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Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS

Section 507

California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-12 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

507.1 General.

The area of buildings of the occupancies and configurations specified in Sections 507.1 through 507.13 shall not be limited. Basements not more than one story below grade plane shall be permitted.

507.1.1 Accessory occupancies. Accessory occupancies shall be permitted in unlimited area buildings in accordance with the provisions of Section 508.2, otherwise the requirements of Sections 507.3 through 507.13 shall be applied, where applicable.

507.2 Measurement of open spaces.

Where Sections 507.3 through 507.13 require buildings to be surrounded and adjoined by public ways and yards, those open spaces shall be determined as follows:

  1. Yards shall be measured from the building perimeter in all directions to the closest interior lot lines or to the exterior face of an opposing building located on the same lot, as applicable.

  2. Where the building fronts on a public way, the entire width of the public way shall be used.

5-10 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS

TABLE 506.2 ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR ( At = NS, S1, S13R, S13D or SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEET a, b, j

OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION		 SEE FOOTNOTES TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION		 SEE FOOTNOTES Type I Type I Type II Type II Type III Type III Type IV Type IV Type IV Type IV Type V Type V
OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION		 SEE FOOTNOTES A B A B A B A B C HT A B
A-1 NS UL UL 15,500 8,500 14,000 8,500 45,000 30,000 18,750 15,000 11,500 5,500
A-1 S1 UL UL 62,000 34,000 56,000 34,000 180,000 120,000 75,000 60,000 46,000 22,000
A-1 SM_ (without height increase)_ UL UL 46,500 25,500 42,000 25,500 135,000 90,000 56,250 45,000 34,500 16,500
A-1 SM (with height increase) UL UL 15,500 8,500 14,000 8,500 45,000 30,000 18,750 15,000 11,500 5,500
A-2 NS UL UL 15,500 9,500 14,000 9,500 45,000 30,000 18,750 15,000 11,500 6,000
A-2 S1 UL UL 62,000 38,000 56,000 38,000 180,000 120,000 75,000 60,000 46,000 24,000
A-2 SM_ (without height increase)_ UL UL 46,500 28,500 42,000 28,500 135,000 90,000 56,250 45,000 34,500 18,000
A-2 SM (with height increase) UL UL 15,500 9,500 14,000 9,500 45,000 30,000 18,750 15,000 11,500 6,000
A-3 NS UL UL 15,500 9,500 14,000 9,500 45,000 30,000 18,750 15,000 11,500 6,000
A-3 S1 UL UL 62,000 38,000 56,000 38,000 180,000 120,000 75,000 60,000 46,000 24,000
A-3 SM_ (without height increase)_ UL UL 46,500 28,500 42,000 28,500 135,000 90,000 56,250 45,000 34,500 18,000
A-3 SM (with height increase) UL UL 15,500 9,500 14,000 9,500 45,000 30,000 18,750 15,000 11,500 6,000
A-4 NS UL UL 15,500 9,500 14,000 9,500 45,000 30,000 18,750 15,000 11,500 6,000
