CHBC · California Historical Building Code
How does the CHBC define "fire hazard" and address fire protection?
In plain terms: the CHBC (see **§ 8-201** and **§ 8-401**) says a “fire hazard” is a condition that raises fire risk above what the authority normally accepts or that impedes firefighters or escape; the CHBC’s fire rules aim to protect life safety while preserving historic features, and they allow reasonably equivalent alternatives (like approved sprinkler systems) instead of strict regular-code upgrades when those alternatives meet life-safety goals.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires
The CHBC defines Fire Hazard as any condition that increases the risk or severity of fire beyond what the enforcing agency customarily recognizes, or any condition or act that could obstruct, delay, hinder, or interfere with firefighting or occupant egress — see § 8-201.
For fire protection generally, the CHBC’s fire chapter seeks to preserve the historic integrity of qualified historical buildings while maintaining a reasonable degree of fire protection focused on life safety; the chapter accepts reasonably equivalent alternatives to regular-code prescriptions when appropriate — see § 8-401.
The single most important rule: a “fire hazard” in the CHBC is a condition that raises fire risk above what the authority normally accepts or that interferes with firefighting or escape; the CHBC balances preserving historic fabric with life-safety measures.
Requirements in detail
Core definition — what counts as a Fire Hazard
Fire Hazard (bolded term) = either:
- a condition that increases or may contribute to an increase in the hazard or menace of fire beyond what is customarily recognized by the enforcing agency, or
- any condition/act that could obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with firefighting operations or occupant egress. See § 8-201.
Appeals: determinations remain subject to the CHBC appeals process referenced in § 8-104.3 (appeals language is noted within the definitions text).
Fire protection objectives and scope
The chapter’s purpose is fire protection of qualified historical buildings; it requires local enforcing agencies to accept reasonably equivalent alternatives to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical properties. The intent prioritizes preservation while maintaining life-safety for occupants and firefighting personnel — see § 8-401.
Application: the fire chapter applies when the CHBC is required by § 8-102 (use of CHBC for qualified historic buildings).
Common compliance paths (decision-relevant dimensions)
The CHBC allows alternative solutions (including automatic sprinkler systems, life-safety evaluations, or approved technologies) to address nonconformance when they provide a reasonable degree of life safety; see automatic sprinkler provisions in § 8-410 for how sprinklers can be used to achieve compliance in lieu of some code upgrades.
Historic materials and assemblies may be retained or repaired provided they do not create a life safety hazard; the CHBC explicitly allows retention of historical finishes and methods when life safety is preserved.
Quick reference table (decision dimensions)
| Decision question | What to check | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| How is “fire hazard” defined? | Whether condition increases fire risk beyond custom or obstructs firefighting/egress | § 8-201 |
| What is the chapter goal? | Preserve historical integrity while maintaining reasonable life safety | § 8-401 |
| When does CHBC fire chapter apply? | When CHBC is elected/applied per CHBC application rules | § 8-102 |
| Can alternatives be used instead of regular code? | Enforcing agencies shall accept reasonably equivalent alternatives | § 8-401.1–8-401.3 |
| Can sprinklers be used to address hazards? | Yes — automatic sprinklers or other life-safety systems may bring a qualified historic building into compliance when other code upgrades would be required; see § 8-410 | § 8-410 |
Exceptions & special cases
The CHBC is explicitly performance-oriented: it does not require full conversion to the regular code where reasonably equivalent solutions preserve life safety and historic character — central to § 8-401.
Where a condition rises to a distinct hazard (an immediate danger to occupants or the public right-of-way), other CHBC provisions (including life-safety upgrades or sprinkler installation per § 8-410) may be triggered. The definition of distinct hazard is in Chapter 8-2 and cross-referenced in § 8-410.
Application is controlled by the CHBC application rules: the fire chapter applies “when required by the provisions of Section § 8-102.” If the CHBC is not elected for a project, the regular code applies instead.
Common mistakes
Treating any deviation from the regular code as automatically a “fire hazard.” The CHBC clarifies that nonconformance alone does not automatically equal a distinct hazard — the enforcing agency’s judgment and the appeals process are available (see § 8-201 and reference to appeals).
