CHBC · California Historical Building Code
When are existing fire escapes acceptable as a required means of egress?
If your historical building has an existing, previously approved fire escape, it can count as one required exit only if it reaches the ground, is in good working order and easily used, is properly signed, and the access opening provides at least 29 inches clear when open with a sill no higher than 30 inches — these are the CHBC conditions in § 8-502.5; the local enforcing agency has discretionary authority to accept reasonable alternatives.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Existing, previously approved fire escapes may be used as one of the required means of egress in a qualified historical building if they extend to the ground, are easily negotiated, are adequately signed, and are in good working order. The opening used to access the fire escape must provide a clear opening of at least 29 inches (737 mm) when open and the sill must be no more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the adjacent floor, landing or approved step. This is the rule set out in § 8-502.5 of the CHBC.
The single most important rule: an existing, previously approved fire escape that reaches the ground and can be used easily, safely and without special effort may count as one required exit — but access dimensions and condition requirements in § 8-502.5 must be met.
Requirements in detail
Use the subsections below to make the compliance decision. Where the CHBC sets a specific numeric threshold, that number is bolded and paired with the controlling section.
Core acceptance criteria (from § 8-502.5)
- The fire escape must be an existing previously approved fire escape or fire escape ladder. § 8-502.5 requires acceptance only for existing, previously approved devices.
- The fire escape must extend to the ground (i.e., provide direct egress to grade). § 8-502.5 requires this as a condition of acceptance.
- The escape must be easily negotiated, adequately signed, and in good working order. These are qualitative criteria found in § 8-502.5; the enforcing agency will evaluate them.
- Access opening minimums: the access opening must have a minimum clear width of 29 inches (737 mm) when open, and the sill cannot be more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the adjacent floor, landing or approved step. These numeric dimensions are specified in § 8-502.5.
Decision matrix (quick reference)
| Decision dimension | Acceptable value / condition | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Fire escape status | Existing, previously approved | § 8-502.5 |
| Termination to grade | Must extend to the ground | § 8-502.5 |
| Condition | Easily negotiated, adequately signed, in good working order (enforcing agency evaluation) | § 8-502.5 |
| Access opening width | Minimum 29 inches (737 mm) clear when open | § 8-502.5 |
| Sill height | Maximum 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent floor/landing/step | § 8-502.5 |
How the enforcing agency fits in
- The CHBC expressly vests discretion in the enforcing agency to accept exceptions where life safety is not adversely affected; this discretionary authority is expressed in § 8-502.1. Use of qualitative terms such as "easily negotiated" and "adequately signed" will be judged by that agency.
Exceptions & special cases
- New fire escapes (not “existing previously approved” devices) are governed by separate technical requirements and acceptance criteria in § 8-502.6; do not assume the § 8-502.5 allowance applies to new installations. For example, § 8-502.6 prescribes structural loads, handrails, tread/riser limits and other specifics for new fire escapes.
- The CHBC does not authorize replacing required interior stairways with fire escapes where the original codes required a stairway; § 8-502.6 (and other CHBC language) clarifies that fire escapes shall not substitute for stairways required by the codes under which the building was constructed. If this is a factor, consult § 8-502.6 and the enforcing agency.
- The CHBC sets minimums for escape windows and doors elsewhere (e.g., § 8-503) for escape openings in dwelling/sleeping rooms; do not confuse those escape-window requirements with the specific access opening dimensions called out in § 8-502.5.
If you need to rely on a fire escape that does not meet one of the numeric thresholds in § 8-502.5, the enforcing agency may accept a reasonably equivalent alternative, but that acceptance is discretionary and must not reduce life safety (see § 8-501.1 and § 8-502.1).
Common mistakes
- Assuming any exterior ladder or historical ladder qualifies. § 8-502.5 applies only to existing previously approved fire escapes and sets specific access and condition requirements; new ladders or unapproved devices require separate evaluation.
- Relying on a window that is too small or with a high sill. The CHBC requires a minimum 29 in clear opening when open and a sill ≤ 30 in above the floor for access in § 8-502.5. Measurements should be taken with the opening fully open.
- Ignoring “good working order” and signage. Structural adequacy and maintainability are conditions of acceptance — both the CHBC and the CFC emphasize maintenance and inspection of fire escapes. The enforcing agency can and will require inspections or repairs.
