CHBC · California Historical Building Code

What does Chapter 8-10 cover for qualified historical districts, sites and open spaces?

Q: Does Chapter 8-10 apply if only a small section of the lawn is disturbed for a utility?

Yes. If the work secondarily impacts associated historical features of a qualified historical property, it falls under § 8-1002.2 and Chapter 8-10 review is required .

Q: Are tree plantings and historic hedgerows covered?

Yes. Plant materials and landscape elements are explicit examples of associated historical features in § 8-1001.2 .

If a landscape, path, lighting, drainage, utility or other site feature contributes to a qualified historical property, Chapter 8-10 of the CHBC applies: it requires context-sensitive preservation, covers secondary impacts beyond building footprints, and lets enforcing agencies use alternative solutions to protect historic site relationships (see **§ 8-1001.1**, **§ 8-1001.2**, **§ 8-1002.2**) .

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Chapter 8-10 governs the treatment of associated historical features of qualified historical buildings, properties or districts — i.e., the site, landscape and related elements beyond a building’s footprint. The chapter’s purpose is preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction of those features (§ 8-1001.1) and its scope explicitly includes natural features, designed landscapes, site circulation and functional elements such as utilities and erosion control (§ 8-1001.2) . The CHBC applies not only to work on the features themselves but also to secondary work off the building that impacts them (§ 8-1002.2) .

The single most important rule: if the element (landscape, path, lighting, drainage, utilities, etc.) is part of a qualified historical property’s historic site or district, Chapter 8-10 governs its treatment and any work that affects it. § 8-1001.2

Requirements in detail

What “associated historical features” covers (straightforward list)

Site plan layout configurations and relationships — pedestrian/equestrian/vehicular circulation, topographical grades, drainage and use areas. § 8-1001.2
Landscape elements — plant materials, site structures (not the qualified building itself), bridges, lighting, water features, art/ornamentation and walking/driving surfaces. § 8-1001.2
Functional elements — utility placement, erosion control and environmental mitigation measures. § 8-1001.2

Who and when it applies

The CHBC applies to all sites and districts and their features associated with qualified historical buildings or districts (§ 8-1002.1) .
Work performed beyond a building footprint that secondarily impacts associated features is covered by the CHBC (§ 8-1002.2) .
The chapter is to be used to provide context-sensitive solutions that preserve the historic relationships between building(s) and site (§ 8-1003) .

Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference table)

Decision dimension	Typical values / examples	Code Reference
What is covered	Site layout, circulation, topography, drainage, plantings, site structures, bridges, lighting, water features, ornamentation, pedestrian/equestrian/vehicular surfaces, utilities, erosion control	§ 8-1001.2
When CHBC applies	Any work on associated features of a qualified historical property; any secondary work beyond footprints that impacts those features	§ 8-1002.1, § 8-1002.2
Goal / permitted approaches	Preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction; context-sensitive solutions to protect historic relationships	§ 8-1001.1, § 8-1003
Interaction with regular code	CHBC used where Chapters 8-3 through 8-9 may not apply to associated features; secondary impacts from regular-code work are covered by CHBC	§ 8-1001.1, § 8-1002.2

Exceptions & special cases

The CHBC is targeted at qualified historical properties (designation/eligibility required). If a property is not a qualified historic resource, the CHBC does not apply; use regular code. See the CHBC definitions and Part 8 applicability (see § 8-101.2 for CHBC purpose and definitions context) .
If regular-code work performed on a building causes secondary impacts to the historic site features, those secondary impacts fall under Chapter 8-10 (§ 8-1002.2) — i.e., you cannot avoid CHBC review simply by saying “the work is only utilities” when it affects historic landscape elements .
The CHBC must be applied so it does not “unduly restrict” the permitted use of a qualified historical building or property (a balancing provision in § 8-1002.4) .

