CHBC · California Historical Building Code

When will the enforcing agency accept other technologies or engineering methods?

If a historic building can’t meet a regular code requirement, the local enforcing agency may accept engineered or technological solutions (like smoke control, fire modeling, or timed egress analysis) if you submit convincing analysis, test data, and documentation showing the alternative gives equivalent life‑safety — this authority comes from **§ 8-411** and related CHBC provisions.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — in plain English

The enforcing agency may accept other technologies and engineering methods (for example, fire alarm systems, smoke/heat detection, smoke control, fire and egress modeling, timed‑egress analyses) to address areas of nonconformance with the regular code for a qualified historical building. The controlling provision is § 8-411.

The single most important rule: the enforcing agency can approve engineered or technological alternatives to resolve nonconformance — but the alternatives must be documented and shown to provide an acceptable level of life‑safety performance. § 8-411 is the authority that allows this.

Requirements in detail

Short summary of the decision rule you (designer/owner) must satisfy:

  • Demonstrate that the proposed technology or engineering method will address the specific nonconformance and provide equal or acceptable life‑safety performance compared with the regular code.
  • Provide supporting evidence, analysis and documentation the enforcing agency can review; be prepared to submit tests, modeling reports, calculations, manufacturer data, and peer review or expert opinions if requested. See § 8-105.2.
  • For accessibility-related alternatives, apply the CHBC accessibility procedures (item‑by‑item, documented reasons, and equivalent facilitation rules). See § 8-602.2 and § 8-604.

What types of technologies or methods are explicitly contemplated?

  • Fire alarm systems, smoke and heat detection systems, occupant notification/annunciation, smoke control systems, fire modeling, timed egress analysis and modeling — all are listed examples in § 8-411 as potentially acceptable to address nonconformance.

Who decides and when

  • The local enforcing agency is the decision maker for accepting alternatives under § 8-411. If a proposed alternative raises statewide questions or the local agency requests further review, the State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB) may be asked to render an opinion per § 8-104.2.

Evidence and documentation the enforcing agency will expect

  • Clear statement of the specific nonconformance the technology addresses;
  • Engineering reports, analysis or modeling (methodology, inputs, assumptions, outputs, sensitivity checks);
  • Test reports, product listings or certification evidence when applicable;
  • Operational procedures, maintenance plans and occupant notification plans where behavior changes are part of the solution;
  • For accessibility alternatives, written documentation showing why strict compliance would threaten or destroy the historical significance and evidence of equivalent facilitation. See § 8-602.2 and § 8-604.

Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick reference table)

Decision dimension Typical values / examples What the enforcing agency cares about Code Reference
Technology type Fire alarm, smoke detector, smoke control, fire model, timed‑egress Is the technology appropriate for the hazard and occupancy? § 8-411
Problem addressed Egress width shortfall, lack of sprinkler, historic stair configuration Does proposed method mitigate the specific life‑safety deficiency? § 8-411
Performance evidence Engineering report, validated model, test data, manufacturer cert. Is there credible analysis showing equivalent or acceptable safety? § 8-105.2
Documentation required Written justification, meeting minutes, maintenance plan Is the decision and rationale retained in the enforcing agency file? § 8-602.2; § 8-604
Appeal / statewide review Local decision; SHBSB review possible Is the issue of statewide significance or requiring Board opinion? § 8-104.2
Limitations Sprinklers do not substitute for exits Does the alternative attempt impermissible trade-offs (e.g., remove exits)? § 8-410.3

Exceptions & special cases

  • Sprinklers and life‑safety systems can help achieve compliance, but an automatic sprinkler system shall not be used to substitute for the required number of exits. See § 8-410.3.
  • Accessibility alternatives that would otherwise waive ADA elements: an equivalent facilitation applied under the CHBC may not receive Federal DOJ “certification” as rebuttable evidence for ADA compliance for that element — note the limitation in § 8-604.
  • When a technology or method has statewide implications or the enforcing agency requests expert opinion, the SHBSB may be asked to review and issue findings on reasonable equivalency under § 8-104.2.
  • For structural or material‑based nonconformance, CHBC chapters that address archaic materials and structural performance (e.g., Chapters 8‑7 and 8‑8) include additional engineering rules and testing expectations; the agency will expect those to be followed where relevant. See § 8-701.1 and the archaic materials sections.

