CHBC · California Historical Building Code

When must lateral systems be strengthened and what performance objectives guide upgrades?

If a historic building’s lateral system is judged unsafe, the CHBC requires correction or replacement and that any strengthening add resistance to meet CHBC minimums; measures must be chosen to meet the CHBC performance objectives (prevent collapse, keep life‑threatening risk low) and designers must consider low‑impact options to preserve historic materials.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

When an evaluation shows unsafe conditions in the building’s lateral‑load‑resisting system, those conditions must be corrected or replaced with alternative resistance; if strengthening is required, the work must provide additional resistance to meet the minimum requirements of the CHBC. The strengthening measures must be chosen with the intent of meeting the CHBC performance objectives (preventing partial or total collapse and keeping life‑threatening injury risk low). See § 8-705.2, § 8-705.2.1, and § 8-705.2.2 for these requirements.

The single most important rule: Correct any unsafe lateral‑load‑resisting system and, when you strengthen, provide additional resistance chosen to meet the CHBC performance objectives in § 8-701.2.

Requirements in detail

Trigger for action

  • If the structural survey or analysis reveals unsafe conditions in the lateral‑load‑resisting system, those conditions must be corrected or alternative resistance provided. § 8-705.2.1 requires correction or acceptable alternate resistance.

What “strengthening” must accomplish

  • Strengthening must provide additional resistance sufficient to meet the CHBC’s minimum requirements, and must be selected with the intent of meeting the CHBC performance objectives (see § 8-701.2). § 8-705.2.1 explicitly ties selection of measures to the performance objectives.

How the evaluation is done

  • The evaluation of members and systems for seismic loads must consider inelastic performance and the member/system’s ability to maintain load‑carrying capacity under the seismic demands used in the regular code. § 8-705.2.1 requires consideration of inelastic behavior.
  • The overall lateral evaluation (force levels and rules for analysis) is carried out under Section § 8-706, which sets the seismic force basis and related exceptions (for example, the CHBC allows certain force reductions and caps).

Designer responsibility and preservation emphasis

  • The architect or engineer must consider additional measures with minimal loss of, and impact to, historical materials that reduce future earthquake damage; those measures must be presented to the owner as part of the rehabilitation/restoration. § 8-705.2.2 directs the design professional to offer these minimally intrusive options.

Decision‑relevant dimensions and values

Decision dimension Key value / threshold How it’s used Code Reference
Wind‑load consideration 75% of regular‑code wind loads (maximum to consider) Wind loads need not exceed this level when evaluating historical structures. § 8-705.2
Unsafety trigger Presence of unsafe conditions in lateral system Unsafe elements must be corrected or alternate resistance provided. § 8-705.2.1
Strengthening objective Additional resistance to meet CHBC minimums; intent to meet § 8-701.2 performance objectives Choose strengthening to prevent partial/total collapse and keep life‑threatening risk low. § 8-705.2.1 and § 8-701.2
Analysis scope Consider inelastic performance of members/systems Evaluate members for ability to maintain capacity during seismic demand. § 8-705.2.1
Preservation guidance Minimal loss/impact to historic materials — consider additional mitigation presented to owner Designers must offer low‑impact options to reduce future damage. § 8-705.2.2
Seismic force cap (related) 0.75 × regular‑code seismic forces (see § 8‑706.1 exception) CHBC/related Section 8‑706 limits seismic force used in evaluation; consult § 8‑706 when applying values. § 8-706.1

Exceptions & special cases

  • Wind loads: When appropriate, wind loads are considered but need not exceed 75% of the wind loads prescribed by the regular code. This is stated in § 8-705.2.
  • Seismic force limits and related caps: The lateral‑load evaluation references § 8-706 which contains numerical exceptions and caps (for example, 0.75× seismic forces, story base‑shear caps for certain Risk Categories). Whenever you use force levels, consult § 8‑706 for the allowed reductions and caps.
  • Historic materials and archaic construction: The CHBC allows consideration of historical performance and archaic materials; designers may assign allowable strengths based on historical data or testing, but any members expected to fail and lead to collapse must be judged unacceptable and strengthened. See § 8-705.2.1 in conjunction with Chapter 8‑8 references.