Common mistakes

Assuming CHBC only covers buildings. In fact Chapter 8-10 covers the site, landscape and other associated features — see § 8-1001.2 .
Treating routine utility or grading work as outside historical review: if it impacts historic features beyond the footprint it’s covered under § 8-1002.2 .
Applying CHBC remedies inconsistently: CHBC requires context-sensitive solutions to preserve relationships (site-to-building) — don’t replace historic circulation patterns or major landscape elements without CHBC review under § 8-1003 .
Forgetting documentation: CHBC processes for alternatives often require documentation showing why a regular-code solution would harm historical significance (see related accessibility chapter examples; see § 8-602.2 for the documentation principle in CHBC) .

Worked example — replacing historic site lighting and rerouting a utility (concrete numbers)

Scenario: A private owner of a qualified historical estate with a 5-acre historic landscape (registered locally) plans to (1) replace 60 linear feet of historic walkway lighting with replica fixtures, and (2) reroute a buried electrical service that requires a 120-foot trench crossing the historic lawn.

How the CHBC applies:

The lighting fixtures and walkway are associated historical features; replacement/repair of those features is governed by § 8-1001.2 because landscape elements and lighting are explicitly included .
The proposed 120-foot trench is work outside the building footprint that will secondarily impact the historic lawn and drainage; that secondary impact is covered by the CHBC per § 8-1002.2 .
Practical steps under CHBC: document historic significance of the lighting and lawn (so alternatives can be evaluated), propose context-sensitive solutions (e.g., directional boring under critical root zones, place new conduit along existing disturbed corridors), and demonstrate how the proposed work preserves the site relationships in line with CHBC goals (§ 8-1001.1, § 8-1003) .
If any new nonhistorical structures are added (for example, a new equipment pad), those may have to comply with the regular code per CHBC general rules on nonhistorical additions (see broader CHBC application guidance in § 8-102.1.1) .

Related provisions

§ 8-1002.1 — CHBC application to sites and districts and their features.
§ 8-1002.2 — Secondary impacts beyond building footprints are covered.
§ 8-1002.4 — CHBC application should not unduly restrict permitted use (interaction with State Historical Building Code intent).
§ 8-1003 — Site relations and the importance of building-to-site relationships; use for context-sensitive solutions.
§ 8-1001.1 — Chapter purpose: preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction of associated historical features.
§ 8-101.2 — CHBC overall purpose and applicability for qualified historical buildings/properties (background context).

Code references

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

CHBC § 8-810 High relevance — show source text
8-810 Hollow Clay Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

8-811 Veneers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

8-812 Glass and Glazing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

CHAPTER 8-9 MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Section

8-901 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 8-902 Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

8-903 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 8-904 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

CHAPTER 8-10 QUALIFIED HISTORICAL DISTRICTS,

SITES AND OPEN SPACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Section

8-1001 Purpose and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 8-1002 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 8-1003 Site Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

APPENDIX A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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8-1 ADMINISTRATION

Note: The California Historical Building Code, Part 8 of Title 24, governs for all qualified historical buildings or properties in the State of California.

SECTION 8-101 — TITLE, PURPOSE AND INTENT

8-101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Historical Building Code and will be referred to herein as “the CHBC.”
CHBC § 8-904.2.7 High relevance — show source text
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.
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8-10 QUALIFIED HISTORICAL DISTRICTS, SITES AND OPEN SPACES

SECTION 8-1001 — PURPOSE AND SCOPE

8-1001.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction of associated historical features of qualified historical buildings, properties or districts (as defined in Chapter 8-2), and for which Chapters 8-3 through 8-9 of the CHBC may not apply.

8-1001.2 Scope. This chapter applies to the associated historical features of qualified historical buildings or properties such as historical districts that are beyond the buildings themselves which include, but are not limited to, natural features and designed site and landscape plans with natural and man-made landscape elements that support their function and aesthetics. This may include, but will not be limited to:
1. Site plan layout configurations and relationships (pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular site circulation, topographical grades and drainage, and use areas).
2. Landscape elements (plant materials, site structures other than the qualified historical building, bridges and their associated structures, lighting, water features, art ornamentation, and pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular surfaces).
3. Functional elements (utility placement, erosion control and environmental mitigation measures).
SECTION 8-1002 — APPLICATION

8-1002.1 The CHBC shall apply to all sites and districts and their features associated with qualified historical buildings or qualified historical districts as outlined in 8-1001.2 Scope.

