CHBC · California Historical Building Code

What additional alarm/detection rules apply to historic high‑rise buildings?

If your historic building has any occupied floor more than 75 feet above the lowest fire‑department access, the CHBC requires it to follow the regular code’s high‑rise alarm/detection and emergency communication rules (CHBC § 8‑412). The CHBC also tells you which NFPA sprinkler standard to use when sprinklers are required (CHBC § 8‑410.2). For detector spacing, duct detectors, voice/alarm interfaces and other technical specifics, consult the regular code high‑rise sections that the CHBC incorporates and present any engineered alternatives to the enforcing agency for approval.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

If a qualified historical building has occupied floors more than 75 feet above the lowest level of building access, the CHBC requires that it conform to the provisions of the regular code for existing high‑rise buildings — including the alarm/detection and emergency communication requirements of that regular code (§ 8-412) .
Separately, when the CHBC requires an automatic sprinkler system, the CHBC defines what standard (NFPA 13 / 13R / 13D) applies depending on number of stories and the 75‑foot threshold (§ 8-410.2) .
In short: CHBC delegates detailed alarm/detection technical requirements for historic high‑rises to the regular code; CHBC itself prescribes which sprinkler standard is required when sprinklers are mandated by the CHBC (§ 8-412, § 8-410.2) .

The single most important rule: if any occupied floor of a historic building is located more than 75 feet above building access, the building must meet the regular code high‑rise requirements for alarms, detectors and emergency communications as incorporated by § 8-412 of the CHBC.

Requirements in detail

1) Does the CHBC itself set detector/alarm technical specs for historic high‑rises?

  • No. The CHBC requires conformance to the regular high‑rise provisions for qualified historic buildings with occupied floors above 75 feet — § 8-412 (conformance to regular code) .
  • The CHBC separately requires that a qualified historic building be provided with fire alarm systems “as required for the use or occupancy by the regular code or other approved alternative” — § 8-409 .

Thus, alarm/detection specifics (area smoke detection, duct detectors, voice/alarm communications, zoning, annunciation, supervisory signals, etc.) come from the regular code high‑rise requirements (see Related Provisions for exact sections cited below) rather than from detailed CHBC text.

2) What sprinkler standards does CHBC require when sprinklers are mandated?

The CHBC defines which NFPA sprinkler standard applies when the CHBC requires sprinklers — these affect detection/alarm interfaces (sprinkler supervision, waterflow alarms, zone control). Key values:

Decision dimension Values / Threshold Code Reference
High‑rise height threshold 75 feet (occupied floor above lowest access) § 8-412
Sprinkler standard — buildings of four stories or less NFPA 13R § 8-410.2, item 1
Sprinkler standard — floors above the fourth NFPA 13 for those floors § 8-410.2, item 2
Sprinkler standard — buildings with floors above 75 feet NFPA 13 (whole building as required) § 8-410.2, item 3
Small detached buildings (≤ 2 floors & ≤ 1,500 ft² per floor) NFPA 13D § 8-410.2, item 4
When sprinklers are repeatedly relied upon to reach compliance (three or more occasions) Upgrade 13D → 13R or 13R → 13 § 8-410.2 (Exception)

Notes:

  • CHBC’s sprinkler definitions matter because sprinkler waterflow and supervisory signals are tied into the alarm/detection system required by the regular high‑rise code. The CHBC tells you which NFPA standard governs the sprinkler design in historic buildings — do not assume the regular‑code sprinkler standard without checking § 8-410.2 first .

3) What alarm/detection systems will the regular code require (as referenced by CHBC)?

The CHBC directs conformity to the regular code. The regular code high‑rise provisions address (examples): area smoke detection, fire alarm system, emergency voice/alarm communication system, duct smoke detection, and fire department communication. See the following regular code sections (the CHBC requires conformance to these provisions via § 8-412) for exact technical rules and where smoke detectors must be located, how activation interfaces to the voice/alarm system, and supervisory signal requirements:

  • CBC high‑rise emergency systems: § 403.4.1 (smoke detection) and § 403.4.2 (fire alarm) — CHBC incorporation required by § 8-412 .
  • CFC (fire code) high‑rise detection: § 907.2.13 (high‑rise smoke detection and fire alarm requirements) — referenced by the regular code and therefore applicable when CHBC invokes the regular high‑rise rules via § 8-412 .