Assuming preservation goals override life safety. The CHBC’s intent balances preservation with a reasonable degree of fire protection based primarily on life safety; preservation is not a blanket exemption from safety measures (see § 8-401.2).
Over-relying on sprinklers to avoid basic egress requirements — CHBC clarifies sprinklers cannot substitute for the required number of exits (see § 8-410.3).
Forgetting to use the CHBC appeals route: determinations about hazards and accepted alternatives can be appealed per the CHBC appeals process referenced in the definitions.
Worked example — old theatre retrofit (concrete scenario)
Situation
- A 3-story qualified historical theatre (original construction) is being retrofitted for continued public assembly use.
- Existing exterior walls and openings do not meet current fire-resistive construction requirements and adding rated construction would destroy character-defining features.
Applying the CHBC
Determine whether conditions constitute a Fire Hazard under § 8-201: do the existing conditions increase fire risk beyond what the authority customarily recognizes, or would they obstruct firefighting/egress? If not, the building is not automatically a hazard.
Because the owner elects to use the CHBC, § 8-401 applies; the enforcing agency must consider reasonably equivalent alternatives that preserve historic fabric while protecting life safety. Examples accepted by CHBC include installing an automatic sprinkler system in lieu of upgrading to one-hour construction.
Practical decision: install an automatic sprinkler system designed per CHBC guidance (for nonhazardous occupancies, NFPA 13R for buildings up to four stories) and upgrade alarm/detection and egress signage — this combination is commonly accepted as a reasonably equivalent alternative that preserves historic materials while achieving life-safety goals. (See § 8-410 for sprinkler use and standards.)
Numeric note (example values)
- Building = 3 stories → sprinkler standard: NFPA 13R per CHBC automatic sprinkler guidance. Using NFPA 13R is cited in § 8-410.2(1).
If the local enforcing agency deems a condition a distinct hazard despite sprinklers, the owner may need to provide additional measures or pursue an appeal under the CHBC appeals process referenced in § 8-104.3.
Related provisions
- § 8-102 — Application of the CHBC (when the CHBC applies and how it interacts with regular code).
- § 8-402 — Fire-resistive construction alternatives and when sprinklers may substitute for rated construction.
- § 8-409 — Fire alarm system requirements for qualified historical buildings (alarm systems required per regular code or approved alternative).
- § 8-410 — Automatic sprinkler systems: when they can be used to achieve compliance and the standards to apply (NFPA 13/13R/13D references).
- § 8-104.3 — CHBC appeals (procedures applicable to disputes about hazards and alternative solutions).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Historical Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CHBC § 602.2 High relevance — show source text
602.2 Contents. The fire protection plan shall be based on a project-specific wildfire hazard assessment that includes considerations of location, topography, aspect and climatic and fire history.
The plan shall identify conformance with all applicable state wildfire protection regulations, statutes and applicable local ordi- nances, whichever are more restrictive.
The plan shall address fire department access, egress, road and address signage and water supply in addition to fuel reduction in accordance with Public Resources Code (PRC) 4290; the defensible space requirements in accordance with PRC 4291 or Government Code 51182; and the applicable building codes and standards for wildfire safety. The plan shall identify mitigation measures to address the project’s specific wildfire risk and shall include the information required in Sections 602.3 through 602.3.2.
602.3 Project information. The final fire protection plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction.
602.3.1 Preliminary fire protection plan. When a preliminary fire protection plan is submitted, it shall include, at a minimum, the following: 1. Total size of the project. 2. Information on the adjoining properties on all sides, including current land uses, and if known, existing structures and densi- ties, planned construction, natural vegetation, environmental restoration plans, roads and parks. 3. A map with all project boundary lines, property lines, slope contour lines, proposed structure foundation footprints, and proposed roads and driveways. The map shall identify project fuel modification zones and method of identifying the fuel modification zone boundaries.