- Confusing CHBC allowances with prescriptive limits in other existing-building chapters (e.g., percentage of exit capacity permitted from fire escapes in some existing-building sections). The CHBC language in § 8-502.5 is the governing text for qualified historical buildings. If you must consider other existing-building sections, coordinate with the enforcing agency.
Worked example
Scenario: A 3-story qualified historical apartment building has one exterior, previously approved fire escape. The building owner asks whether that fire escape may count as one of two required exits from the second floor.
Step 1 — Is it "existing previously approved"? Yes (owner has historic approval paperwork). (See § 8-502.5.)
Step 2 — Does the fire escape extend to grade? Measurement: the lowest stair landing reaches a set of counterbalanced stairs that reach the sidewalk and provide direct exit to grade — yes. (If it did not reach grade, § 8-502.5 would not be satisfied.)
Step 3 — Access opening check: the access is a hinged window converted to an egress opening. When open the clear width measures 28 inches — this fails the 29‑inch minimum required by § 8-502.5. Even though the escape itself reaches the ground and is in good condition, the access opening width is short by 1 inch, so it does not meet § 8-502.5 as written.
Step 4 — Next steps: the owner can (a) modify the opening (widen to meet 29 inches) and lower the sill if needed; or (b) seek a reasonable alternative or variance from the enforcing agency (the agency may accept an alternative only if life-safety is not reduced — see § 8-502.1).
Related provisions
- § 8-502.1 — Enforcing agency discretion to grant reasonable exceptions; life-safety standard applies.
- § 8-502.6 — Requirements for new fire escapes and fire escape ladders (structural loads, handrails, pitch, treads/risers, termination, etc.). Use this section when evaluating new installations.
- § 8-503 — Escape or rescue windows and doors (minimum clear area and dimensions for emergency escape windows). Relevant when escape windows are proposed as an access method under other rules.
- § 8-504 — Railings and guardrails (historical heights/spacing allowed unless a distinct hazard exists). Useful when evaluating balcony/balustrade configurations on fire escapes.
- § 8-501.1 — Purpose of Chapter 8-5: accept reasonably equivalent alternatives for qualified historical buildings. Frames the CHBC approach.
If you want, I can:
- Draft a short checklist you can bring to your local enforcing agency inspector,
- Produce sketch notes showing how to measure the access opening and sill, or
- Help draft a concise variance request/justification to submit to the enforcing agency.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Historical Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CHBC § 8-5 High relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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.
8-502.5 Existing fire escapes. Existing previously approved fire escapes and fire escape ladders shall be acceptable as one of the required means of egress, provided they extend to the ground and are easily negotiated, adequately signed and in good working order. Access shall be by an opening having a minimum width of 29 inches (737 mm) when open with a sill no more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the adjacent floor, landing or approved step.
8-502.6 New fire escapes and fire escape ladders. New fire escapes and fire escape ladders which comply with this section shall be acceptable as one of the required means of egress. New fire escapes and new fire escape ladders shall comply with the following:
- Access from a corridor shall not be through an intervening room.
- All openings within 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be protected by three-fourths-hour fire assemblies. When located within a recess or vestibule, adjacent enclosure walls shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
- Egress from the building shall be by a clear opening having a minimum dimension of not less than 29 inches (737 mm). Such openings shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. The sill of an opening giving access shall not be more than 30 inches (737 mm) above the floor, step or landing of the building or balcony.
- Fire escape stairways and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.79 kN/m [2] ) and shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side. The pitch of the stairway shall not exceed 72 degrees with a minimum width of 18 inches (457 mm).
CHBC § 1114.9 High relevance — show source text
Note: In determining the adequacy of exits and their design, Chapter 10 of the California Building Code may be used as a guide. It is the intent of this section that every existing high-rise building need not mandatorily conform or be made to conform with the requirements for new high-rise buildings. Reasonable judgment in the application of requirements must be exercised by the enforcing agency.
1114.9 Fire escapes. An existing fire escape in good structural condition may be acceptable as one of the required means of egress from each floor. Access to such fire escapes may be by any one of the following:
Through a room between the corridor and the fire escape if the door to the room is operable from the corridor side without the use of any key, special knowledge or effort.