A-4 S1 UL UL 62,000 38,000 56,000 38,000 180,000 120,000 75,000 60,000 46,000 24,000
A-4 SM_ (without height increase)_ UL UL 46,500 28,500 42,000 28,500 135,000 90,000 56,250 45,000 34,500 18,000
A-4 SM (with height increase) UL UL 15,500 9,500 14,000 9,500 45,000 30,000 18,750 15,000 11,500 6,000
A-5 NS UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL
A-5 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
A-5 SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM
B NS UL UL 37,500 23,000 28,500 19,000 108,000 72,000 45,000 36,000 18,000 9,000
B S1 UL UL 150,000 92,000 114,000 76,000 432,000 288,000 180,000 144,000 72,000 36,000
B SM UL UL 112,500 69,000 85,500 57,000 324,000 216,000 135,000 108,000 54,000 27,000
E NS UL UL 26,500 14,500 23,500 14,500 76,500 51,000 31,875 25,500 18,500 9,500
E S1 UL UL 106,000 58,000 94,000 58,000 306,000 204,000 127,500 102,000 74,000 38,000
E SM_ (without height increase)_ UL UL 79,500 43,500 70,500 43,500 229,500 153,000 95,625 76,500 55,500 28,500
E SM (with height increase) UL UL 26,500 14,500 23,500 14,500 76,500 51,000 31,875 25,500 18,500 9.500
F-1 NS UL UL 25,000 15,500 19,000 12,000 100,500 67,000 41,875 33,500 14,000 8,500
F-1 S1 UL UL 100,000 62,000 76,000 48,000 402,000 268,000 167,500 134,000 56,000 34,000
F-1 SM UL UL 75,000 46,500 57,000 36,000 301,500 201,000 125,625 100,500 42,000 25,500
F-2 NS UL UL 37,500 23,000 28,500 18,000 151,500 101,000 63,125 50,500 21,000 13,000
F-2 S1 UL UL 150,000 92,000 114,000 72,000 606,000 404,000 252,500 202,000 84,000 52,000
F-2 SM UL UL 112,500 69,000 85,500 54,000 454,500 303,000 189,375 151,500 63,000 39,000
H-1 NSc 21,000 16,500 11,000 7,000 9,500 7,000 10,500 10,500 10,500 10,500 7,500 NP
H-1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
H-2 NSc 21,000 16,500 11,000 7,000 9,500 7,000 10,500 10,500 10,500 10,500 7,500 3,000
H-2 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
H-2 SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM
H-3 NSc UL 60,000 26,500 14,000 17,500 13,000 25,500 25,500 25,500 25,500 10,000 5,000
H-3 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
H-3 SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM
H-4 NSc, d UL UL 37,500 17,500 28,500 17,500 72,000 54,000 40,500 36,000 18,000 6,500
H-4 S1 UL UL 150,000 70,000 114,000 70,000 288,000 216,000 162,000 144,000 72,000 26,000
H-4 SM_ (without height increase)_ UL UL 112,500 52,500 85,500 52,500 216,000 162,000 121,500 108,000 54,000 19,500
H-4 SM (with height increase) UL UL 37,500 17,500 28,500 17,500 72,000 54,000 40,500 36,000 18,000 6,500
H-5 NSc, d UL UL 37,500 23,000 28,500 19,000 72,000 54,000 40,500 36,000 18,000 9,000
H-5 S1 UL UL 150,000 92,000 114,000 76,000 288,000 216,000 162,000 144,000 72,000 36,000
H-5 SM_ (without height increase)_ UL UL 112,500 69,000 85,500 57,000 216,000 162,000 121,500 108000 54,000 27,000
H-5 SM (with height increase) UL UL 37,500 23,000 28,500 19,000 72,000 54,000 40,500 36,000 18,000 9,000

