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Chapter 6 — BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

Section 605

California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2022 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.

605.1 General.

The design, construction, installation, operation, alteration, repair and maintenance of nonportable gasfired appliances and systems shall comply with the California

6-6 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE 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.

BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

605.2 Abatement of unsafe conditions.

The fire code official is authorized to order that measures be taken to prevent the operation of any existing stove, oven, furnace, incinerator, boiler or any other heat-producing device or appliance found to be defective or in violation of code requirements for existing appliances after giving notice to this effect to any person, owner, firm or agent or operator in charge of the same. The fire code official is authorized to take measures to prevent the operation of any device or appliance without notice when inspection shows the existence of an immediate fire hazard or when imperiling human life. The defective device shall remain withdrawn from service until all necessary repairs or alterations have been made or replaced in accordance with Section 605.1.

605.2.1 Chimneys and appliances. Chimneys, vents, incinerators, smokestacks or similar devices for conveying smoke or hot gases to the outer air and the appliances such as stoves, furnaces, fireboxes or boilers to which such devices are connected, shall be maintained so as not to create a fire hazard.

605.2.1.1 Masonry chimneys. Masonry chimneys that, upon inspection, are found to be without a flue liner and that have open mortar joints which will permit smoke or gases to be discharged into the building, or which are cracked as to be dangerous, shall be repaired or relined with a listed chimney liner system installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the California Mechanical Code or a flue lining system installed in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code and appropriate for the intended class of chimney service.

605.2.1.2 Metal chimneys. Metal chimneys that are corroded or improperly supported shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with the California Mechanical Code .

605.2.1.3 Decorative shrouds. Decorative shrouds installed at the termination of factory-built chimneys or vents shall be removed except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factory-built chimney system and are installed in accordance with the chimney or vent manufacturer’s instructions and the California Mechanical Code or International Fuel Gas Code .

605.2.1.4 Factory-built chimney and vent systems. Existing factory-built chimneys and vent systems that are damaged, corroded or improperly supported shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with the Califor- nia Mechanical Code .

605.2.1.5 Connectors. Existing chimney and vent connectors that are damaged, corroded or improperly supported shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with the California Mechanical Code .

Exceptions & meaning →

605.3 Chimneys and vents. Masonry chimneys shall be

constructed in accordance with the California Building Code . Factory-built chimneys and vent systems serving solid-fuelfired appliances or oil-fired appliances shall be installed in

Plumbing Code . The design, construction, installation, operation, alteration, repair and maintenance of nonportable solid fuel-fired and oil-fired appliances and systems shall comply with the provisions of this section and the California Mechanical Code . The construction and use of portable fuelfired appliances not connected to a fixed fuel piping system, such as blow torches, melting pots and weed burners, shall comply with this section.

605.1.1 Installation of nonportable fuel-fired appli- ances. The installation of nonportable fuel-fired appliances shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and applicable federal, state and local rules and regulations.

605.1.2 Electrical wiring and equipment. Electrical wiring and equipment used in connection with fuel-fired appliances and equipment shall be installed and maintained in accordance with Section 603 and the California Electrical Code.

605.1.3 Fuel oil. The grade of fuel oil used in an oil burner shall be that for which the oil burner is approved and as stipulated by the oil burner manufacturer’s instructions. Oil containing gasoline shall not be used. Waste crankcase oil shall be an acceptable fuel in Group F, M and S occupancies where utilized in equipment listed and labeled for use with waste oil and where such equipment is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the terms of its listing.

605.1.4 Access. The installation of fuel-fired equipment shall be provided with access to equipment for cleaning hot surfaces; removing burners; replacing motors, controls, air filters, chimney and vent connectors, draft regulators and other working parts; and for adjusting, cleaning and lubricating parts.

605.1.5 Testing, diagrams and instructions. After installation of the fuel-fired equipment, operation and combustion performance tests shall be conducted to determine that the equipment is in proper operating condition and that all accessory equipment, controls, and safety devices function properly.

605.1.5.1 Diagrams. Contractors installing industrial oil-burning systems shall furnish not less than two copies of diagrams showing the main oil lines and controlling valves, one copy of which shall be posted at the oil-burning equipment and another at an approved location that will be available in case of emergency.

605.1.5.2 Operating instructions. After completing the installation, the installer shall instruct the owner or operator in the proper operation of the equipment. The installer shall furnish the owner or operator with the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

605.1.6 Clearances. Working clearances between fuelfired appliances and electrical panelboards and equipment shall be in accordance with the California Electrical Code . Clearances between oil-fired equipment and oil supply tanks shall be in accordance with the California Electrical 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.

BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

accordance with the California Mechanical Code . Metal chimneys shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code . Factory-built chimneys and vent systems serving gas-fired appliances shall be installed in accordance with the International Fuel Gas Code .

