CHBC · California Historical Building Code

When can existing or archaic electrical systems remain or be extended?

Under the California Historical Building Code, old or archaic electrical systems can be kept or even extended in a qualified historic building only if the enforcing agency judges them safe; documentation, testing, and modern mitigations (like GFCIs or grounding alternatives) are commonly required to demonstrate safety.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

The CHBC allows existing electrical systems and archaic methods to remain in a qualified historical building and—if the local official agrees—may be extended, provided they do not constitute a safety hazard and are judged to be a safe installation by the enforcing agency. See § 8-904.1.2 and § 8-904.1.4 for the controlling rules.

The single most important rule: existing or old-style electrical work can stay (and sometimes be continued) only if the enforcing agency determines it is safe.


Requirements in detail

Key defined terms (first mention)

  • Existing systems — wiring, equipment or methods already in a qualified historical building. § 8-904.1.2.
  • Archaic methods — historical wiring or installation practices not found in current codes (for example, early knob‑and‑tube, cloth‑insulated conductors, open wiring methods). § 8-904.1.4.
  • Enforcing agency — the state or local authority that administers the CHBC and judges safety. See CHBC general provisions (application/administration). § 8-904.1 and related administrative sections.
  • Safety hazard — any condition judged by the enforcing agency to create an unacceptable life‑safety, fire or health risk (see CHBC intent and safety hazard language). § 8-901.4.

When remaining or extending is allowed

  • If the existing wiring, wiring methods or electrical equipment do not constitute a safety hazard, they may remain in use. § 8-904.1.2.
  • Archaic methods that are not in present codes may remain and may be extended if, in the enforcing agency’s opinion, they constitute a safe installation. § 8-904.1.4.

Decision factors the enforcing agency will consider

Use the table below when deciding whether to allow retention or extension.

Decision factor When retention/extension is allowed Typical evidence or condition the agency will want Code Reference
Is the installation a safety hazard? If no, it may remain/extend Inspection report, testing, absence of overheating, no exposed energized parts § 8-904.1.2; § 8-901.4
Is the method archaic but judged safe? May remain and may be extended (case‑by‑case) Demonstrated safe condition, proper insulation, secure terminations § 8-904.1.4
Branch circuits without equipment grounding conductor May remain; extension without new grounding allowed only under specific grounding or GFCI conditions (see wiring methods) Practicability analysis; grounding alternatives or GFCI protection evidence § 8-904.2.1, § 8-904.2.4
Receptacle/fixture replacement or extension Replacement must meet GFCI rules where required; some non‑grounding replacements allowed when impracticable GFCI installation, insulating fixtures, documented impracticability § 8-904.2.2, § 8-904.2.3, § 8-904.2.6
Extending an archaic method into new space Allowed only if the enforcing agency finds the extended installation safe Plans showing how extension preserves safety and historical integrity § 8-904.1.4

(Whenever you rely on a retained or extended archaic method, the enforcing agency may require documentation, testing, or mitigation to demonstrate safety. See CHBC intent and administration sections.)


Exceptions & special cases

  • The CHBC explicitly preserves the enforcing agency’s discretion: even if a method is historic, it can be kept or extended only if the agency judges it safe. § 8-904.1.4.
  • Where branch circuits do not include an equipment grounding conductor and it is impracticable to add one, nongrounding receptacles may remain. Evidence of impracticability and the agency’s opinion are required. § 8-904.2.1.
  • Receptacle and fixture replacements: the CHBC still requires modern safety measures where replacements are made in locations that the regular code would require (for example, GFCI protection when required by the regular code at the time of replacement). § 8-904.2.2 and § 8-904.2.3.
  • Lighting fixtures that are non‑grounding and replaced or extended must be either grounded to the grounding electrode system or be of insulating construction without exposed conductive parts, with a stated exception for certain nonconductive mounting locations. § 8-904.2.6.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming historic wiring can be extended automatically. The CHBC requires the enforcing agency to find the extension a safe installation before allowing it. § 8-904.1.4.
  • Treating “may remain” as permission to leave unsafe equipment energized. If something is a safety hazard, it must be abated or permanently rendered inoperative. § 8-901.4.
  • Forgetting that some modern protections still apply on replacement: GFCIs and grounding considerations must be addressed when replacing or extending outlets or fixtures as described in § 8-904.2.
  • Failing to document practicability or inspection results. The enforcing agency will expect inspection reports, test results, or justification to support a decision to allow nonstandard methods. (CHBC practice and administrative sections.)

