CHBC · California Historical Building Code
When and how does the CHBC apply to historical sites and districts?
If a building or property is a **qualified historical building or property**, the CHBC applies not only to the building but to associated **sites and districts** (landscape, circulation, drainage, utilities, etc.) and to any regular‑code work that secondarily affects those features; apply **§ 8-1002.1–§ 8-1002.3** and document alternatives to preserve historic character.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — in plain English
The California Historical Building Code applies to all sites and districts and their features that are associated with a qualified historical building or property — not just the building footprint. See § 8-1002.1 for the basic rule.
Where otherwise-applicable regular code work would secondarily affect historic site features beyond a building’s footprint, those secondary impacts are also governed by the CHBC (this is the secondary impacts rule in § 8-1002.2).
Finally, the chapter is to be applied to “all issues regarding code compliance or other standard or regulation” to the extent those issues affect the chapter’s purpose — i.e., protection and treatment of historic features — per § 8-1002.3.
The CHBC covers the historic building and its associated site features (landscape, circulation, drainage, objects, utilities, etc.), and it also covers regular-code work that secondarily impacts those features. § 8-1002.1–§ 8-1002.3.
Requirements in detail
1) What “sites and districts” includes (scope)
The CHBC’s site/district scope covers associated historical features beyond the building: site plan layouts, landscape elements (planting, site structures, bridges, lighting, water features, pedestrian/vehicular surfaces), and functional elements (utility placement, erosion control, drainage, environmental mitigation). See § 8-1001.2 for the list of examples that the CHBC intends to cover.
2) Triggering events — when to use CHBC vs regular code
- If the work is on or for a qualified historical building or property, CHBC applies for code compliance issues (see § 8-1002.1).
- If regular-code work would secondarily impact associated historic features outside the footprint (for example trenching that disturbs historic paving or site drainage), those impacts fall under CHBC (§ 8-1002.2).
- For any compliance question where the purpose of Chapter 8-10 (sites/districts) is implicated, use this chapter (§ 8-1002.3).
3) How the rule is applied (authority & process)
- The CHBC is intended to be used by the enforcing agency in permitting repairs, alterations, additions, relocation or continued use of qualified historical properties (see broader application in § 8-102.1).
- Use the CHBC to provide context‑sensitive, performance‑based alternatives rather than strict prescriptive compliance when preserving character‑defining features (consistent with the CHBC purpose and intent).
Decision matrix (quick reference)
| Decision question | Decision value / threshold | What to do | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is the property a qualified historical building or property? | Yes / No | If Yes, CHBC applies to issues described below; if No, use regular code. | § 8-1002.1 |
| Is the work on site/district features beyond the building footprint? | e.g., site layout, planting, bridges, lighting, water features, pedestrian/vehicular surfaces | CHBC applies to those associated features. | § 8-1001.2 |
| Does regular-code work secondarily impact associated historic features beyond foot- print? | e.g., excavation, utility work, grading beyond footprint | Secondary impacts are covered by the CHBC. | § 8-1002.2 |
| Is the issue a code compliance question that affects the chapter’s purpose? | Any code/standard affecting preservation/rehab of historic features | Apply Chapter 8-10 to resolve the issue (use alternatives where appropriate). | § 8-1002.3 |
| Does new construction or a replica apply? | New construction / reconstruction/replicas | CHBC provisions generally do NOT apply to new construction or replicas (see related CHBC exceptions). | § 8-601.3 |
Exceptions & special cases
- New construction or non‑historic reconstruction/replicas are generally outside the CHBC’s provisions; the CHBC applies to qualified historical buildings or properties, not to wholly new construction intended as nonhistoric work (see § 8-601.3).
- The CHBC does not preclude enforcing agencies from requiring correction of unsafe conditions; when a qualified historical property is found to be unsafe, the CHBC governs the remedial work but does not require full regular‑code retrofitting beyond correction of the hazard (see § 8-102.1.5).
- The CHBC is performance oriented and may be used in conjunction with the regular code; where alternatives are used, they must achieve equivalent life‑safety and respect historic integrity (see CHBC intent and application in § 8-101.2 and § 8-102.1). file
Common mistakes
- Treating the CHBC as applying only to the building envelope. The CHBC explicitly covers sites and districts and their features associated with qualified historic properties (§ 8-1002.1).