Common mistakes

  • Treating “may be assumed adequate” guidance for gravity systems (in § 8-705.1) as applying to lateral systems — the lateral system must be evaluated and unsafe conditions corrected per § 8-705.2/8-705.2.1.
  • Designing only to the regular‑code elastic forces and ignoring the CHBC caps/exceptions in § 8-706 (results in over- or under-design). Always check the CHBC‑allowed force reductions and caps.
  • Failing to document and present low‑impact preservation measures to the owner — § 8-705.2.2 requires the architect/engineer to consider and present such options.
  • Ignoring inelastic performance: evaluations must consider inelastic behavior and the ability to maintain load capacity under seismic loading as required in § 8-705.2.1.

Worked example — applying the rule with numbers

Scenario: A historic masonry building is analyzed and the regular‑code analysis for the existing condition gives a design base shear of 100 kips in a particular direction. The evaluating engineer is using CHBC provisions.

  1. Limit the demand used for evaluation: the CHBC allows seismic forces used for evaluation to be reduced per § 8-706.1 (commonly 0.75 × the regular‑code seismic forces). Using that cap, the evaluation force = 0.75 × 100 kips = 75 kips.
  2. The engineer finds existing walls and connections can resist only 50 kips (capacity) — this is an unsafe condition because 50 kips < 75 kips used in evaluation. § 8-705.2.1 requires correction or provision of alternative resistance.
  3. Strengthening strategy: provide additional resistance (for example, shear panels, improved anchorage, or supplemental steel bracing) so that total lateral capacity ≥ 75 kips and meet CHBC minimums; select measures that are consistent with the CHBC performance intent in § 8-701.2 (prevent collapse and keep life‑threatening risk low). The designer also evaluates inelastic performance and selects detailing consistent with maintaining load capacity during the seismic demand. § 8-705.2.1 and § 8-701.2 apply.
  4. Preservation step: the architect/engineer should also consider and present lower‑impact options that reduce future damage (e.g., minimally invasive anchors, reversible connections) per § 8-705.2.2, and document those options for the owner.

Related provisions

  • § 8-701.2 — CHBC performance objectives / intent (prevent partial/total collapse; life‑safety focus).
  • § 8-706.1 – 8-706.3 — Lateral load regulations and allowable force reductions / load‑path requirements (used to determine forces and caps).
  • § 8-703.1 – 8-703.2 — Structural survey requirements that feed the lateral evaluation (architect/engineer must survey and document framing and lateral systems).
  • § 8-705.1 — Gravity load evaluation (context for when “test of time” assumptions may apply to gravity systems, not lateral).
  • Chapter 8‑8 — Archaic materials and methods (guidance on assigning strengths and evaluating historic materials).

Code references

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

  • CHBC § 8-702.2 High relevance — show source text

    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

    8-705.1 Gravity loads. The capacity of the structure to resist gravity loads shall be evaluated and the structure strengthened as necessary. The evaluation shall include all parts of the load path. Where no distress is evident, and a complete load path is present, the structure may be assumed adequate by having withstood the test of time if anticipated dead and live loads will not exceed those historically present.

    8-705.2 Wind and seismic loads. The ability of the structure to resist wind and seismic loads shall be evaluated. Wind loads shall be considered when appropriate, but need not exceed 75 percent of the wind loads prescribed by the regular code. The evaluation shall be based on the requirements of Section 8-706.

    8.705.2.1 Any unsafe conditions in the lateral-load-resisting system shall be corrected, or alternative resistance shall be provided. When strengthening is required, additional resistance shall be provided to meet the minimum requirements of the CHBC. The strengthening measures shall be selected with the intent of meeting the performance objectives set forth in Section 8-701.2. The evaluation of structural members and structural systems for seismic loads shall consider the inelastic performance of structural members and their ability to maintain load-carrying capacity during the seismic loadings prescribed by the regular code.

    8.705.2.2 The architect or engineer shall consider additional measures with minimal loss of, and impact to, historical materials which will reduce damage and needed repairs in future earthquakes to better preserve the historical structure in perpetuity. These additional measures shall be presented to the owner for consideration as part of the rehabilitation or restoration.

