CHBC · California Historical Building Code

What documentation is required when applying alternatives, and where are SHBSB rulings recorded?

Q: What counts as acceptable documentation when applying an alternative?

Acceptable documentation is written material such as meeting minutes or letters that state the reasons strict compliance would threaten historical significance and why the alternative is chosen, as required by § 8-602.2 .

Q: Where must the documentation be kept?

All required documentation must be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency ; copies should be available at the facility upon request as described in § 8-602.2 and § 8-604 .

Q: Do I need to get input from disability groups?

Yes — when using equivalent facilitation , the CHBC expects the documentation to include the opinion and comments of state or local accessibility officials and representative local groups of people with disabilities , per § 8-604 (documents must be in accordance with § 8-602.2) .

Q: Are SHBSB rulings binding everywhere?

Rulings of the SHBSB that are issues of statewide application are required to be submitted in printed form to the California Building Standards Commission and may be used for guidance; the CHBC describes this in § 8-106.1 . The CHBC text does not, in the sections cited, fully define how each type of ruling is binding in every local case — consult the enforcing agency or Commission for enforcement details.

If a historical building cannot meet regular accessibility code without harming its historic features, the CHBC requires written reasons (meeting minutes or letters) explaining the alternative, kept in the enforcing agency’s permanent file; statewide SHBSB rulings must be submitted in printed form to the California Building Standards Commission.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

When strict application of the regular code would threaten or destroy historical significance, an enforcing agency may accept alternative provisions on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis — but only if written documentation explaining the reasons is provided and kept in the enforcing agency’s permanent file. This documentation requirement is set out in § 8-602.2 . Separately, formal rulings of the State Historic Building Safety Board (SHBSB) that have statewide application must be submitted in printed form to the California Building Standards Commission; that requirement is in § 8-106.1 .

Keep clear, written reasons (for example, meeting minutes or letters) whenever you apply an alternative — and file them permanently with the enforcing agency. This is the single mandatory documentary step in the CHBC.

Requirements in detail

What must be written

The CHBC requires documentation such as meeting minutes or letters that state the reasons the regular code would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character‑defining features, and why an alternative is being applied. This is mandatory under § 8-602.2 .
When an equivalent facilitation (a non‑physical or technology‑based alternative) is used, the enforcing official must include the opinions and comments of state or local accessibility officials and representative local groups of people with disabilities in the documentation, per the guidance in § 8-604 (which references the documentation requirement of § 8-602.2) .

Where the documentation goes (retention)

All required documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency. Copies should also be available at the facility upon request when noted in the CHBC (see § 8-602.2 and § 8-604) .

Where SHBSB rulings are recorded and submitted

Rulings of the SHBSB that are issues of statewide application (including formal appeals, case decisions, code interpretations, administrative resolutions) are required to be submitted in printed form to the California Building Standards Commission. These rulings may then be used as guidance for similar cases, per § 8-106.1 .

Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference table)

Decision element	Required content or value	Where to find it in CHBC
Basis for alternative	Written statement of reasons (e.g., meeting minutes, letters)	§ 8-602.2
Application scope	Item‑by‑item or case‑by‑case only	§ 8-602.2
Additional opinions (when using equivalent facilitation)	Opinions/comments of state/local accessibility officials and representative local disability groups	§ 8-604 (documents must be in accordance with § 8-602.2)
Retention location	Permanent file of the enforcing agency; copies available at facility on request	§ 8-602.2 and § 8-604
SHBSB rulings submission	Printed form submitted to the California Building Standards Commission	§ 8-106.1
Use of rulings	May be used as guidance for similar statewide issues	§ 8-106.1

Exceptions & special cases

The documentation requirement only becomes relevant if strict compliance with the regular code would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character‑defining features; otherwise the regular code applies (see § 8-602.1 and § 8-602.2) .
The CHBC treats equivalent facilitation (e.g., virtual/experiential access) as permissible where physical alternatives would be harmful; documentation in accordance with § 8-602.2 must accompany that decision and include accessibility‑stakeholder input as described in § 8-604 .
Where SHBSB issues are not of “statewide application,” the § 8-106.1 printed‑submission requirement does not explicitly apply; the CHBC text only mandates printed submission for rulings that are issues of statewide application .