(continued)

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS

TABLE 506.2—continued ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR ( At = NS, S1, S13R, S13D or SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEET a, b, j

OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION		 SEE FOOTNOTES TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION		 SEE FOOTNOTES
 Type I Type I Type II Type II Type III Type III Type IV Type IV Type IV Type IV Type V Type V
OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION		 SEE FOOTNOTES
 A
 B
 A
 B
 A
 B
 A
 B
 C
 HT
 A
 B
I-2_, I-2.1_ NSd, f
 UL
 UL
 15,000
 11,000
 12,000
 NP
 36,000
 24,000
 12,000
 12,000
 9,500
 NP
I-2_, I-2.1_ S1
 UL
 UL
 60,000
 44,000
 48,000
 NP
 144,000
 96,000
 48,000
 48,000
 38,000
 NP
I-2_, I-2.1_ SM_ (without height increase)_
 UL
 UL
 45,000
 33,000
 36,000
 NP
 108,000
 72,000
 36,000
 36,000
 28,500
 NP
I-2_, I-2.1_ SM (with height increase)
 UL
 UL
 15,000
 11,000
 12,000
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 12,000
 9,500
 NP
I-3 NSd, e
 UL
 15,100
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
I-3 S1
 UL
 45,300
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
I-3 SM_ (without height increase)_
 UL
 30,200
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
I-3 SM (with height increase)
 UL
 15,100
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
 NP
I-4 NSd, g
 UL
 60,500
 26,500
 13,000
 23,500
 13,000
 76,500
 51,000
 25,500
 25,500
 18,500
 9,000
I-4 S1
 UL
 121,000
106,000
 52,000
 94,000
 52,000
 306,000
204,000
102,000
102,000
74,000
36,000
I-4 SM_ (without height increase)_
 UL
 181,500
 79,500
 39,000
 70,500
 39,000
 229,500
153,000
 76,500
 76,500
 55,500
27,000
I-4 SM (with height increase) UL 60,500 26,500 13,000 23,500 13,000 76,500 51,000 25,500 25,500 18,500 9,000
L NSc UL
 60,000
 37,500
 17,500
 28,500
 17,500
 60,000
 37,500
 36,000
 36,000
 18,000
 6,500
L S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
L SM
 SM
 SM
 SM
 SM
 SM
 SM
 SM
 SM
 SM
 SM
 SM
 SM
M NS
 UL
 UL
 21,500
 12,500
 18,500
 12,500
 61,500
 41,000
 26,625
 20,500
 14,000
 9,000
M S1
 UL
 UL
 86,000
 50,000
 74,000
 50,000
 246,000
164,000
102,500
 82,000
 56,000
36,000
M SM
 UL UL 64,500 37,500 55,500 37,500 184,500 123,000 76,875 61,500 42,000 27,000
R-1h NSd
 UL
 UL
 24,000
 16,000
 24,000
 16,000
 61,500
 41,000
 25,625
 20,500
 12,000
 7,000
R-1h S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
R-1h S1
 UL
 UL
 96,000
 64,000
 96,000
 64,000
 246,000
164,000
102,500
 82,000
 48,000
28,000
R-1h SM_ (without height increase)_
 UL
 UL
 72,000
 48,000
 72,000
 48,000
 184,500
123,000
 76,875
 61,500
 36,000
21,000
R-1h SM (with height increase)
 UL UL 24,000 16,000 24,000 16,000 61,500 41,000 25,625 20,500 12,000 7,000
R-2h NSd
 UL
 UL
 24,000
 16,000
 24,000
 16,000
 61,500
 41,000
 25,625
 20,500
 12,000
 7,000
R-2h S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
R-2h S1
 UL
 UL
 96,000
 64,000
 96,000
 64,000
 246,000
164,000
102,500
 82,000
 48,000
28,000
R-2h SM_ (without height increase)_
 UL
 UL
 72,000
 48,000
 72,000
 48,000
 184,500
123,000
 76,875
 61,500
 36,000
21,000
R-2h SM (with height increase) UL UL 24,000 16,000 24,000 16,000 61,500 41,000 25,625 20,500 12,000 7,000
R-2 Type VA
constructionk		 NSd NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 12,000 NP
R-2 Type VA
constructionk		 S13R NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 12,000 NP
R-2 Type VA
constructionk		 S1 NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 48,000 NP
R-2 Type VA
constructionk		 SM (without height increase) NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 36,000 NP
R-2 Type VA
constructionk		 SM (with height increase) NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 36,000 j NP
R-2.1h NSd UL 55,000 19,000 NP 16,500 NP 54,000 NP NP NP 10,500 NP
R-2.1h S13R UL 55,000 19,000 NP 16,500 NP NP NP NP NP 10,500 NP
R-2.1h S1 UL 220,000 76,000 NP 66,000 NP 216,000 NP NP NP 42,000 NP
R-2.1h SM (without height increase) UL 165,000 57,000 NP 49,500 NP 162,000 NP NP NP 31,500 NP
R-2.1h SM (with height increase) UL 55,000 19,000 NP 16,500 NP 54,000 NP NP NP 10,500 NP
R-2.2h NS l UL UL 24,000 NP 24,000 NP 61,500 41,000 25,625 20,500 12,000 NP
R-2.2h S1 UL UL 96,000 NP 96,000 NP _246,000 _ _164,000 _ 102,500 82,000 48,000 NP
R-2.2h SM (without height increase) UL UL 72,000 NP 72,000 NP _184,500 _ 123,000 76,875 61,500 36,000 NP
OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION		 SEE FOOTNOTES TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
R-2.2h SM (with height increase)
 UL UL 24,000 NP 24,000 NP 61,500 41,000 25,625 20,500 12,000 NP
R-3_, R-3-1_h NSd
 UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL
R-3_, R-3-1_h S13D
 S13D
 S13D
 S13D
 S13D
 S13D
 S13D
 S13D
 S13D
 S13D
 S13D
 S13D
 S13D
R-3_, R-3-1_h S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
 S13R
R-3_, R-3-1_h S1
 S1
 S1
 S1
 S1
 S1
 S1
 S1
 S1
 S1
 S1
 S1
 S1
R-3_, R-3-1_h SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM SM

(continued)

5-12 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS

TABLE 506.2—continued ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR ( At = NS, S1, S13R, S13D or SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEET a, b, j

OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION		 SEE FOOTNOTES TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION		 SEE FOOTNOTES Type I Type I Type II Type II Type III Type III Type IV Type IV Type IV Type IV Type V Type V
OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION		 SEE FOOTNOTES A B A B A B A B C HT A B
R-4h NSd UL UL 24,000 16,000 24,000 16,000 61,500 41,000 25,625 20,500 12,000 7,000
R-4h S13D S13D S13D S13D S13D S13D S13D S13D S13D S13D S13D S13D S13D
R-4h S13R S13R S13R S13R S13R S13R S13R S13R S13R S13R S13R S13R S13R
R-4h S1 UL UL 96,000 64,000 96,000 64,000 246,000 164,000 102,500 82,000 48,000 28,000
R-4h SM (without height increase) UL UL 72,000 48,000 72,000 48,000 184,500 123,000 76,875 61,500 36,000 21,000
R-4h SM (with height increase) UL UL 24,000 16,000 24,000 16,000 61,500 41,000 25,625 20,500 12,000 7,000
S-1 NS UL 48,000 26,000 17,500 26,000 17,500 76,500 51,000 31,875 25,500 14,000 9,000
S-1 S1 UL 192,000 104,000 70,000 104,000 70,000 306,000 204,000 127,500 102,000 56,000 36,000
S-1 SM UL 144,000 78,000 52,500 78,000 52,500 229,500 153,000 95,625 76,500 42,000 27,000
S-2 NS UL 79,000 39,000 26,000 39,000 26,000 115,500 77,000 48,125 38,500 21,000 13,500
S-2 S1 UL 316,000 156,000 104,000 156,000 104,000 462,000 308,000 192,500 154,000 84,000 54,000
S-2 SM UL 237,000 117,000 78,000 117,000 78,000 346,500 231,000 144,375 115,500 63,000 40,500
U NSi UL 35,500 19,000 8,500 14,000 8,500 54,000 36,000 22,500 18,000 9,000 5,500
U S1 UL 142,000 76,000 34,000 56,000 34,000 216,000 144,000 90,000 72,000 36,000 22,000
U SM UL 106,500 57,000 25,500 42,000 25,500 162,000 108,000 67,500 54,000 27,000 16,500

For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2 . UL = Unlimited; NP = Not Permitted; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S1 = Buildings a maximum of one story above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; SM = Buildings two or more stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3. a. See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable area in this chapter. b. See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies. c. New Group H and all Group L occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5. d. The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building area in accordance with the California Existing Building Code . e. Group I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. f. New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. g. New Group I-4 occupancies see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6. h. New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8. i. The maximum allowable area for a single-story nonsprinklered Group U greenhouse is permitted to be 9,000 square feet, or the allowable area shall be

permitted to comply with Table C102.1 of Appendix C. j. In other than Group A, E, H, I, L and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire

Marshal, the S increases for height and stories in Tables 504.3 and 504.4 are permitted in addition to the S area increase in accordance with Table 506.2. k. For Group R-2 buildings of Type VA construction equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1,

S area increase is permitted in addition to the height and story increase provided the height shall not exceed 60 feet and 4 stories. l. The NS value is only for use in evaluation of single-occupancy, multistory buildings per the formula in Section 506.2.3.

TABLE 506.3.3 FRONTAGE INCREASE FACTORa
PERCENTAGE OF
BUILDING PERIMETER		 OPEN SPACE (feet) OPEN SPACE (feet) OPEN SPACE (feet) OPEN SPACE (feet)
PERCENTAGE OF
BUILDING PERIMETER		 0 to less than 20 20 to less than 25 25 to less than 30 30 or greater
0 to less than 25 0 0 0 0
25 to less than 50 0 0.17 0.21 0.25
50 to less than 75 0 0.33 0.42 0.50
75 to 100 0 0.50 0.63 0.75

a. Interpolation is permitted.

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS

TABLE 506.3.3.1 SECTION 507 BUILDINGSa
PERCENTAGE OF
BUILDING PERIMETER		 OPEN SPACE (feet) OPEN SPACE (feet) OPEN SPACE (feet) OPEN SPACE (feet) OPEN SPACE (feet) OPEN SPACE (feet)
PERCENTAGE OF
BUILDING PERIMETER		 30 to less than 35 35 to less than 40 40 to less than 45 45 to less than 50 50 to less than 55 55 to less than 60
0 to less than 25 0 0 0 0 0 0
25 to less than 50 0.29 0.33 0.38 0.42 0.46 0.50
50 to less than 75 0.58 0.67 0.75 0.83 0.92 1.00
75 to 100 0.88 1.00 1.13 1.25 1.38 1.50

a. Interpolation is permitted.