By a door operable to a fire escape from the interior without the use of any key, special knowledge or effort.
By a window operable from the interior. Such window shall have a minimum dimension of 29 inches (737 mm) when open.
The sill shall not be more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor and landing.
11-26 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
1114.10 Protection of exterior openings. When an existing fire escape is accepted as one of the require means of egress, openings onto the fire escape landing and openings within 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally of the landings shall be protected in a manner acceptable to the enforcing agency.
1114.11 Locking of stairway doors. When exit doors from corridors to exit stairways are locked to prohibit access from the stairway side, the locking mechanisms shall be retracted to the unlocked position upon failure of electrical power and a telephone or other two- way communication system connected to an approved emergency service that operates continuously shall be provided at not less than every fifth floor in each required stairway. In lieu thereof, master keys which will unlock all such doors from the stairway side shall be provided in such numbers and locations as approved by the enforcing agency.
1114.12 Enclosures. Interior vertical shafts, including but not limited to, elevators, stairway and utility, shall be enclosed with construc- tion as set forth in Section 1114.6.
1114.13 Opening protection. Doors in other than elevators, which shall be of a type acceptable to the enforcing agency, shall be approved one-hour, fire-rated, tight-fitting or gasketed doors or equivalent protection, and shall be of the normally closed type, self- closing or a type which will close automatically in accordance with Section 715 of the California Building Code.
Exception: In lieu of stairway enclosures, smoke barriers may be provided in such a manner that fire and smoke will not spread to other floors or otherwise impair exit facilities. In these instances, smoke barriers shall not be less than one-hour fire resistive with openings protected by not less than approved one-third-hour, fire-rated, tight-fitting or gasketed doors. Such doors shall be of the self-closing type or of a type which will close automatically in the manner specified in Section 715 of the California Building Code.
Doors crossing corridors shall be provided with wired-glass vision panels set in approved steel frames. Doors for elevators shall not be of the open-grille type.
CHBC § 314.7 High relevance — show source text
Note: It is the intent of this provisions that existing wood frames may have their use continued.
314.7 New construction. All new construction shall be composed of materials and assemblies of materials conforming to the fire-resistive provisions of these regulations. In no case shall enclosure walls be required to be of more than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
Exception: When approved by the enforcing agency, materials specified in Section 314.6 may be used for new construction when necessary to maintain continuity of design and measurement of existing construction.
314.8 Exits. Every floor from an existing high-rise building shall have access to two separate means of egress, one of which, when approved by the enforcing agency, may be an existing exterior fire escape. New installations of smoke-proof enclosures shall not be required.
Note: In determining the adequacy of exits and their design, Chapter 10 of the California Building Code may be used as a guide. It is the intent of this section that every existing high-rise building need not mandatorily conform or be made to conform with the requirements for new high-rise buildings. Reasonable judgment in the application of requirements must be exercised by the enforcing agency.
314.9 Fire escapes. An existing fire escape in good structural condition may be acceptable as one of the required means of egress from each floor. Access to such fire escapes may be by any one of the following: 1. Through a room between the corridor and the fire escape if the door to the room is operable from the corridor side without the use of any key, special knowledge or effort. 2. By a door operable to a fire escape from the interior without the use of any key, special knowledge or effort. 3. By a window operable from the interior. Such window shall have a minimum dimension of 29 inches (737 mm) when open. 4. The sill shall not be more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor and landing.
314.10 Protection of exterior openings. When an existing fire escape is accepted as one of the require means of egress, openings onto the fire escape landing and openings within 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally of the landings shall be protected in a manner acceptable to the enforcing agency.
314.11 Locking of stairway doors. When exit doors from corridors to exit stairways are locked to prohibit access from the stairway side, the locking mechanisms shall be retracted to the unlocked position upon failure of electrical power and a telephone or other two-way communication system connected to an approved emergency service that operates continuously shall be provided at not less than every fifth floor in each required stairway. In lieu thereof, master keys which will unlock all such doors from the stairway side shall be provided in such numbers and locations as approved by the enforcing agency.
314.12 Enclosures. Interior vertical shafts, including but not limited to, elevators, stairway and utility, shall be enclosed with construction as set forth in Section 314.6.