- Assuming secondary impacts are outside CHBC. Any regular-code work that secondarily impacts associated historic features is covered (§ 8-1002.2).
- Failing to document the preservation rationale when alternative solutions are used. The CHBC and related chapters require case‑by‑case justification and recordkeeping when alternatives are applied (see documentation requirements in § 8-602.2).
- Confusing CHBC jurisdiction: owners or enforcing agencies who elect to use CHBC must ensure the property is qualified (designation or eligibility) before applying the CHBC. The CHBC’s authority presumes qualified status.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A city plans to install a new buried electrical conduit that runs across a historic plaza and requires a 30‑ft trench which will cut through original historic paving and a historic drainage swale located 20 ft beyond the building footprint.
Step 1 — Is the property qualified? Confirm the plaza and associated features are part of a qualified historical district or associated with a qualified historical building. If yes, CHBC applies per § 8-1002.1.
Step 2 — Does the work secondarily affect associated features? Yes — the trench would disturb historic paving and drainage elements beyond the building footprint. Those secondary impacts are covered by the CHBC under § 8-1002.2.
Step 3 — Follow CHBC process:
- Require the permitting applicant to document the historic significance of the plaza features (scope items in § 8-1001.2: pedestrian surfaces, drainage).
- Evaluate alternatives that minimize disturbance (e.g., directional drilling under historic paving, routing to less‑sensitive area, temporary paving replacement to historic profile) consistent with the Chapter’s performance approach. Cite CHBC as the governing set of alternatives because this is a site/district feature impact (§ 8-1002.3 for applying the chapter to code‑compliance issues affecting purpose).
- Retain documentation of the decision and the reasoning for any alternative accepted (see documentation guidance in § 8-602.2).
Numeric illustration: if the trench is 30 ft long and will remove 300 sq ft of historic paving, propose directional drill under the critical 20‑ft swale segment to eliminate surface disturbance. The enforcing agency may accept the alternative if it provides equivalent safety and preserves the character‑defining features under CHBC authority. file
Related provisions (to consult)
- § 8-1001.2 — Scope: specific site features CHBC covers (site layout, landscape elements, functional elements).
- § 8-1003 — Site relations: importance of the relationship between building and site for qualification and treatment.
- § 8-102.1 — General CHBC application and authority for state and local enforcing agencies.
- § 8-101.2 — Purpose and intent: CHBC’s preservation/rehabilitation focus.
- § 8-601.3 — CHBC exclusions: new construction and reconstruction/replicas exceptions.
- § 8-602.2 — Alternatives and documentation when regular code threatens historic features.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Historical Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CHBC § 8-1002.1 High 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.
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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 EntitiesTitle III
Private EntitiesTitle III
Barrier RemovalSECTION 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.CHBC § 323-9843 High relevance — show source text
State Librarian [SL]
library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation
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HOW TO DETERMINE WHERE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE
Symbols in the margins indicate where changes have been made or language has been deleted.
This symbol indicates that a change has been made.
- This symbol indicates deletion of language.
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PART 8 CONTAINS ALTERNATIVE REGULATIONS
FOR QUALIFIED HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
The California Historical Building Code (CHBC) is unique among state regulations. The authoring of the original CHBC required state agencies promulgating regulations for building construction to work in harmony with representatives of other design and construction disciplines. The result was a totally new approach to building codes for historical structures, which maintains currently acceptable life safety standards. These regulations are also unique in that they are performance oriented rather than prescriptive. The provisions of the CHBC are to be applied by the enforcing authority of every city, county, city and county, or state agency in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, rehabilitation, relocation, related construction, change of use or continued use of a qualified historical building. The authority for use of the CHBC is vested in Sections 18950 through 18961 of the Health and Safety Code. Section 18954 states, “The building department of every city or county or other local agency that has jurisdiction over the enforcement of code within its legal authority shall apply the alternative standards and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 18959.5 in permitting repairs, alterations, and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, safety, moving, or continued use of a qualified historical building or structure. A state agency shall apply the alternative regulations adopted pursuant to Section 18959.5 in permitting repairs, alterations, and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, safety, moving, or continued use of a qualified historical building or structure.” However, be aware that in order to use the CHBC, the structure under consideration must be qualified by being designated as an historical building or structure. Section 18955 states, “For the purposes of this part, a qualified historical building or structure is any structure or property, collection of structures, and their related sites deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction. This shall include historical buildings or structures on existing or future national, state or local historical registers or official inventories, such as the National Register of Historic Places, State Historical Landmarks, State Points of Historical Interest, and city or county registers or inventories of historical or architecturally significant sites, places, historic districts, or landmarks. This shall also include places, locations, or sites identified on these historical registers or official inventories and deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction.” The regulations of the CHBC have the same authority as state law and are to be considered as such. Liability is the same as for prevailing law. The intent of the CHBC is to save California’s architectural heritage by recognizing the unique construction problems inherent in historical buildings and by providing a code to deal with these problems.