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A historic house with existing two‑wire cloth‑insulated branch circuits supplies a restored parlor and a new small bathroom added as part of the restoration. The homeowner wants to extend one of the existing two‑wire circuits to feed a new vanity outlet.

Step 1 — Safety check: An electrician inspects the existing cloth wiring and finds no overheating, secure terminations, and acceptable insulation condition. Inspector and enforcing agency review the report. (If the enforcing agency agrees it is not a safety hazard, leaving it in service is permitted.) § 8-904.1.2.

Step 2 — Archaic‑method extension: Because cloth‑insulated two‑wire is an archaic method, the CHBC allows extension only if the enforcing agency determines the completed installation (existing + extension) constitutes a safe installation. § 8-904.1.4.

Step 3 — Grounding/GFCI requirement: The bathroom vanity outlet would normally require a grounding conductor or GFCI protection under modern code. Under § 8-904.2.1–.4, if it is impracticable to add a grounding conductor, the outlet may remain nongrounding or be protected with GFCI or an acceptable grounding connection for the new extension. Document the impracticability and the chosen mitigation; get enforcing agency signoff.

Numeric example: the electrician documents that adding a new grounded feeder would require invasive removal of historic finishes across 18 linear feet of finished millwork and compromise character‑defining features. The enforcing agency accepts this impracticability and allows the extension with a GFCI‑protected, non‑grounding receptacle and sealed junctions — permitted under the CHBC when judged safe. § 8-904.2.3 and § 8-904.1.4.


Related provisions

  • § 8-904.1 — General electrical rule: CHBC applies unless otherwise permitted or approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
  • § 8-904.2 — Wiring methods (grounding, receptacle, lighting fixture rules and reliefs).
  • § 8-901.4 — Definition and treatment of safety hazard (abatement or rendering inoperative).
  • § 8-901.1 – 8-901.3 — Purpose, intent and scope for mechanical/plumbing/electrical work on historical buildings (context for allowed exceptions).
  • CHBC administration and enforcement sections (e.g., § 8-103, § 8-104) describing the enforcing agency and appeals (useful when an agency judgment is contested).

Code references

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

  • CHBC § 8-903.9 High relevance — show source text

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

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    MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

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

    SECTION 8-904 ELECTRICAL

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

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

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

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

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

    8-904.2 Wiring methods.

    8-904.2.1 Where existing branch circuits do not include an equipment grounding conductor and, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, it is impracticable to connect an equipment grounding conductor to the grounding electrode system, receptacle convenience outlets may remain the nongrounding type.

    8-904.2.2 Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacles shall be installed where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected by the regular code in effect at the time of replacement. Metallic face plates shall either be grounded to the grounded metal outlet box or be grounded to the grounding-type device when used with devices supplied by branch circuits without equipment grounding conductors.

    8-904.2.3 Grounding-type receptacles shall not be used without a grounding means in an existing receptacle outlet unless GFCI protected. Existing nongrounding receptacles shall be permitted to be replaced with nongrounding or grounding-type receptacles where supplied through a ground fault circuit interrupter.

    8-904.2.4 Extensions of existing branch circuits without equipment-grounding conductors shall be permitted to supply grounding-type devices only when the equipment grounding conductor of the new extension is grounded to any accessible point on the grounding electrode system.

    8-904.2.5 Receptacle outlet spacing and other related distance requirements shall be waived or modified if determined to be impracticable by the enforcing agency.

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

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

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

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

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

    8-903.7 Joints and connections.

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

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

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

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

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    MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

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

    SECTION 8-904 ELECTRICAL

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

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

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

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

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

    8-904.2 Wiring methods.

  • CHBC § 8-904.1.3 High relevance — show source text

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

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

    8-904.2 Wiring methods.