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FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
602.3.2 Final fire protection plan. Final fire protection plan shall include items listed in Section 602.3.1 and the following: 1. A map identifying all proposed plants in the fuel modification zones with a legend that includes a symbol for each proposed plant species. The plan shall include specific information on each species proposed, including but not limited to: 1.1. The plant life-form;
1.2. The scientific and common name; and
1.3. The expected height and width for mature growth. 2. Identification of irrigated and nonirrigated zones. 3. Requirements for vegetation reduction around emergency access and evacuation routes. 4. Identification of points of access for equipment and personnel to maintain vegetation in common areas. 5. Legally binding statements regarding community responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones. 6. Legally binding statements to be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions regarding property owner responsibili- ties for vegetation maintenance.
SECTION 603— VEGETATION PLAN
603.1 General. Planting of vegetation for new landscaping shall be selected to reduce vegetation in proximity to a structure and to maintain vegetation as it matures.
603.2 Application. All new plantings of vegetation in State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall comply with Sections 603.3 through 603.4.2.1.
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 § 8-2 High relevance — show source text
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8-2 DEFINITIONS
SECTION 8-201 — DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of the CHBC, certain terms and phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this chapter. Additional definitions and/or terms may appear in the various other chapters relative to terms or phrases primarily applicable thereto. Any reference to “authority having jurisdiction” does not necessarily preclude the appellate process of Section 8-104.3.
ADDITION. A nonhistorical extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or property.
ALTERATION. A modification to a qualified historical building or property that affects the usability of the building or property, or part thereof. Alterations include, but are not limited to, remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historical restoration, changes or rearrangement of the structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangements in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions.
BUILDING STANDARD. Any guideline, regulation or code that may be applied to a qualified historical building or property.
CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURE. Those visual aspects and physical elements that comprise the appearance of a historical building or property, and that are significant to its historical, architectural and cultural values, including the overall shape of the historical building or property, its materials, craftsmanship, decorative details, interior spaces and features, as well as the various aspects of its site and environment.
CULTURAL RESOURCE. Building, site, property, object or district evaluated as having significance in prehistory or history.
DISTINCT HAZARD. Any clear and evident condition that exists as an immediate danger to the safety of the occupants or public right of way. Conditions that do not meet the requirements of current regular codes and ordinances do not, of themselves, constitute a distinct hazard. Section 8-104.3, SHBC appeals, remains applicable.
ENFORCING AGENCY, Authority Having Jurisdiction, Local Agency with Jurisdiction. An entity with the responsibility for regulating, enforcing, reviewing or otherwise that exerts control of or administration over the process of granting permits, approvals, decisions, variances, appeals for qualified historical buildings or properties.
EXIT LADDER DEVICE. An exit ladder device is a permanently installed, fixed, folding, retractable or hinged ladder intended for use as a means of emergency egress from areas of the second or third stories. Unless approved specifically for a longer length, the ladder shall be limited to 25 feet (7620 mm) in length. Exit ladders are permitted where the area served by the ladder has an occupant load less than 10 persons.
FIRE HAZARD. Any condition which increases or may contribute to an increase in the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized by the authority having jurisdiction, or any condition or act which could obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with the operations of firefighting personnel or the egress of occupants in the event of fire. Section 8-104.3, SHBC appeals, remains applicable.
HISTORICAL FABRIC OR MATERIALS. Original and later-added historically significant construction materials, architectural finishes or elements in a particular pattern or configuration which form a qualified historical property, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE. Importance for which a property has been evaluated and found to be historical, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction.
CHBC § 8-409 High relevance — show source text
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FIRE PROTECTION
- Wooden roof materials may be utilized where fire resistance is required, provided they are treated with fire-retardant treatments to achieve a Class “B” roof covering rating. Wood roofing in state designated Urban Wildland and High Fire Zones shall be permitted when installed in Class “A” assemblies.
- Jurisdictions that prohibit wood roofing materials for application as roof coverings and roof assemblies shall submit documentation for the adoption. Express Terms, statement of reasons and minutes of the action by the adopting authority Health and Safety Code, Section 18959(f).
SECTION 8-409 — FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Every qualified historical building or property shall be provided with fire alarm systems as required for the use or occupancy by the regular code or other approved alternative.