(If you need the specific detector spacing, duct‑detector locations, or required interfaces — those are spelled out in the regular code sections above; the CHBC does not reproduce that fine detail but directs you to them via § 8-412.)

Exceptions & special cases

  • CHBC provides an explicit exception for the sprinkler standard escalation: if sprinklers are used repeatedly (three or more occasions) to reach compliance, the applicable NFPA standard must be upgraded (e.g., 13D → 13R or 13R → 13) — § 8-410.2 (Exception) .
  • For certain occupancies and building conditions the CHBC permits only the stories over 75 feet to be sprinklered when specific criteria are met (e.g., occupancies B, F‑1, F‑2 or S and additional building conditions) — see § 8-302.5.1 for the conditions and required fire alarm/annunciation and fire barrier between sprinklered and nonsprinklered floors .
  • The CHBC allows “other technologies” (engineered life‑safety systems, smoke control, fire modeling, timed egress analysis) to be accepted by the enforcing agency as alternatives to strict conformance for areas of nonconformance — § 8-411 . Use of these alternatives will affect how alarm/detection design and acceptance testing are evaluated .

If a topic or technical detail you expect is not present in the CHBC text, the CHBC explicitly defers to the regular building and fire codes for those technical alarm/detection specifications — see § 8-412 and § 8-409 .

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the CHBC contains the detailed detector spacing, duct smoke rules, or voice‑alarm performance specs. It does not; CHBC § 8-412 requires conformance to the regular code for high‑rise provisions instead — check § 403.4.1, § 403.4.2 and § 907.2.13 in the regular code for the technical details .
  • Applying the wrong NFPA sprinkler standard by ignoring the CHBC thresholds. For example, if any occupied floor is above 75 feet, CHBC requires NFPA 13 (not 13R) per § 8-410.2 .
  • Overlooking the CHBC exception that escalates sprinkler standards when sprinklers have been used multiple times as the sole means to reach code compliance — the escalation rule is in § 8-410.2 (Exception) .
  • Forgetting to get enforcing‑agency approval for engineered alternatives under § 8-411 — acceptance is discretionary and must be documented .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A qualified historic office building has six stories. The lowest level of fire‑department vehicle access is at grade; the top occupied floor is at 86 feet above that access. The building footprint is larger than 1,500 ft² per floor.

Step 1 — Is CHBC high‑rise rule triggered?

  • Yes. At least one occupied floor is above 75 feet, so § 8-412 applies and the building must conform to the regular code provisions for existing high‑rise buildings (alarm/detection, voice communications, etc.) .

Step 2 — Which sprinkler standard applies if sprinklers are required by CHBC or used to reach compliance?

  • Because at least one floor is above 75 feet, CHBC requires NFPA 13 for the building where sprinklers are required — § 8-410.2, item 3 .

Step 3 — Alarm/detection system scope and features:

  • CHBC directs you to the regular code high‑rise requirements for detailed detection and alarm rules (for example, area smoke detection, duct detectors triggering supervisory signals at a constantly attended location, emergency voice/alarm communications) — see the regular code high‑rise sections that CHBC incorporates via § 8-412 (e.g., § 403.4.1, § 403.4.2, and § 907.2.13) for exact device locations and required interfaces .

Practical takeaway: For plans or permit review you must submit sprinkler design to NFPA 13 and show compliance documentation demonstrating the fire alarm/voice systems meet the regular high‑rise code sections the CHBC incorporates. If you want to propose an engineered alternative (smoke control, phased evacuation, etc.), submit it under § 8-411 for enforcing‑agency acceptance .

Related provisions

  • CHBC § 8-412 — High‑rise buildings (conformance to regular code for occupied floors > 75 ft) .
  • CHBC § 8-410.2 — Sprinkler standards required by CHBC (NFPA 13 / 13R / 13D rules and exception) .
  • CHBC § 8-409 — Fire alarm systems required as per regular code or approved alternative (CHBC alarm directive) .
  • CHBC § 8-411 — Other technologies and engineered alternatives (smoke control, modeling, timed egress) — enforcing agency acceptance required .
  • CHBC § 8-302.5.1 — High‑rise partial sprinklering option and conditions for certain occupancies (sprinkler only the stories over 75 ft) .
  • CBC § 403.4.1 / § 403.4.2 — Regular code high‑rise smoke detection and fire alarm system provisions (applicable because CHBC § 8-412 requires conformance to the regular code) .
  • CFC § 907.2.13 — Fire code high‑rise detection/alarm specifics (area smoke detection, duct detectors, voice/alarm system activation) — referenced by regular code and applicable through CHBC incorporation .