    8-904.2.1 Where existing branch circuits do not include an equipment grounding conductor and, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, it is impracticable to connect an equipment grounding conductor to the grounding electrode system, receptacle convenience outlets may remain the nongrounding type.

    8-904.2.2 Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacles shall be installed where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected by the regular code in effect at the time of replacement. Metallic face plates shall either be grounded to the grounded metal outlet box or be grounded to the grounding-type device when used with devices supplied by branch circuits without equipment grounding conductors.

    8-904.2.3 Grounding-type receptacles shall not be used without a grounding means in an existing receptacle outlet unless GFCI protected. Existing nongrounding receptacles shall be permitted to be replaced with nongrounding or grounding-type receptacles where supplied through a ground fault circuit interrupter.

    8-904.2.4 Extensions of existing branch circuits without equipment-grounding conductors shall be permitted to supply grounding-type devices only when the equipment grounding conductor of the new extension is grounded to any accessible point on the grounding electrode system.

    8-904.2.5 Receptacle outlet spacing and other related distance requirements shall be waived or modified if determined to be impracticable by the enforcing agency.

    8-904.2.6 For the replacement of lighting fixtures on an existing nongrounding lighting outlet, or when extending an existing nongrounding lighting outlet, the following shall apply:

    1. The exposed conductive parts of lighting fixtures shall be connected to any acceptable point on the grounding electrode system, or
    2. The lighting fixtures shall be made of insulating material and shall have no exposed conductive parts. Exception: Lighting fixtures mounted on electrically nonconductive ceilings or walls where located not less than either 8 feet (2438 mm) vertically or 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from grounded surfaces.

    8-904.2.7 Lighting load calculations for services and feeders may be based on actual loads as installed in lieu of the “watts per square foot” method.

    8-904.2.8 Determination of existing loads may be based on maximum demand recordings in lieu of calculations, provided all of the following are met:

    1. Recordings are provided by the serving agency.
    2. The maximum demand data is available for a one-year period. Exception: If maximum demand data for a one-year period is not available, the maximum demand data shall be permitted to be based on the actual amperes continuously recorded over a minimum 30-day period by a recording ammeter connected to the highest loaded phase of the feeder or service. The recording should reflect the maximum demand when the building or space is occupied and include the measured or calculated load at the peak time of the year, including the larger of the heating or cooling equipment load.
    3. There has been no change in occupancy or character of load during the previous 12 months.
    4. The anticipated load will not change, or the existing demand load at 125 percent plus the new load does not exceed the ampacity of the feeder or rating of the service.
  • CHBC § 8-706.3 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    8-8 ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

    SECTION 8-801 PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

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

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

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

    SECTION 8-802 GENERAL ENGINEERING APPROACHES

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

    SECTION 8-803 NONSTRUCTURAL ARCHAIC MATERIALS

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

    SECTION 8-801 PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

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

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

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

    SECTION 8-802 GENERAL ENGINEERING APPROACHES

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

    SECTION 8-803 NONSTRUCTURAL ARCHAIC MATERIALS

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

    SECTION 8-804 ALLOWABLE CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC MATERIALS

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

    SECTION 8-805 MASONRY

    For adobe, see Section 8-806.

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

  • CHBC § 8-9 Medium relevance — show source text

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

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    8-9 MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

    SECTION 8-901 PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

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

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

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

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

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

    SECTION 8-902 MECHANICAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

    This shall include historical buildings or properties on, or determined eligible for, national, state or local historical registers or inventories, such as the National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources, State Historical Landmarks, State Points of Historical Interest, and city or county registers, inventories or surveys of historical or architecturally significant sites, places or landmarks.

    RECONSTRUCTION. The act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features and detailing of a nonsurviving site, landscape, building, property or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time.

    REGULAR CODE. The adopted regulations that govern the design and construction or alteration of nonhistorical buildings and properties within the jurisdiction of the enforcing agency.

    REHABILITATION. The act or process of making possible a compatible use for qualified historical building or property through repair, alterations and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its qualified historical, cultural or architectural values.

    RELOCATION. The act or process of moving any qualified historical building or property or a portion of a qualified historical building or property to a new site, or a different location on the same site.