If a particular nuance you need (for example, whether a specific SHBSB memorandum must be submitted) is not explicitly covered in the retrieved excerpts, the CHBC text does not provide further detail in the sections we’ve cited — you should confirm with the enforcement authority or the Building Standards Commission.

Common mistakes

Failing to create any written record (relying only on verbal justification). The CHBC requires written documentation such as meeting minutes or letters — § 8-602.2 .
Not retaining the documentation in the enforcing agency’s permanent file or failing to make copies available at the facility as suggested in § 8-604 .
Omitting the required stakeholder input (state/local accessibility officials and representative disability groups) when using equivalent facilitation, contrary to the expectation set out in § 8-604 .
Treating SHBSB rulings as informal guidance without checking whether they were submitted to the California Building Standards Commission in printed form when they are of statewide application — per § 8-106.1 .

Worked example — a concrete scenario

Scenario: A historic library with an ornate front stoop (primary entrance) would lose character‑defining stonework if a standard ramp were installed. The owner proposes a combination of (A) an accessible side entrance 140 feet from the primary entrance with directional signage and (B) an interior virtual‑tour kiosk that replicates the primary entrance experience for those unable to use the side entrance.

Steps to comply with CHBC documentation requirements:

Establish that strict compliance threatens the historical feature (documented evaluation). Cite: § 8-602.2 .
Prepare written documentation (required): meeting minutes from the preservation review meeting plus a letter from the enforcing agency summarizing the reasons for applying the alternative (exact wording and findings). These are the meeting minutes or letters mandated by § 8-602.2 .
For the virtual‑access equivalent facilitation, obtain and attach the opinion/comments of a state or local accessibility official and a representative local disability group, and include them in the same documentation packet as required by § 8-604 (which references § 8-602.2) .
Retain all documents in the enforcing agency’s permanent file, and place copies at the library for public inspection as recommended by § 8-604 .
If the SHBSB issues a formal ruling on a similar, statewide question and the library’s case is of statewide application, ensure any SHBSB ruling is submitted in printed form to the California Building Standards Commission per § 8-106.1 .

Numbers used from related alternative provisions (for context): the CHBC limits alternate accessible entrances to no more than 200 feet from the primary entrance for entrances used by the public (see § 8-603.2) — use this distance when justifying placement of the side entrance in your documentation . If you choose a ramp alternative, the CHBC also lists slope/distance limits for alternatives (e.g., maximum 1:10 slope for short 5‑ft runs) in § 8-603.6, which should be noted in technical attachments if a ramp is considered .

Related provisions

§ 8-602.1 — Regular code applies unless it would threaten or destroy the historical significance.
§ 8-603.1 — Alternative minimum standards (references federal ADA standards).
§ 8-603.2 — Entry access rules including the 200‑foot distance limit.
§ 8-603.6 — Ramp and lift alternative limits (examples: 1:10 slope for up to 5 ft).
§ 8-604 — Equivalent facilitation and additional documentation elements (accessibility official and local disability group opinions).
§ 8-106.1 — SHBSB rulings submission requirements (printed submission to the California Building Standards Commission).