SECTION 8-410 — AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
8-410.1 Every qualified historical building or property which cannot be made to conform to the construction requirements specified in the regular code for the occupancy or use, and which constitutes a distinct fire hazard (for definition of “Distinct Hazard,” see Chapter 8-2), shall be deemed to be in compliance if provided with an automatic sprinkler system or a life safety system or other technologies as approved by the enforcing agency. (“Automatic” is defined in the regular code. “Sprinkler System” is defined in this section.)
8-410.2 When required by the CHBC, an automatic sprinkler system is defined by the following standards as adopted by the State Fire Marshal (for nonhazardous occupancies).
Buildings of four stories or less: NFPA 13R.
For floors above the fourth, NFPA 13.
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
CHBC § 8-302.6 Medium 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 § 903.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
[F] 903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section.
[F] 903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-1 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-1 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
- The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m [2] ).
- The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
- The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
- The fire area contains a multitheater complex.
[F] 903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-2 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-2 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
- The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m [2] ).
- The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
- The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies. 4. The structure exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 m [2] ), contains more than one fire area containing a Group A-2 occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of not less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.
[F] 903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-3 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-3 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
- The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m [2] ).
- The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
- The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies. 4. The structure exceeds 12,000 square feet (1155 m [2] ), contains more than one fire area containing exhibition and display rooms, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of not less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.
[F] 903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-4 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-4 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
- The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m [2] ).
- The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
- The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
[F] 903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all enclosed Group A-5 accessory use areas in excess of 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ).
CHBC § 8-1 Medium relevance — show source text
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 8-1 ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Section
8-101 Title, Purpose and Intent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8-102 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8-103 Organization and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8-104 Review and Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8-105 Construction Methods and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
8-106 SHBSB Rulings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
CHAPTER 8-2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Section
8-201 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CHAPTER 8-3 USE AND OCCUPANCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Section
8-301 Purpose and Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 8-302 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
8-303 Residential Occupancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CHAPTER 8-4 FIRE PROTECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Section
8-401 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
8-402 Fire-resistive Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
8-403 Interior Finish Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
8-404 Wood Lath and Plaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
8-405 Occupancy Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 8-406 Maximum Floor Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
CHBC § 4290.1. Medium relevance — show source text
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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
ridgelines to reduce fire risk and improve fire protection. The board shall, by regulation, define “ridgeline” for purposes of this subdivision.
(c) These regulations do not supersede local regulations which equal or exceed minimum regulations adopted by the state. (d) The board may enter into contracts with technical experts to meet the requirements of this section.
4290.1.
(a) On or before July 1, 2022, the board shall develop criteria for and maintain a “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list of local agen- cies located in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, that meet best practices for local fire planning. (b) The board shall consider all of the following when developing the criteria for the list required under subdivision (a): (1) Compliance with the board’s regulations, including minimum fire safety standards. (2) Participation in the National Fire Protection Association’s “Firewise USA” or the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s “Fire Adapted Communities” programs. (3) Adoption of the board’s recommendations to improve the safety element pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 65302.5 of the Government Code.
(4) Recently developed or updated community wildfire protection plans. (c) The board shall post the “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list on its internet website.
4290.5.
(a) On or before July 1, 2021, and every five years thereafter, the board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments, including counties, cities, and fire districts, to identify existing subdivisions located in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, without a secondary egress route that are at significant fire risk. (b) (1) The board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The recommendations may include, but are not limited to, the following: (A) Creating secondary access to the subdivision. (B) Improvements to the existing access road. (C) Other additional fire safety measures. (2) The board shall provide the final recommendations developed pursuant to this subdivision to the local government that identified the subdivision and to the residents of the subdivision.
(c) The board may enter into contracts with an independent group to conduct the survey required in subdivision (a). (d) For purposes of this section, “subdivision” means an existing residential development of more than 30 dwelling units. (e) The board shall maintain a list of the subdivisions identified in subdivision (a) and the status of the implementation of the recommendations provided pursuant to subdivision (b).
4291.
