CHBC · California Historical Building Code

Can sprinklers substitute for fire‑resistive upgrades or required exits?

Under the CHBC, a buildingwide automatic sprinkler system may be used instead of upgrading existing historical buildings to one‑hour fire‑resistive construction or corridors (see § 8‑402.2), and sprinklers can help preserve historic materials and openings; however, sprinklers cannot be used to reduce the required number of exits — exit counts remain mandatory (see § 8‑410.3).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — in plain English

  • The CHBC allows an automatic sprinkler system throughout to be used in lieu of upgrading an existing qualified historical building to one‑hour fire‑resistive construction or one‑hour corridors (§ 8-402.2) — in short, sprinklers can substitute for certain fire‑resistive upgrades when provided buildingwide.
  • However, an automatic sprinkler system shall not be used to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits from any facility (§ 8-410.3). In other words, sprinklers cannot reduce the number of required exits.

The single most important rule: sprinklers can waive some construction/fire‑resistance upgrades, but they cannot replace the required means of egress — you still must provide the required number of exits. § 8-402.2 and § 8-410.3.

Requirements in detail

Key defined terms (first mention bolded)

  • Automatic sprinkler system — the CHBC-accepted method of water‑based automatic fire suppression (see Chapter 8-4/§ 8-410).
  • One‑hour fire‑resistive construction — the one‑hour rating usually required by regular code that CHBC may waive when alternatives are provided. § 8-402.2.
  • Required number of exits — the quantity of exits mandated by means‑of‑egress rules (Chapter 8-5/regular code); sprinklers cannot be used to reduce this number. § 8-410.3.

What sprinklers can substitute for (decision table)

Question Sprinklers acceptable substitute? When / how Code reference
Must I upgrade an existing qualified historical building to one‑hour fire‑resistive construction? Yes — upgrading is NOT required if alternatives are provided. A buildingwide automatic sprinkler system throughout the building is an allowed substitute (alternatives: approved life safety evaluation or other agency‑approved measures). § 8-402.2. § 8-402.2
Can sprinklers be used instead of required one‑hour fire‑resistive corridors? Yes — same as above when system is provided throughout. § 8-402.2 permits omission of the one‑hour corridor upgrade if sprinklers are provided. § 8-402.2
Can sprinklers allow historic glazing / un‑rated wood doors in 1‑hr walls? Possibly. CHBC permits historical glazing and solid wood unrated doors in interior 1‑hr walls when operable windows/doors with appropriate smoke seals are provided and the area is sprinklered (§ 8-402.3). § 8-402.3
Can sprinklers reduce the number of required exits? No. Automatic sprinkler systems shall not be used to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits. § 8-410.3. § 8-410.3
Are sprinklers allowed for exterior wall/opening exposure protection instead of wall fire‑resistance? Yes, in specified manner. The fire‑resistance requirement for existing exterior walls/openings may be satisfied when an automatic sprinkler system designed for exposure protection is installed per CHBC; sprinklers may be exterior with at least one sprinkler over each opening. § 8-402.1. § 8-402.1

Sprinkler design standards the CHBC references

  • Non‑hazardous occupancies: NFPA 13R for buildings up to four stories; NFPA 13 for floors above the fourth or tall buildings; NFPA 13D may apply for small freestanding buildings — see § 8-410.2 for the CHBC’s adopted standards and the exception that repeated use of lower standards may trigger an increase in standard.

Exceptions & special cases

  • The CHBC explicitly allows alternatives to one‑hour upgrades other than sprinklers: an approved life safety evaluation or other alternative measures approved by the enforcing agency may be used instead of sprinklering to avoid one‑hour upgrades (§ 8-402.2).
  • For exterior wall/opening exposure protection, CHBC permits exterior‑mounted sprinklers and requires at least one sprinkler over each opening required to be protected — follow the design/performance requirements in Chapter 8-4/§ 8-402.1.
  • If a building uses NFPA 13D, and the CHBC mechanism is used repeatedly to reach compliance, the CHBC requires stepping up the standard (e.g., NFPA 13D → 13R → 13) per § 8-410.2 exception.
  • The absolute prohibition: sprinklers are not an alternative to the quantity of exits — layout and count of exits remain governed by means‑of‑egress rules (Chapter 8-5) (§ 8-410.3).

