State law requires that all jurisdictions have a copy of Title 24. Sections of the SHBC deal with space and occupancy, structural mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, access for people with disabilities, and many other sub-topics. The SHBC applies to all qualified historic structures, districts and sites. Inventories Title 24, Part 8, the State Historical Building Code, is the only building code in California appropriate to historic structures, districts and sites. It mandates that reasonable alternatives be sought and adopted where historic fabric or historic perceptions are threatened by the requirements of standard code.
Enforcement rests with local jurisdictions subject to appeal as outlined below.
The Board, composed of representatives of the design and construction industry, state agencies and local governments, is authorized to act as a consultant on the SHBC to state and local agencies. Chief among the Board's duties are the power to advise, consult with state and local agencies on matters of administration and enforcement of the code and hear appeals. Regulatory agencies may consult the Board for advice and counsel for specific problem cases. The Board, functioning in this capacity, has responded to many jurisdictions throughout the state with reviews of specific issues. Fees will be collected to pay for state costs.