Section 8-303.6 for residential requirements. See Section 8-503 for Escape or Rescue Windows and Doors.
SECTION 8-303 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES
8-303.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide regulations for those buildings designated as qualified historical buildings or properties and classified as residential occupancies. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept any reasonably equivalent alternative to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings and properties.
8-303.2 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings and properties while maintaining a reasonable degree of protection of life, health and safety for the occupants.
8-303.3 Application and scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to all qualified historical buildings used for human habitation. Those dwelling units intended only for display, or public use with no residential use involved, need not comply with the requirements of this section.
8-303.4 Fire escapes. See Chapter 8-5.
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USE AND OCCUPANCY
8-303.5 Room dimensions. Rooms used for sleeping purposes may contain a minimum of 50 square feet (4.6 m [2] ) floor area, provided there is maintained an average ceiling height of 7 feet (2134 mm). Other habitable rooms need only be of adequate size to be functional for the purpose intended.
8-303.6 Light and ventilation. Windows in habitable rooms shall have an area of 6 percent of the floor area, or 6 square feet (0.56 m [2] ), whichever is greater. Windows in sleeping rooms shall be openable (see Section 8-503). Residential occupancies need not be provided with electrical lighting.
8-303.7 Alteration and repair. The alteration and repair of qualified historical buildings or properties may permit the replacement, retention and extension of original materials and the continued use of original methods of construction, provided a life safety hazard is not created or continued. Alterations and repairs shall be consistent with the CHBC.
The amount of alterations and repairs is not limited, provided there is no nonhistorical increase in floor area, volume or size of the building or property.
8-303.8 Exiting. See Chapter 8-5.
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8-4 FIRE PROTECTION
SECTION 8-401 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
8-401.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for fire protection of 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.
8-401.2 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings or properties while maintaining a reasonable degree of fire protection based primarily on the life safety of the occupants and firefighting personnel.
CHBC § 8-9 High relevance — show source text
Bolt spacing shall not
exceed 6 feet (1830 mm) on center and shall not be less than 12 inches (305 mm) on center.
6. Other masonry based on tests or other substantiated data.
7. Embedded bolts to be tested as specified in regular code standards.
8. Stresses given may be increased for combinations of loads as specified in the regular code.
9. Adhesives shall be approved by the enforcing agency and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. All drilling dust shall be removed from drilled
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8-9 MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 8-901 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
8-901.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems of buildings designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept any reasonable equivalent solutions to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-901.2 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings or properties while providing a reasonable level of protection from fire, health and life safety hazards (hereinafter referred to as safety hazards) for the building occupants.
8-901.3 Scope. The CHBC shall be applied in conjunction with the regular code whenever compliance with the regular code is required for qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-901.4 Safety hazard. No person shall permit any safety hazard to exist on premises under their control, or fail to take immediate action to abate such hazard. Existing systems which constitute a safety hazard when operational may remain in place, provided they are completely and permanently rendered inoperative. Safety hazards created by inoperative systems shall not be permitted to exist. Requirements of the regular code concerning general regulations shall be complied with, except that the enforcing agency shall accept solutions which do not cause a safety hazard.
8-901.5 Energy conservation. Qualified historical buildings or properties covered by this part are exempted from compliance with energy conservation standards. When new nonhistorical lighting and space conditioning system components, devices, appliances and equipment are installed, they shall comply with the requirements of Title 24, Part 6, The California Energy Code, except where the historical significance or character-defining features are threatened.
SECTION 8-902 — MECHANICAL
8-902.1 General. Mechanical systems shall comply with the regular code unless otherwise modified by this chapter.
8-902.1.1 The provisions of the CHBC shall apply to the acceptance, location, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement or addition of any heating, ventilating, air conditioning, domestic incinerators, kilns or miscellaneous heat-producing appliances or equipment within or attached to a historical building.
8-902.1.2 Existing systems which do not, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, constitute a safety hazard may remain in use.
8-902.1.3 The enforcing agency may approve any alternative to the CHBC which would achieve equivalent life safety.
8-902.2 Heating facilities. All dwelling-type occupancies covered under this chapter shall be provided with heating facilities. Woodburning or pellet stoves or fireplaces may be acceptable as heating facilities.
CHBC § 8-104.4 High 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 § 8-903.3 High relevance — show source text
8-903.3 Materials. New nonhistorical materials shall comply with the regular code requirements. The enforcing agency shall accept alternative materials which do not create a safety hazard where their use is necessary to maintain the historical integrity of the building.
8-903.4 Drainage and vent systems. Plumbing fixtures shall be connected to an adequate drainage and vent system. The enforcing agency may require operational tests for drainage and vent systems which do not comply with applicable requirements of the regular code. Vent terminations may be installed in any location which, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, does not create a safety hazard.
