CHBC · California Historical Building Code

When does CHBC require additional work or remediation for unsafe buildings?

If a qualified historical building is found unsafe under the regular code, the CHBC requires remediation only to correct the unsafe conditions — not a complete full-code retrofit — except where accessibility laws or a distinct hazard mandate broader work. **§ 8-102.1.4**, **§ 8-102.1.5**, **§ 8-102.1.6**

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Qualified historical buildings or properties may continue their existing use so long as that use complied with the code in effect when built and does not constitute a distinct hazard to life safety. When a qualified historical building is found unsafe, the CHBC requires work to correct the unsafe conditions but does not require bringing the entire building into compliance with the regular code. Certain mandated exceptions (notably accessibility and legally required remedies for distinct hazards) can require specific additional action within the CHBC framework. See § 8-102.1.4, § 8-102.1.5, and § 8-102.1.6 for the controlling rules.

The CHBC limits required remediation to what is necessary to correct the unsafe condition — it does not demand a full-code retrofit for the whole historic building, except where accessibility laws or distinct hazard mandates apply.

Requirements in detail

Core rules (plain language linked to code)

  • If a building is determined to be unsafe under the regular code, CHBC rules apply to the remediation work — but only the work necessary to correct the unsafe conditions; CHBC does not force a full-regular-code upgrade of the entire property. § 8-102.1.5
  • A qualified historical building may continue its existing use or occupancy if that use complied with the code or standards in effect at construction and does not constitute a distinct hazard to life safety. § 8-102.1.4
  • The CHBC bars additional work required by the regular code, local regulation or ordinance beyond what is necessary to complete the work undertaken — except for the mandated accessibility and distinct-hazard exceptions described in the CHBC. § 8-102.1.6

Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference table)

Decision factor Trigger / Value that matters What CHBC requires Code Reference
Building declared unsafe Determination under the regular code (i.e., unsafe as defined by the regular code) Remediation work must correct the unsafe conditions; full building need not be brought to regular code § 8-102.1.5
Continued use / occupancy allowed? Existing use conformed at time of construction AND does not create a distinct hazard to life safety Existing use may continue under CHBC rules § 8-102.1.4
Extra work beyond the scope of the required remediation Any requirement imposed by regular code, regulation or ordinance that is beyond “work undertaken” Not required under CHBC (work limited to scope), except for mandated accessibility or distinct-hazard actions § 8-102.1.6
Accessibility or other mandated actions Statutory or regulatory mandates for accessibility or to address a distinct hazard May require specific action despite CHBC’s general limitation on additional work; to be applied within CHBC parameters § 8-102.1.6

How this is applied in practice

  • The building official or enforcing agency first determines whether the building is unsafe under the regular code. If it is, the enforcing agency uses CHBC provisions to define acceptable remediation measures that address the unsafe condition without requiring unrelated full-code upgrades. § 8-102.1.5
  • If the issue discovered does not meet the regular-code definition of unsafe (for example: deterioration that does not create a life-safety hazard), the CHBC allows retention or repair using historical materials and methods, subject to the enforcing agency’s concurrence. § 8-102.1.4 and related CHBC provisions support continued use.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Accessibility mandates: Where state or federal accessibility laws require action, those accessibility remedies can be required even when CHBC would otherwise limit the work to only unsafe-condition remediation. The CHBC explicitly recognizes these mandated exceptions. § 8-102.1.6
  • Distinct hazards: If the existing use or condition is a distinct hazard to life safety, continued use is not permitted and additional measures to abate the hazard may be required. § 8-102.1.4 and § 8-102.1.6
  • Scope control: The CHBC prevents “scope creep” — the enforcing agency should not force unrelated code upgrades beyond what is necessary to address the unsafe condition; however, mandated exceptions override that limitation. § 8-102.1.5 and § 8-102.1.6

Common mistakes

  • Believing that an unsafe finding automatically requires a full seismic or ADA retrofit. The CHBC requires correction of the unsafe condition, not a full-code upgrade, except where accessibility or distinct-hazard mandates apply. § 8-102.1.5, § 8-102.1.6
  • Confusing “continued use” permissibility with an allowance to ignore real hazards. Continued use is only allowed where the use does not constitute a distinct hazard to life safety. § 8-102.1.4
  • Failing to document the scope of the remediation work. The CHBC’s limitation on additional work depends on clearly tying required work to the unsafe condition or to the work undertaken. § 8-102.1.5, § 8-102.1.6

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A 1910 historic theater (qualified historical building) has a partial roof framing failure after storms. The local building official inspects and, under the regular code, declares a collapse hazard making portions of the auditorium unsafe.