Common mistakes

  • Not documenting the rationale: failing to create the required written justification, meeting minutes or technical backup for alternative measures (see § 8-602.2 and § 8-105.2).
  • Treating acceptance as automatic: assuming any “modern” technology is acceptable without showing equivalency or operational reliability. The agency evaluates equivalency case‑by‑case under § 8-411.
  • Using sprinklers to reduce exits or occupant protections — this is explicitly prohibited as a substitution for required exits (see § 8-410.3).
  • Skipping accessibility procedures: for access‑related deviations, failing to follow item‑by‑item evaluation and retention of documentation under § 8-602.2 and equivalent facilitation rules in § 8-604.
  • Omitting life‑cycle and maintenance commitments for technology-based solutions (agencies expect operational plans and maintenance to ensure long‑term effectiveness). See general evidence/operations requirement in § 8-105.2.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A four‑story historic hotel (qualified historic) has corridors that cannot be widened without removing character‑defining features. The required corridor width under the regular code would be 44 inches but the hotel’s existing corridors are 36 inches.

What to propose:

  1. Use a combination of (a) upgraded fire detection and annunciation, (b) performance‑based timed‑egress analysis showing acceptable evacuation times for the existing corridor width, and (c) occupant notification procedures and staff training.

What you must submit:

  • A timed‑egress analysis showing calculated evacuation times for the building occupant load using validated inputs and sensitivity analysis. (Modeling scope and assumptions documented.) This addresses the egress nonconformance per § 8-411.
  • A fire alarm/smoke detection system design that meets or exceeds the detection and notification performance needed to support the timed‑egress results. Provide manufacturer documentation and a commissioning plan. See § 8-411 and supporting rules on evidence (§ 8-105.2).
  • A written justification showing why widening corridors would threaten or destroy character‑defining features and why the alternative provides substantially equivalent life safety; include meeting notes and stakeholder comments if the issue involves accessibility equivalency (see § 8-602.2 and § 8-604).
  • An operations and maintenance plan for the alarm and detection systems and a staff evacuation procedure.

How the enforcing agency will decide:

  • They will review the engineering/modeling and evidence for equivalency; if satisfied, they may accept the technologies and analyses in lieu of physical corridor widening under § 8-411. If the local agency needs broader guidance or the case raises statewide policy, the SHBSB may be asked to opine under § 8-104.2.

Note: You cannot claim that sprinklers alone allow elimination of exits — sprinklers are not a substitute for required exits (see § 8-410.3).

Related provisions (quick list)

  • § 8-411 — Other technologies (controlling section).
  • § 8-410.3 — Automatic sprinklers shall not substitute for required exits.
  • § 8-105.2 — Acceptance of alternatives; evidence and reasonable equivalence required.
  • § 8-602.2 — Accessibility alternative provisions; documentation and item‑by‑item application.
  • § 8-604 — Equivalent facilitation for accessibility (documentation, limitations).
  • § 8-104.2 — SHBSB review for proposed designs/materials/methods (appeal / statewide review).
  • § 8-701.1 — CHBC requires acceptance of reasonably equivalent alternatives for qualified historical buildings.

Code references

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

  • CHBC § 8-604 High relevance — show source text

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    ACCESSIBILITY

    SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION

    Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or characterdefining features of the historical building or property.

    1. Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by- item or a case-by-case basis.
    2. Access provided by experiences, services, functions, materials and resources through methods including, but not limited to, maps, plans, videos, virtual reality and related equipment, at accessible levels. The alternative design and/or technologies used will provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility to, and usability of, the facility.
    3. The official charged with the enforcement of the standards shall document the reasons for the application of the design and/or technologies and their effect on the historical significance or character-defining features. Such documentation shall be in accordance with Section 8-602.2, Item 2, and shall include the opinion and comments of state or local accessibility officials, and the opinion and comments of representative local groups of people with disabilities. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency. Copies of the required documentation should be available at the facility upon request.

    Note: For commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities).