CHBC § 13108.5 Medium relevance — show source text
As an integral part of fire safety stan-_ dards, the State Fire Marshal has the authority to adopt regulations for roof coverings and openings into the attic areas of buildings specified in Section 13108.5 of the Health and Safety Code. The regulations apply to the placement of mobile homes as defined by National Fire Protection Association standards. These regulations do not apply where an application for a build- ing permit was filed prior to January 1, 1991, or to parcel or tentative maps or other developments approved prior to January 1, 1991, if the final map for the tentative map is approved within the time prescribed by the local ordinance. The regulations shall include all of the following: (1) Road standards for fire equipment access. (2) Standards for signs identifying streets, roads, and buildings. (3) Minimum private water supply reserves for emergency fire use. (4) Fuel breaks and greenbelts. (b) The board shall, on and after July 1, 2021, periodically update regulations for fuel breaks and greenbelts near communities to provide greater fire safety for the perimeters to all residential, commercial, and industrial building construction within state responsibility areas and lands classified and designated as very high fire hazard severity zones, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code, after July 1, 2021. These regulations shall include measures to preserve undeveloped
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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
ridgelines to reduce fire risk and improve fire protection. The board shall, by regulation, define “ridgeline” for purposes of this subdivision.
(c) These regulations do not supersede local regulations which equal or exceed minimum regulations adopted by the state. (d) The board may enter into contracts with technical experts to meet the requirements of this section.
4290.1.
(a) On or before July 1, 2022, the board shall develop criteria for and maintain a “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list of local agen- cies located in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, that meet best practices for local fire planning. (b) The board shall consider all of the following when developing the criteria for the list required under subdivision (a): (1) Compliance with the board’s regulations, including minimum fire safety standards. (2) Participation in the National Fire Protection Association’s “Firewise USA” or the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s “Fire Adapted Communities” programs. (3) Adoption of the board’s recommendations to improve the safety element pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 65302.5 of the Government Code.
(4) Recently developed or updated community wildfire protection plans. (c) The board shall post the “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list on its internet website.
4290.5.
CHBC § 574.5 Medium relevance — show source text
(b) No person shall deface, modify or alter any tag collar or label required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chap- ter 3, Article 9 to be attached to any portable fire extinguisher.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.5(a) through (c)] Inspection Record Keeping.
(a) The fire extinguisher owner shall maintain records of all fire extinguishers inspected, including those extinguishers that were found to require corrective actions. Records shall be maintained until next required maintenance.
(b) At least monthly, the date the manual inspection was performed and the initials of the person performing the inspection shall be recorded on a tag or label attached to the fire extinguisher, or an inspection checklist maintained on file, or an electronic system (e.g., bar coding) that provides a permanent record.
(c) Fire extinguishers being inspected via electronic monitoring, whereby the extinguisher causes a signal at a control unit when a deficiency in any of the conditions listed in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 574.2(c) occurs, shall provide record keeping in the form of an electronic event log at the control panel.
906.2.1 Certification of service personnel for portable fire extinguishers. Service personnel providing or conducting maintenance on portable fire extinguishers shall possess a valid certificate in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3.
906.3 Size and distribution. The size and distribution of portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with Sections 906.3.1 through 906.3.4.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567(a) through (k)] Distribution of Fire Extinguishers.
(a) The minimum number of fire extinguishers needed to protect a property shall be determined as outlined in this section. Additional extinguishers may be installed to provide more suitable protection.
(b) Fire extinguishers shall be provided for the protection of both the building structure and the occupancy hazards contained therein.
(c) Required building protection shall be provided by fire extinguishers suitable for Class A fires.
(d) Occupancy hazard protection shall be provided by fire extinguishers suitable for such Class A, B, C, D or K fire potentials as may be present.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
(e) Extinguishers provided for building protection may be considered also for the protection of occupancies having a Class A fire potential.
(f) Buildings having an occupancy hazard subject to Class B and/or Class C fires shall have a standard complement of Class A fire extinguishers for building protection, plus additional Class B and/or Class C extinguishers. Where fire extinguishers have more than one letter classification (such as 2-A:20-B:C), they may be considered to satisfy the requirements of each letter class. When using multi-purpose extinguishers for the protection of Class B hazards, the maximum travel distances described in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2 must be observed.
(g) Rooms or areas shall be classified generally as light (low) hazard, ordinary (moderate) hazard or extra (high) hazard. Limited areas of greater or lesser hazard shall be protected as required.
CHBC § 8-404 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception: When an automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout the building, existing finishes shall be approved.
SECTION 8-404 — WOOD LATH AND PLASTER
Wood lath and plaster walls may be considered in accordance with codes, standards and listings published prior to 1943 whereby a wood stud wall assembly with gypsum or lime plaster on hand split or sawn wooden lath obtains a one-half-hour fire-resistive rating. This rating may be increased for interior walls to as much as one hour by filling the wall with mineral fiber or glass fiber.
SECTION 8-405 — OCCUPANCY SEPARATION
See Chapter 8-3.
SECTION 8-406 — MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA
See Chapter 8-3.
SECTION 8-407 — VERTICAL SHAFTS
Vertical shafts need not be enclosed when such shafts are blocked at every floor level by the installation of not less than 2 full inches (51 mm) of solid wood or equivalent construction to prevent the initial passage of smoke and flame. Automatic sprinkler systems or other solutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, in lieu of enclosure of vertical shafts and stairwells.
SECTION 8-408 — ROOF COVERING
Existing or original roofing materials may be repaired or reconstructed subject to the following requirements:
- The original or historical roofing system shall be detailed or modified as necessary in order to be capable of providing shelter while preserving the historical materials and appearance of the roof.
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- Wooden roof materials may be utilized where fire resistance is required, provided they are treated with fire-retardant treatments to achieve a Class “B” roof covering rating. Wood roofing in state designated Urban Wildland and High Fire Zones shall be permitted when installed in Class “A” assemblies.
- Jurisdictions that prohibit wood roofing materials for application as roof coverings and roof assemblies shall submit documentation for the adoption. Express Terms, statement of reasons and minutes of the action by the adopting authority Health and Safety Code, Section 18959(f).
SECTION 8-409 — FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Every qualified historical building or property shall be provided with fire alarm systems as required for the use or occupancy by the regular code or other approved alternative.
SECTION 8-410 — AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
8-410.1 Every qualified historical building or property which cannot be made to conform to the construction requirements specified in the regular code for the occupancy or use, and which constitutes a distinct fire hazard (for definition of “Distinct Hazard,” see Chapter 8-2), shall be deemed to be in compliance if provided with an automatic sprinkler system or a life safety system or other technologies as approved by the enforcing agency. (“Automatic” is defined in the regular code. “Sprinkler System” is defined in this section.)
8-410.2 When required by the CHBC, an automatic sprinkler system is defined by the following standards as adopted by the State Fire Marshal (for nonhazardous occupancies).
- Buildings of four stories or less: NFPA 13R.
- For floors above the fourth, NFPA 13.
CHBC § 12.7 Medium 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.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly must the enforcing agency accept under § 8-401?
The enforcing agency must accept reasonably equivalent alternatives to the regular code for qualified historical buildings, provided the alternative achieves the chapter’s life-safety intent and preserves historic integrity where possible. See § 8-401.
Does every code deviation count as a fire hazard under § 8-201?
No. The CHBC says nonconformance alone does not automatically constitute a distinct hazard — a fire hazard exists only if the condition increases fire risk beyond customary recognition or obstructs firefighting/egress. See § 8-201.
Can automatic sprinklers always substitute for rated construction?
Sprinklers may be accepted as an alternate to certain rated-construction upgrades under the CHBC; see § 8-410 for when sprinklers can be used and which NFPA standard applies. Sprinklers cannot be used to reduce required exits.
If I disagree with the enforcing agency’s hazard determination, what can I do?
You may use the CHBC appeals process referenced in the definitions (appeals under § 8-104.3) to challenge determinations about hazards or required remedies.
Does preserving historic roofing or finishes exempt me from fire-protection requirements?
No — the CHBC permits repair/retention of historic materials but requires that such retention not create a life-safety hazard; the fire chapter’s intent is to preserve historic fabric while maintaining reasonable life safety per § 8-401.
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