    REPAIR. Renewal, reconstruction or renovation of any portion of an existing property, site or building for the purpose of its continued use.

    RESTORATION. The act or process of accurately depicting the form, features and character of a qualified building or property as it appeared at a particular period of time by the means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a restoration project.

    STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed, an edifice or a building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.

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

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    8-3 USE AND OCCUPANCY

    SECTION 8-301 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

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

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

    SECTION 8-302 GENERAL

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

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

  • CHBC § 8-901.5 Medium relevance — show source text

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

    SECTION 8-902 MECHANICAL

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

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

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

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

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

    8-902.3 Fuel oil piping and tanks. Fuel oil piping and tanks shall comply with regular code requirements except that the enforcing agency may waive such requirements where the lack of compliance does not create a safety or environmental hazard.

    8-902.4 Heat-producing and cooling equipment. Heat-producing and cooling equipment shall comply with the regular code requirements governing equipment safety, except that the enforcing agency may accept alternatives which do not create a safety hazard.

    8-902.5 Combustion air.

    8-902.5.1 All fuel-burning appliances and equipment shall be provided a sufficient supply of air for proper fuel combustion, ventilation and draft hood dilution.

    8-902.5.2 The enforcing agency may require operational tests for combustion air systems which do not comply with applicable requirements of the regular code.

    8-902.6 Venting of appliances.

    8-902.6.1 Every appliance required to be vented shall be connected to an approved venting system. Venting systems shall develop a positive flow adequate to convey all combustion products to the outside atmosphere.

    8-902.6.2 Masonry chimneys in structurally sound condition may remain in use for all fuel-burning appliances, provided the flue is evaluated and documentation provided that the masonry and grout are in good condition. Terra cotta chimneys and Type C metallic vents installed in concealed spaces shall not remain in use unless otherwise mitigated and approved on a case-by-case basis.

    8-902.6.3 The enforcing agency may require operational tests for venting systems which do not comply with applicable requirements of the regular code.

    8-902.7 Ducts.

    8-902.7.1 New ducts shall be constructed and installed in accordance with applicable requirements of the regular code.

    8-902.7.2 Existing duct systems which do not comply with applicable requirements of the regular code and do not, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, constitute a safety or health hazard may remain in use.

    8-902.8 Ventilating systems.

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  • CHBC § 8-102.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
    1. State agencies. All state agencies shall apply the provisions of the CHBC in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, safety, relocation, reconstruction or continued use of qualified historical buildings or properties.

    8-102.1.1 Additions, alterations and repairs. It is the intent of the CHBC to allow nonhistorical expansion or addition to a qualified historical building or property, provided nonhistorical additions shall conform to the requirements of the regular code (as defined in Chapter 8-2).

    8-102.1.2 Relocation. Relocated qualified historical buildings or properties shall be sited to comply with the regular code or with the solutions listed in the CHBC. Nonhistorical new construction related to relocation shall comply with the regular code. Reconstruction and restoration related to relocation is permitted to comply with the provisions in the CHBC.

    8-102.1.3 Change of occupancy. For change of use or occupancy, see Chapter 8-3, Use and Occupancy.

    8-102.1.4 Continued use. Qualified historical buildings or properties may have their existing use or occupancy continued if such use or occupancy conformed to the code or to the standards of construction in effect at the time of construction, and such use or occupancy does not constitute a distinct hazard to life safety as defined in the CHBC.

    8-102.1.5 Unsafe buildings or properties. When a qualified historical building or property is determined to be unsafe as defined in the regular code, the requirements of the CHBC are applicable to the work necessary to correct the unsafe conditions. Work to remediate the buildings or properties need only address the correction of the unsafe conditions, and it shall not be required to bring the entire qualified historical building or property into compliance with regular code.

    8-102.1.6 Additional work. Qualified historical buildings or properties shall not be subject to additional work required by the regular code, regulation or ordinance beyond that required to complete the work undertaken. Certain exceptions for accessibility and for distinct hazards exist by mandate and may require specific action, within the parameters of the CHBC.

    SECTION 8-103 ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT

    8-103.1 Authority. The state or local enforcing agency, pursuant to authority provided under Section 18954 of the Health and Safety Code, shall administer and enforce the provisions of the CHBC in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, reconstruction, rehabilitation, relocation or continued use of a qualified historical building or property.