Code references

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

CHBC § 8-603.5 High relevance — show source text
**Power-assisted door or doors may be considered an
equivalent alternative to level landings, strikeside clearance and door-opening forces
required by regular code.
8-603.5 Toilet rooms. In lieu of separate-gender toilet facilities as required in the regular
code, an accessible unisex toilet may be designated.
**8-603.6 Exterior and interior ramps and lifts.**Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
1.A lift or a ramp of greater than standard slope but no greater than 1:10, for horizontal
distances not to exceed 5 feet (1525 mm). Signs shall be posted at upper and lower
levels to indicate steepness of the slope.
2.Access by ramps of 1:6 slope for horizontal distance not to exceed 13 inches (330 mm).
Signs shall be posted at upper and lower levels to indicate steepness of the slope.|Applies|Applies|Applies| |SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION
Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping
requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in
Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining
features of the qualified historical building or property.
1.Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis.
2.Access provided by experiences, services, functions, materials and resources through
methods including, but not limited to, maps, plans, videos, virtual reality and related
equipment, at accessible levels. The alternative design and/or technologies used will
provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility to, and usability of, the
facility.
3.The official charged with the enforcement of the standards shall document the reasons
for the application of the design and/or technologies and their effect on the historical
significance or character-defining features. Such documentation shall be in accordance
with Section 8-602.2, Item 2, and shall include the opinion and comments of state or
local accessibility officials, and the opinion and comments of representative local
groups of people with disabilities. Such documentation shall be retained in the
permanent file of the enforcing agency. Copies of the required documentation should
be available at the facility upon request.
** Note:**For commercial facilities and places of public accommodation
(Title III entities).
Equivalent facilitation for an element of a building or property when applied as a waiver
of an ADA accessibility requirement will not be entitled to the Federal Department of
Justice certification of this code as rebuttable evidence of compliance for that element.|Applies|Waivers
If a builder
applies for a
waiver of an ADA
accessibility
requirement for
an element of a
building, he or
she will not be
entitled to
certification’s
rebuttable
evidence of
compliance for
that element. This
limitation on the
certification
determination
should be noted
in any publication
of Chapter 8-6 if
certification is
granted.|Applies| |**Notes:**The regular code for Chapter 8-6 is contained in Title 24, Part 2, Vol.1, Chapter 11B, which contain standards for new construction.
Provisions of this chapter may be used in conjunction with all other provisions of the regular code and ADA regulations.
CHBC § 8-601.3 High relevance — show source text
8-601.3 Scope. The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that is required to provide access to persons with disabilities.
1. Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of historical buildings.
2. Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or properties, alteration is defined in California Building Code (CBC), Chapter 2.
8-601.4 General application. The provisions in the CHBC apply to local, state and federal governments (Title II entities); alteration of commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities); and barrier removal in commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities). Except as noted in this chapter.

SECTION 8-602 — BASIC PROVISIONS

8-602.1 Regular code. The regular code for access for people with disabilities (Title 24, Part 2, Vol. 1, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless strict compliance with the regular code will threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining features of the building or property.

8-602.2 Alternative provisions. If the historical significance or character-defining features are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be applied pursuant to this chapter, provided the following conditions are met:
1. These provisions shall be applied only on an item-by-item or a case-by-case basis.
2. Documentation is provided, including meeting minutes or letters, stating the reasons for the application of the alternative provisions. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.
SECTION 8-603 — ALTERNATIVES

8-603.1 Alternative minimum standards. The alternative minimum standards for alterations of qualified historical buildings or facilities are referenced in Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as incorporated and set forth in federal regulation 28 CFR Pt. 36.

8-603.2 Entry. These alternatives do not allow exceptions for the requirement of level landings in front of doors, except as provided in Section 8-603.4.
1. Access to any entrance used by the general public and no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from the primary entrance.
2. Access at any entrance not used by the general public but open and unlocked with directional signs at the primary entrance and as close as possible to, but no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from, the primary entrance.
3. The accessible entrance shall have a notification system. Where security is a problem, remote monitoring may be used.
8-603.3 Doors. Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
1. Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) of clear opening.
2. Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening
3. Double door, one leaf of which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening.
4. Double doors operable with a power-assist device to provide a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening when both doors are in the open position.
8-603.4 Power-assisted doors. Power-assisted door or doors may be considered an equivalent alternative to level landings, strikeside clearance and door-opening forces required by the regular code.