8-903.5 Indirect and special wastes. Indirect and special waste systems shall be installed so that no safety hazard is created. Chemical or industrial liquid wastes which may detrimentally affect the sanitary sewer system shall be pretreated to render them safe prior to discharge.
8-903.6 Traps and interceptors. Traps and interceptors shall comply with the regular code requirements except that the enforcing agency shall accept solutions which do not increase the safety hazard. Properly maintained “S” and drum traps may remain in use.
8-903.7 Joints and connections.
8-903.7.1 Joints and connections in new plumbing systems shall comply with applicable requirements of the regular code.
8-903.7.2 Joints and connections in existing or restored systems may be of any type that does not create a safety hazard.
8-903.8 Water distribution. Plumbing fixtures shall be connected to an adequate water distribution system. The enforcing agency may require operational tests for water distribution systems which do not comply with applicable requirements of the regular code. Prohibited (unlawful) connections and cross connections shall not be permitted.
8-903.9 Building sewers and private sewage disposal systems. New building sewers and new private sewage disposal systems shall comply with applicable requirements of the regular code.
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MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
8-903.10 Fuel-gas piping. Fuel-gas piping shall comply with the regular code requirements except that the enforcing agency shall accept solutions which do not increase the safety hazard.
SECTION 8-904 — ELECTRICAL
8-904.1 General. Electrical systems shall comply with the regular code unless otherwise permitted by this code, or approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
8-904.1.1 The provisions of the CHBC shall apply to the acceptance, location, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement or addition of any electrical system or portion thereof, the premise wiring, or equipment fixed in place as related to restoration within or attached to a qualified historical building or property.
8-904.1.2 Existing systems, wiring methods and electrical equipment which do not, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, constitute a safety hazard may remain in use.
8-904.1.3 The enforcing agency may approve any alternative to the CHBC which achieves equivalent safety.
8-904.1.4 Archaic methods that do not appear in present codes may remain and may be extended if, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, they constitute a safe installation.
8-904.2 Wiring methods.
CHBC § 8-303.6 High relevance — show source text
8-303.6 Light and ventilation. Windows in habitable rooms shall have an area of 6 percent of the floor area, or 6 square feet (0.56 m [2] ), whichever is greater. Windows in sleeping rooms shall be openable (see Section 8-503). Residential occupancies need not be provided with electrical lighting.
8-303.7 Alteration and repair. The alteration and repair of qualified historical buildings or properties may permit the replacement, retention and extension of original materials and the continued use of original methods of construction, provided a life safety hazard is not created or continued. Alterations and repairs shall be consistent with the CHBC.
The amount of alterations and repairs is not limited, provided there is no nonhistorical increase in floor area, volume or size of the building or property.
8-303.8 Exiting. See Chapter 8-5.
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8-4 FIRE PROTECTION
SECTION 8-401 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
8-401.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for fire protection of 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.
8-401.2 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings or properties while maintaining a reasonable degree of fire protection based primarily on the life safety of the occupants and firefighting personnel.
8-401.3 Scope. This chapter shall apply when required by the provisions of Section 8-102.
SECTION 8-402 — FIRE-RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION
8-402.1 Exterior wall construction. The fire-resistance requirement for existing exterior walls and existing opening protection may be satisfied when an automatic sprinkler system designed for exposure protection is installed per the CHBC. The automatic sprinklers may be installed on the exterior with at least one sprinkler located over each opening required to be protected. Additional sprinklers shall also be distributed along combustible walls under the roof lines that do not meet the fire-resistive requirement due to relationship to property lines as required by regular code. Such sprinkler systems may be connected to the domestic water supply on the supply-main side of the building shut-off valve. A shut-off valve may be installed for the sprinkler system, provided it is locked in an open position.
8-402.2 One-hour construction. Upgrading an existing qualified historical building or property to one-hour fire-resistive construction and one-hour fire-resistive corridors shall not be required regardless of construction or occupancy when one of the following is provided:
- An automatic sprinkler system throughout. See Section 8-410 for automatic sprinkler systems.
- An approved life safety evaluation.
- Other alternative measures as approved by the enforcing agency.
8-402.3 Openings in fire-rated systems. Historical glazing materials and solid wood unrated doors in interior walls required to have one-hour fire rating may be approved when operable windows and doors are provided with appropriate smoke seals and when the area affected is provided with an automatic sprinkler system. See Section 8-410 for automatic sprinkler systems.
SECTION 8-403 — INTERIOR FINISH MATERIALS
CHBC § 12.7 High relevance — show source text
Values are for strength level loads as defined in regular code standards.
2. Values may be adjusted for other fasteners when approved by the enforcing authority.
3. In addition to existing sheathing value.
4. Bolts to be1/2-inch (12.7 mm) minimum diameter.
5. Other bolt sizes, values and installation methods may be used provided a testing program is conducted in accordance with regular code standards. Bolt spacing shall not
exceed 6 feet (1830 mm) on center and shall not be less than 12 inches (305 mm) on center.
