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Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

Section 807

California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2019 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

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

DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND ARTIFICIAL DECORATIVE VEGETATION

IN NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS

807.1 General. The following requirements shall apply to all

occupancies:

  1. Furnishings or decorative materials of an explosive or highly flammable character shall not be used.

  2. Fire-retardant coatings in existing buildings shall be maintained so as to retain the effectiveness of the treatment under service conditions encountered in actual use.

  3. Furnishings or other objects shall not be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom or visibility thereof.

  4. The permissible amount of noncombustible decorative materials shall not be limited.

Exceptions & meaning →

807.2 Combustible decorative materials. In Groups A, B, E,

I, M and R-1 and in dormitories in Group R-2, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and other similar combustible decora

Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. 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.

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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

(c) Christmas trees within dwelling units of Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1273.1] Fabrics for Interior Use.

Fabrics as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1272(c) intended for interior use shall be tested in their original condition only and shall meet the requirements for fire resistance outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1273.3.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1273.2] Fabrics for Exterior Use.

Fabrics as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1272(c) intended for exterior use shall meet the requirements for fire resistance outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1273.3, and, in addition, they shall meet the requirements for fire resistance outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1237, both in their original state and after accelerated weathering.

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807.3 Acceptance criteria and reports. Where required to

exhibit improved fire performance, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and other similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings ( shall be flame resistant in accordance with the provisions set forth in CCR, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8.) shall be tested by an approved agency and meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701 or exhibit a maximum rate of heat release of 100 kW when tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW ignition source. Reports of test results shall be prepared in accordance with the test method used and furnished to the fire code official upon request.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1321.1] Fabric and Material Certification.

All concerns in whose name an approved flame-resistant fab- ric or material is registered shall issue approved certificates of flame resistance covering all such products sold for use in occupancies governed by the statutes. Copies shall be fur- nished to the buyer as well as the State Fire Marshal and the local fire authority of the customer’s city. These certificates shall be delivered within 10 days after the product is shipped and shall be completely filled out and signed by an autho- rized representative of the concern.

In addition to the required description on the reverse side of the certificate as to yardage or quantity, color and kind, notation should be made of the manufacturer’s production or lot control number, the purchase order or invoice number, and, where possible, the ultimate location and use.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1324] Job Labeling.

To every article that is treated and to every roll or package of registered approved fabric or material, a small label or tag shall be securely affixed, bearing the following information:

(a) The Seal of Registration of the State Fire Marshal of California.

(b) Name and registration number of the concern respon- sible for the job or production.

(c) Name of the registered chemical used or the registered fabric or material.

(d) Date the chemical was applied, or the fabric or mate- rial was produced.

(e) The statement, “This article must be re-treated after washing or drycleaning by systems with soap and water added” (if treated with a “Type II” chemical).

This information may be stamped, printed or stenciled on the article if so desired.

Concerns which treat or manufacture yardage goods may print or stencil their name, or the name of their fabric if reg- istered, on the salvage (at least once every three yards) instead of affixing the label or tag as above.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1325] Labeling Required .

No drape, hanging, curtain, drop or similar decorative mate- rial or exterior fabric which has been treated by a registered flame-retardant application concern, either as yardage or after fabrication, or which is made from a registered approved fabric shall be installed after the effective date of these rules and regulations [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8] in any place or under any condition governed by Sections 13115 and 13119 of the Health and Safety Code unless such drape, hanging, curtain, drop, or similar decorative material or exterior fabric shall be labeled as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1324.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1326] Retreatment.

In cases where instructions are issued by the State Fire Mar- shal requiring retreatment or replacement of fabrics or mate- rials previously treated with a flame-retardant chemical or registered as an approved fabric or material, the retreatment or replacement shall be made within ten (10) days after date of the order so requiring. A new certificate of flame resis- tance covering each such retreatment shall be delivered as for an original job as is provided for by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1321. A new sample of the retreated fabric or material shall be attached to the certificate of flame resistance submitted to the State Fire Marshal.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1327] Installation.

The standard fire-resistance tests presume installation of approved registered fabrics in a normal vertical position. Some decorative materials installed otherwise, such as in narrow strips or suspended overhead in a horizontal position, may exhibit different burning characteristics. Since it is not feasible to devise tests for all such installations differing from normal, they must be judged on an individual basis. Where indicated, the State Fire Marshal may perform such addi- tional tests as he deems necessary to ensure adequate fire resistance of materials as installed.

146 2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. 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.

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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

807.5.1.2.1 Motion picture and television produc- tion studio sound stages. Approved production facilities and production locations with live audi- ences .

807.5.1.2.2 Foam plastics, decorations, textile and film materials. Foam plastics, textile and film mate- rials and other decorative materials and materials containing foam plastics shall be in accordance with the following:

1. Exhibit booth construction shall have a maxi- mum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

2. Decorative objects, including but not limited to mannequins, murals and signs, shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

Exception: When the aggregate area of murals, signs or similar decorative objects occupies less than 10 percent of the floor or wall area, this requirement may be waived by the fire chief.

3. Theater, motion picture and television stage settings with or without horizontal projections and simulated caves or caverns shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

807.5.1.3 Wood use in places of religious worship. In places of religious worship, wood used for ornamental purposes, trusses, paneling or chancel furnishing shall not be limited.