8-603.5 Toilet rooms. In lieu of separate-gender toilet facilities as required in the regular code, an accessible unisex toilet facility may be designated.
CHBC § 8-604 High relevance — show source text
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ACCESSIBILITY

SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION

Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or characterdefining features of the historical building or property.
1. Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by- item or a case-by-case basis.
2. Access provided by experiences, services, functions, materials and resources through methods including, but not limited to, maps, plans, videos, virtual reality and related equipment, at accessible levels. The alternative design and/or technologies used will provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility to, and usability of, the facility.
3. The official charged with the enforcement of the standards shall document the reasons for the application of the design and/or technologies and their effect on the historical significance or character-defining features. Such documentation shall be in accordance with Section 8-602.2, Item 2, and shall include the opinion and comments of state or local accessibility officials, and the opinion and comments of representative local groups of people with disabilities. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency. Copies of the required documentation should be available at the facility upon request.
Note: For commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities).

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

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8-7 STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS

SECTION 8-701 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

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

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

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

SECTION 8-702 — GENERAL

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

8-702.2 Nothing in these regulations shall prevent voluntary and partial seismic upgrades when it is demonstrated that such upgrades will improve life safety and when a full upgrade would not otherwise be required.
CHBC § 8-602 High relevance — show source text
** The provisions in the CHBC apply to local, state and federal
governments (Title II entities); alteration of commercial facilities and places of public
accommodation (Title III entities); and barrier removal in commercial facilities and places of
public accommodation (Title III entities). Except as noted in this chapter.|Applies|Applies|Applies| |SECTION 8-602 — BASIC PROVISIONS
8-602.1 Regular code. The regular code for access for people with disabilities (Title 24, Part
2, Vol.1, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless
strict compliance with the regular code will threaten or destroy the historical significance or
character-defining features of the building or property.
**8-602.2 Alternative provisions.**If the historical significance or character-defining features
are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be applied pursuant to this chapter,
provided the following conditions are met:
1.These provisions shall be applied only on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis.
2.Documentation is provided, including meeting minutes or letters, stating the reasons
for the application of the alternative provisions. Such documentation shall be retained
in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.|Applies|Applies|Applies| |Section 8-603 — ALTERNATIVES
**8-603.1 Alternative minimum standards.**The alternative minimum standards for alter-
ations of qualified historical buildings or facilities are referenced in Section 202.5 of the_ 2010_
ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as incorporated and set forth in federal regulation 28
CFR Pt. 36.
**8-603.2 Entry.**These alternatives do not allow exceptions for the requirement of level land-
ings in front of doors, except as provided in Section 8-603.4.
1.Access to any entrance used by the general public and no further than 200 feet (60 960
mm) from the primary entrance.
2.Access at any entrance not used by general public but open and unlocked with
directional signs at the primary entrance and as close as possible to, but no further than
200 feet (60 960 mm) from, the primary entrance.
3.The accessible entrance shall have a notification system. Where security is a problem,
remote monitoring may be used.|Applies|Applies|Applies| |**8-603.3 Doors.**Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
1.Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) of clear opening.
2.Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 291/2 inches (749 mm) clear opening.
3.Double door, one leaf of which provides a minimum 291/2 inches (749 mm) clear
opening.
4.Double doors operable with a power-assist device to provide a minimum 291/2 inches
(749 mm) clear opening when both doors are in the open position.
**Exception:**Alternatives in this section do not apply to alteration of commercial facilities
and places of public accommodation (Title III entities).|Does not
apply|Does not
apply|Applies|