    Equivalent facilitation for an element of a building or property when applied as a waiver of an ADA accessibility requirement will not be entitled to the Federal Department of Justice certification of this code as rebuttable evidence of compliance for that element.

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    8-7 STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS

    SECTION 8-701 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

    8-701.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to the regular code for the structural safety of buildings designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept any reasonably equivalent alternatives to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.

    8-701.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to encourage the preservation of qualified historical buildings or structures while providing standards for a minimum level of building performance with the objective of preventing partial or total structural collapse such that the overall risk of life-threatening injury as a result of structural collapse is low.

    8-701.3 Application. The alternative structural regulations provided by Section 8-705 are to be applied in conjunction with the regular code whenever a structural upgrade or reconstruction is undertaken for qualified historical buildings or properties.

    SECTION 8-702 — GENERAL

    8-702.1 The CHBC shall not be construed to allow the enforcing agency to approve or permit a lower level of safety of structural design and construction than that which is reasonably equivalent to the regular code provisions in occupancies which are critical to the safety and welfare of the public at large, including, but not limited to, public and private schools, hospitals, municipal police and fire stations and essential services facilities.

    8-702.2 Nothing in these regulations shall prevent voluntary and partial seismic upgrades when it is demonstrated that such upgrades will improve life safety and when a full upgrade would not otherwise be required.

  • CHBC § 8-410.3 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 § 8-706.3 High relevance — show source text

    8-706.3 Load path. A complete and continuous load path, including connections, from every part or portion of the structure to the ground shall be provided for the required forces. It shall be verified that the structure is adequately tied together to perform as a unit when subjected to earthquake forces.

    8-706.4 Parapets. Parapets and exterior decoration shall be investigated for conformance with regular code requirements for anchorage and ability to resist prescribed seismic forces.

    An exception to regular code requirements shall be permitted for those parapets and decorations which are judged not to be a hazard to life safety.

    8-706.5 Nonstructural features. Nonstructural features of historical structure, such as exterior veneer, cornices and decorations, which might fall and create a life safety hazard in an earthquake, shall be evaluated. Their ability to resist seismic forces shall be verified, or the feature shall be strengthened with improved anchorage when appropriate.

    8-706.5.1 Partitions and ceilings of corridors and stairways serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall be investigated to determine their ability to remain in place when the building is subjected to earthquake forces.

    8-706.5.2 Seismic forces used to evaluate and improve nonstructural components and their anchorage, where required, shall comply with ASCE 41 or need not exceed 0.75 times the seismic forces prescribed by the requirements of the regular code.

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    8-8 ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

    SECTION 8-801 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

    8-801.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the use of historical methods and materials of construction that are at variance with regular code requirements or are not otherwise codified, in buildings or structures designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC require enforcing agencies to accept any reasonably equivalent alternatives to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.

    8-801.2 Intent. It is the intent of the CHBC to provide for the use of historical methods and materials of construction that are at variance with specific code requirements or are not otherwise codified.

    8-801.3 Scope. Any construction type or material that is, or was, part of the historical fabric of a structure is covered by this chapter. Archaic materials and methods of construction present in a historical structure may remain or be reinstalled or be installed with new materials of the same class to match existing conditions.

    SECTION 8-802 — GENERAL ENGINEERING APPROACHES

    Strength values for archaic materials shall be assigned based upon similar conventional codified materials, or on tests as hereinafter indicated. The archaic materials and methods of construction shall be thoroughly investigated for their details of construction in accordance with Section 8-703. Testing shall be performed when applicable to evaluate existing conditions. The architect or structural engineer in responsible charge of the project shall assign allowable stresses or strength levels to archaic materials. Such assigned strength values shall not be greater than those provided for in the following sections without adequate testing, and shall be subject to the concurrence of the enforcing agency.

    SECTION 8-803 — NONSTRUCTURAL ARCHAIC MATERIALS

  • CHBC § 8-903.3 High relevance — show source text

    8-903.3 Materials. New nonhistorical materials shall comply with the regular code requirements. The enforcing agency shall accept alternative materials which do not create a safety hazard where their use is necessary to maintain the historical integrity of the building.