Exceptions & meaning →

605.4 Fuel oil storage systems. Fuel oil storage systems for

building heating systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this code. Tanks and fuel-oil piping systems shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 13 of the Cali- fornia Mechanical Code .

605.4.1 Fuel oil storage in outside, above-ground tanks. Where connected to a fuel-oil piping system, the maximum amount of fuel oil storage allowed outside above ground without additional protection shall be 660 gallons (2498 L). The storage of fuel oil above ground in quantities exceeding 660 gallons (2498 L) shall comply with NFPA 31.

605.4.1.1 Approval. Outdoor fuel oil storage tanks shall be in accordance with UL 142 or UL 2085.

605.4.2 Fuel oil storage inside buildings. Fuel oil storage inside buildings shall comply with Sections 605.4.2.2 through 605.4.2.8 or Chapter 57.

605.4.2.1 Approval. Indoor fuel oil storage tanks shall be in accordance with UL 80, UL 142 or UL 2085.

605.4.2.2 Quantity limits. One or more fuel oil storage tanks containing Class II or III combustible liquid shall be permitted in a building. The aggregate capacity of all tanks shall not exceed the following:

  1. 660 gallons (2498 L) in unsprinklered buildings, where stored in a tank complying with UL 80, UL 142 or UL 2085.

  2. 1,320 gallons (4996 L) in buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, where stored in a tank complying with UL 142. The tank shall be listed as a secondary containment tank, and the secondary containment shall be monitored visually or automatically.

  3. 3,000 gallons (11 356 L) in buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, where stored in protected above-ground tanks complying with UL 2085 and Section 5704.2.9.7. The tank shall be listed as a secondary containment tank, as required by UL 2085, and the secondary containment shall be monitored visually or automatically.

605.4.2.3 Restricted use and connection. Tanks installed in accordance with Section 605.4.2 shall be used only to supply fuel oil to fuel-burning equipment, generators or fire pumps installed in accordance with Section 605.4.2.5. Connections between tanks and equipment supplied by such tanks shall be made using closed piping systems in accordance with the Califor- nia Mechanical Code .

605.4.2.4 Applicability of maximum allowable quan- tity and control area requirements. The quantity of combustible liquid stored in tanks complying with Section 605.4.2 shall not be counted towards the maximum allowable quantity set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1), and such tanks shall not be required to be located in a control area.

605.4.2.5 Installation. Tanks and piping systems shall be installed in accordance with Section 915 and Chapter 13, both of the California Mechanical Code, as applicable.

605.4.2.6 Separation. Rooms containing fuel oil tanks for internal combustion engines shall be separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers, horizontal assemblies, or both, with a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating with 1-hour fire-protection-rated opening protectives constructed in accordance with the Califor- nia Building Code .

Exception: Rooms containing protected above-ground tanks complying with Section 5704.2.9.7 shall not be required to be separated from surrounding areas.

605.4.2.7 Spill containment. Tanks exceeding 60-gallon (227 L) capacity or an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons (3785 L) that are not provided with integral secondary containment shall be provided with spill containment sized to contain a release from the largest tank.

605.4.2.8 Tanks in basements. Tanks in basements shall be located not more than two stories below grade plane.

605.4.3 Underground storage of fuel oil. The storage of fuel oil in underground storage tanks shall comply with UL 58 or UL 1316 and be installed in accordance with NFPA 31.

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605.5 Portable unvented heaters.

Portable unvented fuelfired heating equipment shall be prohibited in occupancies in Groups A, E, I, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3, R-3.1 and R-4 and ambulatory care facilities.

Exceptions:

  1. Portable unvented fuel-fired heaters listed in accordance with UL 647 are permitted to be used in oneand two-family dwellings, where operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

  2. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances in accordance with Section 605.5.2.

605.5.1 Prohibited locations. Unvented fuel-fired heating equipment shall not be located in, or obtain combustion air from, any of the following rooms or spaces: sleeping rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms or storage closets.

605.5.2 Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances. Portable gas-fired heating appliances located outdoors shall be in accordance with Sections 605.5.2.1 through 605.5.2.3.4.

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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.

605.5.2.1 Location. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be used and located in accordance with Sections 605.5.2.1.1 through 605.5.2.1.4.

605.5.2.1.1 Prohibited locations. The storage or use of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances is prohibited in any of the following locations:

  1. Inside of any occupancy where connected to the fuel gas container.

  2. Inside of tents, canopies and membrane structures.

  3. On exterior balconies.

Exception: As permitted in Chapter 61.

605.5.2.1.2 Clearance to buildings. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be located not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from buildings.

605.5.2.1.3 Clearance to combustible materials. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be located beneath, or closer than 5 feet (1524 mm) to combustible decorations and combustible overhangs, awnings, sunshades or similar combustible attachments to buildings.