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APPENDIX A

CHBC § 8-6 High relevance — show source text

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APPENDIX A	Col2	Col3	Col4
CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY	CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY	CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY	CHAPTER 8-6—TABLE 1—PROVISION APPLICABILITY
	Title II Public Entities	Title III Private Entities	Title III Barrier Removal
SECTION 8-601 PURPOSE, INTENT, SCOPE 8-601.1 Purpose.The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to facilitate access and use by persons with disabilities to and throughout facilities designated as quali- fied historical buildings or properties. These regulations require enforcing agencies to accept alternatives to regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties. 8-601.2 Intent.The intent of this chapter is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings and properties while providing access to and use by persons with disabilities. 8-601.3 Scope.The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that is required to provide access to persons with disabilities. 1.Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of historical buildings. 2. Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or properties, alteration is defined in_ California Building Code_ (CBC), Chapter 2. 8-601.4 General application. The provisions in the CHBC apply to local, state and federal governments (Title II entities); alteration of commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities); and barrier removal in commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities). Except as noted in this chapter.	Applies	Applies	Applies
SECTION 8-602 — BASIC PROVISIONS 8-602.1 Regular code. The regular code for access for people with disabilities (Title 24, Part 2, Vol.1, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless strict compliance with the regular code will threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining features of the building or property. 8-602.2 Alternative provisions.If the historical significance or character-defining features are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be applied pursuant to this chapter, provided the following conditions are met: 1.These provisions shall be applied only on an item-by-item or case-by-case basis. 2.Documentation is provided, including meeting minutes or letters, stating the reasons for the application of the alternative provisions. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.	Applies	Applies	Applies
Section 8-603 — ALTERNATIVES 8-603.1 Alternative minimum standards.The alternative minimum standards for alter- ations of qualified historical buildings or facilities are referenced in Section 202.5 of the_ 2010_ ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as incorporated and set forth in federal regulation 28 CFR Pt. 36. **8-603.2 Entry.

CHBC § 8-503 High relevance — show source text
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MEANS OF EGRESS

SECTION 8-503 — ESCAPE OR RESCUE WINDOWS AND DOORS

Basements in dwelling units and every sleeping room below the fourth floor shall have at least one openable window or door approved for emergency escape which shall open directly into a public street, public way, yard or exit court. Escape or rescue windows or doors shall have a minimum clear area of 3.3 square feet (0.31 m [2] ) and a minimum width or height dimension of 18 inches (457 mm) and be operable from the inside to provide a full, clear opening without the use of special tools.

SECTION 8-504 — RAILINGS AND GUARDRAILS

The height of railings and guard railings and the spacing of balusters may continue in their historical height and spacing unless a distinct hazard has been identified or created by a change in use or occupancy.

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8-6 ACCESSIBILITY

SECTION 8-601 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

8-601.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide alternative regulations to facilitate access and use by persons with disabilities to and throughout facilities designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. These regulations require enforcing agencies to accept alternatives to regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.

8-601.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings and properties while providing access to and use by persons with disabilities.

8-601.3 Scope. The CHBC shall apply to every qualified historical building or property that is required to provide access to persons with disabilities.
1. Provisions of this chapter do not apply to new construction or reconstruction/replicas of historical buildings.
2. Where provisions of this chapter apply to alteration of qualified historical buildings or properties, alteration is defined in California Building Code (CBC), Chapter 2.
8-601.4 General application. The provisions in the CHBC apply to local, state and federal governments (Title II entities); alteration of commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities); and barrier removal in commercial facilities and places of public accommodation (Title III entities). Except as noted in this chapter.

SECTION 8-602 — BASIC PROVISIONS

8-602.1 Regular code. The regular code for access for people with disabilities (Title 24, Part 2, Vol. 1, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless strict compliance with the regular code will threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining features of the building or property.

8-602.2 Alternative provisions. If the historical significance or character-defining features are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be applied pursuant to this chapter, provided the following conditions are met:
1. These provisions shall be applied only on an item-by-item or a case-by-case basis.
2. Documentation is provided, including meeting minutes or letters, stating the reasons for the application of the alternative provisions. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.
SECTION 8-603 — ALTERNATIVES
CHBC § 8-104.4 High relevance — show source text
8-104.4 Local agency fees. Local agencies, when actively involved in the appeal, may also charge affected persons reasonable fees not to exceed the cost of obtaining reviews and appeals from the Board.