    8-903.4 Drainage and vent systems. Plumbing fixtures shall be connected to an adequate drainage and vent system. The enforcing agency may require operational tests for drainage and vent systems which do not comply with applicable requirements of the regular code. Vent terminations may be installed in any location which, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, does not create a safety hazard.

    8-903.5 Indirect and special wastes. Indirect and special waste systems shall be installed so that no safety hazard is created. Chemical or industrial liquid wastes which may detrimentally affect the sanitary sewer system shall be pretreated to render them safe prior to discharge.

    8-903.6 Traps and interceptors. Traps and interceptors shall comply with the regular code requirements except that the enforcing agency shall accept solutions which do not increase the safety hazard. Properly maintained “S” and drum traps may remain in use.

    8-903.7 Joints and connections.

    8-903.7.1 Joints and connections in new plumbing systems shall comply with applicable requirements of the regular code.

    8-903.7.2 Joints and connections in existing or restored systems may be of any type that does not create a safety hazard.

    8-903.8 Water distribution. Plumbing fixtures shall be connected to an adequate water distribution system. The enforcing agency may require operational tests for water distribution systems which do not comply with applicable requirements of the regular code. Prohibited (unlawful) connections and cross connections shall not be permitted.

    8-903.9 Building sewers and private sewage disposal systems. New building sewers and new private sewage disposal systems shall comply with applicable requirements of the regular code.

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    MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

    8-903.10 Fuel-gas piping. Fuel-gas piping shall comply with the regular code requirements except that the enforcing agency shall accept solutions which do not increase the safety hazard.

    SECTION 8-904 — ELECTRICAL

    8-904.1 General. Electrical systems shall comply with the regular code unless otherwise permitted by this code, or approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

    8-904.1.1 The provisions of the CHBC shall apply to the acceptance, location, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement or addition of any electrical system or portion thereof, the premise wiring, or equipment fixed in place as related to restoration within or attached to a qualified historical building or property.

    8-904.1.2 Existing systems, wiring methods and electrical equipment which do not, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, constitute a safety hazard may remain in use.

    8-904.1.3 The enforcing agency may approve any alternative to the CHBC which achieves equivalent safety.

    8-904.1.4 Archaic methods that do not appear in present codes may remain and may be extended if, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, they constitute a safe installation.

    8-904.2 Wiring methods.

  • CHBC § 8-801 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 8-801 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

    8-801.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the use of historical methods and materials of construction that are at variance with regular code requirements or are not otherwise codified, in buildings or structures designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC require enforcing agencies to accept any reasonably equivalent alternatives to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.

    8-801.2 Intent. It is the intent of the CHBC to provide for the use of historical methods and materials of construction that are at variance with specific code requirements or are not otherwise codified.

    8-801.3 Scope. Any construction type or material that is, or was, part of the historical fabric of a structure is covered by this chapter. Archaic materials and methods of construction present in a historical structure may remain or be reinstalled or be installed with new materials of the same class to match existing conditions.

    SECTION 8-802 — GENERAL ENGINEERING APPROACHES

    Strength values for archaic materials shall be assigned based upon similar conventional codified materials, or on tests as hereinafter indicated. The archaic materials and methods of construction shall be thoroughly investigated for their details of construction in accordance with Section 8-703. Testing shall be performed when applicable to evaluate existing conditions. The architect or structural engineer in responsible charge of the project shall assign allowable stresses or strength levels to archaic materials. Such assigned strength values shall not be greater than those provided for in the following sections without adequate testing, and shall be subject to the concurrence of the enforcing agency.

    SECTION 8-803 — NONSTRUCTURAL ARCHAIC MATERIALS

    Where nonstructural historical materials exist in uses which do not meet the requirements of the regular code, their continued use is allowed by this code, provided that any public health and life safety hazards are mitigated subject to the concurrence of the enforcing agency.

    SECTION 8-804 — ALLOWABLE CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC MATERIALS

    Archaic materials which exist and are to remain in qualified historical buildings or structures shall be evaluated for their condition and for loads required by this code. The structural survey required in Section 8-703 of the CHBC shall document existing conditions, reinforcement, anchorage, deterioration and other factors pertinent to establishing allowable stresses, strength levels and adequacy of the archaic materials. The remaining portion of this chapter provides additional specific requirements for commonly encountered archaic materials.