Code references

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

  • CHBC § 403.3.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    403.3.2.1 Fire pumps. Redundant fire pump systems shall be required for high-rise buildings having an occupied floor more than 200 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Each fire pump system shall be capable of automatically supply- ing the required demand for the automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems.

    [F] 403.3.3 Secondary water supply. An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a usable capacity of not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as determined by Section 1613. An additional fire pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply shall have a duration of not less than 30 minutes as determined by the occupancy hazard classification in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. The Class I stand-

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    pipe system demand shall not be required to be included in the secondary on-site water supply calculations. In no case shall the secondary on-site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.

    [F] 403.3.4 Fire pump room. Fire pumps shall be located in rooms protected in accordance with Section 913.2.1.

    403.3.5 Fire pumps. See Section 913.6.

    [F] 403.4 Emergency systems. The detection, alarm and emergency systems of high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.8.

    [F] 403.4.1 Smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.

    [F] 403.4.2 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.

    [F] 403.4.3 Standpipe system. A high-rise building shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3.

    [F] 403.4.4 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    [F] 403.4.5 Emergency communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510 of the California Fire Code.

    [F] 403.4.6 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 911 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire code official.

    403.4.7 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with Section 909.

  • CHBC § 914.3.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    914.3.1.2.1 Fire pumps. Redundant fire pump systems shall be required for high-rise buildings having an occupied floor more than 200 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Each fire pump system shall be capable of automatically supplying the required demand for the automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems.

    914.3.2 Secondary water supply. An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a usable capacity not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement, shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as determined by the California Building Code . An additional fire pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply shall have a useable capacity of not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand plus 100 GPM for the inside hose stream, allowance for a duration of not less than 30 minutes as determined by the occupancy hazard classification in accordance with NFPA 13 , whichever is greater. The Class I stand- pipe system demand shall not be required to be included in the secondary on-site water supply calculations. In no case shall the secondary on-site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.

    914.3.3 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.

    914.3.4 Automatic smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.

    914.3.5 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    914.3.6 Emergency responder communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510.

    914.3.7 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 508 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department.

    914.3.8 Smoke control.

    914.3.8.1 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with California Building Code, Section 909.

    914.3.8.2 Smokeproof exit enclosures. Every exit enclosure in high-rise buildings shall comply with California Building Code, Sections 909.20 and 1023.12. Every required stairway in Group I-2 occupancies serving floors more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall comply with Sections 909.20 and 1023.12 of the California Building Code.

    Exception: In high-rise buildings, exit enclosures serving three or less adjacent floors where one of the adjacent floors is the level of exit discharge.

    914.4 Atriums. Atriums shall comply with Sections 914.4.1 and 914.4.2.

    914.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.

  • CHBC § 17.6.3 High relevance — show source text

    4 of NFPA 72._

    (14) Heat alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirements of Section 17.6.3 of NFPA 72.

    *For additional requirements or clarification, see NFPA 72.

    907.2.12 Special amusement areas. Fire detection and alarm systems shall be provided in special amusement areas and throughout the exit access to the point of exit discharge in accordance with Section 914.7.

    907.2.13 High-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. High-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1, a fire department communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. Exceptions:

    1. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Section 907.2.22 of this code and Section 412 of the California Build- ing Code .
    2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code .
    3. Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1 of the California Building Code .
    4. Low-hazard special occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1 of the California Building Code .
    5. Buildings with an occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with Section 415 of the California Building Code .
    6. In Group I-2 and R-2.1 occupancies, the alarm shall sound at a constantly attended location and occupant notification shall be broadcast by the emergency voice/alarm communication system. 907.2.13.1 Automatic smoke detection. Automatic smoke detection in high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be in accordance with Sections 907.2.13.1.1 and 907.2.13.1.2.