314.13 Opening protection. Doors in other than elevators, which shall be of a type acceptable to the enforcing agency, shall be approved one-hour, fire-rated, tight-fitting or gasketed doors or equivalent protection, and shall be of the normally closed type, self- closing or a type which will close automatically in accordance with Section 715 of the California Building Code.
CHBC § 44.5 High relevance — show source text
All such assemblies shall be in good repair, free of any condition which_ would diminish their original fire-resistive characteristics. Where 1 [3] / 4 -inch (44.5 mm) solid-bonded wood-core doors are specified in these regulations for existing high-rise buildings, new or existing 1 [3] / 8 -inch (34.9 mm) doors shall be acceptable where existing framing will not accommodate a 1 [3] / 4 -inch (44.5 mm) door.
Note: It is the intent of this provisions that existing wood frames may have their use continued.
1114.7 New construction. All new construction shall be composed of materials and assemblies of materials conforming to the fire-resis- tive provisions of these regulations. In no case shall enclosure walls be required to be of more than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
Exception: When approved by the enforcing agency, materials specified in Section 1114.6 may be used for new construction when necessary to maintain continuity of design and measurement of existing construction.
1114.8 Exits. Every floor from an existing high-rise building shall have access to two separate means of egress, one of which, when approved by the enforcing agency, may be an existing exterior fire escape. New installations of smoke-proof enclosures shall not be required.
Note: In determining the adequacy of exits and their design, Chapter 10 of the California Building Code may be used as a guide. It is the intent of this section that every existing high-rise building need not mandatorily conform or be made to conform with the requirements for new high-rise buildings. Reasonable judgment in the application of requirements must be exercised by the enforcing agency.
1114.9 Fire escapes. An existing fire escape in good structural condition may be acceptable as one of the required means of egress from each floor. Access to such fire escapes may be by any one of the following:
Through a room between the corridor and the fire escape if the door to the room is operable from the corridor side without the use of any key, special knowledge or effort.
By a door operable to a fire escape from the interior without the use of any key, special knowledge or effort.
By a window operable from the interior. Such window shall have a minimum dimension of 29 inches (737 mm) when open.
The sill shall not be more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor and landing.
11-26 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
1114.10 Protection of exterior openings. When an existing fire escape is accepted as one of the require means of egress, openings onto the fire escape landing and openings within 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally of the landings shall be protected in a manner acceptable to the enforcing agency.
CHBC § 804.5.1.2.2 High relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2
Newly constructed fire escapes shall be permitted only where exterior stairways cannot be utilized because of lot lines.
Openings within 10 feet (3048 mm) of fire escape stairways shall be protected by fire assemblies having minimum [3] / 4 hour fire-resistance ratings. Exception: Opening protection shall not be required in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
In all buildings of Group E occupancy, up to and including the 12th grade, buildings of Group I occupancy, rooming houses and childcare centers, ladders of any type are prohibited on fire escapes used as a required means of egress.
804.5.1.2.2 Construction. The fire escape shall be designed to support a live load of 100 pounds per square foot (4788 Pa) and shall be constructed of steel or other approved noncombustible materials. Fire escapes constructed of wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) thick are permitted on buildings of Type V construction. Walkways and railings located over or supported by combustible roofs in buildings of Types III and IV construction are permitted to be of wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) thick.
804.5.1.2.3 Dimensions. Stairways shall be not less than 22 inches (559 mm) wide with risers not more than, and treads not less than, 8 inches (203 mm). Landings at the foot of stairways shall be not less than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide by 36 inches (914 mm) long and located not more than 8 inches (203 mm) below the door.
804.5.2 Mezzanines. Mezzanines in the work area and with an occupant load of more than 50 or in which the travel distance to an exit exceeds 75 feet (22 860 mm) shall have access to not fewer than two independent means of egress.
Exception: Two independent means of egress are not required where the travel distance to an exit does not exceed 100 feet (30 480 mm) and the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.
804.5.3 Main entrance—Group A. Buildings of Group A with an occupant load of 300 or more shall be provided with a main entrance capable of serving as the main exit with an egress capacity of not less than one-half of the total occupant load. The remaining exits shall be capable of providing one-half of the total required exit capacity.