Applying the CHBC:

  • Because the building was declared unsafe under the regular code, remediation work must be done to correct that unsafe condition (for example: replace/strengthen damaged roof trusses, shore adjacent framing, restore safe egress). The enforcing agency applies CHBC solutions to that remediation. § 8-102.1.5
  • The CHBC does not require the owner to perform a full seismic retrofit of the entire theater (e.g., upgrading all lateral systems) solely because of this unsafe finding — unless the partial roof failure reveals a distinct hazard requiring broader action, or an accessibility or other statutory mandate requires additional measures. § 8-102.1.6
  • If, during remediation, the owner elects (or is required by separate statute) to add an ADA-compliant accessible entrance as part of the repair project, that mandated accessibility action may be required even though the CHBC otherwise limits additional work. § 8-102.1.6

(Concrete numbers are illustrative: the scope of required repairs equals what’s necessary to restore a safe load path, safe egress, and eliminate immediate collapse risk — not an arbitrary percentage upgrade of all structural members unless the unsafe condition or mandate requires it.) § 8-102.1.5

Related provisions (see these CHBC sections)

  • § 8-102.1.4 — Continued use (controls when historic uses may continue).
  • § 8-102.1.5 — Unsafe buildings or properties (scope of remediation when unsafe is found).
  • § 8-102.1.6 — Additional work (limits on requiring work beyond scope; accessibility/distinct-hazard exceptions).
  • § 8-101.2 — Purpose and intent of the CHBC (context for preservation vs. full-code compliance).
  • § 8-703 — (Structural survey and evaluation requirements referenced elsewhere in CHBC) — consult for structural assessment procedures.
  • § 8-104.2 — SHBSB review and appeals (consultation/appeal paths when there is dispute or special review).

Code references

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

  • CHBC § 8-102.1.1 High relevance — show source text
    1. State agencies. All state agencies shall apply the provisions of the CHBC in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, safety, relocation, reconstruction or continued use of qualified historical buildings or properties.

    8-102.1.1 Additions, alterations and repairs. It is the intent of the CHBC to allow nonhistorical expansion or addition to a qualified historical building or property, provided nonhistorical additions shall conform to the requirements of the regular code (as defined in Chapter 8-2).

    8-102.1.2 Relocation. Relocated qualified historical buildings or properties shall be sited to comply with the regular code or with the solutions listed in the CHBC. Nonhistorical new construction related to relocation shall comply with the regular code. Reconstruction and restoration related to relocation is permitted to comply with the provisions in the CHBC.

    8-102.1.3 Change of occupancy. For change of use or occupancy, see Chapter 8-3, Use and Occupancy.

    8-102.1.4 Continued use. Qualified historical buildings or properties may have their existing use or occupancy continued if such use or occupancy conformed to the code or to the standards of construction in effect at the time of construction, and such use or occupancy does not constitute a distinct hazard to life safety as defined in the CHBC.

    8-102.1.5 Unsafe buildings or properties. When a qualified historical building or property is determined to be unsafe as defined in the regular code, the requirements of the CHBC are applicable to the work necessary to correct the unsafe conditions. Work to remediate the buildings or properties need only address the correction of the unsafe conditions, and it shall not be required to bring the entire qualified historical building or property into compliance with regular code.

    8-102.1.6 Additional work. Qualified historical buildings or properties shall not be subject to additional work required by the regular code, regulation or ordinance beyond that required to complete the work undertaken. Certain exceptions for accessibility and for distinct hazards exist by mandate and may require specific action, within the parameters of the CHBC.

    SECTION 8-103 ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT

    8-103.1 Authority. The state or local enforcing agency, pursuant to authority provided under Section 18954 of the Health and Safety Code, shall administer and enforce the provisions of the CHBC in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, reconstruction, rehabilitation, relocation or continued use of a qualified historical building or property.

    8-103.2 State enforcement. All state agencies pursuant to authority provided under Section 18954 and Section 18961 of the Health and Safety Code shall administer and enforce the CHBC with respect to qualified historical buildings or properties under their respective jurisdiction.

    8-103.3 Liability. Prevailing law regarding immunity of building officials is unaffected by the use and enforcement of the CHBC.

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    ADMINISTRATION

    SECTION 8-104 REVIEW AND APPEALS

    8-104.1 State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB or Board). In order to provide for interpretation of the provisions of the CHBC and to hear appeals, the SHBSB shall act as an appeal and review body to state and local agencies or any affected party.

    **8-104.2 SHBSB review.

  • CHBC § 8-101.1 High 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.