    907.2.13.1.1 Area smoke detection. Area smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with this section. Smoke detectors shall be connected to an automatic fire alarm system. The activation of any detector required by this section shall activate the emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. In addition to smoke detectors required by Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.9, smoke detectors shall be located as follows:

    1. In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room that is not provided with sprinkler protection.
    2. In each elevator machine room, machinery space, control room and control space and in elevator lobbies. 907.2.13.1.2 Duct smoke detection. Smoke detectors listed for use in air duct systems shall be provided in accordance with this section and the California Mechanical Code. The activation of any detector required by this section shall initiate a visible and audible supervisory signal at a constantly attended location. Duct smoke detectors complying with Section 907.3.1 shall be located as follows:
  • CHBC § 17.7.3.2.4 High relevance — show source text

    _ (8) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36-inch (910 mm) horizontal path from the supply regis- ters of a forced air heating or cooling system and shall be installed outside of the direct airflow from those registers. (9) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36-inch (910 mm) horizontal path from the tip of the blade of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan unless the room configuration restricts meeting this requirement. (10) Where stairs lead to other occupied levels, a smoke alarm or smoke detector shall be located so that smoke rising in the stairway cannot be prevented from reaching the smoke alarm or smoke detector by an intervening door or obstruction.

    (11) For stairways leading up from a basement, smoke alarms or smoke detectors shall be located on the basement ceiling near the entry to the stairs. (12) For tray-shaped ceilings (coffered ceilings), smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be installed on the highest portion of the ceiling or on the sloped portion of the ceiling within 12 inches (300 mm) vertically down from the highest point. (13) Smoke alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirements of 17.7.3.2.4 of NFPA 72.

    (14) Heat alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirements of 17.6.3 of NFPA 72.

    *For additional requirements or clarification see NFPA 72.

    907.2.11.9 Existing Group R occupancies. See the California Residential Code for existing Group R-3 occupancies or Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code for all other existing Group R occupancies.

    [F] 907.2.12 Special amusement areas. Fire detection and alarm systems shall be provided in special amusement areas and throughout the exit access to the point of exit discharge in accordance with Section 411.3.

    [F] 907.2.13 High-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. High-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1, a fire department communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    Exceptions:

    1. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Sections 412 and 907.2.22.
    2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5.
    3. Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1.
    4. Low-hazard special occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1.
    5. Buildings with an occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with Section 415.
    6. In Group I-2 and R-2.1 occupancies, the alarm shall sound at a constantly attended location and occupant notification shall be broadcast by the emergency voice/alarm communication system.
  • CHBC § 907.2.11.9 High relevance — show source text

    907.2.11.9 Existing Group R occupancies. See the California Residential Code for existing Group R-3 occupancies or Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code for all other existing Group R occupancies.

    [F] 907.2.12 Special amusement areas. Fire detection and alarm systems shall be provided in special amusement areas and throughout the exit access to the point of exit discharge in accordance with Section 411.3.

    [F] 907.2.13 High-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. High-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1, a fire department communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    Exceptions:

    1. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Sections 412 and 907.2.22.
    2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5.
    3. Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1.
    4. Low-hazard special occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1.
    5. Buildings with an occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with Section 415.
    6. In Group I-2 and R-2.1 occupancies, the alarm shall sound at a constantly attended location and occupant notification shall be broadcast by the emergency voice/alarm communication system.

    [F] 907.2.13.1 Automatic smoke detection. Automatic smoke detection in high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be in accordance with Sections 907.2.13.1.1 and 907.2.13.1.2.

    [F] 907.2.13.1.1 Area smoke detection. Area smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with this section. Smoke detectors shall be connected to an automatic fire alarm system. The activation of any detector required by this section shall activate the emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. In addition to smoke detectors required by Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.9, smoke detectors shall be located as follows:

    1. In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room that is not provided with sprinkler protection.
    2. In each elevator machine room, machinery space, control room and control space and in elevator lobbies.

    [F] 907.2.13.1.2 Duct smoke detection. Smoke detectors listed for use in air duct systems shall be provided in accordance with this section and the California Mechanical Code. The activation of any detector required by this section shall initiate a visible and

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    audible supervisory signal at a constantly attended location. Duct smoke detectors complying with Section 907.3.1 shall be located as follows:

  • CHBC § 1009.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    1. Elevators.

    2. Where elevators are provided in a high-rise building for accessible means of egress, fire service access or occupant self-evacuation, the standby power system shall also comply with Sections 1009.4, 3007 or 3008, as applicable.