8-1002.2 Where the application of regular code may impact the associated features of qualified historical properties beyond their footprints, by work performed secondarily, those impacts shall also be covered by the CHBC.

8-1002.3 This chapter shall be applied for all issues regarding code compliance or other standard or regulation as they affect the purpose of this chapter.
CHBC § 8-8 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 8-8 ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF

CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Section

8-801 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8-802 General Engineering Approaches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8-803 Nonstructural Archaic Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

8-804 Allowable Conditions for Specific Materials . . . . . . . 15 8-805 Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8-806 Adobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8-807 Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8-808 Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8-809 Steel and Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

8-810 Hollow Clay Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

8-811 Veneers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

8-812 Glass and Glazing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

CHAPTER 8-9 MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Section

8-901 Purpose, Intent and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 8-902 Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

8-903 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 8-904 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

CHAPTER 8-10 QUALIFIED HISTORICAL DISTRICTS,

SITES AND OPEN SPACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Section
CHBC § 8-1001 Medium relevance — show source text
Section

8-1001 Purpose and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 8-1002 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 8-1003 Site Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

APPENDIX A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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8-1 ADMINISTRATION

Note: The California Historical Building Code, Part 8 of Title 24, governs for all qualified historical buildings or properties in the State of California.

SECTION 8-101 — TITLE, PURPOSE AND INTENT

8-101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Historical Building Code and will be referred to herein as “the CHBC.”

8-101.2 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, relocation or reconstruction of buildings or properties designated as qualified historical buildings or properties (as defined in Chapter 8-2). The CHBC is intended to provide solutions for the preservation of qualified historical buildings or properties, to promote sustainability, to provide access for persons with disabilities, to provide a cost-effective approach to preservation, and to provide for the reasonable safety of the occupants or users. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept solutions that are reasonably equivalent to the regular code (as defined in Chapter 8-2) when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.

8-101.3 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to facilitate the preservation and continuing use of qualified historical buildings or properties while providing reasonable safety for the building occupants and access for persons with disabilities.

SECTION 8-102 — APPLICATION

8-102.1 Application. The CHBC is applicable to all issues regarding code compliance for qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC may be used in conjunction with the regular code to provide solutions to facilitate the preservation of qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC shall be used by any agency with jurisdiction and whenever compliance with the code is required for qualified historical buildings or properties.
1. State or local enforcing agency. The state or local enforcing agency shall apply 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 when so elected by the private property owner.
2. **State agencies.
CHBC § 8-503 Medium 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 § 8-5 Medium relevance — show source text
803 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

804 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

805 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

806 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

807 Mechanical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

808 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

809 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

CHAPTER 9 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-3

901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

902 Special Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

903 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

904 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

905 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

906 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

907 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

908 Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement System Coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5

CHAPTER 10 CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-3

1001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

1002 Special Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

1003 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
CHBC § 8-601.3 Medium 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 § 8-1001.1 Medium relevance — show source text
8-1001.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction of associated historical features of qualified historical buildings, properties or districts (as defined in Chapter 8-2), and for which Chapters 8-3 through 8-9 of the CHBC may not apply.

8-1001.2 Scope. This chapter applies to the associated historical features of qualified historical buildings or properties such as historical districts that are beyond the buildings themselves which include, but are not limited to, natural features and designed site and landscape plans with natural and man-made landscape elements that support their function and aesthetics. This may include, but will not be limited to:
1. Site plan layout configurations and relationships (pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular site circulation, topographical grades and drainage, and use areas).
2. Landscape elements (plant materials, site structures other than the qualified historical building, bridges and their associated structures, lighting, water features, art ornamentation, and pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular surfaces).
3. Functional elements (utility placement, erosion control and environmental mitigation measures).
SECTION 8-1002 — APPLICATION

8-1002.1 The CHBC shall apply to all sites and districts and their features associated with qualified historical buildings or qualified historical districts as outlined in 8-1001.2 Scope.

8-1002.2 Where the application of regular code may impact the associated features of qualified historical properties beyond their footprints, by work performed secondarily, those impacts shall also be covered by the CHBC.