    SECTION 8-805 — MASONRY

    For adobe, see Section 8-806.

    8-805.1 Existing solid masonry. Existing solid masonry walls of any type, except adobe, may be allowed, without testing, a maximum ultimate strength of 9 pounds per square inch (62.1 kPa) in shear where there is a qualifying statement by the architect or engineer that an inspection has been made, that mortar joints are filled and that both brick and mortar are reasonably good. The shear stress above applies to unreinforced masonry, except adobe, where the maximum ratio of unsupported height or length to thickness does not exceed 13, and where minimum quality mortar is used or exists. Wall height or length is measured to supporting or resisting elements that are at least twice as stiff as the tributary wall. Stiffness is based on the gross section. Shear stress may be increased by the addition of 10 percent of the axial direct stress due to the weight of the wall directly above.

  • 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 § 8-9 High relevance — show source text

    Bolt spacing shall not
    exceed 6 feet (1830 mm) on center and shall not be less than 12 inches (305 mm) on center.
    6. Other masonry based on tests or other substantiated data.
    7. Embedded bolts to be tested as specified in regular code standards.
    8. Stresses given may be increased for combinations of loads as specified in the regular code.
    9. Adhesives shall be approved by the enforcing agency and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. All drilling dust shall be removed from drilled
    holes prior to installation.|

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    8-9 MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

    SECTION 8-901 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

    8-901.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems of buildings designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept any reasonable equivalent solutions to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.

    8-901.2 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings or properties while providing a reasonable level of protection from fire, health and life safety hazards (hereinafter referred to as safety hazards) for the building occupants.

    8-901.3 Scope. The CHBC shall be applied in conjunction with the regular code whenever compliance with the regular code is required for qualified historical buildings or properties.

    8-901.4 Safety hazard. No person shall permit any safety hazard to exist on premises under their control, or fail to take immediate action to abate such hazard. Existing systems which constitute a safety hazard when operational may remain in place, provided they are completely and permanently rendered inoperative. Safety hazards created by inoperative systems shall not be permitted to exist. Requirements of the regular code concerning general regulations shall be complied with, except that the enforcing agency shall accept solutions which do not cause a safety hazard.

    8-901.5 Energy conservation. Qualified historical buildings or properties covered by this part are exempted from compliance with energy conservation standards. When new nonhistorical lighting and space conditioning system components, devices, appliances and equipment are installed, they shall comply with the requirements of Title 24, Part 6, The California Energy Code, except where the historical significance or character-defining features are threatened.

    SECTION 8-902 — MECHANICAL

    8-902.1 General. Mechanical systems shall comply with the regular code unless otherwise modified by this chapter.

    8-902.1.1 The provisions of the CHBC shall apply to the acceptance, location, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement or addition of any heating, ventilating, air conditioning, domestic incinerators, kilns or miscellaneous heat-producing appliances or equipment within or attached to a historical building.

    8-902.1.2 Existing systems which do not, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, constitute a safety hazard may remain in use.

    8-902.1.3 The enforcing agency may approve any alternative to the CHBC which would achieve equivalent life safety.

    8-902.2 Heating facilities. All dwelling-type occupancies covered under this chapter shall be provided with heating facilities. Woodburning or pellet stoves or fireplaces may be acceptable as heating facilities.

  • CHBC § 8-104.2 High relevance — show source text

    8-104.2 SHBSB review. When a proposed design, material or method of construction is being considered by the enforcing agency, the agency chief, the building official or the local board of appeals may file a written request for opinion to the SHBSB for its consideration, advice or findings. In considering such request, the SHBSB may seek the advice of other appropriate private or public boards, individuals, or state or local agencies. The SHBSB shall, after considering all of the facts presented, including any recommendation of other appropriate boards, agencies or other parties, determine if, for the purpose intended, the proposal is reasonably equivalent to that allowed by these regulations in proposed design, material or method of construction, and it shall transmit such findings and its decision to the enforcing agency for its application. The Board may recover the costs of such reviews and shall report the decision in printed form, copied to the California Building Standards Commission.