    1. 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.
    2. 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 § 8-705.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    8-705.1 Gravity loads. The capacity of the structure to resist gravity loads shall be evaluated and the structure strengthened as necessary. The evaluation shall include all parts of the load path. Where no distress is evident, and a complete load path is present, the structure may be assumed adequate by having withstood the test of time if anticipated dead and live loads will not exceed those historically present.

    8-705.2 Wind and seismic loads. The ability of the structure to resist wind and seismic loads shall be evaluated. Wind loads shall be considered when appropriate, but need not exceed 75 percent of the wind loads prescribed by the regular code. The evaluation shall be based on the requirements of Section 8-706.

    8.705.2.1 Any unsafe conditions in the lateral-load-resisting system shall be corrected, or alternative resistance shall be provided. When strengthening is required, additional resistance shall be provided to meet the minimum requirements of the CHBC. The strengthening measures shall be selected with the intent of meeting the performance objectives set forth in Section 8-701.2. The evaluation of structural members and structural systems for seismic loads shall consider the inelastic performance of structural members and their ability to maintain load-carrying capacity during the seismic loadings prescribed by the regular code.

    8.705.2.2 The architect or engineer shall consider additional measures with minimal loss of, and impact to, historical materials which will reduce damage and needed repairs in future earthquakes to better preserve the historical structure in perpetuity. These additional measures shall be presented to the owner for consideration as part of the rehabilitation or restoration.

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    STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS

    SECTION 8-706 LATERAL LOAD REGULATIONS

    8-706.1 Seismic forces. Strength-level seismic forces used to evaluate the structure for resistance to seismic loads shall be based on the R -values tabulated in the regular code for similar lateral-force-resisting systems including consideration of the structural detailing of the members where such R -values exist. Where such R -values do not exist, an appropriate R -value shall be rationally assigned considering the structural detailing of the members.

    Exceptions:

    1. The forces need not exceed 0.75 times the seismic forces prescribed by the regular code requirements.
    2. For Risk Category I, II or III structures, near-fault increases in ground motion (maximum considered earthquake ground motion of 0.2 second spectral response greater than 150 percent at 5 percent damping) need not be considered when the fundamental period of the building is 0.5 seconds in the direction under consideration.
    3. For Risk Category I or II structures, the seismic base shear need not exceed 0.30W.
    4. For Risk Category III or IV structures, the seismic base shear need not exceed 0.40W.

    8-706.1.1 When a building is to be strengthened with the addition of a new lateral force resisting system, the R -value of the new system can be used when the new lateral force resisting system resists at least 75 percent of the building’s base shear regardless of its relative rigidity.

    8-706.1.2 Evaluation and seismic improvement of unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings shall comply with the California Existing Building Code (CEBC), Appendix Chapter A1 2013 Edition, and as modified by the CHBC.

    Exceptions:

  • 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 § 115.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    [A] 115.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.

    [A] 115.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the building official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.

    [A] 115.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.

    SECTION 116—UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT

    [A] 116.1 Unsafe conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as the building official deems necessary and as provided for in this section. A vacant structure that is not secured against unauthorized entry shall be deemed unsafe.

    [A] 116.2 Record. The building official shall cause a report to be filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state the occupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.

    [A] 116.3 Notice. If an unsafe condition is found, the building official shall serve on the owner of the structure, or the owner’s authorized agent, a written notice that describes the condition deemed unsafe and specifies the required repairs or improvements to be made to abate the unsafe condition, or that requires the unsafe structure to be demolished within a stipulated time. Such notice shall require the person thus notified to declare immediately to the building official acceptance or rejection of the terms of the order.

    [A] 116.4 Method of service. Such notice shall be deemed properly served where a copy thereof is served in accordance with one of the following methods:

    1. A copy is delivered to the owner personally.
    2. A copy is sent by certified or registered mail addressed to the owner at the last known address with the return receipt requested.
    3. A copy is delivered in any other manner as prescribed by local law.

    If the certified or registered letter is returned showing that the letter was not delivered, a copy thereof shall be posted in a conspicuous place in or about the structure affected by such notice. Service of such notice in the foregoing manner on the owner’s authorized agent shall constitute service of notice on the owner.

    [A] 116.5 Restoration or abatement. Where the structure or equipment determined to be unsafe by the building official is restored to a safe condition, the owner, the owner’s authorized agent, operator or occupant of a structure, premises or equipment deemed unsafe by the building official shall abate or cause to be abated or corrected such unsafe conditions either by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or other approved corrective action. To the extent that repairs, alterations or additions are made or a change of occupancy occurs during the restoration of the structure, such repairs, alterations, additions and change of occupancy shall comply with the requirements of the California Existing Building Code .

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  • CHBC § 113.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    [A] 113.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the code official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.