507.2.1 Reduced open space. The public ways or yards of 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width required in Sections 507.3, 507.4, 507.5, 507.6 and 507.12 shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in width, provided that the following requirements are met:

  1. The reduced width shall not be allowed for more than 75 percent of the perimeter of the building.

  2. The exterior walls facing the reduced width shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours.

  3. Openings in the exterior walls facing the reduced width shall have opening protectives with a fire protection rating of not less than 3 hours.

507.3 Nonsprinklered, one-story buildings.

The area of a Group F-2 or S-2 building not more than one story in height shall not be limited where the building is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.

507.4 Sprinklered, one-story buildings.

The area of a Group A-4 building not more than one story above grade plane of other than Type V construction, or the area of a Group B, F, M or S building no more than one story above grade plane of any construction type, shall not be limited where the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.

Exceptions:

  1. Buildings and structures of Type I or II construction for rack storage facilities that do not have access by the public shall not be limited in height, provided that such buildings conform to the requirements of Sections 507.4 and 903.3.1.1 and Chapter 32 of the California Fire Code .

  2. The automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in areas occupied for indoor participant sports, such as tennis, skating, swimming and equestrian activities in occupancies in Group A-4, provided that the following criteria are met:

2.1. Exit doors directly to the outside are provided for occupants of the participant sports areas.

2.2. The building is equipped with a fire alarm system with manual fire alarm boxes installed in accordance with Section 907.

2.3. An automatic sprinkler system is provided in storage rooms, press boxes, concession booths or other spaces ancillary to the sport activity space.

507.4.1 Mixed occupancy buildings with Groups A-1 and A-2. Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies of other than Type V construction shall be permitted within mixed occupancy buildings of unlimited area complying with Section 507.4, provided that the following criteria are met:

  1. Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies are separated from other occupancies as required for separated occupancies in Section 508.4.4 with no reduction allowed in the fire-resistance rating of the separation based upon the installation of an automatic sprinkler system.

  2. Each area of the portions of the building used for Group A-1 or A-2 occupancies shall not exceed the maximum allowable area permitted for such occupancies in Section 503.1.

  3. Exit doors from Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building.

507.5 Two-story buildings.

The area of a Group B, F, M or S building not more than two stories above grade plane shall not be limited where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.

507.6 Group A-3 buildings of Type II construction.

The area of a Group A-3 building not more than one story above grade plane, used as a place of religious worship, community hall, dance hall, exhibition hall, gymnasium, lecture hall, indoor swimming pool or tennis court of Type II construction, shall not be limited provided that the following criteria are met:

  1. The building shall not have a stage other than a platform.

  2. The building shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

  3. The building shall be surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.

507.7 Group A-3 buildings of Type III and IV construc-tion.

tion. The area of a Group A-3 building of Type III or IV

5-14 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

construction, with not more than one story above grade plane and used as a place of religious worship, community hall, dance hall, exhibition hall, gymnasium, lecture hall, indoor swimming pool or tennis court, shall not be limited provided that the following criteria are met:

  1. The building shall not have a stage other than a platform.

  2. The building shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

  3. The assembly floor shall be located at or within 21 inches (533 mm) of street or grade level and all exits are provided with ramps complying with Section 1012 to the street or grade level.

  4. The building shall be surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.

507.8 Group H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies.

Group H-2, H3 and H-4 occupancies shall be permitted in unlimited area buildings containing Group F or S occupancies in accordance with Sections 507.4 and 507.5 and the provisions of Sections 507.8.1 through 507.8.4.

507.8.1 Allowable area. The aggregate floor area of Group H occupancies located in an unlimited area building shall not exceed 10 percent of the area of the building nor the area limitations for the Group H occupancies as specified in Section 506 based on the perimeter of each Group H floor area that fronts on a public way or open space.

507.8.1.1 Located within the building. The aggregate floor area of Group H occupancies not located at the perimeter of the building shall not exceed 25 percent of the area limitations for the Group H occupancies as specified in Section 506.

507.8.1.1.1 Rooms for flammable or combustible liquid use, dispensing or mixing in open systems. Rooms for flammable or combustible liquid use, dispensing or mixing in open systems having a floor area of not more than 500 square feet (46.5 m 2 ) need not be located on the outer perimeter of the building where they are in accordance with the California Fire Code and NFPA 30.