Exception: Where a main exit is not well defined or where multiple main exits are provided, exits shall be permitted to be distributed around the perimeter of the building provided that the total width of egress is not less than 100 percent of the required width.
804.6 Egress doorways. Egress doorways in any work area shall comply with Sections 804.6.1 through 804.6.5.
804.6.1 Two egress doorways required. Work areas shall be provided with two egress doorways in accordance with the requirements of Sections 804.6.1.1 and 804.6.1.2.
804.6.1.1 Occupant load and travel distance. In any work area, all rooms and spaces having an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance to an exit exceeds 75 feet (22 860 mm) shall have not fewer than two egress doorways.
CHBC § 504.1 High relevance — show source text
[BE] 504.1 Where permitted. Fire escapes shall be permitted only as provided for in Sections 504.1.1 through 504.1.4.
[BE] 504.1.1 New buildings. Fire escapes shall not constitute any part of the required means of egress in new buildings.
[BE] 504.1.2 Existing fire escapes. Existing fire escapes shall continue to be accepted as a component in the means of egress in existing buildings only.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 5-7
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
[BE] 504.1.3 New fire escapes. New fire escapes for existing buildings shall be permitted only where exterior stairways cannot be utilized because of lot lines limiting stairway size or because of sidewalks, alleys or roads at grade level. New fire escapes shall not incorporate ladders or access by windows.
[BE] 504.1.4 Limitations. Fire escapes shall comply with this section and shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the required number of exits nor more than 50 percent of the required exit capacity.
[BE] 504.2 Location. Where located on the front of the building and where projecting beyond the building line, the lowest landing shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) or more than 12 feet (3658 mm) above grade, and shall be equipped with a counterbalanced stairway to the street. In alleyways and thoroughfares less than 30 feet (9144 mm) wide, the clearance under the lowest landing shall be not less than 12 feet (3658 mm).
[BE] 504.3 Construction. The fire escape shall be designed to support a live load of 100 pounds per square foot (4788 Pa) and shall be constructed of steel or other approved noncombustible materials. Fire escapes constructed of wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) thick are permitted on buildings of Type V construction. Walkways and railings located over or supported by combustible roofs in buildings of Type III and IV construction are permitted to be of wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) thick.
[BE] 504.4 Dimensions. Stairways shall be not less than 22 inches (559 mm) wide with risers not more than, and treads not less than, 8 inches (203 mm) and landings at the foot of stairways not less than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide by 36 inches (914 mm) long, located not more than 8 inches (203 mm) below the door.
[BE] 504.5 Opening protectives. Doors and windows within 10 feet (3048 mm) of fire escape stairways shall be protected with [3] / 4 hour opening protectives.
Exception: Opening protection shall not be required in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
SECTION 505—WINDOWS AND EMERGENCY ESCAPE OPENINGS
505.1 Replacement windows. The installation or replacement of windows shall be as required for new installations.
**505.2 Window fall prevention on replacement windows.
CHBC § 903.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text
Group B, F and S occupancies in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the_California Fire Code_ or on the
roof of such buildings shall have a maximum exit access travel distance of 100 feet.|�
804.5.1.2 Fire escapes required. Where more than one exit is required, an existing fire escape complying with Section 804.5.1.2.1 shall be accepted as providing one of the required means of egress.
804.5.1.2.1 Fire escape access and details. Fire escapes shall comply with all of the following requirements:
- Occupants shall have unobstructed access to the fire escape without having to pass through a room subject to locking.
- Access to a fire escape shall be through a door, except that windows shall be permitted to provide access from single dwelling units or sleeping units in Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies or to provide access from spaces having a maximum occupant load of 10 in other occupancy classifications. 2.1. The window shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.53 m [2] ) or 5 square feet (0.46 m [2] ) where located at grade. 2.2. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610 mm) and net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm). 2.3. The bottom of the clear opening shall not be greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. 2.4. The operation of the window shall comply with the operational constraints of the California Building Code .
8-6 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2
Newly constructed fire escapes shall be permitted only where exterior stairways cannot be utilized because of lot lines.