    [F] 403.4.8.4 Emergency power loads. The following are classified as emergency power loads:

    1. Exit signs and means of egress illumination required by Chapter 10.
    2. Elevator car lighting.
    3. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems.
    4. Automatic fire detection systems.
    5. Fire alarm systems.
    6. Electrically powered fire pumps.
    7. Power and lighting for the fire command center required by Section 403.4.6.

    [BE] 403.5 Means of egress and evacuation. The means of egress in high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.5.1 through 403.5.5.

    [BE] 403.5.1 Remoteness of interior exit stairways. Required interior exit stairways shall be separated by a distance not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or not less than one-fourth of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served, whichever is less. The distance shall be measured in a straight line between the nearest points of the enclosure surrounding the interior exit stairways. In buildings with three or more interior exit stairways, not fewer than two of the interior exit stairways shall comply with this section. Interlocking or scissor stairways shall be counted as one interior exit stairway.

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    [BE] 403.5.2 Additional interior exit stairway. For buildings other than Group R-2 and their ancillary spaces that are more than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, one additional interior exit stairway meeting the requirements of Sections 1011 and 1023 shall be provided in addition to the minimum number of exits required by Section 1006.3. The total capacity of any combination of remaining interior exit stairways with one interior exit stairway removed shall be not less than the total capacity required by Section 1005.1. Scissor stairways shall not be considered the additional interior exit stairway required by this section.

    Exceptions:

    1. An additional interior exit stairway shall not be required to be installed in buildings having elevators used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008.
    2. An additional interior exit stairway shall not be required for other portions of the building where the highest occupiable floor level in those areas is less than 420 feet (128 m) in building height.

    [BE] 403.5.3 Stairway door operation. Stairway doors other than the exit discharge doors shall be permitted to be locked from the stairway side. Stairway doors that are locked from the stairway side shall be capable of being unlocked without unlatching where any of the following conditions occur:

    1. Individually or simultaneously upon a signal from the fire command center.
    2. Simultaneously upon activation of a fire alarm signal in an area served by the stairway.
    3. Upon failure of the power supply to the lock or the locking system.
  • CHBC § 1208.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    1208.2 Health Care (see Institutional I-1 and Institutional I-2) Ambulatory care facilities 422 Clinic, outpatient 304.1 Hospitals 308.3 Health-hazard Materials 307.2, Table 414.2.5.1, 415.2

    Heat Vents 910 Heating (see Mechanical) 101.4.2 Aircraft hangars 412.3.4 Fire pump rooms 913.3 Fireplace 2111 Masonry heaters 2112 Parking garages 406.2.9 Repair garages 406.2.9 Height, Building 503, 504, 505, 508, 510 Limitations 503 Mixed construction types 510 Modifications 504 Roof structures 504.3, 1511 Helical Pile 1810.3.1.5, Table 1810.3.2.6, 1810.3.5.3.5, 1810.4.11 Heliport Live loads 1607.6 Higher Education Laboratories 428 High-Piled Combustible Storage 413, 907.2.16, 910.2.2 High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates 1408 High-Rise Buildings 403 Alarms and detection 403.4.1, 403.4.2,

    907.2.14

    Application 403.1 Construction 403.2

    Elevators 403.6, 1009.2.1, 3007, 3008 Emergency power 403.4.8, 2702.2 Emergency systems 403.4 Fire command station 403.4.6 Fire department communication 403.4.4, 403.4.5 Fire service elevators 403.6.1, 3007 Occupant evacuation elevators 403.6.2, 3008 Smoke removal 403.4.7 Smokeproof enclosure 403.5.4, 1023.12 Sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM) 403.2.3

    Sprinkler protection 403.3, 903.2.11.3 Stairways 403.5, 1023, 1025 Standby power 403.4.8, 2702.2 Structural integrity 403.2.2, 1616 Super high-rise (over 420 feet) 403.2.1, 403.2.2, 403.2.3, 403.3.1, 403.5.2 Voice alarm 403.4.4, 907.2.14 Zones 907.6.3, 907.6.4 Historic Buildings 101.4.7 Flood provisions G106.3

    Horizontal Assembly 711 Continuity 509.4.1, 711.2.2, 711.2.3, 713.11, 713.12 Fire-resistance rating 603.1, 703, 704.3.2, 707.3.10, 711.2.4 Glazing, rated 716.3.4 Group I-1 420.3 Group R 420.3 Incidental 509.4

  • CHBC § 1.8 Medium relevance — show source text

    (6) Effective January 1, 2022, smoke alarms and smoke detectors installed between 6 feet (1.8 m) and 20 feet (6.1 m) along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixed cooking appliance shall be listed for resistance to common nuisance sources from cooking. (7) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36-inch (910 mm) horizontal path from a door to a bathroom containing a shower or tub unless listed for installation in close proximity to such locations. (8) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36-inch (910 mm) horizontal path from the supply registers of a forced air heating or cooling system and shall be installed outside of the direct airflow from those registers. (9) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36-inch (910 mm) horizontal path from the tip of the blade of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan unless the room configuration restricts meeting this requirement. (10) Where stairs lead to other occupied levels, a smoke alarm or smoke detector shall be located so that smoke rising in the stairway cannot be prevented from reaching the smoke alarm or smoke detector by an intervening door or obstruction. (11) For stairways leading up from a basement, smoke alarms or smoke detectors shall be located on the basement ceiling near the entry to the stairs. (12) For tray-shaped ceilings (coffered ceilings), smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be installed on the highest portion of the ceiling or on the sloped portion of the ceiling within 12 inches (300 mm) vertically down from the highest point. (13) Smoke alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirements of Section 17.7.3.2.4 of NFPA 72.

    (14) Heat alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirements of Section 17.6.3 of NFPA 72.

    *For additional requirements or clarification, see NFPA 72.

    907.2.12 Special amusement areas. Fire detection and alarm systems shall be provided in special amusement areas and throughout the exit access to the point of exit discharge in accordance with Section 914.7.

    907.2.13 High-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. High-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1, a fire department communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. Exceptions:

    1. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Section 907.2.22 of this code and Section 412 of the California Build- ing Code .
    2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code .
    3. Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1 of the California Building Code .
    4. Low-hazard special occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1 of the California Building Code .
    5. Buildings with an occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with Section 415 of the California Building Code .
  • CHBC § 8-409 Medium relevance — show source text

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    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.

    8 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS

  • CHBC § 403.3.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    [F] 403.3.4 Fire pump room. Fire pumps shall be located in rooms protected in accordance with Section 913.2.1.

    403.3.5 Fire pumps. See Section 913.6.

    [F] 403.4 Emergency systems. The detection, alarm and emergency systems of high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.8.

    [F] 403.4.1 Smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.

    [F] 403.4.2 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.

    [F] 403.4.3 Standpipe system. A high-rise building shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3.

    [F] 403.4.4 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    [F] 403.4.5 Emergency communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510 of the California Fire Code.

    [F] 403.4.6 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 911 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire code official.

    403.4.7 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with Section 909.

    [F] 403.4.8 Standby and emergency power. A standby power system complying with Section 2702 and Section 3003 shall be provided for the standby power loads specified in Section 403.4.8.3. An emergency power system complying with Section 2702 shall be provided for the emergency power loads specified in Section 403.4.8.4.

    [F] 403.4.8.1 Equipment room. If the standby or emergency power system includes a generator set inside a building, the system shall be located in a separate room enclosed with 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. System supervision with manual start and transfer features shall be provided at the fire command center.

    Exception: In Group I-2, Condition 2, manual start and transfer features for the critical branch of the emergency power are not required to be provided at the fire command center.

    [F] 403.4.8.2 Fuel line piping protection. Fuel lines supplying a generator set inside a building shall be separated from areas of the building other than the room the generator is located in by one of the following methods:

    1. A fire-resistant pipe-protection system that has been tested in accordance with UL 1489. The system shall be installed as tested and in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and shall have a rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the required rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
    2. An assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the required fire-resistance rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
  • CHBC § 5003.12 Medium relevance — show source text

    Outdoor control areas 5003.12 Performance-based design alternative 5001.3

    Permit 105.5.22, 105.6.13 Personnel training 407.4 Power systems 1203.2.10 Storage 5004 Use, dispensing and handling 5005 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement 407.5, 5001.5.2, Appendix H Hazardous Materials Management Plan 407.6, 5001.5.1, Appendix H Hazardous Production Material (HPM)

