3105 Awnings and Canopies — 2025 California Building Code

Awnings and canopies shall comply with the requirements of Sections 3105.2 and 3105.3 and other applicable sections of this code.

Awnings and canopies shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind or other lateral loads and live loads as required by Chapter 16 with due allowance for shape, open construction and similar features that relieve the pressures or loads. Structural members shall be protected to prevent deterioration. Awnings shall have frames of noncombustible material, fire-retardant-treated wood, heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11 or 1-hour construction, and shall be fixed, retractable, folding or collapsible.

Awnings and canopies shall be provided with an approved covering that complies with one of the following:

1. The fire propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701.
2. Has a flame spread index not greater than 25 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
3. Meets all of the following criteria when tested in accordance with NFPA 286: 3.1. During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling. 3.2. Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur. 3.3. The flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling. 3.4. The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kW.

All fabrics and all interior decorative fabrics or materials shall be flame resistant in accordance with the provisions set forth in CCR, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8. Tops and sidewalls shall be made either from fabric that has been flame resistant treated with an approved exterior chemical process by an approved application concern, or from inherently flame resistant fabric approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal (see CCR, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8).

Exception: The fire propagation performance and flame spread index requirements shall not apply to awnings installed on detached one- and two-family dwellings.