The California Historical Building Code and Incentivizing Reuse

Historic buildings provide challenges in meeting today's building codes. However, the California Historical Building Code (CHBC) is an alternative code to retain the historic character and features while meeting the accessibility and life safety mandates. Learn from our team of architects, engineers, and other experts about the use of the CHBC.

This workshop can only be attended online via live webcast and includes free access to our one-hour live webinar (or its recording): The California Historical Building Code: Lessons Learned from the Mission Armory at no additional cost.

Topics with case studies include:

  • The alternative structural requirements of the CHBC
  • Application of the CHBC for alternative accessibility requirements
  • The provisions of the code for Existing Buildings
  • Retention of Archaic Building Materials within compliance of the building code
  • Key fire and life safety provisions of the CHBC and how they differ from those in the California Existing Building Code.
  • Learn how to validate the fire resistance of archaic materials and how to balance life safety with preservation of historic fabric.
  • Who enforces the code, and how it is interpreted by local building officials
  • Life safety, accessibility, and structural CHBC requirements
  • Case studies of work in the downtown Los Angeles Broadway Historic District.

Speakers include: 

  • Karin Liljegren, FAIA, Omgivning Architects
  • Joel Chappo, AIA, Omgivning Architects
  • Mel Green, SE, Melvyn Green & Associates, Inc.
  • Una Gilmartin, PE, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc
  • Kevin O’Connell, SE, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
  • Dick Gee,  Architect, Spectra Company
  • Nels Youngborg, Chattel, Inc.

Agenda:

  • Introduction
  • Session 1 - Overview of the CHBC
    • Describes the CHBC and its sections- Dick Gee
    • Qualification/ Eligibility- Nels Youngborg
  • Session 2 - Use of CHBC
    • Describe process of applying CHBC to design, permit process, review process, appeal process
    • Architectural and Other Applications- Karin Liljegren
    • Archaic Materials and Other Applications- Una Gilmartin
  • Session 3 – Use of CHBC
    • Structural and Existing Building Code- Mel Green
    • Structural, Approaches- Kevin O’Connell

You Will Be Able To:

  • Identify the alternative structural requirements of the CHBC
  • Apply the CHBC for alternative accessibility requirements
  • Use the provisions of the code for Existing Buildings
  • Incorporate Archaic Building Materials within compliance of the building code
  • Identify the key fire and life safety provisions of the CHBC and how they differ from those in the California Existing Building Code.
  • Learn how to validate the fire resistance of archaic materials and how to balance life safety with preservation of historic fabric.
  • Who enforces the code, and how it is interpreted by local building officials
  • Life safety, accessibility, and structural CHBC requirements