    8-104.2.1 State agencies. All state agencies with ownership of, or that act on behalf of state agency owners of, qualified historical buildings or properties, shall consult and obtain SHBSB review prior to taking action or making decisions or appeals that affect qualified historical buildings or properties, per Section 18961 of the Health and Safety Code.

    8-104.2.2 Imminent threat. Where an emergency is declared and a qualified historical building or property is declared an imminent threat to life and safety, the state agency assessing such a threat shall consult with the SHBSB before any demolition is undertaken, per Section 18961 of the Health and Safety Code.

    8-104.3 SHBC appeals. If any local agency administering and enforcing the CHBC or any person adversely affected by any regulation, rule, omission, interpretation, decision or practice of the agency enforcing the CHBC wishes to appeal the issue for resolution to the SHBSB, either of these parties may appeal directly to the Board. The Board may accept the appeal only if it determines that issues involved are of statewide significance. The Board may recover the costs of such reviews and shall make available copies of decisions in printed form at cost, copied to the California Building Standards Commission.

    8-104.4 Local agency fees. Local agencies, when actively involved in the appeal, may also charge affected persons reasonable fees not to exceed the cost of obtaining reviews and appeals from the Board.

    SECTION 8-105 — CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND MATERIALS

    8-105.1 Repairs. Repairs to any portion of a qualified historical building or property may be made in-kind with historical materials and the use of original or existing historical methods of construction, subject to conditions of the CHBC. (See Chapter 8-8.)

    8-105.2 Solutions to the California Historical Building Code . Solutions provided in the CHBC, or any other acceptable regulation or methodology of design or construction and used in whole or in part, with the regular code, or with any combination of the regular code and the CHBC, shall be allowed. The CHBC does not preclude the use of any proposed alternative or method of design or construction not specifically prescribed or otherwise allowed by these regulations. Any alternative may be submitted for evaluation to the appropriate enforcing agency for review and acceptance. The enforcing agency may request that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding such solutions. Any alternative offered in lieu of that prescribed or allowed in the CHBC shall be reasonably equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety to that of the CHBC.

  • CHBC § 8-302.6 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 § 8-603.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    **Power-assisted door or doors may be considered an
    equivalent alternative to level landings, strikeside clearance and door-opening forces
    required by regular code.
    8-603.5 Toilet rooms. In lieu of separate-gender toilet facilities as required in the regular
    code, an accessible unisex toilet may be designated.
    **8-603.6 Exterior and interior ramps and lifts.**Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
    1.A lift or a ramp of greater than standard slope but no greater than 1:10, for horizontal
    distances not to exceed 5 feet (1525 mm). Signs shall be posted at upper and lower
    levels to indicate steepness of the slope.
    2.Access by ramps of 1:6 slope for horizontal distance not to exceed 13 inches (330 mm).
    Signs shall be posted at upper and lower levels to indicate steepness of the slope.|Applies|Applies|Applies| |SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION
    Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping
    requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in
    Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining
    features of the qualified historical building or property.
    1.Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis.
    2.Access provided by experiences, services, functions, materials and resources through
    methods including, but not limited to, maps, plans, videos, virtual reality and related
    equipment, at accessible levels. The alternative design and/or technologies used will
    provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility to, and usability of, the
    facility.
    3.The official charged with the enforcement of the standards shall document the reasons
    for the application of the design and/or technologies and their effect on the historical
    significance or character-defining features. Such documentation shall be in accordance
    with Section 8-602.2, Item 2, and shall include the opinion and comments of state or
    local accessibility officials, and the opinion and comments of representative local
    groups of people with disabilities. Such documentation shall be retained in the
    permanent file of the enforcing agency. Copies of the required documentation should
    be available at the facility upon request.
    ** Note:**For commercial facilities and places of public accommodation
    (Title III entities).
    Equivalent facilitation for an element of a building or property when applied as a waiver
    of an ADA accessibility requirement will not be entitled to the Federal Department of
    Justice certification of this code as rebuttable evidence of compliance for that element.|Applies|Waivers
    If a builder
    applies for a
    waiver of an ADA
    accessibility
    requirement for
    an element of a
    building, he or
    she will not be
    entitled to
    certification’s
    rebuttable
    evidence of
    compliance for
    that element. This
    limitation on the
    certification
    determination
    should be noted
    in any publication
    of Chapter 8-6 if
    certification is
    granted.|Applies| |**Notes:**The regular code for Chapter 8-6 is contained in Title 24, Part 2, Vol.1, Chapter 11B, which contain standards for new construction.
    Provisions of this chapter may be used in conjunction with all other provisions of the regular code and ADA regulations.