    8-103.2 State enforcement. All state agencies pursuant to authority provided under Section 18954 and Section 18961 of the Health and Safety Code shall administer and enforce the CHBC with respect to qualified historical buildings or properties under their respective jurisdiction.

    8-103.3 Liability. Prevailing law regarding immunity of building officials is unaffected by the use and enforcement of the CHBC.

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    ADMINISTRATION

    SECTION 8-104 REVIEW AND APPEALS

    8-104.1 State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB or Board). In order to provide for interpretation of the provisions of the CHBC and to hear appeals, the SHBSB shall act as an appeal and review body to state and local agencies or any affected party.

    **8-104.2 SHBSB review.

  • CBC § 18955 Medium relevance — show source text

    INTEGRITY. Authenticity of a building or property’s historical identity, evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the property’s historical or prehistorical period of significance.

    LIFE SAFETY EVALUATION. An evaluation of the life safety hazards of a qualified historical building or property based on procedures similar to those contained in NFPA 909, Standard for the Protection of Cultural Resources, Appendix B, Fire Risk Assessment in Heritage Premises.

    LIFE SAFETY HAZARD. See Distinct Hazard.

    PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANCE. The period of time when a qualified historical building or property was associated with important events, activities or persons, or attained the characteristics for its listing or registration.

    PRESERVATION. The act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity and materials of a qualified historical building or property. Work, including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction. New exterior additions are not within the scope of this treatment; however, the limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical,

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    DEFINITIONS

    electrical and plumbing systems and other code-related work to make properties functional is appropriate within a preservation project.

    QUALIFIED HISTORICAL BUILDING OR PROPERTY. As defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18955 as “Qualified Historical Building or Property.” Any building, site, object, place, location, district or collection of structures, and their associated sites, deemed of importance to the history, architecture or culture of an area by an appropriate local, state or federal governmental jurisdiction. This shall include historical buildings or properties on, or determined eligible for, national, state or local historical registers or inventories, such as the National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources, State Historical Landmarks, State Points of Historical Interest, and city or county registers, inventories or surveys of historical or architecturally significant sites, places or landmarks.

    RECONSTRUCTION. The act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features and detailing of a nonsurviving site, landscape, building, property or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time.

    REGULAR CODE. The adopted regulations that govern the design and construction or alteration of nonhistorical buildings and properties within the jurisdiction of the enforcing agency.

    REHABILITATION. The act or process of making possible a compatible use for qualified historical building or property through repair, alterations and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its qualified historical, cultural or architectural values.

    RELOCATION. The act or process of moving any qualified historical building or property or a portion of a qualified historical building or property to a new site, or a different location on the same site.

    REPAIR. Renewal, reconstruction or renovation of any portion of an existing property, site or building for the purpose of its continued use.

    RESTORATION. The act or process of accurately depicting the form, features and character of a qualified building or property as it appeared at a particular period of time by the means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a restoration project.

  • CHBC § 8-804 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION 8-804 ALLOWABLE CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC MATERIALS

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

    SECTION 8-805 MASONRY

    For adobe, see Section 8-806.

    8-805.1 Existing solid masonry. Existing solid masonry walls of any type, except adobe, may be allowed, without testing, a maximum ultimate strength of 9 pounds per square inch (62.1 kPa) in shear where there is a qualifying statement by the architect or engineer that an inspection has been made, that mortar joints are filled and that both brick and mortar are reasonably good. The shear stress above applies to unreinforced masonry, except adobe, where the maximum ratio of unsupported height or length to thickness does not exceed 13, and where minimum quality mortar is used or exists. Wall height or length is measured to supporting or resisting elements that are at least twice as stiff as the tributary wall. Stiffness is based on the gross section. Shear stress may be increased by the addition of 10 percent of the axial direct stress due to the weight of the wall directly above. Higher-quality mortar may provide a greater shear value and shall be tested in accordance with Appendix A, Chapter A1 of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) 2010 edition, and as modified by the CHBC.

    8-805.2 Stone masonry.