    2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 13

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

    STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS

  • CHBC § 8-705.1 High relevance — show source text

    8-705.1 Gravity loads. The capacity of the structure to resist gravity loads shall be evaluated and the structure strengthened as necessary. The evaluation shall include all parts of the load path. Where no distress is evident, and a complete load path is present, the structure may be assumed adequate by having withstood the test of time if anticipated dead and live loads will not exceed those historically present.

    8-705.2 Wind and seismic loads. The ability of the structure to resist wind and seismic loads shall be evaluated. Wind loads shall be considered when appropriate, but need not exceed 75 percent of the wind loads prescribed by the regular code. The evaluation shall be based on the requirements of Section 8-706.

    8.705.2.1 Any unsafe conditions in the lateral-load-resisting system shall be corrected, or alternative resistance shall be provided. When strengthening is required, additional resistance shall be provided to meet the minimum requirements of the CHBC. The strengthening measures shall be selected with the intent of meeting the performance objectives set forth in Section 8-701.2. The evaluation of structural members and structural systems for seismic loads shall consider the inelastic performance of structural members and their ability to maintain load-carrying capacity during the seismic loadings prescribed by the regular code.

    8.705.2.2 The architect or engineer shall consider additional measures with minimal loss of, and impact to, historical materials which will reduce damage and needed repairs in future earthquakes to better preserve the historical structure in perpetuity. These additional measures shall be presented to the owner for consideration as part of the rehabilitation or restoration.

    2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 13

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

    STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS

    SECTION 8-706 LATERAL LOAD REGULATIONS

    8-706.1 Seismic forces. Strength-level seismic forces used to evaluate the structure for resistance to seismic loads shall be based on the R -values tabulated in the regular code for similar lateral-force-resisting systems including consideration of the structural detailing of the members where such R -values exist. Where such R -values do not exist, an appropriate R -value shall be rationally assigned considering the structural detailing of the members.

    Exceptions:

    1. The forces need not exceed 0.75 times the seismic forces prescribed by the regular code requirements.
    2. For Risk Category I, II or III structures, near-fault increases in ground motion (maximum considered earthquake ground motion of 0.2 second spectral response greater than 150 percent at 5 percent damping) need not be considered when the fundamental period of the building is 0.5 seconds in the direction under consideration.
    3. For Risk Category I or II structures, the seismic base shear need not exceed 0.30W.
    4. For Risk Category III or IV structures, the seismic base shear need not exceed 0.40W.

    8-706.1.1 When a building is to be strengthened with the addition of a new lateral force resisting system, the R -value of the new system can be used when the new lateral force resisting system resists at least 75 percent of the building’s base shear regardless of its relative rigidity.

    8-706.1.2 Evaluation and seismic improvement of unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings shall comply with the California Existing Building Code (CEBC), Appendix Chapter A1 2013 Edition, and as modified by the CHBC.

    Exceptions:

  • CHBC § 8-7 High relevance — show source text

    12 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

    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

  • CHBC § 8-807.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    8-807.3 Existing wood framing. Existing wood framing members may be assigned allowable stresses consistent with codes in effect at the time of construction. Existing or new replacement wood framing may be of archaic types originally used if properly researched, such as balloon and single wall. Wood joints such as dovetail and mortise and tenon types may be used structurally, provided they are well made. Lumber selected for use and type need not bear grade marks, and greater or lesser species such as low-level pine and fir, boxwood and indigenous hardwoods and other variations may be used for specific conditions where they were or would have been used.

    Wood fasteners such as square or cut nails may be used with a maximum increase of 50 percent over wire nails for shear.

    SECTION 8-808 CONCRETE

    8-808.1 Materials. Natural cement concrete, unreinforced rubble concrete and similar materials may be utilized wherever that material is used historically. Concrete of low strength and with less reinforcement than required by the regular code may remain in place. The architect or engineer shall assign appropriate values of strength based on testing of samples of the materials. Bond and development lengths shall be determined based on historical information or tests.

    8-808.2 Detailing. The architect or engineer shall carefully evaluate all detailing provisions of the regular code which are not met and shall consider the implications of these variations on the ultimate performance of the structure, giving due consideration to ductility and reserve strength.