SECTION 8-105 — CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND MATERIALS

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

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

SECTION 8-106 — SHBSB RULINGS

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

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8-2 DEFINITIONS

SECTION 8-201 — DEFINITIONS

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

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

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

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

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

CULTURAL RESOURCE. Building, site, property, object or district evaluated as having significance in prehistory or history.
CHBC § 5001.2.2.1 High relevance — show source text
5001.2.2.1 Physical hazards. The material categories listed in this section are classified as physical hazards. A material with a primary classification as a physical hazard can also pose a health hazard.
1. Explosives and blasting agents.
2. Combustible liquids.
3. Flammable solids, liquids and gases.
4. Organic peroxide solids or liquids.
5. Oxidizer, solids or liquids.
6. Oxidizing gases.
7. Pyrophoric solids, liquids or gases.
8. Unstable (reactive) solids, liquids or gases.
9. Water-reactive materials solids or liquids.
10. Cryogenic fluids.
5001.2.2.2 Health hazards. The material categories listed in this section are classified as health hazards. A material with a primary classification as a health hazard can also pose a physical hazard.
1. Highly toxic and toxic materials.
2. Corrosive materials.
5001.3 Performance-based design alternative. Where approved by the fire code official, buildings and facilities where hazardous materials are stored, used or handled shall be permitted to comply with this section as an alternative to compliance with the other requirements set forth in this chapter and Chapters 51 through 67.

5001.3.1 Objective. The objective of Section 5001.3 is to protect people and property from the consequences of unauthorized discharge, fires or explosions involving hazardous materials.

5001.3.2 Functional statements. Performance-based design alternatives are based on the following functional statements:
1. Provide safeguards to minimize the risk of unwanted releases, fires or explosions involving hazardous materials.
2. Provide safeguards to minimize the consequences of an unsafe condition involving hazardous materials during normal operations and in the event of an abnormal condition.
5001.3.3 Performance requirements. Where safeguards, systems, documentation, written plans or procedures, audits, process hazards analysis, mitigation measures, engineering controls or construction features are required by Sections 5001.3.3.1 through 5001.3.3.18, the details of the design alternative shall be subject to approval by the fire code official. The details of actions granting the use of the design alternatives shall be recorded and entered in the files of the jurisdiction.

5001.3.3.1 Properties of hazardous materials. The physical- and health-hazard properties of hazardous materials on-site shall be known and shall be made readily available to employees, neighbors and the fire code official.

5001.3.3.2 Reliability of equipment and operations. Equipment and operations involving hazardous materials shall be designed, installed and maintained to ensure that they reliably operate as intended.

5001.3.3.3 Prevention of unintentional reaction or release. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of an unintentional reaction or release that could endanger people or property.

5001.3.3.4 Spill mitigation. Spill containment systems or means to render a spill harmless to people or property shall be provided where a spill is determined to be a plausible event and where such an event would endanger people or property.

5001.3.3.5 Ignition hazards. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of exposing combustible hazardous materials to unintended sources of ignition.

5001.3.3.6 Protection of hazardous materials. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of exposing hazardous materials to a fire or physical damage whereby such exposure could endanger or lead to the endangerment of people or property.
CHBC § 5001.3.3 High relevance — show source text
5001.3.3 Performance requirements. Where safeguards, systems, documentation, written plans or procedures, audits, process hazards analysis, mitigation measures, engineering controls or construction features are required by Sections 5001.3.3.1 through 5001.3.3.18, the details of the design alternative shall be subject to approval by the fire code official. The details of actions granting the use of the design alternatives shall be recorded and entered in the files of the jurisdiction.

5001.3.3.1 Properties of hazardous materials. The physical- and health-hazard properties of hazardous materials on-site shall be known and shall be made readily available to employees, neighbors and the fire code official.

5001.3.3.2 Reliability of equipment and operations. Equipment and operations involving hazardous materials shall be designed, installed and maintained to ensure that they reliably operate as intended.