    202

    Permit 105.5.23 Hazards to Firefighters 316 Health Hazard 202, 5001.2.2.2, Table 5003.1.1(2), Table 5003.1.1(4)

    Heat Vents (see Smoke and Heat Vents) Heaters, Patio (see Portable Outdoor Gas- Fired Heating Appliances) Heaters, Portable Electric Space 4102.1 Heaters, Portable Unvented 4103.1 Heating Appliances 605.5 Heating Equipment, Temporary, During Construction 3303 Heliport 202, 2007 Permit for rooftop heliport 105.5.48 Helistop 202, 2007 Hi-Boy 202 Construction 303.7 Higher Education Laboratories Existing sprinklered laboratories 3806 General safety provisions 3803 Laboratory suite construction 3804 Nonsprinklered laboratories 3805

    Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials 202, Chapter 60 Compressed gases 6004 Indoor storage and use 6003.1 Outdoor storage and use 6003.2 Solids and liquids 6003 High-Piled Combustible Storage 202, Chapter 32 Aisles 3206.9 Automated storage 3209 Automatic sprinklers 3206.4, 3209.2 Classifications, commodities 3203 Fire protection 3206, Table 3206.2 Housekeeping 3205 Pallets 3206.4.1 Plastic pallets 3206.4.1.1 High-Piled Storage Area 202 Designations 3204 Permit 105.5.24 High-Rise Building 202 Automatic sprinkler system 903.2.11.3, 914.3.1 Automatic sprinkler system, floor control valves required 903.3.9 Automatic sprinkler system, secondary water supply required 914.3.2 Emergency voice/alarm communications system 907.2.13, 914.3.5 Fire alarm system 907.2.13, 914.3.3 Fire alarm system zoning 907.6.4.2 Fire command center 508.1, 914.3.7 Fire department communications system 907.2.13.2 Fire safety and evacuation plans 403.10.2 In-building, two-way emergency responder communication 914.3.6 Smokeproof exit stairway enclosures 1023.12 Standby power system 1203.2.11 Standpipe system 905.3.1 High-Voltage Transmission Line 202 Storage under 315.5, 316.6 Historic Buildings 102.

  • CHBC § 8-408 Medium relevance — show source text

    8-408 Roof Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 8-409 Fire Alarm Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8-410 Automatic Sprinkler Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8-411 Other Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8-412 High-rise Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

    CHAPTER 8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

    Section

    8-501 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 8-502 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

    8-503 Escape or Rescue Windows and Doors. . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8-504 Railings and Guardrails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

    CHAPTER 8-6 ACCESSIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    Section

    8-601 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    8-602 Basic Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    8-603 Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    8-604 Equivalent Facilitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

    CHAPTER 8-7 STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

    Section

    8-701 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8-702 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

    8-703 Structural Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8-704 Nonhistorical Additions and

    Nonhistorical Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Frequently asked questions

Do historic high‑rise buildings always need sprinklers?

Not always — whether sprinklers are required depends on the CHBC compliance path and occupancy. If the CHBC requires sprinklers (or they are used to reach compliance), § 8-410.2 prescribes which NFPA standard applies (13 / 13R / 13D) based on stories and the 75‑foot threshold .

Where do I find the exact detector spacing and duct‑detector locations?

The CHBC delegates those technical details to the regular codes for high‑rise buildings; see the regular code high‑rise alarm/detection sections (§ 403.4.1, § 403.4.2, and § 907.2.13) which are applicable under CHBC § 8-412 .

Can I propose a performance‑based alternative for alarms/detection?

Yes. The CHBC allows “other technologies” (engineered life‑safety solutions, smoke control, modeling, timed egress) to be accepted by the enforcing agency under § 8-411 — approval is discretionary and must be documented .

If my building is exactly 75 feet to the top occupied floor, does § 8-412 apply?

CHBC § 8-412 triggers when floors are located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of building access. If the top occupied floor is exactly 75 feet, CHBC’s high‑rise trigger (strict “more than 75 feet”) would not apply on that numeric basis; verify with the enforcing agency measurement method and applicable regular code thresholds as part of plan review .

What happens if sprinklers have been used multiple times to achieve compliance?

Per § 8-410.2 (Exception), if sprinkler systems are relied on in three or more separate occasions to reach compliance, the required NFPA sprinkler standard must be increased (e.g., 13D → 13R or 13R → 13) — plan accordingly .

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