Openings within 10 feet (3048 mm) of fire escape stairways shall be protected by fire assemblies having minimum [3] / 4 hour fire-resistance ratings. Exception: Opening protection shall not be required in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
In all buildings of Group E occupancy, up to and including the 12th grade, buildings of Group I occupancy, rooming houses and childcare centers, ladders of any type are prohibited on fire escapes used as a required means of egress.
804.5.1.2.2 Construction. The fire escape shall be designed to support a live load of 100 pounds per square foot (4788 Pa) and shall be constructed of steel or other approved noncombustible materials. Fire escapes constructed of wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) thick are permitted on buildings of Type V construction. Walkways and railings located over or supported by combustible roofs in buildings of Types III and IV construction are permitted to be of wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) thick.
804.5.1.2.3 Dimensions. Stairways shall be not less than 22 inches (559 mm) wide with risers not more than, and treads not less than, 8 inches (203 mm). Landings at the foot of stairways shall be not less than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide by 36 inches (914 mm) long and located not more than 8 inches (203 mm) below the door.
CHBC § 503.17 High relevance — show source text
503.17 Ambulatory care facilities. Where a work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area and the work area includes an existing ambulatory care facility, the following shall be provided:
- A smoke compartment in accordance with Section 422.3 of the California Building Code where the alteration results in an ambulatory care facility greater than 10,000 square feet on one story.
- Separation from adjacent spaces in accordance with Section 422.2 of the California Building Code, where any such facility has the potential for four or more care recipients are to be incapable of self-preservation at any time.
503.18 Enhanced classroom acoustics. In Group E occupancies, where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area, enhanced classroom acoustics shall be provided in all classrooms with a volume of 20,000 cubic feet (565 m [3] ) or less. Enhanced classroom acoustics shall comply with the reverberation time in Section 808 of ICC A117.1.
503.19 Locking arrangements in educational occupancies. In Group E occupancies, Group B educational occupancies and Group I4 occupancies, egress doors with locking arrangements designed to keep intruders from entering the room shall comply with Section 1010.2.8 of the California Building Code .
503.20 Two-way communications systems. Where the work area for alterations exceeds 50 percent of the building area and the building has elevator service, a two-way communication systems shall be provided where required by Section 1009.8 of the Califor- nia Building Code .
SECTION 504—FIRE ESCAPES (NOT ADOPTED BY HCD)
[BE] 504.1 Where permitted. Fire escapes shall be permitted only as provided for in Sections 504.1.1 through 504.1.4.
[BE] 504.1.1 New buildings. Fire escapes shall not constitute any part of the required means of egress in new buildings.
[BE] 504.1.2 Existing fire escapes. Existing fire escapes shall continue to be accepted as a component in the means of egress in existing buildings only.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 5-7
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
[BE] 504.1.3 New fire escapes. New fire escapes for existing buildings shall be permitted only where exterior stairways cannot be utilized because of lot lines limiting stairway size or because of sidewalks, alleys or roads at grade level. New fire escapes shall not incorporate ladders or access by windows.
[BE] 504.1.4 Limitations. Fire escapes shall comply with this section and shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the required number of exits nor more than 50 percent of the required exit capacity.
[BE] 504.2 Location. Where located on the front of the building and where projecting beyond the building line, the lowest landing shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) or more than 12 feet (3658 mm) above grade, and shall be equipped with a counterbalanced stairway to the street. In alleyways and thoroughfares less than 30 feet (9144 mm) wide, the clearance under the lowest landing shall be not less than 12 feet (3658 mm).
CHBC § 8-502.6 High relevance — show source text
8-502.6 New fire escapes and fire escape ladders. New fire escapes and fire escape ladders which comply with this section shall be acceptable as one of the required means of egress. New fire escapes and new fire escape ladders shall comply with the following:
- Access from a corridor shall not be through an intervening room.
- All openings within 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be protected by three-fourths-hour fire assemblies. When located within a recess or vestibule, adjacent enclosure walls shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
- Egress from the building shall be by a clear opening having a minimum dimension of not less than 29 inches (737 mm). Such openings shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. The sill of an opening giving access shall not be more than 30 inches (737 mm) above the floor, step or landing of the building or balcony.