Common mistakes

  • Believing that sprinklers can let you cut the number of exits. This is incorrect — § 8-410.3 forbids using sprinklers to substitute for required exits.
  • Assuming a partial sprinkler system (e.g., only on some floors) automatically waives one‑hour construction. The CHBC wording for waivers refers to an automatic sprinkler system throughout (full building) as an option to avoid one‑hour upgrades in § 8-402.2. Confirm whether the enforcement agency will accept partial coverage or whether other alternatives (life safety evaluation) are needed.
  • Installing sprinklers to avoid correct egress improvements (widening corridors, adding exit doors). CHBC permits some flexibility in egress where not a distinct hazard, but number of exits is not reducible by sprinklers (§ 8-410.3); check Chapter 8-5 for allowable exceptions.
  • Forgetting applicable NFPA design level: CHBC requires specific NFPA standards depending on building height and configuration — choose NFPA 13D/13R/13 as applicable per § 8-410.2.

Worked example — a concrete scenario

Scenario: A 3‑story qualified historical apartment building (existing construction) has interior corridors that do not meet one‑hour fire‑resistive corridor requirements. The owner proposes to avoid the one‑hour corridor upgrade by installing sprinklers.

  • CHBC check: § 8-402.2 says upgrading to one‑hour construction and one‑hour corridors shall not be required when an automatic sprinkler system throughout is provided. Because this is buildingwide, the owner may use a full sprinkler system in lieu of corridor upgrades.
  • Sprinkler standard: For a building of four stories or less, the CHBC points to NFPA 13R for nonhazardous occupancies (§ 8-410.2). The owner must design/install to NFPA 13R (or higher if the enforcing agency requires).
  • Egress check: The building still must meet the required number of exits per Chapter 8-5/regular code. Sprinklers cannot be used to reduce the count — if the apartment has occupant loads requiring two exits, you must provide those exits; the sprinkler system does not change that requirement (§ 8-410.3).

Conclusion in the example: Install a full NFPA 13R system to avoid the one‑hour corridor upgrade, but keep or provide the required exits per egress rules.

Related provisions (CHBC sections)

  • § 8-402.1 — Exterior wall/opening protection via sprinklers (exterior sprinklers permitted with at least one over each opening).
  • § 8-402.3 — Historic glazing and solid wood doors in 1‑hr walls may be approved when sprinklers and smoke seals are provided.
  • § 8-410.1 — Sprinklers or life safety systems can be used when building cannot meet regular construction requirements.
  • § 8-410.2 — CHBC adoption of NFPA 13D / 13R / 13 standards (design thresholds and exception on raising standards).
  • § 8-302.3 — Occupancy separations can be reduced/omitted when sprinklers are provided throughout.
  • Chapter 8-5 / § 8-502 et seq. — Means of egress general allowances and enforcing‑agency discretion; note that some egress dimensions can be allowed to remain nonconforming if not a distinct hazard, but sprinkler substitution for number of exits is prohibited by § 8-410.3.

Code references

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

  • CHBC § 8-402 High relevance — show source text

    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:

    1. An automatic sprinkler system throughout. See Section 8-410 for automatic sprinkler systems.
    2. An approved life safety evaluation.
    3. 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

    New non-historical interior wall and ceiling finishes shall conform to the provisions of the regular code. Existing non-conforming materials used in interior walls and finishes may be surfaced with an approved fire-retardant to increase the rating of the natural finish to within reasonable proximity of the required rating. For wood lath and plaster walls, see Section 8-404.

    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:

    1. 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.
  • 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:

    1. An automatic sprinkler system throughout. See Section 8-410 for automatic sprinkler systems.
    2. An approved life safety evaluation.
    3. 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 § 8-409 High relevance — show source text

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    FIRE PROTECTION

    1. 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.
    2. 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).

    1. Buildings of four stories or less: NFPA 13R.

    2. For floors above the fourth, NFPA 13.

    3. Buildings with floors above 75 feet, NFPA 13.

    4. When the building is free standing or with property line separation, two floors and 1500 square feet per floor or less, NFPA 13D.