    [A] 113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who repairs or alters or changes the occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

    SECTION 114—STOP WORK ORDER

    [A] 114.1 Authority. Where the code official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the code official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

    [A] 114.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.

    [A] 114.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.

    [A] 114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.

    SECTION 115—UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT

    [A] 115.1 Unsafe conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe as the code official deems necessary and as provided for in this code. A vacant structure that is not secured against unauthorized entry shall be deemed unsafe.

    [A] 115.2 Record. The code official shall cause a report to be filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state the occupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.

    [A] 115.3 Notice. If an unsafe condition is found, the code official shall serve on the owner of the structure or the owner’s authorized agent a written notice that describes the condition deemed unsafe and specifies the required repairs or improvements to be made to abate the unsafe condition, or that requires the unsafe building to be demolished within a stipulated time. Such notice shall require the person thus notified to declare immediately to the code official acceptance or rejection of the terms of the order.

  • CHBC § 2.3. Medium relevance — show source text

    TECHNICALLY INFEASIBLE. An alteration of a facility that has little likelihood of being accomplished because the existing structural conditions require the removal or alteration of a load-bearing member that is an essential part of the structural frame, or because other existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of elements, spaces or features which are in full and strict compliance with the minimum requirements for new construction and which are necessary to provide accessibility.

    UNREINFORCED CONCRETE. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Unreinforced concrete as used in this chapter means plain concrete as defined in ACI 318 Section 2.3.

    UNREINFORCED MASONRY. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Unreinforced masonry as used in this chapter means masonry construction where reinforcements in any direction is less than minimum reinforcement specified in TMS 402 Section 7.3.2.6.

    UNSAFE. Buildings, structures or equipment that are unsanitary, or that are deficient due to inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, or in which the structure or individual structural members meet the definition of “Dangerous,” or that are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance shall be deemed unsafe. A vacant structure that is not secured against entry shall be deemed unsafe.

    [HCD 1 & HCD 2] An unsafe building, as defined in this chapter, shall be considered substandard.

    VOLUNTARY STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS (VSIs). [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Voluntary structural improvements are any alterations of existing structural element(s) or addition of new structural elements which are not necessary for vertical or lateral support of other work and is initiated by the applicant primarily for the purpose of increasing the vertical or lateral load-carrying strength or stiffness of an existing building.

    WORK AREA. That portion or portions of a building consisting of all reconfigured spaces as indicated on the construction documents. Work area excludes other portions of the building where incidental work entailed by the intended work must be performed and portions of the building where work not initially intended by the owner is specifically required by this code.

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    CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 3 – PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

  • CHBC § 114.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    [A] 114.2 Notice of violation. The building official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, extension, repair, moving, removal, demolition or occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.

    [A] 114.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the building official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.

    [A] 114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

    SECTION 115—STOP WORK ORDER

    [A] 115.1 Authority. Where the building official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

    [A] 115.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.

    [A] 115.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the building official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.

    [A] 115.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.

    SECTION 116—UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT

    [A] 116.1 Unsafe conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as the building official deems necessary and as provided for in this section. A vacant structure that is not secured against unauthorized entry shall be deemed unsafe.

    [A] 116.2 Record. The building official shall cause a report to be filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state the occupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.

  • CHBC § 301.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    301.3.2 Work area compliance method. A lterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with the applicable requirements of Chapters 6 through 12 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

    301.3.3 Performance compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 13 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

    Note: [HCD 1 & HCD 2] The provisions contained in Chapter 13 are not adopted by HCD, but may be available for adoption by a local ordinance. (See Section 1.1.11.)

    301.4 Relocated or moved buildings. Relocated or moved buildings shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 14.

    SECTION 302—GENERAL PROVISIONS

    302.1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.

    302.1.1 Dangerous conditions. [BSC] Regardless of the extent of structural or nonstructural damage, the code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.

    302.2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in this code and the California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Residential Code and California Electrical Code . Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall take precedence.

    302.2.1 Additional codes in health care. In existing Group I-2 occupancies, ambulatory health care facilities, outpatient clinics and hyperbaric facilities, alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall also comply with NFPA 99.

    302.3 Existing materials. Materials already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the code official to be unsafe.

    302.4 New and replacement materials. Except as otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials permitted by the applicable code for new construction shall be used. Like materials shall be permitted for repairs and alterations, provided that unsafe conditions are not created. Hazardous materials shall not be used where the code for new construction would not permit their use in buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location. [HCD 1] Local ordinances or regulations shall permit the replacement, retention and extension of original materials, and the use of original methods of construction, for any building or accessory structure, provided such building or structure complied with the building code provisions in effect at the time of original construction and the building or accessory structure does not become or continue to be a substandard building. For additional information, see Health and Safety Code Sections 17912, 17920.3, 17922(d), 17922.3, 17958.8 and 17958.9.