- Fire escape stairways and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.79 kN/m [2] ) and shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side. The pitch of the stairway shall not exceed 72 degrees with a minimum width of 18 inches (457 mm). Treads shall not be less than 4 inches (102 mm) in width, and the rise between treads shall not exceed 10 inches (254 mm). All stair and balcony railings shall support a horizontal force of not less than 50 pounds per lineal foot (729.5 N/m [2] ) of railing.
- Balconies shall not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width with no floor opening other than the stairway opening greater than [5] / 8 inch (15.9 mm) in width. Stairway openings in such balconies shall not be less than 22 inches by 44 inches (559 by 1118 mm). The balustrade of each balcony shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) high with not more than 9 inches (287 mm) between balusters.
- Fire escapes shall extend to the roof or provide an approved gooseneck ladder between the top floor landing and the roof when serving buildings four or more stories in height having roofs with less than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3 percent slope). Fire escape ladders shall be designed and connected to the building to withstand a horizontal force of 100 pounds (445 N) placed anywhere on the rung. All ladders shall be at least 15 inches (381 mm) wide, located within 12 inches (305 mm) of the building. Ladder rungs shall be [3] / 4 inch (19.1 mm) in diameter and shall be located 12 inches (305 mm) on center. Openings for roof access ladders through cornices and similar projections shall have minimum dimensions of 30 inches by 33 inches (762 by 838 mm). The length of fire escapes and exit ladder devices shall be limited to that approved by the building official based on products listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
- The lowest balcony shall not be more than 18 feet (5486 mm) from the ground. Fire escapes shall extend to the ground or be provided with counterbalanced stairs reaching to the ground.
- Fire escapes shall not take the place of stairways required by the codes under which the building was constructed.
CHBC § 1104.13.1 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Aisle stairs provided with a center handrail are not required to have additional handrails.
1104.13.1 Height. Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosings, shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 42 inches (1067 mm).
1104.14 Slope of ramps. Ramp runs utilized as part of a means of egress shall have a running slope not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope). The slope of other ramps shall not be steeper than 1 unit vertical in 8 units horizontal (12.5percent slope).
1104.15 Width of ramps. Existing ramps are permitted to have a minimum width of 30 inches (762 mm) but not less than the width required for the number of occupants served as determined by Section 1005.1. In Group I-2, ramps serving as a means of egress and used for the movement of patients in beds shall comply with Section 1105.6.4.
[BE] 1104.16 Fire escape stairways. Fire escape stairways shall comply with Sections 1104.16.1 through 1104.16.6.
[BE] 1104.16.1 Existing means of egress. Fire escape stairways shall be permitted in existing buildings but shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the required exit capacity.
[BE] 1104.16.2 Opening protectives. Doors and windows within 10 feet (3048 mm) of fire escape stairways shall be protected with [3] / 4 -hour opening protectives.
Exception: Opening protectives shall not be required in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
[BE] 1104.16.3 Dimensions. Fire escape stairways shall meet the minimum width, capacity, riser height and tread depth as specified in Section 1104.10.
[BE] 1104.16.4 Access. Access to a fire escape stairway from a corridor shall not be through an intervening room. Access to a fire escape stairway shall be from a door or window meeting the criteria of Section 1005.1. Access to a fire escape stairway shall be directly to a balcony, landing or platform. These shall not be higher than the floor or windowsill level and not lower than 8 inches (203 mm) below the floor level or 18 inches (457 mm) below the windowsill.
[BE] 1104.16.5 Materials and strength. Components of fire escape stairways shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Fire escape stairways and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.78 kN/m [2] ). Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side.
[BE] 1104.16.6 Termination. The lowest balcony shall not be more than 18 feet (5486 mm) from the ground. Fire escape stairways shall extend to the ground or be provided with counterbalanced stairs reaching the ground.
Exception: For fire escape stairways serving 10 or fewer occupants, an approved fire escape ladder is allowed to serve as the termination.
CHBC § 8-410.3 High relevance — show source text
Buildings with floors above 75 feet, NFPA 13.
When the building is free standing or with property line separation, two floors and 1500 square feet per floor or less, NFPA 13D.
For exterior wall and opening protection. As required by this chapter.
Exception: When the automatic sprinkler systems are used to reach compliance using this code, in three or more occasions, NFPA 13D standard shall be increased to NFPA 13R standard, or NFPA 13R standard shall be increased to a NFPA 13 standard.