    5. 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 § 8-410.3 High relevance — show source text

    1. Buildings with floors above 75 feet, NFPA 13.

    2. When the building is free standing or with property line separation, two floors and 1500 square feet per floor or less, NFPA 13D.

    3. For exterior wall and opening protection. As required by this chapter.

    Exception: When the automatic sprinkler systems are used to reach compliance using this code, in three or more occasions, NFPA 13D standard shall be increased to NFPA 13R standard, or NFPA 13R standard shall be increased to a NFPA 13 standard.

    8-410.3 Automatic sprinkler systems shall not be used to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits from any facility. (See Chapter 8-5 for exiting requirements.)

    8-410.4 An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all detention facilities.

    SECTION 8-411 — OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

    Fire alarm systems, smoke and heat detection systems, occupant notification and annunciation systems, smoke control systems and fire modeling, timed egress analysis and modeling, as well as other engineering methods and technologies may be accepted by the enforcing agency to address areas of nonconformance.

    SECTION 8-412 — HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

    Qualified historical buildings having floors for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access shall conform to the provisions of the regular code for existing high-rise buildings as amended by the CHBC.

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    8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS

    SECTION 8-501 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

    8-501.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum means of egress regulations for qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept reasonably equivalent alternatives to the means of egress requirements in the regular code.

    8-501.2 Intent. The intent of these regulations is to provide an adequate means of egress.

    8-501.3 Scope. Every qualified historical building or portion thereof shall be provided with exits as required by the CHBC when required by the provisions of Section 8-102.

    SECTION 8-502 — GENERAL

    8-502.1 General. The enforcing agency shall grant reasonable exceptions to the specific provisions of applicable egress regulations where such exceptions will not adversely affect life safety.

    8-502.2. Existing door openings and corridor widths of less than dimensions required by regular code shall be permitted where there is sufficient width and height for the occupants to pass through the opening or traverse the exit.

    8-502.3 Stairs. Existing stairs having risers and treads or width at variance with the regular code are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard. Handrails with nonconforming grip size or extensions are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard.

    8-502.4 Main entry doors. The front or main entry doors need not be rehung to swing in the direction of exit travel, provided other means or conditions of exiting, as necessary to serve the total occupant load, are provided.

  • CHBC § 903.2.1.6 High relevance — show source text

    903.2.1.6 Assembly occupancies on roofs. Where an occupied roof has an assembly occupancy with an occupant load exceeding 100 for Group A-2 and 300 for other Group A occupancies, all floors between the occupied roof and the level of exit discharge shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

    Exception: Open parking garages of Type I or Type II construction.

    903.2.1.7 Multiple fire areas. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided where multiple fire areas of Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancies share exit or exit access components and the combined occupant load of these fire areas is 300 or more.

    903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group B occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.2.1 and 903.2.2.2.

    903.2.2.1 Ambulatory care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility where either of the following conditions exist at any time:

    1. Four or more care recipients are incapable of self-preservation.
    2. One or more care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.

    In buildings where ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor as well as all floors below where such care is provided, and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, the level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge.

    Exception: Floors classified as an open parking garage are not required to be sprinklered.

    903.2.2.2 Laboratories involving research and development or testing. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the fire areas utilized for the research and development or testing of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries.

    903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:

    1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 12,000 square feet (1115 m [2] ) in area.
    2. The Group E 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

    Exception: In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area. 3. The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.

  • CHBC § 8-302.3 High relevance — show source text

    8-302.3 Occupancy separations. Required occupancy separations of more than one hour may be reduced to one-hour fire-resistive construction with all openings protected by not less than three-fourths-hour fire-resistive assemblies of the self-closing or automatic-closing type when the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout the entire building in accordance with Section 8-410.2. Doors equipped with automatic-closing devices shall be of a type which will function upon activation of a device which responds to products of combustion other than heat.

    Required occupancy separations of one hour may be omitted when the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout.

    8-302.4 Maximum floor area. Regardless of the use or character of occupancy, the area of a one-story qualified historical building or property may have, but shall not exceed, a floor area of 15,000 square feet (1393.5 m [2] ) unless such an increase is otherwise permitted in regular code. Multistory qualified historical buildings (including basements and cellars) shall be in accordance with regular code requirements.