    Exception: No replacement residential garage door shall be installed to connect the replacement door to an existing residential automatic garage door opener that does not have a battery backup function designed to keep the garage door operational without interruption during an electrical outage. See Health and Safety Code Section 19892.

  • 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 Entities
    Title III
    Private Entities
    Title III
    Barrier Removal
    SECTION 8-601 PURPOSE, INTENT, SCOPE
    **8-601.1 Purpose.**The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to facilitate
    access and use by persons with disabilities to and throughout facilities designated as quali-
    fied historical buildings or properties. These regulations require enforcing agencies to
    accept alternatives to regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or
    properties.
    **8-601.2 Intent.**The intent of this chapter is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical
    buildings and properties while providing access to and use by persons with disabilities.
    **8-601.3 Scope.**The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that
    is required to provide access to persons with disabilities.
    1.Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of
    historical buildings.
    2. Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or
    properties, alteration is defined in_ California Building Code_ (CBC), Chapter 2.
    **8-601.4 General application.
  • CHBC § 110.0 Medium relevance — show source text

    SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS—ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

    (b) Alterations. Alterations to existing single-family residential buildings or alterations in conjunction with a change in building occupancy to a single-family residential occupancy shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below.

    1. Prescriptive approach. The altered component and any newly installed equipment serving the alteration shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9, all applicable requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through (l), 150.0(m)1 through 150.0 (m)10, and 150.0(p) through (q); and A. Added fenestration. Alterations that add vertical fenestration and skylight area shall meet the total fenestration area and west facing fenestration area, U -factor, and solar heat gain coefficient requirements of Section 150.1(c)3A and Table 150.1-A.

    Exception 1 to Section 150.2(b)1A: Alterations that increase fenestration area shall have a maximum SHGC value of 0.23 in Climate Zone 15.

    Exception 2 to Section 150.2(b)1A: Alterations that add up to 16 square feet of new fenestration or skylight area shall not be required to meet the total fenestration area and west-facing fenestration area requirements of Sections 150.1(c)3B and C. B. Replacement fenestration. New manufactured fenestration products installed to replace existing fenestration products of the same total area shall meet the U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient requirements of Sections 150.1(c)3A, and 150.1(c)4. Exception 1 to Section 150.2(b)1B: Replacement of vertical fenestration no greater than 75 square feet with a U factor no greater than 0.40 in Climate Zones 1–16, and a SHGC value no greater than 0.35 in Climate Zones 2, 4 and 6 through 15. Exception 2 to Section 150.2(b)1B: Replaced skylights must meet a U -factor no greater than 0.40, and a SHGC value no greater than 0.30. Exception 3 to Section 150.2(b)1B: Replacement of vertical fenestration shall have a maximum SHGC value not greater than 0.23 in Climate Zone 15. Note: Glass replaced in an existing sash and frame or sashes replaced in an existing frame are considered repairs, provided that the replacement is at least equivalent to the original in performance. C. Entirely new or complete replacement space-conditioning systems installed as part of an alteration, shall include all the system heating or cooling equipment, including but not limited to: condensing unit, cooling or heating coil, and air handler for split systems; or complete replacement of a packaged unit; plus entirely new or replacement duct system [Section 150.2(b)1Diia].

  • 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:

    1. Site plan layout configurations and relationships (pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular site circulation, topographical grades and drainage, and use areas).
    2. 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).
    3. 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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Frequently asked questions

When does the CHBC apply to remediation of an unsafe building?

When the building is a qualified historical building or property and is determined to be unsafe under the regular code; remediation is then governed by the CHBC. § 8-102.1.5

Does an “unsafe” finding always trigger a full regular-code upgrade?

No. The CHBC requires only the work necessary to correct the unsafe conditions; it does not require bringing the entire building into compliance with the regular code except where accessibility or distinct-hazard mandates apply. § 8-102.1.5, § 8-102.1.6

Can a historic building continue to be used as it was historically?

Yes, provided the existing use conformed to the code at the time of construction and does not constitute a distinct hazard to life safety. § 8-102.1.4

What about accessibility requirements when doing remediation?

Accessibility and other mandated remedies can be required even when CHBC would otherwise limit additional work; such mandated exceptions are recognized by the CHBC. § 8-102.1.6

Who can review or appeal a CHBC decision about unsafe conditions?

The State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB) provides review and appeal authority for CHBC interpretations and decisions. § 8-104.2

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