8-410.3 Automatic sprinkler systems shall not be used to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits from any facility. (See Chapter 8-5 for exiting requirements.)
8-410.4 An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all detention facilities.
SECTION 8-411 — OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
Fire alarm systems, smoke and heat detection systems, occupant notification and annunciation systems, smoke control systems and fire modeling, timed egress analysis and modeling, as well as other engineering methods and technologies may be accepted by the enforcing agency to address areas of nonconformance.
SECTION 8-412 — HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
Qualified historical buildings having floors for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access shall conform to the provisions of the regular code for existing high-rise buildings as amended by the CHBC.
8 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 1032.2 High relevance — show source text
Exceptions: (1) Furniture or equipment constructed of wood or other material of similar combustibility may be permitted in an exit or exposed to an exit when approved by the enforcing agency. (2) When approved by the enforcing agency, combustible materials may be permitted in exit foyers and lobbies.
(c) No person shall install, place or permit the installation or placement of any storage material of any kind in any exit regardless of the required width of such exit.
Exception: Personal material located in metal lockers in Group B and E occupancies as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2.
(d) Aisles shall not be occupied by any person for whom seating is not available.
1032.2 Reliability. Required exit accesses, exits and exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency where the building area served by the means of egress is occupied. An exit or exit passageway shall not be used for any purpose that interferes with a means of egress.
1032.2.1 Security devices and egress locks. Security devices affecting means of egress shall be subject to approval of the fire code official. Security devices and locking arrangements in the means of egress that restrict, control, or delay egress shall be installed and maintained as required by this chapter.
1032.2.2 Fire escapes. Security enclosures, fences or screening for fire escape stairways shall be approved by the fire code official and shall be constructed such that they do not impede egress to the public way. Means shall be provided for emergency personnel to access the fire escape stair from the exterior of the enclosure.
1032.2.2.1 Maintenance. Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times and shall be maintained in good working order.
1032.2.2.2 Examination. Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be examined for structural adequacy and safety by a registered design professional or other person acceptable to the fire code official every 5 years. The examination shall determine whether the fire escape stairways and balconies can support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.78 kN/m [2] ). An inspection report shall be submitted to the fire code official after such examination.
1032.2.3 Locking arrangements in educational occupancies. In Group E occupancies, Group B educational occupancies and Group I-4 occupancies, egress doors with locking arrangements designed to keep intruders from entering the room shall comply with Section 1010.2.8.
1032.3 Obstructions. A means of egress shall be free from obstructions that would prevent its use, including the accumulation of snow and ice.
1032.3.1 Group I-2. In Group I-2, the required clear width for aisles, corridors and ramps that are part of the required means of egress shall comply with Section 407.4.3 of the California Building Code and Section 1020.3. The facility shall have a plan to maintain the required clear width during emergency situations.
Frequently asked questions
Can any old exterior ladder count as a required means of egress?
No. The CHBC permits only existing previously approved fire escapes or fire escape ladders and then only if they meet the conditions in § 8-502.5 (extend to ground, easily negotiated, signed, in good working order, and access dimensions).
My fire escape reaches the ground but the access opening is 28 inches. Is there flexibility?
The numeric minimum in § 8-502.5 is 29 inches. You may either modify the opening to meet that dimension or apply to the enforcing agency for a reasonable alternative/variance; acceptance is discretionary and must maintain life safety.
Does the CHBC limit how much of my required exit capacity may be provided by fire escapes?
The CHBC text in § 8-502.5 permits existing fire escapes as a required means of egress under the listed conditions; other prescriptive percentage limits that appear in some existing‑building sections are not stated in § 8-502.5. If other limits apply to your project, the enforcing agency will advise you.
Are inspections or maintenance required for accepted fire escapes?
Yes — acceptance presumes the escape is in good working order. The Fire Code and related existing-building provisions also require maintenance and periodic structural examination; the enforcing agency can require inspection or repairs.
If I build a new fire escape, can I follow § 8-502.5?
No. New fire escapes must comply with the technical requirements in § 8-502.6 (structural, dimensional, handrail, tread/riser, termination, etc.).
More in California Historical Building Code
Ask about the CHBC
Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Historical Building Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.
Start Free Trial