    16 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

    ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

    SECTION 8-809 STEEL AND IRON

    The hand-built, untested use of wrought or black iron, the use of cast iron or grey iron, and the myriad of joining methods that are not specifically allowed by code may be used wherever applicable and wherever they have proven their worth under the considerable span of years involved with most qualified historical buildings or structures. Uplift capacity should be evaluated and strengthened where necessary. Fixed conditions or midheight lateral loads on cast iron columns that could cause failure should be taken into account. Existing structural wrought, forged steel or grey iron may be assigned the maximum working stress prevalent at the time of original construction.

    SECTION 8-810 HOLLOW CLAY TILE

    The historical performance of hollow clay tile in past earthquakes shall be carefully considered in evaluating walls of hollow clay tile construction. Hollow clay tile bearing walls shall be evaluated and strengthened as appropriate for lateral loads and their ability to maintain support of gravity loads. Suitable protective measures shall be provided to prevent blockage of exit stairways, stairway enclosures, exit ways and public ways as a result of an earthquake.

    SECTION 8-811 VENEERS

    8-811.1 Terra cotta and stone. Terra cotta, cast stone and natural stone veneers shall be investigated for the presence of suitable anchorage. Steel anchors shall be investigated for deterioration or corrosion. New or supplemental anchorage shall be provided as appropriate.

    8-811.2 Anchorage. Brick veneer with mechanical anchorage at spacings greater than required by the regular code may remain, provided the anchorages have not corroded. Nail strength in withdrawal in wood sheathing may be utilized to its capacity in accordance with code values.

    SECTION 8-812 GLASS AND GLAZING

  • CHBC § 8-706 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION 8-706 LATERAL LOAD REGULATIONS

    8-706.1 Seismic forces. Strength-level seismic forces used to evaluate the structure for resistance to seismic loads shall be based on the R -values tabulated in the regular code for similar lateral-force-resisting systems including consideration of the structural detailing of the members where such R -values exist. Where such R -values do not exist, an appropriate R -value shall be rationally assigned considering the structural detailing of the members.

    Exceptions:

    1. The forces need not exceed 0.75 times the seismic forces prescribed by the regular code requirements.
    2. For Risk Category I, II or III structures, near-fault increases in ground motion (maximum considered earthquake ground motion of 0.2 second spectral response greater than 150 percent at 5 percent damping) need not be considered when the fundamental period of the building is 0.5 seconds in the direction under consideration.
    3. For Risk Category I or II structures, the seismic base shear need not exceed 0.30W.
    4. For Risk Category III or IV structures, the seismic base shear need not exceed 0.40W.

    8-706.1.1 When a building is to be strengthened with the addition of a new lateral force resisting system, the R -value of the new system can be used when the new lateral force resisting system resists at least 75 percent of the building’s base shear regardless of its relative rigidity.

    8-706.1.2 Evaluation and seismic improvement of unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings shall comply with the California Existing Building Code (CEBC), Appendix Chapter A1 2013 Edition, and as modified by the CHBC.

    Exceptions:

    1. Alternative standards may be used on a case-by-case basis when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. It shall be permitted to exceed the strength limitation of 100 psi in Section A108.2 of the CEBC when test data and building configuration supports higher values subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
    2. CEBC Section A102.2 shall not apply to Qualified Historical Buildings in Risk Category III buildings and other structures whose primary occupancies are public assembly with an occupancy load greater than 300.

    8-706.1.3 All deviations from the detailing provisions of the lateral-force-resisting systems shall be evaluated for stability and the ability to maintain load-carrying capacity at the expected inelastic deformations.

    8-706.2 Existing building performance. The seismic resistance may be based upon the ultimate capacity of the structure to perform, giving due consideration to ductility and reserve strength of the lateral-force-resisting system and materials while maintaining a reasonable factor of safety. Broad judgment may be exercised regarding the strength and performance of materials not recognized by regular code requirements. (See Chapter 8-8, Archaic Materials and Methods of Construction.)

    8-706.2.1 All structural materials or members that do not comply with detailing and proportioning requirements of the regular code shall be evaluated for potential seismic performance and the consequence of non-compliance. All members that would be reasonably expected to fail and lead to collapse or life threatening injury when subjected to seismic demands shall be judged unacceptable, and appropriate structural strengthening shall be developed.

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

  • CHBC § 8-604 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE 11

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

    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.

    12 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

    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 § 8-810 Medium relevance — show source text

    The hand-built, untested use of wrought or black iron, the use of cast iron or grey iron, and the myriad of joining methods that are not specifically allowed by code may be used wherever applicable and wherever they have proven their worth under the considerable span of years involved with most qualified historical buildings or structures. Uplift capacity should be evaluated and strengthened where necessary. Fixed conditions or midheight lateral loads on cast iron columns that could cause failure should be taken into account. Existing structural wrought, forged steel or grey iron may be assigned the maximum working stress prevalent at the time of original construction.

    SECTION 8-810 HOLLOW CLAY TILE

    The historical performance of hollow clay tile in past earthquakes shall be carefully considered in evaluating walls of hollow clay tile construction. Hollow clay tile bearing walls shall be evaluated and strengthened as appropriate for lateral loads and their ability to maintain support of gravity loads. Suitable protective measures shall be provided to prevent blockage of exit stairways, stairway enclosures, exit ways and public ways as a result of an earthquake.

    SECTION 8-811 VENEERS

    8-811.1 Terra cotta and stone. Terra cotta, cast stone and natural stone veneers shall be investigated for the presence of suitable anchorage. Steel anchors shall be investigated for deterioration or corrosion. New or supplemental anchorage shall be provided as appropriate.

    8-811.2 Anchorage. Brick veneer with mechanical anchorage at spacings greater than required by the regular code may remain, provided the anchorages have not corroded. Nail strength in withdrawal in wood sheathing may be utilized to its capacity in accordance with code values.

    SECTION 8-812 GLASS AND GLAZING

    8-812.1 Glazing subject to human impact. Historical glazing material located in areas subject to human impact may be approved subject to the concurrence of the enforcing agency when alternative protective measures are provided. These measures may include, but not be limited to, additional glazing panels, protective film, protective guards or systems, and devices or signs which would provide adequate public safety.

    8-812.2 Glazing in fire-rated systems. See Section 8-402.3.

    TABLE8-8A—STRENGTH VALUES FOR EXISTING MATERIALS Col2
    EXISTING MATERIALS OR CONFIGURATIONS OF MATERIALS1 STRENGTH LEVEL CAPACITY
    x14.594 for N/m
    1. Horizontal diaphragms2
    1.1. Roofs with straight sheathing and roofing applied directly to the sheathing
    1.2. Roofs with diagonal sheathing and roofing applied directly to the sheathing
    1.3. Floors with straight tongue-and-groove sheathing
    1.4. Floors with straight sheathing and finished wood flooring with board edges
    offset or perpendicular
    1.5. Floors with diagonal sheathing and finished
    300 lbs per foot for seismic shear
    750 lbs per foot for seismic shear
    300 lbs per foot for seismic shear
    1,500 lbs per foot for seismic shear
    1,800 lbs per foot for seismic shear
    2. Crosswalls2,3
    2.1. Plaster on wood or metal lath
    2.2. Plaster on gypsum lath
    2.3. Gypsum wallboard, unblocked edges
    2.4.
  • CHBC § 12.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    Stories above the uppermost story with a soft, weak or open-front wall line shall be considered in the analysis but need not be modified. The lateral load-path analysis for added structural elements shall include evaluation of the allowable soil-bearing and lateral pressures in accordance with the building code. Where any portion of a building within the scope of this chapter is constructed on or into a slope steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33-percent slope), the lateral force-resisting system at and below the base level diaphragm shall be analyzed for the effects of concentrated lateral forces at the base caused by this hillside condition.

    [BS] A403.3 Design base shear and design parameters. The design base shear in a given direction shall be permitted to be 75 percent of the value required for similar new construction in accordance with the building code. The value of R used in the design of the strengthening of any story shall not exceed the lowest value of R used in the same direction at any story above. The system overstrength factor, Ω 0, and the deflection amplification factor, C d, shall be not less than the largest respective value corresponding to the R factor being used in the direction under consideration.

    Exceptions:

    1. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category B, values of R, Ω 0 and C d shall be permitted to be based on the seismic force-resisting system being used to achieve the required strengthening.

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE APPENDIX A-45

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

    APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

    1. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C or D, values of R, Ω 0 and C d shall be permitted to be based on the seismic force-resisting system being used to achieve the required strengthening, provided that when the strengthening is complete, the strengthened structure will not have an extreme weak story irregularity defined as Type 5b in ASCE 7, Table 12.3-2.