507.8.1.1.2 Liquid storage rooms and rooms for flammable or combustible liquid use in closed systems. Liquid storage rooms and rooms for flammable or combustible liquid use in closed systems having a floor area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m 2 ) need not be located on the outer perimeter where they are in accordance with the California Fire Code and NFPA 30.

507.8.1.1.3 Spray paint booths. Spray paint booths that comply with the California Fire Code need not be located on the outer perimeter.

507.8.2 Located on building perimeter. Except as provided for in Section 507.8.1.1, Group H occupancies shall be located on the perimeter of the building. In Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies, not less than 25 percent of the perimeter of such occupancies shall be an exterior wall.

GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS

507.8.3 Occupancy separations. Group H occupancies shall be separated from the remainder of the unlimited area building and from each other in accordance with Table 508.4.

507.8.4 Height limitations. For two-story, unlimited area buildings, Group H occupancies shall not be located more than one story above grade plane unless permitted based on the allowable height and number of stories and feet as specified in Section 504 based on the type of construction of the unlimited area building.

507.9 Unlimited mixed occupancy buildings with Group H-5.

H-5. The area of a Group B, F, H-5, M or S building not more than two stories above grade plane shall not be limited where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width, provided that the following criteria are met:

  1. Buildings containing Group H-5 occupancy shall be of Type I or II construction.

  2. Each area used for Group H-5 occupancy shall be separated from other occupancies as required in Sections 415.11 and 508.4.

  3. Each area used for Group H-5 occupancy shall not exceed the maximum allowable area permitted for such occupancies in Section 503.1 including modifications of Section 506.

Exception: Where the Group H-5 occupancy exceeds the maximum allowable area, the Group H5 shall be subdivided into areas that are separated by 2-hour fire barriers.

507.10 Aircraft paint hangar.

The area of a Group H-2 aircraft paint hangar not more than one story above grade plane shall not be limited where such aircraft paint hangar complies with the provisions of Section 412.5 and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less in width than one and one-half times the building height.

507.11 Group E buildings.

The area of a Group E building not more than one story above grade plane, of Type II, IIIA or IV construction, shall not be limited provided that the following criteria are met:

  1. Each classroom shall have not less than two means of egress, with one of the means of egress being a direct exit to the outside of the building complying with Section 1022.

  2. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

  3. The building is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.

507.12 Motion picture theaters.

In buildings of Type II construction, the area of a motion picture theater located on the first story above grade plane shall not be limited where the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and is

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GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS

surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.

507.13 Covered and open mall buildings and anchor buildings.

buildings. The area of covered and open mall buildings and anchor buildings not exceeding three stories in height that comply with Section 402 shall not be limited.

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▸Contents — California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
  1. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
  2. Appendix G — FLOOD-RESISTANT
  3. Appendix L — EARTHQUAKE RECORDING
  4. Appendix M — TSUNAMI-GENERATED
  5. Appendix N — REPLICABLE
  6. Appendix O — PERFORMANCE-BASED
  7. Chapter 1 — SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
  8. Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
  9. Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY A…
  10. ▸Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
    Overview
    1. Section 501
    2. Section 502
    3. Section 503
    4. Section 504
    5. Section 505
    6. Section 506
    7. Section 507
    8. Section 508
    9. Section 509
    10. Section 510
  11. Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
  12. Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
  13. Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
  14. Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
  15. Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
  16. Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
  17. Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
  18. Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
  19. Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
  20. Chapter 14 — EXTERIOR WALLS
  21. Chapter 15 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
  22. Chapter 16 — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
  23. Chapter 16A — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
  24. Chapter 17 — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
  25. Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
  26. Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
  27. Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
  28. Chapter 21 — MASONRY
  29. Chapter 22 — STEEL
  30. Chapter 23 — WOOD
  31. Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
  32. Chapter 25 — GYPSUM BOARD, GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
  33. Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
  34. Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
  35. Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
  36. Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
  37. Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
  38. Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS
  39. Chapter 31C — RADIATION
  40. Chapter 31D — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
  41. Chapter 31F — MARINE OIL TERMINALS
  42. Chapter 32 — ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
  43. Chapter 33 — SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
  44. Chapter 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  45. Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
  46. Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
  47. Appendix C — GROUP U – AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
  48. Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
  49. Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
  50. Appendix H — SIGNS
  51. Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
  52. Appendix J — GRADING
  53. Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES
  54. Appendix P — EMERGENCY HOUSING

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