    Exception: Historical buildings may be unlimited in floor area without fire-resistive area separation walls:

    1. When provided with an automatic sprinkler, or
    2. Residential occupancies of two stories or less when provided with a complete fire alarm and annunciation system and where the exiting system conforms to regular code.

    8-302.5 Maximum height. The maximum height and number of stories of a qualified historical building or property shall not be limited because of construction type, provided such height or number of stories does not exceed that of its historical design.

    8-302.5.1 High-rise buildings. Occupancies B, F-1, F-2 or S in high-rise buildings with floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access may be permitted with only the stories over 75 feet provided with an automatic fire sprinkler system if:

    1. The building construction type and the exits conform to regular code, and
    2. A complete building fire alarm and annunciation system is installed, and
    3. A fire barrier is provided between the sprinklered and nonsprinklered floors.

    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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 5

  • CHBC § 6.2.2 High relevance — show source text

    Revise Section 6.2.2 to read as follows: 6.2.2 Where a well, pump, tank or combination thereof is the source of supply for a fire sprinkler system, the configuration for the system shall be one of the following: (1) The water supply shall serve both domestic and fire sprinkler systems, (a) A test connection shall be provided downstream of the pump that creates a flow of water equal to the smallest sprinkler on the system. The connection shall return water to the tank. (b) Any disconnecting means for the pump shall be approved. (c) A method for refilling the tank shall be piped to the tank. (d) A method of seeing the water level in the tank shall be provided without having to open the tank. (e) The pump shall not be permitted to sit directly on the floor. (2) A stand-alone tank is permitted if the following conditions are met: (a) The pump shall be connected to a 220-volt circuit breaker shared with a common household appliance (e.g., range, oven, dryer), (b) The pump shall be a stainless steel 240-volt pump, (c) A valve shall be provided to exercise the pump. The discharge of the exercise valve shall drain to the tank, and (d) A sign shall be provided stating “Valve must be opened monthly for 5 minutes.” (e) A means for automatically refilling the tank level, so that the tank capacity will meet the required water supply duration in minutes, shall be provided. (f) A test connection shall be provided downstream of the pump that creates a flow of water equal to the smallest sprinkler on the system. The connection may return water to the tank. (g) Any disconnecting means for the pump shall be approved. (h) A method for refilling the tank shall be piped to the tank. (i) A method of seeing the water level in the tank shall be provided without having to open the tank. (j) The pump shall not be permitted to sit directly on the floor.

    Add new Section 6.2.2.1 to read as follows: 6.2.2.1 Where a fire sprinkler system is supplied by a stored water source with an automatically operated means of pressurizing the system other than an electric pump, the water supply may serve the sprinkler system only.

    Add new Section 6.2.4 to read as follows: 6.2.4 Where a water supply serves both domestic and fire sprinkler systems, 5 gpm (19 L/min) shall be added to the sprinkler system demand at the point where the systems are connected, to determine the size of common piping and the size of the total water supply requirements where no provision is made to prevent flow into the domestic water system upon operation of a sprinkler. For multipurpose piping systems, the 5 gpm (19 L/min) demand shall be added at the domestic connection nearest the design area. This demand may be split between two domestic connections at 2.5 gpm (10 L/min) each.

    Revise Section 8.3.4 to read as follows: 8.3.4* Sprinklers shall not be required in detached garages, open attached porches, carports with no habitable space above and similar structures.

  • CHBC § 0.200 High relevance — show source text

    000|0.200|0.250|0.150|0.165| |10,000|0.130|0.163|0.100|0.110| |15,000|0.096|0.120|0.070|0.077| |20,000|0.076|0.095|0.056|0.062| |Equal to or greater than 25,000|0.060|0.075|0.044|0.048| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.|

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    [BE] 1030.6.2.1 Smoke control. Aisles and aisle accessways serving a smoke-protected assembly seating area shall be provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909 or natural ventilation designed to maintain the smoke level not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor of the means of egress.

    [BE] 1030.6.2.2 Roof height. A smoke-protected assembly seating area with a roof shall have the lowest portion of the roof deck not less than 15 feet (4572 mm) above the highest aisle or aisle accessway.

    Exception: A roof canopy in an outdoor stadium shall be permitted to be less than 15 feet (4572 mm) above the highest aisle or aisle accessway provided that there are no objects less than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the highest aisle or aisle

    accessway.

    [BE] 1030.6.2.3 Automatic sprinklers. Enclosed areas with walls and ceilings in buildings or structures containing smokeprotected assembly seating shall be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    Exceptions:

    1. The floor area used for contests, performances or entertainment provided that the roof construction is more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) above the floor level and the use is restricted to low fire hazard uses.
    2. Press boxes and storage facilities less than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) in area.

    [BE] 1030.6.3 Open-air assembly seating. In open-air assembly seating, the required capacity in inches (mm) of aisles shall be not less than the total occupant load served by the egress element multiplied by 0.08 (2.0 mm) where egress is by stepped aisle and multiplied by 0.06 (1.52 mm) where egress is by level aisles and ramped aisles.

    Exception: The required capacity in inches (mm) of aisles shall be permitted to comply with Section 1030.6.2 for the number of seats in the open-air assembly seating where Section 1030.6.2 permits less capacity.

    [BE] 1030.6.3.1 Automatic sprinklers. Enclosed areas with walls and ceilings in buildings or structures containing open-air assembly seating shall be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    Exceptions:

  • CHBC § 406.9.3 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Positive pressure ventilation systems shall only be allowed in buildings or areas that have been designed and approved for that application.

    406.9.3 Electrical interface. The electrical supply circuit to electrically powered mechanical ventilation equipment shall be inter- locked with the recharging equipment used to supply the vehicle(s) being charged, and shall remain energized during the entire charging cycle. Electric vehicle recharging equipment shall be marked or labeled in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

    Exceptions:

    1. Exhaust ventilation shall not be required in areas with an approved engineered ventilation system, which maintains a hydrogen gas concentration at less than 25 percent of the lower flammability limit. 2. Mechanical exhaust ventilation for hydrogen shall not be required where the charging equipment utilized is installed and listed for indoor charging of electric vehicles without ventilation.

    SECTION 407—GROUP I-2

    407.1 General. Occupancies in Group I-2 shall comply with the provisions of Sections 407.1 through 407.13 and other applicable provisions of this code.

    407.1.1 Construction. Group I-2 occupancies wherein mental health patients are restrained shall be housed in buildings of Type IA or Type IB construction.

    Exception: Occupancies in Group I-2 wherein mental health patients are restrained are permitted to be housed in one-story build- ings of Type IIA, Type IIIA or Type VA construction provided the floor area does not exceed 5,200 square feet (483 m [2] ) between fire walls of two-hour fire-resistive construction with openings protected by fire assemblies having a 1 [1] / 2 -hour fire protection rating.

    407.2 Corridors continuity and separation. Corridors in occupancies in Group I-2 shall be continuous to the exits and shall be separated from other areas in accordance with Section 407.3 except spaces conforming to Sections 407.2.1 through 407.2.6.

    407.2.1 Waiting and similar areas. Waiting areas and similar public-use areas or group meeting spaces constructed as required for corridors shall be permitted to be open to a corridor, only where all of the following criteria are met:

    1. The spaces are not occupied as care recipient’s sleeping rooms, treatment rooms, incidental uses listed in Table 509, in accordance with Section 509, or hazardous uses.

    2. The open space is protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.

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    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    1. The corridors onto which the spaces open, in the same smoke compartment, are protected by an automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, and the smoke compartment in which the spaces are located is equipped throughout with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
    2. The space is arranged so as not to obstruct access to the required exits. 5. Each space is located to permit direct visual supervision by the facility staff.
  • CHBC § 1113.2 High relevance — show source text

    1113.2 Number of exits. Every apartment and every other sleeping room shall have access to not less than two exits when the occupant load is 10 or more (exits need not be directly from the apartment or sleeping room). A fire escape as specified herein may be used as one required exit.

    Subject to approval of the authority having jurisdiction, a ladder device as specified herein may be used in lieu of a fire escape when the construction feature or the location of the building on the property cause the installation of a fire escape to be impractical.

    1113.3 Stair construction. All stairs shall have a minimum run of 9 inches (229 mm) and a maximum rise of 8 inches (203 mm) and a minimum width exclusive of handrails of 30 inches (762 mm). Every stairway shall have at least one handrail. A landing having a mini- mum horizontal dimension of 30 inches (762 mm) shall be provided at each point of access to the stairway.

    1113.4 Interior stairways. Every interior stairway shall be enclosed with walls of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. Where existing partitions form part of a stairwell enclosure, wood lath and plaster in good condition will be acceptable in lieu of one- hour fire-resistive construction. Doors to such enclosures shall be protected by a self-closing door equivalent to a solid wood door with a thickness of not less than 1 [3] / 4 inches (44.5 mm).

    Enclosures shall include all landings between flights and any corridors, passageways or public rooms necessary for continuous exit to the exterior of the buildings. The stairway need not be enclosed in a continuous shaft if cut off at each story by the fire-resistive construc- tion required by this subsection for stairwell enclosures. Enclosures shall not be required if an automatic sprinkler system is provided for all portions of the building except bedrooms, apartments and rooms accessory thereto. Interior stairs and vertical openings need not be enclosed in two-story buildings.

    1113.5 Exterior stairways. Exterior stairways shall be noncombustible or of wood of not less than 2-inch (51 mm) nominal thickness with solid treads and risers.

    1113.6 Fire escapes, exit ladder devices. Fire escapes may be used as one means of egress if the pitch does not exceed 60 degrees, the width is not less than 18 inches (457 mm), the treads are not less than 4 inches (102 mm) wide, and they extend to the ground or are provided with counterbalanced stairs reaching to the ground. Access shall be by an opening having a minimum dimension of 29 inches (737 mm) when open. The sill shall not be more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor and landing.

    A ladder device, when used in lieu of a fire escape, shall conform to Section 1113.6.1 and the following:

    Serves an occupant load of nine people or less or a single dwelling unit or hotel room.

    The building does not exceed three stories in height.

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    CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

    The access is adjacent to an opening as specified for emergency egress or rescue or from a balcony.

    The device does not pass in front of any building opening below the unit being served.

  • CHBC § 313.2 High relevance — show source text

    313.2 Number of exits. Every apartment and every other sleeping room shall have access to not less than two exits when the occupant load is 10 or more (exits need not be directly from the apartment or sleeping room). A fire escape as specified herein may be used as one required exit.

    Subject to approval of the authority having jurisdiction, a ladder device as specified herein may be used in lieu of a fire escape when the construction feature or the location of the building on the property cause the installation of a fire escape to be impractical.

    313.3 Stair construction. All stairs shall have a minimum run of 9 inches (229 mm) and a maximum rise of 8 inches (203 mm) and a minimum width exclusive of handrails of 30 inches (762 mm). Every stairway shall have at least one handrail. A landing having a minimum horizontal dimension of 30 inches (762 mm) shall be provided at each point of access to the stairway.

    313.4 Interior stairways. Every interior stairway shall be enclosed with walls of not less than 1-hour fire-resistive construction. Where existing partitions form part of a stairwell enclosure, wood lath and plaster in good condition will be acceptable in lieu of 1-hour fire- resistive construction. Doors to such enclosures shall be protected by a self-closing door equivalent to a solid wood door with a thickness of not less than 1 [3] / 4 inches (44.5 mm).

    Enclosures shall include all landings between flights and any corridors, passageways or public rooms necessary for continuous exit to the exterior of the buildings. The stairway need not be enclosed in a continuous shaft if cut off at each story by the fire-resistive construction required by this subsection for stairwell enclosures. Enclosures shall not be required if an automatic sprinkler system is provided for all portions of the building except bedrooms, apartments and rooms accessory thereto. Interior stairs and vertical openings need not be enclosed in two-story buildings.

    313.5 Exterior stairways. Exterior stairways shall be noncombustible or of wood of not less than 2-inch (51 mm) nominal thickness with solid treads and risers.

    313.6 Fire escapes, exit ladder devices. Fire escapes may be used as one means of egress if the pitch does not exceed 60 degrees, the width is not less than 18 inches (457 mm), the treads are not less than 4 inches (102 mm) wide, and they extend to the ground or are provided with counterbalanced stairs reaching to the ground. Access shall be by an opening having a minimum dimension of 29 inches (737 mm) when open. The sill shall not be more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor and landing.

  • CHBC § 8-3 High relevance — show source text

    TREATMENT. An act of work to carry out preservation, restoration, stabilization, rehabilitation or reconstruction.

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    8-3 USE AND OCCUPANCY

    SECTION 8-301 — PURPOSE AND SCOPE

    8-301.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the determination of occupancy classifications and conditions of use for qualified historical buildings or properties.

    8-301.2 Scope. Every qualified historical building or property for which a permit or approval has been requested shall be classified prior to permit issuance according to its use or the character of its occupancy in accordance with the regular code and applicable provisions of this chapter.

    SECTION 8-302 — GENERAL

    8-302.1 Existing use. The use or character of occupancy of a qualified historical building or property, or portion thereof, shall be permitted to continue in use regardless of any period of time in which it may have remained unoccupied or in other uses, provided such building or property otherwise conforms to all applicable requirements of the CHBC.

    8-302.2 Change in occupancy. The use or character of the occupancy of a qualified historical building or property may be changed from or returned to its historical use or character, provided the qualified historical building or property conforms to the requirements applicable to the new use or character of occupancy as set forth in the CHBC. Such change in occupancy shall not mandate conformance with new construction requirements as set forth in regular code.

    8-302.3 Occupancy separations. Required occupancy separations of more than one hour may be reduced to one-hour fire-resistive construction with all openings protected by not less than three-fourths-hour fire-resistive assemblies of the self-closing or automatic-closing type when the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout the entire building in accordance with Section 8-410.2. Doors equipped with automatic-closing devices shall be of a type which will function upon activation of a device which responds to products of combustion other than heat.

    Required occupancy separations of one hour may be omitted when the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout.

    8-302.4 Maximum floor area. Regardless of the use or character of occupancy, the area of a one-story qualified historical building or property may have, but shall not exceed, a floor area of 15,000 square feet (1393.5 m [2] ) unless such an increase is otherwise permitted in regular code. Multistory qualified historical buildings (including basements and cellars) shall be in accordance with regular code requirements.

    Exception: Historical buildings may be unlimited in floor area without fire-resistive area separation walls:

    1. When provided with an automatic sprinkler, or
    2. Residential occupancies of two stories or less when provided with a complete fire alarm and annunciation system and where the exiting system conforms to regular code.

    8-302.5 Maximum height. The maximum height and number of stories of a qualified historical building or property shall not be limited because of construction type, provided such height or number of stories does not exceed that of its historical design.

Frequently asked questions

Can a partial sprinkler system (only some floors) waive one‑hour construction requirements?

No — the CHBC language for waiving the one‑hour upgrade refers to an automatic sprinkler system throughout the building as an option (see § 8-402.2) unless the enforcing agency approves another alternative such as a life safety evaluation.

If I install sprinklers, do I still need to upgrade doors/corridor fire ratings?

Not necessarily. § 8-402.2 permits avoiding one‑hour corridor upgrades when sprinklers are provided throughout; § 8-402.3 also allows historic glazing and unrated solid wood doors in certain 1‑hr walls when the area is sprinklered and smoke seals are provided. Always confirm with the enforcing agency.

Do sprinklers let me reduce the number of exits in an apartment building?

No. The CHBC explicitly forbids using an automatic sprinkler system to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits (§ 8-410.3). You must meet egress count requirements.

Which NFPA standard should my sprinkler system follow under the CHBC?

For nonhazardous occupancies the CHBC references: NFPA 13R for buildings of four stories or less, NFPA 13 for floors above the fourth (and tall/high‑rise cases), and NFPA 13D for certain small freestanding buildings — see § 8-410.2 for details and the escalation exception.

If the enforcing agency approves a life safety evaluation instead of sprinklers, is that equivalent?

Yes — § 8-402.2 lists an approved life safety evaluation as an alternate to upgrading to one‑hour fire‑resistive construction. The enforcing agency has discretion to accept other alternative measures as well.

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