    8-805.2.1 Solid-backed stone masonry. Stone masonry solidly backed with brick masonry shall be treated as solid brick masonry as described in Section 8-805.1 and in the 2009 International Existing Building Code [®] (IEBC [®] ), provided representative testing and inspection verifies solid collar joints between stone and brick and that a reasonable number of stones lap with the brick wythes as headers or that steel anchors are present. Solid stone masonry where the wythes of stone effectively overlap to provide the equivalent header courses may also be treated as solid brick masonry.

    8-805.2.2 Independent wythe stone masonry. Stone masonry with independent face wythes may be treated as solid brick masonry as described in Section 8-805.1 and the CEBC, provided representative testing and inspection verify that the core is essentially solid in the masonry wall and that steel ties are epoxied in drilled holes between outer stone wythes at floors, roof and not to exceed 4 feet (1219 mm) on center in each direction, between floors and roof. A reinforcing element shall exist or be provided at or near the top of all stone masonry walls.

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    ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

    8-805.2.3 Testing of stone masonry. Testing of stone masonry shall be similar to the 2010 CEBC requirements for brick masonry, except that representative stones which are not interlocked shall be pulled outward from the wall and shear area appropriately calculated after the test.

  • CHBC § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    140|120|350S162|16|33|33|33|43|33|33|33|33|33|33|43|43| |< 140|120|350S162|24|43|43|43|54|43|43|43|54|54|54|54|54| |< 140|120|550S162|16|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33| |< 140|120|550S162|24|33|33|43|43|33|33|43|43|43|43|43|54| |—|130|350S162|16|33|33|33|43|33|33|33|43|43|43|43|43| |—|130|350S162|24|43|43|54|54|54|54|54|54|54|54|54|54| |—|130|550S162|16|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|43| |—|130|550S162|24|33|33|43|54|43|43|43|43|43|43|43|54| |—|< 140|350S162|16|33|33|33|43|43|43|43|43|43|43|43|54| |—|< 140|350S162|24|43|43|54|54|54|54|54|54|54|54|54|68| |—|< 140|550S162|16|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|33|43| |—|< 140|550S162|24|43|43|43|54|43|43|43|43|43|43|43|54| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 ksi = 1,000 psi = 6.895 MPa.
    a. Deflection criterion:L/240.
    b. Design load assumptions:
    Second-floor dead load is 10 psf.
    Second-floor live load is 30 psf.
    Roof/ceiling dead load is 12 psf.
    Attic live load is 10 psf.
    c. Building width is in the direction of horizontal framing members supported by the wall studs.
    d. Minimum Grade 33 ksi steel shall be used for 33 mil and 43 mil thicknesses. Minimum Grade 50 ksi steel shall be used for 54 and 68 mil thicknesses.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 ksi = 1,000 psi = 6.895 MPa.
    a. Deflection criterion:L/240.
    b.

Frequently asked questions

Can old knob‑and‑tube wiring be left in service?

Yes — the CHBC permits existing systems to remain if the enforcing agency determines they do not constitute a safety hazard. Retention is contingent on the agency’s opinion and documentation of safety. § 8-904.1.2.

Can I extend historic cloth‑insulated wiring to serve a new room?

Possibly — archaic methods may be extended only if the enforcing agency finds the completed installation to be a safe installation. You should provide inspection/testing and mitigation plans. § 8-904.1.4.

If an outlet lacks a grounding conductor, do I have to replace it now?

Not always. If adding a grounding conductor is impracticable, nongrounding receptacles may remain, but replacements and extensions must follow CHBC wiring‑method rules (including GFCI options) and the enforcing agency’s judgment. § 8-904.2.1.

Who decides whether an installation is a safety hazard?

The enforcing agency (local or state authority administering the CHBC) makes the determination and may require tests or documentation. § 8-904.1 and § 8-901.4.

If I replace a fixture, do I lose CHBC accommodation?

Replacing fixtures may trigger regular‑code requirements where the regular code requires modern protections (e.g., GFCI). The CHBC allows some waivers only when impracticable or when the enforcing agency accepts an alternative that does not create a safety hazard. § 8-904.2.2–.6.

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