    2. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category E, values of R, Ω 0 and C d shall be permitted to be based on the seismic force-resisting system being used to achieve the required strengthening, provided that when the strengthening is complete, the strengthened structure will not have an extreme soft story, a weak story, or an extreme weak story irregularity defined, respectively, as Types 1b, 5a and 5b in ASCE 7, Table 12.3-2.

    3. For retrofit systems involving different seismic force-resisting systems in the same direction within the same story, resisting elements are permitted to be designed using the least value of R for the different structural systems found in each independent line of resistance if all of the following conditions are met: 4.1. The building is assigned to Risk Category I or II. 4.2. The building height is no more than four stories above grade plane. 4.3. The seismic force-resisting systems of the retrofitted building comprise only wood structural panel shear walls, steel moment-resisting frames, steel cantilever columns and steel-braced frames. Values for C and Ω 0 shall be consistent with the R value used.

  • CHBC § 8-706.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. Alternative standards may be used on a case-by-case basis when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. It shall be permitted to exceed the strength limitation of 100 psi in Section A108.2 of the CEBC when test data and building configuration supports higher values subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
    2. CEBC Section A102.2 shall not apply to Qualified Historical Buildings in Risk Category III buildings and other structures whose primary occupancies are public assembly with an occupancy load greater than 300.

    8-706.1.3 All deviations from the detailing provisions of the lateral-force-resisting systems shall be evaluated for stability and the ability to maintain load-carrying capacity at the expected inelastic deformations.

    8-706.2 Existing building performance. The seismic resistance may be based upon the ultimate capacity of the structure to perform, giving due consideration to ductility and reserve strength of the lateral-force-resisting system and materials while maintaining a reasonable factor of safety. Broad judgment may be exercised regarding the strength and performance of materials not recognized by regular code requirements. (See Chapter 8-8, Archaic Materials and Methods of Construction.)

    8-706.2.1 All structural materials or members that do not comply with detailing and proportioning requirements of the regular code shall be evaluated for potential seismic performance and the consequence of non-compliance. All members that would be reasonably expected to fail and lead to collapse or life threatening injury when subjected to seismic demands shall be judged unacceptable, and appropriate structural strengthening shall be developed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    14 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

    8-8 ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

    SECTION 8-801 PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

  • CHBC § 0.514 Medium relevance — show source text

    **Allowance for the total area within the drip line of the canopy.
    Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be located under the canopy.|0.514
    w/ft2|1.005
    w/ft2|1.358
    w/ft2|2.285
    w/ft2| ||**Sales canopies allowance for the total area within the drip line of the canopy.**Luminaires qual-
    ifying for this allowance shall be located under the canopy.|No
    allowance|0.655
    w/ft2|0.908
    w/ft2|1.135
    w/ft2| ||**Nonsales canopies.**Allowance for the total area within the drip line of the canopy. Luminaires
    qualifying for this allowance shall be located under the canopy.|0.084
    w/ft2|0.205
    w/ft2|0.408
    w/ft2|0.585
    w/ft2| ||**Guard stations.**Allowance up to 1,000 square feet per vehicle lane. Guard stations provide
    access to secure areas controlled by security personnel who stop and may inspect vehicles and
    vehicle occupants, including identification, documentation, vehicle license plates and vehicle
    contents. Qualifying luminaires shall be within two mounting heights of a vehicle lane or the
    guardhouse.|0.154
    w/ft2|0.355
    w/ft2|0.708
    w/ft2|0.985
    w/ft2| ||**Student pick-up/drop-off zone.**Allowance for the area of the student pick-up/drop-off zone, with
    or without canopy, for preschool through 12th grade school campuses. A student pick-up/drop off
    zone is a curbside, controlled traffic area on a school campus where students are picked up and
    dropped off from vehicles. The allowed area shall be the smaller of the actual width or 25 feet,
    times the smaller of the actual length or 250 feet. Qualifying luminaires shall be within two mount-
    ing heights of the student pick-up/drop-off zone.|No
    allowance|0.12
    w/ft2|0.45
    w/ft2|No
    allowance| ||**Outdoor dining.**Allowance for the total illuminated hardscape of outdoor dining. Outdoor dining
    areas are hardscape areas used to serve and consume food and beverages. Qualifying luminaires
    shall be within 2 mounting heights of the hardscape area of outdoor dining.|0.014
    w/ft2|0.135
    w/ft2|0.258
    w/ft2|0.435
    w/ft2| ||**Special security lighting for retail parking and pedestrian hardscape.**This additional allowance
    is for illuminated retail parking and pedestrian hardscape identified as having special security
    needs. This allowance shall be in addition to the building entrance or exit allowance.|0.007
    w/ft2|0.009
    w/ft2|0.019
    w/ft2|No
    allowance|