6. Other masonry based on tests or other substantiated data.
7. Embedded bolts to be tested as specified in regular code standards.
8. Stresses given may be increased for combinations of loads as specified in the regular code.
9. Adhesives shall be approved by the enforcing agency and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. All drilling dust shall be removed from drilled
holes prior to installation.|1. Values are for strength level loads as defined in regular code standards.
2. Values may be adjusted for other fasteners when approved by the enforcing authority.
3. In addition to existing sheathing value.
4. Bolts to be1/2-inch (12.7 mm) minimum diameter.
5. Other bolt sizes, values and installation methods may be used provided a testing program is conducted in accordance with regular code standards. Bolt spacing shall not
exceed 6 feet (1830 mm) on center and shall not be less than 12 inches (305 mm) on center.
6. Other masonry based on tests or other substantiated data.
7. Embedded bolts to be tested as specified in regular code standards.
8. Stresses given may be increased for combinations of loads as specified in the regular code.
9. Adhesives shall be approved by the enforcing agency and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. All drilling dust shall be removed from drilled
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8-9 MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 8-901 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
8-901.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems of buildings designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept any reasonable equivalent solutions to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-901.2 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings or properties while providing a reasonable level of protection from fire, health and life safety hazards (hereinafter referred to as safety hazards) for the building occupants.
8-901.3 Scope. The CHBC shall be applied in conjunction with the regular code whenever compliance with the regular code is required for qualified historical buildings or properties.
CHBC § 8-410.3 High relevance — show source text
Buildings with floors above 75 feet, NFPA 13.
When the building is free standing or with property line separation, two floors and 1500 square feet per floor or less, NFPA 13D.
For exterior wall and opening protection. As required by this chapter.
Exception: When the automatic sprinkler systems are used to reach compliance using this code, in three or more occasions, NFPA 13D standard shall be increased to NFPA 13R standard, or NFPA 13R standard shall be increased to a NFPA 13 standard.
8-410.3 Automatic sprinkler systems shall not be used to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits from any facility. (See Chapter 8-5 for exiting requirements.)
8-410.4 An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all detention facilities.
SECTION 8-411 — OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
Fire alarm systems, smoke and heat detection systems, occupant notification and annunciation systems, smoke control systems and fire modeling, timed egress analysis and modeling, as well as other engineering methods and technologies may be accepted by the enforcing agency to address areas of nonconformance.
SECTION 8-412 — HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
Qualified historical buildings having floors for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access shall conform to the provisions of the regular code for existing high-rise buildings as amended by the CHBC.
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8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS
SECTION 8-501 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
8-501.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum means of egress regulations for qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept reasonably equivalent alternatives to the means of egress requirements in the regular code.
8-501.2 Intent. The intent of these regulations is to provide an adequate means of egress.
8-501.3 Scope. Every qualified historical building or portion thereof shall be provided with exits as required by the CHBC when required by the provisions of Section 8-102.
SECTION 8-502 — GENERAL
8-502.1 General. The enforcing agency shall grant reasonable exceptions to the specific provisions of applicable egress regulations where such exceptions will not adversely affect life safety.
8-502.2. Existing door openings and corridor widths of less than dimensions required by regular code shall be permitted where there is sufficient width and height for the occupants to pass through the opening or traverse the exit.
8-502.3 Stairs. Existing stairs having risers and treads or width at variance with the regular code are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard. Handrails with nonconforming grip size or extensions are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard.
8-502.4 Main entry doors. The front or main entry doors need not be rehung to swing in the direction of exit travel, provided other means or conditions of exiting, as necessary to serve the total occupant load, are provided.
CHBC § 8-1002.1 High 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.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any product or method I want on a historic building?
Yes — you may propose it, but the enforcing agency must find it reasonably equivalent to the CHBC solution and may require evidence. See § 8-105.2.
Do I always need to get SHBSB involved?
No. SHBSB review is available when the enforcing agency, the agency chief, or board requests statewide-significance review; it’s not required for every local decision. See § 8-104.2.
What if my proposed alternative slightly reduces a required dimension (for example, a smaller door opening)?
The CHBC includes prioritized, specific accessibility alternatives (e.g., 29.5 in / 749 mm door option) and allows the enforcing agency to accept such alternatives if documentation shows equivalent access. See § 8-603.3 and § 8-105.2.
Will an enforcing agency accept an alternative that increases risk to occupants?
No. Alternatives that create or increase a safety hazard or lower required protection for critical occupancies are not acceptable. See § 8-902.1.2 and § 8-702.1.
How should I document an accessibility alternative to improve chances of acceptance?
Provide item-by-item justification, drawings, measurements, test results, opinions from accessibility officials or disability representatives if applicable, and retain those records in the enforcing agency file as required by § 8-602.2.
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