5001.3.3.3 Prevention of unintentional reaction or release. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of an unintentional reaction or release that could endanger people or property.

5001.3.3.4 Spill mitigation. Spill containment systems or means to render a spill harmless to people or property shall be provided where a spill is determined to be a plausible event and where such an event would endanger people or property.

5001.3.3.5 Ignition hazards. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of exposing combustible hazardous materials to unintended sources of ignition.

5001.3.3.6 Protection of hazardous materials. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of exposing hazardous materials to a fire or physical damage whereby such exposure could endanger or lead to the endangerment of people or property.

5001.3.3.7 Exposure hazards. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of and limit damage from a fire or explosion involving explosive hazardous materials whereby such fire or explosion could endanger or lead to the endangerment of people or property.

5001.3.3.8 Detection of gas or vapor release. Where a release of hazardous materials gas or vapor would cause immediate harm to persons or property, means of mitigating the dangerous effects of a release shall be provided.

5001.3.3.9 Reliable power source. Where a power supply is relied on to prevent or control an emergency condition that could endanger people or property, the power supply shall be from a reliable source.

5001.3.3.10 Ventilation. Where ventilation is necessary to limit the risk of creating an emergency condition resulting from normal or abnormal operations, means of ventilation shall be provided.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

5001.3.3.11 Process hazard analyses. Process hazard analyses shall be conducted to ensure reasonably the protection of people and property from dangerous conditions involving hazardous materials.

5001.3.3.12 Prestartup safety review. Written documentation of prestartup safety review procedures shall be developed and enforced to ensure that operations are initiated in a safe manner. The process of developing and updating such procedures shall involve the participation of affected employees.

5001.3.3.13 Operating and emergency procedures. Written documentation of operating procedures and procedures for emergency shutdown shall be developed and enforced to ensure that operations are conducted in a safe manner. The process of developing and updating such procedures shall involve the participation of affected employees.
CHBC § 8-603.2 High relevance — show source text
8-603.2 Entry. These alternatives do not allow exceptions for the requirement of level landings in front of doors, except as provided in Section 8-603.4.
1. Access to any entrance used by the general public and no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from the primary entrance.
2. Access at any entrance not used by the general public but open and unlocked with directional signs at the primary entrance and as close as possible to, but no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from, the primary entrance.
3. The accessible entrance shall have a notification system. Where security is a problem, remote monitoring may be used.
8-603.3 Doors. Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
1. Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) of clear opening.
2. Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening
3. Double door, one leaf of which provides a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening.
4. Double doors operable with a power-assist device to provide a minimum 29 [1] / 2 inches (749 mm) clear opening when both doors are in the open position.
8-603.4 Power-assisted doors. Power-assisted door or doors may be considered an equivalent alternative to level landings, strikeside clearance and door-opening forces required by the regular code.

8-603.5 Toilet rooms. In lieu of separate-gender toilet facilities as required in the regular code, an accessible unisex toilet facility may be designated.

8-603.6 Exterior and interior ramps and lifts. Alternatives listed in order of priority are:
1. A lift or a ramp of greater than standard slope but no greater than 1:10, for horizontal distances not to exceed 5 feet (1525 mm). Signs shall be posted at upper and lower levels to indicate steepness of the slope.
2. Access by ramps of 1:6 slope for horizontal distance not to exceed 13 inches (330 mm). Signs shall be posted at upper and lower levels to indicate steepness of the slope.
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ACCESSIBILITY