CHBC § 8-1001.1 High 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:
- Site plan layout configurations and relationships (pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular site circulation, topographical grades and drainage, and use areas).
- 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).
- 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 § 8-101.1 High 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.
- 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.
- 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 § 8-904.2.7 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:
- Recordings are provided by the serving agency.
- 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.
- There has been no change in occupancy or character of load during the previous 12 months.
- 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:
- Site plan layout configurations and relationships (pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular site circulation, topographical grades and drainage, and use areas).
- 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).
- 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 § 8-102.1.1 High relevance — show source text
- State agencies. All state agencies shall apply the provisions of the CHBC in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, safety, relocation, reconstruction or continued use of qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-102.1.1 Additions, alterations and repairs. It is the intent of the CHBC to allow nonhistorical expansion or addition to a qualified historical building or property, provided nonhistorical additions shall conform to the requirements of the regular code (as defined in Chapter 8-2).
8-102.1.2 Relocation. Relocated qualified historical buildings or properties shall be sited to comply with the regular code or with the solutions listed in the CHBC. Nonhistorical new construction related to relocation shall comply with the regular code. Reconstruction and restoration related to relocation is permitted to comply with the provisions in the CHBC.
8-102.1.3 Change of occupancy. For change of use or occupancy, see Chapter 8-3, Use and Occupancy.
8-102.1.4 Continued use. Qualified historical buildings or properties may have their existing use or occupancy continued if such use or occupancy conformed to the code or to the standards of construction in effect at the time of construction, and such use or occupancy does not constitute a distinct hazard to life safety as defined in the CHBC.
8-102.1.5 Unsafe buildings or properties. When a qualified historical building or property is determined to be unsafe as defined in the regular code, the requirements of the CHBC are applicable to the work necessary to correct the unsafe conditions. Work to remediate the buildings or properties need only address the correction of the unsafe conditions, and it shall not be required to bring the entire qualified historical building or property into compliance with regular code.
8-102.1.6 Additional work. Qualified historical buildings or properties shall not be subject to additional work required by the regular code, regulation or ordinance beyond that required to complete the work undertaken. Certain exceptions for accessibility and for distinct hazards exist by mandate and may require specific action, within the parameters of the CHBC.
SECTION 8-103 — ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT
8-103.1 Authority. The state or local enforcing agency, pursuant to authority provided under Section 18954 of the Health and Safety Code, shall administer and enforce the provisions of the CHBC in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, reconstruction, rehabilitation, relocation or continued use of a qualified historical building or property.
8-103.2 State enforcement. All state agencies pursuant to authority provided under Section 18954 and Section 18961 of the Health and Safety Code shall administer and enforce the CHBC with respect to qualified historical buildings or properties under their respective jurisdiction.
8-103.3 Liability. Prevailing law regarding immunity of building officials is unaffected by the use and enforcement of the CHBC.
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ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 8-104 — REVIEW AND APPEALS
8-104.1 State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB or Board). In order to provide for interpretation of the provisions of the CHBC and to hear appeals, the SHBSB shall act as an appeal and review body to state and local agencies or any affected party.
**8-104.2 SHBSB review.
CHBC § 8-1001 High 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.
- 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.
- **State agencies.