807.5.1.4 Pyroxylin plastic. Imitation leather or other material consisting of or coated with a pyroxylin or similarly hazardous base shall not be used.

807.5.2 Group E. Group E occupancies shall comply with Sections 807.5.2.1 through 807.5.2.3.

807.5.2.1 Storage in corridors and lobbies. Clothing and personal effects shall not be stored in corridors and lobbies.

Exceptions:

  1. Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

  2. Corridors protected by an approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with Section

  3. Storage in metal lockers, provided the minimum required egress width is maintained.

807.5.2.2 Artwork in corridors. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on the walls of corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.

807.5.2.3 Artwork in classrooms. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of classrooms to not more than 50 percent of the specific wall area to which they are attached.

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807.4 Artificial decorative vegetation. Artificial decorative

vegetation shall comply with this section and the requirements of Sections 806.2 and 806.3. Natural decorative vegetation shall comply with Section 806.

Exception: Testing of artificial vegetation is not required in Group I-2, Condition 1; Group R-2; Group R-3; or Group R-4 occupancies equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1, where such artificial vegetation complies with the following:

  1. Wreaths and other decorative items on doors shall not obstruct the door operation and shall not exceed 50 percent of the surface area of the door.

  2. Decorative artificial vegetation shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which it is attached.

  3. Decorative artificial vegetation not on doors or walls shall not exceed 3 feet (914 mm) in any dimension.

807.4.1 Flammability. Artificial decorative vegetation shall meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701. Meeting such criteria shall be documented and certified by the manufacturer in an approved manner. Alternatively, the artificial decorative vegetation shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW ignition source, and shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW.

807.4.2 Electrical fixtures and wiring on artificial vege- tation. The use of unlisted electrical wiring and lighting on artificial decorative vegetation shall be prohibited. The use of electrical wiring and lighting on artificial trees constructed entirely of metal shall be prohibited.

Exceptions & meaning →

807.5 Occupancy-based requirements. Occupancies shall

comply with Sections 807.5.1 through 807.5.6.

807.5.1 Group A. In Group A occupancies, the requirements in Sections 807.5.1.1 through 807.5.1.4 shall apply.

807.5.1.1 Foam plastics. Exposed foam plastic materials and unprotected materials containing foam plastic used for decorative purposes or stage scenery or exhibit booths shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW when tested in accordance with UL 1975, or when tested in accordance with NFPA 289 using the 20 kW ignition source.

Exceptions:

  1. Individual foam plastic items or items containing foam plastic where the foam plastic does not exceed 1 pound (0.45 kg) in weight.

  2. Cellular or foam plastic shall be allowed for trim in accordance with Section 804.2.

807.5.1.2 Motion picture screens. The screens on which motion pictures are projected in new and existing buildings of Group A shall either meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701 or shall comply with the requirements for a Class B interior finish in accordance with Section 803 of the California Building Code .

Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. 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.

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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

807.5.3 Groups I-2, I-1.2 and R-2.1. In Group I-2, I-1.2 and R-2.1 occupancies, combustible decorative materials shall comply with Sections 807.5.3.1 through 807.5.3.4.

807.5.3.1 Group R-2.1 within units. In Group R-2.1 occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, within sleeping units and dwelling units, combustible decorative materials placed on walls shall be limited to not more than 50 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3.2 In Group R-2.1 for areas other than within units. In Group R-2.1 occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, combustible decorative materials placed on walls in areas other than within dwelling and sleeping units shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3.3 In Group I-2 and I-2.1 . In Group I-2 occupancies equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, combustible decorative materials placed on walls shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3.4 Other areas in Groups I-2, I-1.2 and R-2.1 . In Group I-2, I-1.2 and R-2.1 occupancies, in areas not equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, combustible decorative materials shall be of such limited quantities that a hazard of fire development or spread is not present.

807.5.4 Group I-3. In Group I-3, combustible decorative materials are prohibited.

807.5.5 Group I-4. Group I-4 occupancies shall comply with the requirements in Sections 807.5.5.1 through 807.5.5.3.

807.5.5.1 Storage in corridors and lobbies. Clothing and personal effects shall not be stored in corridors and lobbies.

Exceptions:

  1. Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

  2. Corridors protected by an approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with Section

  3. Storage in metal lockers, provided the minimum required egress width is maintained.

807.5.5.2 Artwork in corridors. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.

807.5.5.3 Artwork in classrooms. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of classrooms to not more than 50 percent of the specific wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.6 Dormitories in Group R-2. In Group R-2 dormitories, within sleeping units and dwelling units, the com

bustible decorative materials shall be of limited quantities such that a hazard of fire development or spread is not present.

807.5.7 Group F-1 motion picture and television produc- tion studio sound stages, approved production facilities and production locations without live audiences.

807.5.7.1 Foam plastics, decorations, textile and film materials. Foam plastics, textile and film materials and other decorative materials and materials containing foam plastics shall be in accordance with the follow- ing:

1. Exhibit booth construction shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

2. Decorative objects, including but not limited to mannequins, murals and signs, shall have a max- imum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

Exception: When the aggregate area of murals, signs or similar decorative objects occupies less than 10 percent of the floor or wall area, this requirement may be waived by the fire chief.

3. Theater, motion picture and television stage set- tings with or without horizontal projections and simulated caves or caverns shall have a maxi- mum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

Exceptions & meaning →

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