8-1002.3 This chapter shall be applied for all issues regarding code compliance or other standard or regulation as they affect the purpose of this chapter.

8-1002.4 The application of any code or building standard shall not unduly restrict the use of a qualified historical building or property that is otherwise permitted pursuant to Chapter 8-3 and the intent of the State Historical Building Code, Section 18956.

SECTION 8-1003 — SITE RELATIONS

The relationship between a building or property and its site, or the associated features of a district (including qualified historical landscape), site, objects and their features are critical components that may be one of the criteria for these buildings and properties to be qualified under the CHBC. The CHBC recognizes the importance of these relationships. This chapter shall be used to provide context sensitive solutions for treatment of qualified historical buildings, properties, district or their associated historical features, or when work to be performed secondarily impacts the associated historical features of a qualified historical building or property.

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CHBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

a. Design assumptions:
Maximum deflection criterion: L/240.
Maximum roof dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum ceiling load: 5 psf.
Maximum ceiling live load: 20 psf.
Maximum second-floor live load: 30 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load from walls: 10 psf.
Maximum first floor dead load: 10 psf.
Wind loads based on Table R301.2.1(1).
Strength axis of facing material applied horizontally.
b. Building width is in the direction of horizontal framing members supported by the header.
c. The table provides for roof slopes between 3:12 and 12:12.
d. The maximum roof overhang is 24 inches (610 mm).|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
DR = Design Required.
a. Design assumptions:
Maximum deflection criterion: L/240.
Maximum roof dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum ceiling load: 5 psf.
Maximum ceiling live load: 20 psf.
Maximum second-floor live load: 30 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load from walls: 10 psf.
Maximum first floor dead load: 10 psf.
Wind loads based on Table R301.2.1(1).
Strength axis of facing material applied horizontally.
b. Building width is in the direction of horizontal framing members supported by the header.
c. The table provides for roof slopes between 3:12 and 12:12.
d. The maximum roof overhang is 24 inches (610 mm).|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
DR = Design Required.
a. Design assumptions:
Maximum deflection criterion: L/240.
Maximum roof dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum ceiling load: 5 psf.
Maximum ceiling live load: 20 psf.
Maximum second-floor live load: 30 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load from walls: 10 psf.
Maximum first floor dead load: 10 psf.
Wind loads based on Table R301.2.1(1).
Strength axis of facing material applied horizontally.
b. Building width is in the direction of horizontal framing members supported by the header.
c. The table provides for roof slopes between 3:12 and 12:12.
d. The maximum roof overhang is 24 inches (610 mm).|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
DR = Design Required.
a.
CHBC § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Building width is in the direction of horizontal framing members supported by the header.
c. The table provides for roof slopes between 3:12 and 12:12.
d. The maximum roof overhang is 24 inches (610 mm).|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
DR = Design Required.
a. Design assumptions:
Maximum deflection criterion: L/240.
Maximum roof dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum ceiling load: 5 psf.
Maximum ceiling live load: 20 psf.
Maximum second-floor live load: 30 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load from walls: 10 psf.
Maximum first floor dead load: 10 psf.
Wind loads based on Table R301.2.1(1).
Strength axis of facing material applied horizontally.
b. Building width is in the direction of horizontal framing members supported by the header.
c. The table provides for roof slopes between 3:12 and 12:12.
d. The maximum roof overhang is 24 inches (610 mm).|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
DR = Design Required.
a. Design assumptions:
Maximum deflection criterion: L/240.
Maximum roof dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum ceiling load: 5 psf.
Maximum ceiling live load: 20 psf.
Maximum second-floor live load: 30 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load from walls: 10 psf.
Maximum first floor dead load: 10 psf.
Wind loads based on Table R301.2.1(1).
Strength axis of facing material applied horizontally.
b. Building width is in the direction of horizontal framing members supported by the header.
c. The table provides for roof slopes between 3:12 and 12:12.
d. The maximum roof overhang is 24 inches (610 mm).|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
DR = Design Required.
a. Design assumptions:
Maximum deflection criterion: L/240.
Maximum roof dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum ceiling load: 5 psf.
Maximum ceiling live load: 20 psf.
Maximum second-floor live load: 30 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load: 10 psf.
Maximum second-floor dead load from walls: 10 psf.
Maximum first floor dead load: 10 psf.
Wind loads based on Table R301.2.1(1).
Strength axis of facing material applied horizontally.
b. Building width is in the direction of horizontal framing members supported by the header.
c. The table provides for roof slopes between 3:12 and 12:12.
d.
CHBC § 8-101.1 Medium relevance — show source text
8-101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Historical Building Code and will be referred to herein as “the CHBC.”