  • CHBC § 8-104.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    8-104.4 Local agency fees. Local agencies, when actively involved in the appeal, may also charge affected persons reasonable fees not to exceed the cost of obtaining reviews and appeals from the Board.

    SECTION 8-105 — CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND MATERIALS

    8-105.1 Repairs. Repairs to any portion of a qualified historical building or property may be made in-kind with historical materials and the use of original or existing historical methods of construction, subject to conditions of the CHBC. (See Chapter 8-8.)

    8-105.2 Solutions to the California Historical Building Code . Solutions provided in the CHBC, or any other acceptable regulation or methodology of design or construction and used in whole or in part, with the regular code, or with any combination of the regular code and the CHBC, shall be allowed. The CHBC does not preclude the use of any proposed alternative or method of design or construction not specifically prescribed or otherwise allowed by these regulations. Any alternative may be submitted for evaluation to the appropriate enforcing agency for review and acceptance. The enforcing agency may request that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding such solutions. Any alternative offered in lieu of that prescribed or allowed in the CHBC shall be reasonably equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety to that of the CHBC.

    SECTION 8-106 — SHBSB RULINGS

    8-106.1 General. Rulings of the SHBSB (i.e., formal appeals, case decisions, code interpretations and administrative resolutions, etc.) that are issues of statewide application are required to be submitted to the California Building Standards Commission in printed form. These rulings may be used to provide guidance for similar cases or issues.

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    8-2 DEFINITIONS

    SECTION 8-201 — DEFINITIONS

    For the purpose of the CHBC, certain terms and phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this chapter. Additional definitions and/or terms may appear in the various other chapters relative to terms or phrases primarily applicable thereto. Any reference to “authority having jurisdiction” does not necessarily preclude the appellate process of Section 8-104.3.

    ADDITION. A nonhistorical extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or property.

    ALTERATION. A modification to a qualified historical building or property that affects the usability of the building or property, or part thereof. Alterations include, but are not limited to, remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historical restoration, changes or rearrangement of the structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangements in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions.

    BUILDING STANDARD. Any guideline, regulation or code that may be applied to a qualified historical building or property.

    CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURE. Those visual aspects and physical elements that comprise the appearance of a historical building or property, and that are significant to its historical, architectural and cultural values, including the overall shape of the historical building or property, its materials, craftsmanship, decorative details, interior spaces and features, as well as the various aspects of its site and environment.

    CULTURAL RESOURCE. Building, site, property, object or district evaluated as having significance in prehistory or history.

  • CHBC § 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
    holes prior to installation.|

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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

When is a technology-based solution likely to be accepted?

When it is shown by credible engineering analysis, test data or validated modeling to mitigate the specific nonconformance and provide life‑safety performance that is reasonably equivalent to the regular code. See § 8-411 and the evidence requirement guidance in § 8-105.2.

Do I need SHBSB review for every proposal?

No. The local enforcing agency reviews most proposals. SHBSB review under § 8-104.2 is used when the agency requests it or when the matter is of statewide significance.

Can I use sprinklers to reduce the number of exits?

No. An automatic sprinkler system shall not be used to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits. See § 8-410.3.

What documentation must I keep for accessibility alternatives?

Retain item‑by‑item documentation showing why strict compliance would threaten historical significance, meeting minutes/letters, and the agency’s file documentation as required in § 8-602.2 and § 8-604.

Will accepting an alternative relieve future owners of responsibility?

No — the accepting agency will typically require operations and maintenance commitments for technology-based solutions; evidence and plans should be provided and retained as part of the project record per § 8-105.2.

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