  • CBC § A403 Medium relevance — show source text

    [BS] WALL LINE. Any length of wall along a principal axis of the building used to provide resistance to lateral loads. Parallel wall lines separated by less than 4 feet (1219 mm) shall be considered to be one wall line for the distribution of loads.

    [BS] WEAK WALL LINE. A wall line in a story where the story strength is less than 80 percent of the story above in the direction under consideration.

    SECTION A403—ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

    [BS] A403.1 General. Modifications required by the provisions in this chapter shall be designed in accordance with the California Building Code provisions for new construction, except as modified by this chapter.

    Exception: Buildings for which the prescriptive measures provided in Section A404 apply and are used.

    Alteration of the existing lateral force-resisting system or vertical load-carrying system shall not reduce the strength or stiffness of the existing structure, unless the altered structure would remain in conformance to the building code and this chapter.

    [BS] A403.2 Scope of analysis. This chapter requires the alteration, repair, replacement or addition of structural elements and their connections to meet the strength and stiffness requirements herein. The lateral load-path analysis shall include the resisting elements and connections from the wood diaphragm immediately above any soft, weak or open-front wall lines to the foundation soil interface or to the uppermost story of a podium structure comprised of steel, masonry, or concrete structural systems that supports the upper woodframed structure. Stories above the uppermost story with a soft, weak or open-front wall line shall be considered in the analysis but need not be modified. The lateral load-path analysis for added structural elements shall include evaluation of the allowable soil-bearing and lateral pressures in accordance with the building code. Where any portion of a building within the scope of this chapter is constructed on or into a slope steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33-percent slope), the lateral force-resisting system at and below the base level diaphragm shall be analyzed for the effects of concentrated lateral forces at the base caused by this hillside condition.

    [BS] A403.3 Design base shear and design parameters. The design base shear in a given direction shall be permitted to be 75 percent of the value required for similar new construction in accordance with the building code. The value of R used in the design of the strengthening of any story shall not exceed the lowest value of R used in the same direction at any story above. The system overstrength factor, Ω 0, and the deflection amplification factor, C d, shall be not less than the largest respective value corresponding to the R factor being used in the direction under consideration.

    Exceptions:

    1. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category B, values of R, Ω 0 and C d shall be permitted to be based on the seismic force-resisting system being used to achieve the required strengthening.

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE APPENDIX A-45

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

    APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

  • CHBC § 323-9843 Medium relevance — show source text

    State Librarian [SL]

    library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation

    2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE v

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

    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.

    vi 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

    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.

Frequently asked questions

When is a structural survey required for lateral evaluation?

A survey by an architect or engineer knowledgeable in historic structures is required when the structure or part of it is evaluated under the CHBC; the survey must document framing and lateral systems as required by § 8-703.1.

Must I always upgrade to full regular‑code seismic forces?

No. The CHBC directs the evaluation under Section § 8-706 and permits reductions/caps (for example, commonly 0.75 × regular‑code seismic forces). Use the CHBC rules rather than automatically applying full regular‑code forces.

If I strengthen, do I have to remove historic materials?

No. § 8-705.2.2 requires the designer to consider additional measures that minimize loss and impact to historical materials and to present these options to the owner.

What performance objective guides selection of strengthening measures?

Strengthening is selected with the intent of meeting the CHBC performance objectives in § 8-701.2 — principally to prevent partial or total collapse and keep life‑threatening injury risk low.

Does the CHBC allow use of inelastic capacity in evaluation?

Yes. § 8-705.2.1 requires evaluation to consider the inelastic performance of members and their ability to maintain load‑carrying capacity during seismic events.

More in California Historical Building Code

Ask about the CHBC

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Historical Building Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the CHBC