605.5.2.1.4 Proximity to exits. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be located within 5 feet (1524 mm) of exits or exit discharges.

605.5.2.2 Use and operation. Portable outdoor gasfired heating appliances shall be used and operated in accordance with Sections 605.5.2.2.1 through 605.5.2.2.4.

605.5.2.2.1 Listing and approval. Only listed and approved portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances utilizing a fuel gas container that is integral to the appliance shall be used. Portable outdoor gasfired heating appliances shall be listed and labeled in accordance with ANSI Z83.26/CSA 2.37.

605.5.2.2.2 Use and maintenance. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

605.5.2.2.3 Tip-over switch. Portable outdoor gasfired heating appliances shall be equipped with a tilt or tip-over switch that automatically shuts off the flow of gas if the appliance is tilted more than 15 degrees (0.26 rad) from the vertical.

605.5.2.2.4 Guard against contact. The heating element or combustion chamber of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be permanently guarded so as to prevent accidental contact by persons or material.

605.5.2.3 Gas containers. Fuel gas containers for portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall comply with Sections 605.5.2.3.1 through 605.5.2.3.4.

605.5.2.3.1 Approved containers. Only approved DOTn or ASME gas containers shall be used.

BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

605.5.2.3.2 Container replacement. Replacement of fuel gas containers in portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be conducted while the public is present.

605.5.2.3.3 Container capacity. The maximum individual capacity of gas containers used in connection with portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not exceed 20 pounds (9 kg).

605.5.2.3.4 Indoor storage prohibited. Gas containers shall not be stored inside of buildings except in accordance with Section 6109.9.

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605.6 Heating appliances. Heating appliances shall be listed

and shall comply with Sections 605.6.1 and 605.6.2.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.17(a) and (b)] Guards for Heating Appliances.

Every heating appliance in any occupancy governed by Califor- nia Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations which does not have protective features incorporated in its design, shall be provided with guards that will provide protection against ignition of clothing and other combustible material.

(a) Appliances employing open flame radiated heat shall have fixed and substantially constructed metallic guards located not less than 10 inches from the radiating flame and the guard members shall be spaced not more than 2 inches apart.

(b) Cabinet type appliances that are not provided with an inner combustion chamber and an air circulating space between the combustion chamber and the outer shell, shall have fixed and substantially constructed metallic guards located not less than 3 inches from the shell and spaced not more than 2 inches apart.

605.6.1 Guard against contact. The heating element or combustion chamber shall be permanently guarded so as to prevent accidental contact by persons or material.

605.6.2 Heating appliance installation and mainte- nance. Heating appliances shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the California Building Code, the International Fuel Gas Code, the California Mechanical Code and the Cali- fornia Electrical Code.

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605.7 Unauthorized operation. It shall be a violation of this

code for any person, user, firm or agent to continue the utilization of any device or appliance (the operation of which has been discontinued or ordered discontinued in accordance with Section 605.2) unless written authority to resume operation is given by the fire code official. Removing or breaking the means by which operation of the device is prevented shall be a violation of this code.

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605.8 Incinerators.

Commercial, industrial and residentialtype incinerators and chimneys shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and the California Mechanical Code . Unless other approved means are provided for the prompt disposal of rubbish, an approved incinerator shall be provided and maintained for the disposal of combustible waste. Incinerators shall be constructed, located and maintained in such manner that waste material

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.

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can be safely burned at any hour of the day, where local ordi- nances permit. Fuel-fired and garbage burning incinerators shall be constructed and maintained in conformance with NFPA 82-2019 Incinerators, Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment or UL 791-2006 Standard for Resi- dential Incinerators, whichever is applicable.

605.8.1 Residential incinerators. Residential incinerators shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 791.

605.8.2 Spark arrestor. Incinerators shall be equipped with an effective means for arresting sparks.

605.8.3 Restrictions. Where the fire code official determines that burning in incinerators located within 500 feet (152 m) of mountainous, brush or grass-covered areas will create an undue fire hazard because of atmospheric conditions, such burning shall be prohibited.

605.8.4 Time of burning. Burning shall take place only during approved hours.

605.8.5 Discontinuance. The fire code official is authorized to require incinerator use to be discontinued immediately if the fire code official determines that smoke emissions are offensive to occupants of surrounding property or if the use of incinerators is determined by the fire code official to constitute a hazardous condition.

605.8.6 Flue-fed incinerators in Group I-2. In Group I-2 occupancies, the continued use of existing flue-fed incinerators is prohibited.

605.8.7 Incinerator inspections in Group I-2. Incinerators in Group I-2 occupancies shall be inspected not less than annually in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspection records shall be maintained on the premises and made available to the fire code official upon request.

605.9 Gas meters. Above-ground gas meters, regulators and

piping subject to damage shall be protected by a barrier complying with Section 312 or otherwise protected in an approved manner.

Exceptions & meaning →

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