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 EntitiesTitle III
Private EntitiesTitle III
Barrier RemovalSECTION 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 § 8-9 High relevance — show source text
Bolt spacing shall not
exceed 6 feet (1830 mm) on center and shall not be less than 12 inches (305 mm) on center.
6. Other masonry based on tests or other substantiated data.
7. Embedded bolts to be tested as specified in regular code standards.
8. Stresses given may be increased for combinations of loads as specified in the regular code.
9. Adhesives shall be approved by the enforcing agency and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. All drilling dust shall be removed from drilled
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8-9 MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 8-901 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE
8-901.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems of buildings designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept any reasonable equivalent solutions to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-901.2 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings or properties while providing a reasonable level of protection from fire, health and life safety hazards (hereinafter referred to as safety hazards) for the building occupants.
8-901.3 Scope. The CHBC shall be applied in conjunction with the regular code whenever compliance with the regular code is required for qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-901.4 Safety hazard. No person shall permit any safety hazard to exist on premises under their control, or fail to take immediate action to abate such hazard. Existing systems which constitute a safety hazard when operational may remain in place, provided they are completely and permanently rendered inoperative. Safety hazards created by inoperative systems shall not be permitted to exist. Requirements of the regular code concerning general regulations shall be complied with, except that the enforcing agency shall accept solutions which do not cause a safety hazard.
8-901.5 Energy conservation. Qualified historical buildings or properties covered by this part are exempted from compliance with energy conservation standards. When new nonhistorical lighting and space conditioning system components, devices, appliances and equipment are installed, they shall comply with the requirements of Title 24, Part 6, The California Energy Code, except where the historical significance or character-defining features are threatened.
SECTION 8-902 — MECHANICAL
8-902.1 General. Mechanical systems shall comply with the regular code unless otherwise modified by this chapter.
8-902.1.1 The provisions of the CHBC shall apply to the acceptance, location, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement or addition of any heating, ventilating, air conditioning, domestic incinerators, kilns or miscellaneous heat-producing appliances or equipment within or attached to a historical building.
8-902.1.2 Existing systems which do not, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, constitute a safety hazard may remain in use.
8-902.1.3 The enforcing agency may approve any alternative to the CHBC which would achieve equivalent life safety.
8-902.2 Heating facilities. All dwelling-type occupancies covered under this chapter shall be provided with heating facilities. Woodburning or pellet stoves or fireplaces may be acceptable as heating facilities.
CHBC § 8-3 High relevance — show source text
This shall include historical buildings or properties on, or determined eligible for, national, state or local historical registers or inventories, such as the National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources, State Historical Landmarks, State Points of Historical Interest, and city or county registers, inventories or surveys of historical or architecturally significant sites, places or landmarks.
RECONSTRUCTION. The act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features and detailing of a nonsurviving site, landscape, building, property or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time.
REGULAR CODE. The adopted regulations that govern the design and construction or alteration of nonhistorical buildings and properties within the jurisdiction of the enforcing agency.
REHABILITATION. The act or process of making possible a compatible use for qualified historical building or property through repair, alterations and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its qualified historical, cultural or architectural values.
RELOCATION. The act or process of moving any qualified historical building or property or a portion of a qualified historical building or property to a new site, or a different location on the same site.
REPAIR. Renewal, reconstruction or renovation of any portion of an existing property, site or building for the purpose of its continued use.
RESTORATION. The act or process of accurately depicting the form, features and character of a qualified building or property as it appeared at a particular period of time by the means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a restoration project.
STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed, an edifice or a building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
TREATMENT. An act of work to carry out preservation, restoration, stabilization, rehabilitation or reconstruction.
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8-3 USE AND OCCUPANCY
SECTION 8-301 — PURPOSE AND SCOPE
8-301.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the determination of occupancy classifications and conditions of use for qualified historical buildings or properties.
8-301.2 Scope. Every qualified historical building or property for which a permit or approval has been requested shall be classified prior to permit issuance according to its use or the character of its occupancy in accordance with the regular code and applicable provisions of this chapter.
SECTION 8-302 — GENERAL
8-302.1 Existing use. The use or character of occupancy of a qualified historical building or property, or portion thereof, shall be permitted to continue in use regardless of any period of time in which it may have remained unoccupied or in other uses, provided such building or property otherwise conforms to all applicable requirements of the CHBC.
8-302.2 Change in occupancy. The use or character of the occupancy of a qualified historical building or property may be changed from or returned to its historical use or character, provided the qualified historical building or property conforms to the requirements applicable to the new use or character of occupancy as set forth in the CHBC. Such change in occupancy shall not mandate conformance with new construction requirements as set forth in regular code.
CHBC § 18959.5 High relevance — show source text
A state agency shall apply the alternative regulations adopted pursuant to Section 18959.5 in permitting repairs, alterations, and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, safety, moving, or continued use of a qualified historical building or structure.” However, be aware that in order to use the CHBC, the structure under consideration must be qualified by being designated as an historical building or structure. Section 18955 states, “For the purposes of this part, a qualified historical building or structure is any structure or property, collection of structures, and their related sites deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction. This shall include historical buildings or structures on existing or future national, state or local historical registers or official inventories, such as the National Register of Historic Places, State Historical Landmarks, State Points of Historical Interest, and city or county registers or inventories of historical or architecturally significant sites, places, historic districts, or landmarks. This shall also include places, locations, or sites identified on these historical registers or official inventories and deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction.” The regulations of the CHBC have the same authority as state law and are to be considered as such. Liability is the same as for prevailing law. The intent of the CHBC is to save California’s architectural heritage by recognizing the unique construction problems inherent in historical buildings and by providing a code to deal with these problems.
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HISTORICAL PREFACE
The background of the California Historical Building Code can be traced to December 1973, when the State Department of Parks and Recreation published the California History Plan, Volume I, in which Recommendation No. 11 was proposed by the then California Landmarks Advisory Committee (later to become The State Historical Resources Commission). This proposal expressed a need for a new building code to meet the intent of protecting the public health and safety and also retain “enough flexibility to allow restoration of a Historic feature while still retaining its Historic integrity.” No. 11 of this History Plan supported this need by stating that “. . . restoration . . . is frequently made difficult by unnecessarily rigid interpretation of building . . . codes.” In March of 1974, the Landmarks Committee by resolution recommended that the Director of the State Department of Parks and Recreation and the State Architect initiate a study to develop this needed code. These two officials accepted this concept and jointly called a statewide meeting in Sacramento on May 14th of that year. Attending were representatives from both the public and private sectors, such as members of the building industry, design professions, local and state building officials, and others interested in this problem. Out of this open conference, a steering committee was formed to explore in depth the ways and means of implementing the new historical building code concept. This ad hoc committee was chaired by a representative from the California Council, American Institute of Architects and composed of a comprehensive cross section of the professional organizations and government agencies concerned with design and code enforcement. Meetings began late in 1974 and continued into early 1975. By April of that year, a legislative subcommittee of the ad hoc group drafted a sample bill for the proposed code and requested that it be carried by Senator James R. Mills, President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
CHBC § 8-810 Medium 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.”
Frequently asked questions
When is a property “qualified” so the CHBC applies?
A property is “qualified” if it has been designated or deemed important by an appropriate governmental jurisdiction or is listed/eligible on official registers; qualification is required before CHBC application. See the CHBC purpose/definitions and the application sections for the criteria used to determine qualification. file
If I only replace utilities outside the building, do I need CHBC review?
Yes — if the utility work secondarily impacts historic site features beyond the building footprint, § 8-1002.2 brings those impacts under the CHBC.
Does CHBC force full code upgrades for every repair?
No — when a property is unsafe, remedial work addresses the unsafe conditions; the CHBC does not require full retrofitting of an entire historic property to regular‑code standards beyond what is needed to correct the unsafe condition (see § 8-102.1.5).
Do I need to document why an alternative to the regular code was used?
Yes — the CHBC requires case‑by‑case application and documentation when alternatives are applied to avoid threatening historic significance; retain documentation in the enforcing agency’s permanent file (see § 8-602.2).
Can state agencies use the CHBC?
Yes — state agencies are required to apply the CHBC for repairs, alterations and additions to qualified historical buildings/properties under their jurisdiction (see § 8-102.1).
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