SECTION 8-604 — EQUIVALENT FACILITATION

Use of other designs and technologies, or deviation from particular technical and scoping requirements, are permitted if the application of the alternative provisions contained in Section 8-603 would threaten or destroy the historical significance or characterdefining features of the historical building or property.
1. Such alternatives shall be applied only on an item-by- item or a case-by-case basis.
2. Access provided by experiences, services, functions, materials and resources through methods including, but not limited to, maps, plans, videos, virtual reality and related equipment, at accessible levels. The alternative design and/or technologies used will provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility to, and usability of, the facility.
3. The official charged with the enforcement of the standards shall document the reasons for the application of the design and/or technologies and their effect on the historical significance or character-defining features. Such documentation shall be in accordance with Section 8-602.2, Item 2, and shall include the opinion and comments of state or local accessibility officials, and the opinion and comments of representative local groups of people with disabilities. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.
CHBC § 8-1 High relevance — show source text
CONTENTS

CHAPTER 8-1 ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Section

8-101 Title, Purpose and Intent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8-102 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8-103 Organization and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8-104 Review and Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8-105 Construction Methods and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

8-106 SHBSB Rulings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

CHAPTER 8-2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Section

8-201 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

CHAPTER 8-3 USE AND OCCUPANCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Section

8-301 Purpose and Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 8-302 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

8-303 Residential Occupancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

CHAPTER 8-4 FIRE PROTECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Section

8-401 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

8-402 Fire-resistive Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

8-403 Interior Finish Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

8-404 Wood Lath and Plaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

8-405 Occupancy Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 8-406 Maximum Floor Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
CHBC § 8-7 High relevance — show source text
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8-7 STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS

SECTION 8-701 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

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

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

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

SECTION 8-702 — GENERAL

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

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

SECTION 8-703 — STRUCTURAL SURVEY

8-703.1 Scope. When a structure or portion of a structure is to be evaluated for structural capacity under the CHBC, it shall be surveyed for structural conditions by an architect or engineer knowledgeable in historical structures. The survey shall evaluate deterioration or signs of distress. The survey shall determine the details of the structural framing and the system for resistance of gravity and lateral loads. Details, reinforcement and anchorage of structural systems and veneers shall be determined and documented where these members are relied on for seismic lateral resistance.

8-703.2 The results of the survey shall be utilized for evaluating the structural capacity and for designing modifications to the structural system to reach compliance with this code.

8-703.3 Historical records. Past historical records of the structure or similar structures may be used in the evaluation, including the effects of subsequent alterations.

SECTION 8-704 — NONHISTORICAL ADDITIONS AND NONHISTORICAL ALTERATIONS

8-704.1 New nonhistorical additions and nonhistorical alterations which are structurally separated from an existing historical building or structure shall comply with regular code requirements.

8-704.2 New nonhistorical additions which impose vertical or lateral loads on an existing structure shall not be permitted unless the affected part of the supporting structure is evaluated and strengthened, if necessary, to meet regular code requirements.

Note: For use of archaic materials, see Chapter 8-8.

SECTION 8-705 — STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS

Frequently asked questions

What counts as acceptable documentation when applying an alternative?

Acceptable documentation is written material such as meeting minutes or letters that state the reasons strict compliance would threaten historical significance and why the alternative is chosen, as required by § 8-602.2 .

Where must the documentation be kept?

All required documentation must be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency; copies should be available at the facility upon request as described in § 8-602.2 and § 8-604 .

Do I need to get input from disability groups?

Yes — when using equivalent facilitation, the CHBC expects the documentation to include the opinion and comments of state or local accessibility officials and representative local groups of people with disabilities, per § 8-604 (documents must be in accordance with § 8-602.2) .

Are SHBSB rulings binding everywhere?

Rulings of the SHBSB that are issues of statewide application are required to be submitted in printed form to the California Building Standards Commission and may be used for guidance; the CHBC describes this in § 8-106.1 . The CHBC text does not, in the sections cited, fully define how each type of ruling is binding in every local case — consult the enforcing agency or Commission for enforcement details.

If I apply an alternative, does that exempt me from federal ADA requirements?

The CHBC provides alternatives for historic properties; however, when an ADA waiver or equivalent facilitation is used for a Title III element, the CHBC notes federal certification limits. See § 8-604 for the discussion about equivalent facilitation and federal certification implications .

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California Historical Building Code