8-101.2 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, relocation or reconstruction of buildings or properties designated as qualified historical buildings or properties (as defined in Chapter 8-2). The CHBC is intended to provide solutions for the preservation of qualified historical buildings or properties, to promote sustainability, to provide access for persons with disabilities, to provide a cost-effective approach to preservation, and to provide for the reasonable safety of the occupants or users. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept solutions that are reasonably equivalent to the regular code (as defined in Chapter 8-2) when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.

8-101.3 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to facilitate the preservation and continuing use of qualified historical buildings or properties while providing reasonable safety for the building occupants and access for persons with disabilities.

SECTION 8-102 — APPLICATION

8-102.1 Application. The CHBC is applicable to all issues regarding code compliance for qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC may be used in conjunction with the regular code to provide solutions to facilitate the preservation of qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC shall be used by any agency with jurisdiction and whenever compliance with the code is required for qualified historical buildings or properties.
1. State or local enforcing agency. The state or local enforcing agency shall apply 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 when so elected by the private property owner.
2. 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.

CHBC § 8-1002.1 Medium relevance — show source text

8-1002.1 The CHBC shall apply to all sites and districts and their features associated with qualified historical buildings or qualified historical districts as outlined in 8-1001.2 Scope.

8-1002.2 Where the application of regular code may impact the associated features of qualified historical properties beyond their footprints, by work performed secondarily, those impacts shall also be covered by the CHBC.

8-1002.3 This chapter shall be applied for all issues regarding code compliance or other standard or regulation as they affect the purpose of this chapter.

8-1002.4 The application of any code or building standard shall not unduly restrict the use of a qualified historical building or property that is otherwise permitted pursuant to Chapter 8-3 and the intent of the State Historical Building Code, Section 18956.

SECTION 8-1003 — SITE RELATIONS

The relationship between a building or property and its site, or the associated features of a district (including qualified historical landscape), site, objects and their features are critical components that may be one of the criteria for these buildings and properties to be qualified under the CHBC. The CHBC recognizes the importance of these relationships. This chapter shall be used to provide context sensitive solutions for treatment of qualified historical buildings, properties, district or their associated historical features, or when work to be performed secondarily impacts the associated historical features of a qualified historical building or property.

2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 23

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

24 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

Does Chapter 8-10 apply if only a small section of the lawn is disturbed for a utility?

Yes. If the work secondarily impacts associated historical features of a qualified historical property, it falls under § 8-1002.2 and Chapter 8-10 review is required .

Are tree plantings and historic hedgerows covered?

Yes. Plant materials and landscape elements are explicit examples of associated historical features in § 8-1001.2 .

Can I use regular code solutions if they harm a historic landscape feature?

No — if strict compliance with the regular code would threaten or destroy the historical significance, CHBC’s context-sensitive alternatives should be considered (see the CHBC purpose and the site relations intent in § 8-1001.1 and § 8-1003) .

Who decides whether a site is a “qualified historical” property?

Designation or eligibility is determined by the appropriate governmental register or inventory (local/state/national) as defined in CHBC definitions and the State Historical Building Code context (see CHBC definitions and § 8-101.2 for context) .

If a new nonhistoric pathway is added, does CHBC still apply?

If the pathway is a nonhistorical addition, it may need to comply with the regular code; however, CHBC still governs alterations to associated historic features and context-sensitive treatment — see CHBC guidance on nonhistorical additions and general application (§ 8-102.1.1) .

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Related in the CHBC

When and how does the CHBC apply to historical sites and districts?

Are qualified historical properties exempt from additional work required by regular code?

Purpose and scope of Qualified Historical Districts, Sites and Open Spaces

California Historical Building Code