4811 Production Locations — 2025 California Fire Code

This chapter shall apply to production locations.

A permit shall be obtained, unless waived by the fire code official for any of the activities that follow:

a) Use of pyrotechnic special effects, see Section 3307.1 and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6.

b) Open flames.

c) Flammable or combustible liquids, gases and dust.

d) Hot work.

e) Presence of motor vehicles within a building.

f) Tents and canopies, see Chapter 31 .

g) Any additional permits as required by the agency having jurisdiction (AHJ).

The use of pyrotechnic special effects and open flames shall be subject to the approval of the fire code official.

A requirement for standby fire safety officers shall be determined by the fire code official on a case-by- case basis.

All foam plastics shall meet the requirements of Chapter 8, Sections 807.5.1.5 and 807.5.7.

When the fire code official determines that hazardous conditions necessitate controlled use of smoking materials, smoking may be prohibited or limited to designated smoking areas.

Sets, scenery and other equipment shall not impact the structural integrity of a building or structure. Consulta- tion with a building official or structural engineer may be required.

4811.8.1 General. All electrical equipment including lighting, cabling and temporary power, such as portable generators, shall be maintained in good working order and shall comply with the provisions of the California Electrical Code.

4811.8.2 Distribution. Temporary feeders shall not be tapped from panelboards and switchboards where deadfront covers have to be removed.

4811.8.3 Installations. Electrical installations shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code. Such equipment shall not obstruct exits, means of egress or fire department access, unless approved by the fire code official.

4811.8.4 Generators. Portable, mobile or stationary power-generating equipment may be used to supplement building electrical power for temporary use. Equipment shall be placed in a location acceptable to the fire code official.

Required emergency vehicle access shall be maintained. Any deviations are subject to approval by the fire code official.

The production location shall be provided with means of egress appropriate for the intended use as approved by the fire code official.

Functional fire protection systems and equipment shall be maintained in an operable condition, unless approved by the fire code official. Disconnecting or altering of fire protection systems and/or equipment shall be prohibited, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official with alternate means of protection provided.

Hydrants, standpipes and fire department connections (FDC) shall not be obstructed, blocked or rendered inoperable in accordance with Chapter 9, unless approved by the fire code official.

Approved fire extinguishers shall be provided as required by the fire code official.

In buildings with existing fire protection systems and where production intends to construct solid-ceiling sets over 600 square feet (55.7 m [2] ) in area, and platforms over 600 square feet (55.7 m [2] ) in area and which exceed 3 feet (914 mm) in height, such buildings shall be protected by one of the following:

1. An approved and listed heat detector system. Heat detectors shall be spaced 30 feet (9144 mm) on center or as required by the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Detectors shall be connected to an approved and listed central, proprietary or remote station service or a local alarm, which will give an audible signal at a constantly attended location. Such system shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 9.

MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIO SOUND STAGES, APPROVED PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

2. The ceiling shall be positioned to allow for the operation of the building’s automatic fire sprinkler system after rehearsal, video- taping, filming or broadcasting of programs has been completed for the day. 3. An approved fire watch. 4 . Special hazards shall be reviewed by the enforcing agency (see additional fire protection systems, Section 901.4.3).

Special hazards shall be reviewed by the fire code official (see special hazards Section 901.4.4).

48-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE