Chapter 6 — BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS›Article X — CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
§ 6.100
Los Gatos Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-02 · Los Gatos
Sec. 6.100.010. - Adopted.¶
The 2024 International Fire Code (IFC), as amended by the State of California Building Standards Commission and known as the 2025 California Fire Code (CFC), California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9, with Appendices B, C, D, and P, is adopted by reference and amended as follows.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.020. - General.¶
Inclusion in Central Fire District; Definitions.
(a)
The Town is included in the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District. The Town's inclusion is provided for in Ordinance No. 997 of the Town.
(b)
As used in this Code, the following definitions shall apply:
(i)
"Fire Department" means the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District.
(ii)
"Fire Chief" means the Chief of the Fire Department.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.030. - Administration and enforcement.¶
Delegation of duties. Whenever a provision appears that requires or allows the Fire Chief to do some act or make certain inspections, it is to be construed to authorize the Fire Chief to designate, delegate, and authorize subordinates to perform the act or make the inspection unless the terms of the provision or section provide otherwise.
Plan review. The Fire Department will review all plans submitted to the Town for the construction of all buildings except the interior of dwellings for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any condition liable to cause fire, to endanger life from fire, or to create or perpetuate any violation of the provisions or intent of this Code or State law affecting fire safety.
Citations. Fire Department officers authorized by the Fire Chief and State law may issue citations for violations of this chapter pursuant to the Code.
Abatement of hazards by Fire Chief.
(a)
If any person fails to comply with the orders of the Fire Chief, or in the event the Fire Chief is unable to locate the responsible person within a reasonable time, the Fire Chief may take such steps to abate the fire hazard as are necessary for the protection of the public health and safety. In no event is notice necessary before abatement when the fire hazard constitutes a clear and present danger to the public welfare.
(b)
The cost of any such abatement is a debt to the Town of the owner of the premises or of any person who, by act or inaction, caused or permitted the fire hazard to exist. The cost of the abatement shall become a lien on the premises when the need for the abatement and the amount of the cost have been established in the manner provided in Article 8 of Chapter 6 of this Code.
Fees for checking, inspection services and permits. The Town Council may, by resolution, establish a schedule of fees to be charged and collected for checking and inspection services performed and for the issuance and enforcement of permits and requirements under this chapter.
Building Official to forward plans. The Building Official will provide the Fire Chief with one (1) copy of any plans and specifications required to be reviewed by the Fire Department.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.040. - Chapter 1, division II administration.¶
Chapter 1, Division II, of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:
Table 105.5.9 is amended to read as follows:
TABLE 105.5.9
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR COMPRESSED GASES
| TYPE OF GAS | AMOUNT (cubic feet at NTP) |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide used in carbon dioxide enrichment systems | 875 (100lb) |
| Carbon dioxide used in insulated liquid carbon dioxide beverage dispensing applications | 875 (100 lb) |
| Corrosive | 200 |
| Flammable (except cryogenic fluids and liquefied petroleum gases) | 200 |
| Highly toxic | Any Amount |
| Moderately toxic | Any Amount |
| Other Health Hazard Materials | Any Amount |
| Inert and simple asphyxiant | 6,000 |
| Oxidizing (including oxygen) | 504 |
| Pyrophoric | Any Amount |
| Toxic | Any Amount |
Table 105.5.22 is amended to read as follows:
TABLE 105.5.22
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
| TYPE OF MATERIAL | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Combustible liquids | See Section 105.5.18 |
| Corrosive materials | |
| Gases | See Section 105.5.9 |
| Liquids | 55 gallons |
| Solids | 500 pounds |
| Explosive materials | See Section 105.5.16 |
| Flammable materials | |
| Gases | See Section 105.5.9 |
| Liquids | See Section 105.5.18 |
| Solids | 100 pounds |
| Highly toxic materials | |
| Gases | See Section 105.5.9 |
| Liquids | Any Amount |
| Solids | Any Amount |
| Moderately toxic materials | |
| Gases | See Section 105.5.9 |
| Other health hazard materials | |
| Gases | See Section 105.5.9 |
| Liquids | 55 gallons |
| Solids | 500 pounds |
| Oxidizing materials | |
| Gases | See Section 105.5.9 |
| Liquids | |
| Class 4 | Any Amount |
| Class 3 | 1 gallon a |
| Class 2 | 10 gallons |
| Class 1 | 55 gallons |
| Solids | |
| Class 4 | Any Amount |
| Class 3 | 10 pounds b |
| Class 2 | 100 pounds |
| Class 1 | 500 pounds |
| Organic peroxides | |
| Liquids | |
| Class I | Any Amount |
| Class II | Any Amount |
| Class III | 1 gallon |
| Class IV | 2 gallons |
| Class V | No Permit Required |
| Solids | |
| Class I | Any Amount |
| Class II | Any Amount |
| Class III | 10 pounds |
| Class IV | 20 pounds |
| Class V | No Permit Required |
| Pyrophoric materials | |
| Gases | Any Amount |
| Liquids | Any Amount |
| Solids | Any Amount |
| Toxic materials | |
| Gases | See Section 105.5.9 |
| Liquids | 10 gallons |
| Solids | 100 pounds |
| Unstable (reactive) materials | |
| Liquids | |
| Class 4 | Any Amount |
| Class 3 | Any Amount |
| Class 2 | 5 gallons |
| Class 1 | 10 gallons |
| Solids | |
| Class 4 | Any Amount |
| Class 3 | Any Amount |
| Class 2 | 50 pounds |
| Class 1 | 100 pounds |
| Water-reactive materials | |
| Liquids | |
| Class 3 | Any Amount |
| Class 2 | 5 gallons |
| Class 1 | 55 gallons |
| Solids | |
| Class 3 | Any Amount |
| Class 2 | 50 pounds |
| Class 1 | 500 pounds |
For SI: 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 pound = 0.454 kg.
a.
22 gallons when Table 5003.1.1(1) Note k applies and hazard identification signs in accordance with Section 5003.5 are provided for quantities of 22 gallons or less.
b.
220 pounds when Table 5003.1.1(1) Note k applies and hazard identification signs in accordance with Section 5003.5 are provided for quantities of 220 pounds or less.
Section 105.5.60 is added to read as follows:
105.5.60 Institutions. An operational permit is required to operate any health facility as defined in Section 1250 of the California Health and Safety Code, with an occupant load of more than six (6) persons, or to operate any jail or facility where personal liberties of the occupants are restrained. See California Code of Regulations Title 24 Part 2.
Section 105.5.61 is added to read as follows:
105.5.61 Residential care facility. An operational permit is required to operate any residential care or service facility, as described in the California Building Code, accommodating more than six (6) persons.
Section 105.6.4 is amended to read as follows:
105.6.4 Cryogenic fluids. A construction permit is required for installation of or alteration to cryogenic fluid storage systems where the system capacity exceeds the amounts listed in Table 105.5.11. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be an alteration and does not require a construction permit.
Section 108.2.1 is added to read as follows:
108.2.1 Construction permit fees. Construction permit fees and plan review fees for fire hydrant systems, fire extinguishing systems, and fire alarm systems shall be paid to the Santa Clara County Fire Department in accordance with the following table based on valuation. The valuation shall be limited to the value of the system installation for which the permit is being issued. Plan review fees are 65 percent of the Permit Fee
amount. For the purposes of determining the total fee amount for each permit, the plan review fee shall be added to the Permit Fee.
| TOTAL VALUATIONS | PERMIT FEE |
|---|---|
| $1.00 TO $500.00 | $23.50 |
| $501.00 TO $2,000.00 | $23.50 for the first $500.00 plus $3.05 for each additional $100.00, or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 |
| $2001.00 TO $25,000.00 | $69.25 for the first $2,000.00 plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 |
| $25,001.00 TO $50,000.00 | $391.25 for the first $25,000.00 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000.00, or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 |
| $50,001.00 TO $100,000.00 | $630.15 for the first $50,000.00 plus $13.60for each additional $1,000.00, or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 |
| $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $986.75 for the first $100,000.00 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00, or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 |
| $500,001 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,228.15 for the first $500,000.00 plus $5.35 for each additional $1,000.00, or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00 |
| $1,000,001 and up | $5,604.00 for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000.00, or fraction thereof |
| Additional re-inspections, in connection with the permits above, are to be paid at $120.00 for each occurrence at the discretion of the fire code official. | |
| Cancelled inspections without advance notice are to be paid at $120.00 for each occurrence. |
Section 108.2.2 is added to read as follows:
108.2.2 Operational permit fees. Operational permit fees shall be paid to the Santa Clara County Fire Department as follows:
FACILITY TYPE PERMIT FEE
| 1. | Institutional | |
|---|---|---|
| A. More than 6 persons | $75.00 - Annually | |
| B. Over 50 persons | $100.00 - Annually | |
| 2. | Day Care Facilities | |
| More than 6 clients | $35.00 - Annually | |
| 3. | Places of Assembly | |
| A. 50-300 persons | $50.00 - Annually | |
| B. Over 300 persons | $85.00 - Annually | |
| 4. | Temporary Membrane Structures, Tents, and Canopies (Only those requiring permits in accordance with Section 105.6.47). | $85.00 - Each Occurrence |
Section 109.5 is added to read as follows:
109.5 Final inspection. No final inspection as to all or any portion of a development shall be deemed completed until the installation of the required fire protection facilities and access ways have been completed and approved. No final certificate of occupancy may be granted until the Fire Department issues notice of final clearance of such fire protection facilities and access ways to the Building Department.
Section 113.4 is deleted.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.050. - Chapter 2, definitions.¶
Section 202 is amended to amend and add the following definitions:
CORROSIVE LIQUID. Corrosive liquid is:
any liquid which, when in contact with living tissue, will cause destruction or irreversible alteration of such tissue by chemical action; or
any liquid having a pH of 2 or less or 12.5 or more; or
any liquid classified as corrosive by the U.S. Department of Transportation; or
any material exhibiting the characteristics of corrosivity in accordance with Title 22, California Code of Regulations §66261.22.
HEALTH HAZARD - OTHER. A hazardous material which affects target organs of the body, including but not limited to, those materials which produce liver damage, kidney damage, damage to the nervous system, act on the blood to decrease hemoglobin function, deprive the body tissue of oxygen or affect reproductive capabilities, including mutations (chromosomal damage), sensitizers or teratogens (effect on fetuses).
LARGE-SCALE FIRE TESTING. Testing a representative energy storage system that induces a significant fire into the device under test and evaluates whether the fire will spread to adjacent energy storage system units, surrounding equipment, or through an adjacent fire-resistance-rated barrier.
MODERATELY TOXIC GAS. A chemical or substance that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air more than 2000 parts per million but not more than 5000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, when administered by continuous inhalation for an hour, or less if death occurs within one hour, to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
SECONDARY CONTAINMENT. Secondary containment is that level of containment that is external to and separate from primary containment and is capable of safely and securely containing the material, without discharge, for a period of time reasonably necessary to ensure detection and remedy of the primary containment failure.
SPILL CONTROL. That level of containment that is external to and separate from the primary containment and is capable of safely and securely containing the contents of the largest container and prevents the materials from spreading to other parts of the room.
WORKSTATION. A defined space or an independent principal piece of equipment flammable or unstable (Class 3 or 4 as ranked by NFPA 704) hazardous materials where a specific function, laboratory procedure or research activity occurs. Approved or listed hazardous materials storage cabinets, flammable liquid storage cabinets or gas cabinets serving a workstation are included as part of the workstation. A workstation is allowed to contain ventilation equipment, fire protection devices, detection devices, electrical devices and other processing and scientific equipment.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.060. - Fire apparatus access roads.¶
Section 503.1 is amended to read as follows:
503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3 and in accordance with the Fire Department's access standards.
Section 503.1.1 is amended to read as follows:
503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements for this section and shall extend to within 150
feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.
Exceptions:
In other than R-3 or U occupancies, when the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 the dimension may be increased to a maximum of 300 feet when approved by the fire code official.
When there are not more than two Group R-3 or accessory Group U occupancies, the dimension may be increased to a maximum of 200 feet.
When apparatus roads cannot be installed because of topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, an approved alternative means of fire protection shall be provided.
Section 503.2.1 is amended to read as follows:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) for engines, and 26 feet (7925 mm) for aerial fire apparatus exclusive of shoulders, except for approved gates or barricades in accordance with Sections 503.5.1 and 503.6. The unobstructed vertical clearance shall be a minimum of 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm), or as determined by the fire code official.
Exception: When there are not more than two residential parcels, having only Group R, Division 3, or Group U occupancy structures, the access road width may be modified by the fire code official.
Section 503.2.4 is amended to read as follows:
503.2.4 Turning radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm) inside, and a minimum of 50 feet (15240 mm) outside.
Section 503.2.7 is amended to read as follows:
503.2.7 Grade. The maximum grade of a fire department apparatus access road shall not exceed 15 percent, unless approved by the fire code official.
Section 503.5 is amended to read as follows:
503.5 Required gates or barricades. The Fire Code Official is authorized to require the installation and maintenance of gates or other approved barricades across fire apparatus access roads, trails, or other accessways, not including the public streets, alleys, or highways. The minimum width for commercial applications is 20 feet (6096 mm), and 12 feet (4268 mm) for single-family dwellings. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed, and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.
Section 503.6 is amended to read as follows:
503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the fire code official. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200. The minimum width for commercial applications is 20 feet (6096 mm), and 12 feet (4268 mm) for single-family dwellings.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.070. - Access to building openings and roofs.¶
Section 504.5 is added to read as follows:
504.5 Access Control Devices. When access control devices including bars, grates, gates, electric or magnetic locks or similar devices, which would inhibit rapid fire department emergency access to within and throughout the building, are installed, such devices shall be approved by the fire code official. All electrically powered access control devices shall be provided with an approved means for deactivation or unlocking from a single location or otherwise approved by the fire code official. Access control devices must also comply with Chapter 10.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.080. - Premises identification.¶
Section 505.1 is amended to read as follows:
505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 6 inches (153 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.
The following is a guideline for adequate address number dimensions:
•
The number posted up to 49 feet from the public street shall be of one solid color which is contrasting to the background and be at least six (6) inches high with a half (½) inch stroke.
•
The number posted from 50 to 100 feet from the public street shall be of one solid color which is contrasting to the background and be at least six (6) inches high with a one (1) inch stroke.
•
The number posted over 100 to 199 feet from the public street shall be of one solid color which is contrasting to the background and be at least ten (10) inches high with a one and a half (1½) inch stroke.
•
The number posted over 200 to 299 feet from the public street shall be of one solid color which is contrasting to the background and be at least eighteen (18) inches high with a two (2) inch stroke.
•
The number posted over 300 to 400 feet from the public street shall be of one solid color which is contrasting to the background and be at least twenty-four (24) inches high with a two and a half (2½) inch stroke.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.090. - Emergency responder communication coverage.¶
Section 510.1 is amended to read as follows:
510.1 Emergency responder communications enhancement systems in new buildings. Approved in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system (ERCES) for emergency responders shall be provided within all buildings meeting any one of the following conditions:
There are more than 3 stories above grade plane (as defined by the Building Code Section 202);
The total building area is 30,000 square feet or more;
The total basement area is 5,000 square feet or more;
Where required by the Fire Code Official and radio coverage signal strength levels are not consistent with the minimum levels set forth in Section 510.4.1.
Exceptions:
Where approved by the Fire Code Official, a wired communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2 shall be permitted to be installed or maintained in lieu of an approved communications coverage system.
Where it is determined by the Fire Code Official that the communications coverage system is not needed.
In facilities where emergency responder communications coverage is required and such systems, components or equipment required could have a negative impact on the normal operations of that facility, the Fire Code Official shall have the authority to accept an automatically activated emergency responder communications coverage system.
Buildings and areas of buildings that have minimum radio coverage signal strength levels of the Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority (SVRIA) P25 Phase 2 700 MHz Digital Trunked Radio System within the building in accordance with Section 510.4.1 without the use of an indoor radio coverage system.
The radio coverage system shall be installed and maintained in accordance with Sections 510.4 through 510.6.4 of this code and with the applicable provisions of NFPA 1225, Standard for Emergency Services Communications.
In-building ERCES within the building shall be based on the existing coverage levels of the public safety communications systems utilized by the jurisdiction, measured at the exterior of the building. The ERCES, where required, shall be of a type determined by the Fire Code Official and the frequency license holder(s). This section shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communications systems.
Section 510.1.1 is added to read as follows:
510.1.1 Obstruction by new buildings. No obstruction of the public safety system backhaul shall be allowed without an approved mitigating plan.
Section 510.3.1 is amended to read as follows:
510.3.1 Permit required. A construction permit for the installation of or modification to in-building emergency responder communications enhancement systems and related equipment is required as specified in Section 105.6.5. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit. A frequency change made to an existing system is considered to be new construction and will require a construction permit.
Section 510.4 is amended to read as follows:
510.4 Technical requirements. Equipment required to provide in-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be listed in accordance with UL 2524 and the current Emergency Responders Communications Enhancement Systems Standard Details & Specification enforced by the
Santa Clara County Fire Department. Systems, components and equipment required to provide the emergency responder radio coverage system shall comply with Sections 510.4.1 through 510.4.2.8.
Section 510.4.2 is amended to read as follows:
510.4.2 System design. The in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system shall be designed in accordance with Sections 510.4.2.1 through 510.4.2.8 and NFPA 1225, and the current Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems Details & Specification enforced by the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
Section 510.5 is amended to read as follows:
510.5 Installation requirement. The installation of the emergency responder radio coverage system shall be in accordance with NFPA 1225 and the current Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems Standard Details & Specification enforced by the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
Section 510.5.2 is amended to read as follows:
510.5.2 Approval prior to installation. Communications enhancement systems capable of operating on frequencies licensed to any public safety agency by the FCC or other radio licensing authority shall not be installed without prior coordination and approval of the Fire Code Official and the agency FCC license holder or systems administrator.
Section 510.5.4 is amended to read as follows:
510.5.4 Acceptance test procedure. Where an in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system is required, and upon completion of installation, the building owner shall have the radio system tested to verify that two-way coverage on each floor of the building is not less than 95 percent. Final system acceptance will require ERRCS power level and DAQ testing with agency FCC license holder, systems administrators, or designee.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.100. - Fire and smoke protection features.¶
Section 703.3 is added to read as follows:
703.3 Fire-resistant penetrations and joints. In high-rise buildings, in buildings assigned to Risk Category III or IV, or in fire areas containing Group R occupancies with an occupant load greater than 100, and other occupancies as determined necessary special inspections for through-penetrations, membrane penetration firestops, fire resistant joint systems and perimeter fire containment systems that are tested and listed in accordance with CBC Sections 714.4.1.2, 715.3.1 and 715.4 shall be in accordance with Section 1705.18.1 or 1705.18.2.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.110. - Fire protection and life safety systems.¶
Section 901.6.2 is amended to read as follows:
901.6.2 Integrated testing. Where two or more fire protection or life safety systems are interconnected, the intended response of subordinate fire protection and life safety systems shall be verified when required testing of the initiating system is conducted. In addition, integrated testing shall be performed in accordance with Sections 901.6.2.1 and 901.6.2.2.
901.6.2.1 High-rise buildings. For high-rise buildings, integrated testing shall comply with NFPA 4, with an integrated test performed prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy and at intervals not exceeding 10 years, unless otherwise specified by an integrated system test plan prepared in accordance with NFPA 4. If an equipment failure is detected during integrated testing, a repeat of the integrated test shall not be required, except as necessary to verify operation of fire protection or life safety functions that are initiated by equipment that was repaired or replaced. For existing buildings, the testing timeframe shall be specified by the integrated systems test plan prepared in accordance with NFPA 4 as approved by the fire code official.
901.6.2.2 Smoke control systems. Where a fire alarm system is integrated with a smoke control system as outlined in Section 909, integrated testing shall comply with NFPA 4, with an integrated test performed prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy and at intervals not exceeding 10 years, unless otherwise specified by an integrated system test plan prepared in accordance with NFPA 4. If an equipment failure is detected during integrated testing, a repeat of the integrated test shall not be required, except as necessary to verify operation of fire protection or life safety functions that are initiated by equipment that was repaired or replaced. For existing buildings, the testing timeframe shall be specified by the integrated systems test plan prepared in accordance with NFPA 4 as approved by the fire code official.
Section 901.6.3 is amended to read:
901.6.3 Records Information. Records of all system inspections, tests and maintenance required by the referenced standard shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of five years. See Sections 907.7 and 907.8 for fire alarm system inspection, testing and maintenance documentation requirements.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.120. - Automatic sprinkler systems.¶
Section 903.2 is amended to read as follows:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new and existing buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in either this Section or in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12, whichever is the more restrictive, and Sections 903.2.14 through 903.2.21.
For the purposes of this section, firewalls and fire barriers used to separate building areas shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and shall be without openings or penetrations.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new buildings and structures, other than Group R occupancies, except as follows:
a.
Buildings and structures not located in any Wildland-Urban Interface and not exceeding 1,200 square feet of fire area.
b.
Buildings and structures located in any Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area and not exceeding 500 square feet of fire area.
c.
Group S-2 or U occupancies, including photovoltaic support structures, used exclusively for vehicle parking which meet all of the following:
i.
Noncombustible construction.
ii.
Maximum 5,000 square feet in building area.
iii.
Structure is open on not less than three (3) sides nor 75% of structure perimeter.
iv.
Minimum of 10 feet separation from existing buildings, or similar structures, unless area is separated by fire walls complying with California Building Code 706.
d.
Canopies, constructed in accordance with CBC 406.7.2, used exclusively for weather protection of vehicle fueling pads per CBC 406.7.1 and not exceeding 5,000 square feet of fire area.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings with a Group R fire area.
Exception: Accessory Dwelling Unit, provided that all of the following are met:
a.
The unit meets the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit as defined in the Government Code Section 65852.2.
b.
The existing primary residence does not have automatic fire sprinklers.
c.
The accessory dwelling unit does not exceed 1,200 square feet in size.
d.
The unit is on the same lot as the primary residence.
e.
The unit meets all apparatus access and water supply requirements of Chapter 5 and Appendix B of the 2022 California Fire Code.
An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in new manufactured homes (as defined in California Health and Safety Code Sections 18007 and 18009) and multifamily manufactured homes with two dwelling units (as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18008.7) in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout existing buildings with a Group R fire area when additions are made causing the fire area to exceed 3,600 square feet.
Exception: Additions where all of the following are met:
a.
Building addition does not exceed 500 square feet.
b.
The resultant structure meets all water supply requirements of Chapter 5 and Appendix B of the 2025 California Fire Code.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing Group A, B, E, F, L, M, S and U buildings and structures, when additions are made that increase the fire area to more than 3,600 square feet or that create conditions described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.18.
Any change in the character of occupancy or in use of any building with a fire area equal to or greater than 3,600 square feet which, in the opinion of the Fire Code Official or building official, would place the building into a more hazardous division of the same occupancy group or into a different group of occupancies and constitutes a greater degree of life safety 1 or increased fire risk 2 , shall require the installation of an approved fire automatic fire sprinkler system.
1 Life Safety - Shall include, but not limited to: Increased occupant load, public assembly areas, public meeting areas, churches, indoor amusement attractions, buildings with complex exiting systems due to
increased occupant loads, large schools/day-care facilities, large residential care facilities housing non- ambulatory clients.
2 Fire Risks - Shall include, but not limited to: High-piled combustible storage, woodworking operations, hazardous operations using hazardous materials, increased fuel loads (storage of moderate to highly combustible materials), increased sources of ignition (welding, automotive repair with the use of flammable liquids and open flames).
Section 903.2.11.7 is added to read as follows:
903.2.11.7 Chemical Fume Hood Fire Protection.
Approved automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be provided in chemical fume hoods in the following cases:
Existing hoods having interiors with a flame spread index greater than 25 in which flammable liquids are handled.
If a hazard assessment determines that an automatic extinguishing system is required for the chemical fume hood, then the applicable automatic fire protection system standard shall be followed.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.130. - Fire alarm and detection systems.¶
Section 907.8 is amended to read as follows:
907.8 Inspection, testing, and maintenance. The maintenance and testing schedules and procedures for fire alarm and fire detection systems shall be in accordance with Sections 907.8.1 through 907.8.4 and NFPA 72. Records of inspection, testing and maintenance shall be documented using NFPA 72 record of inspection and testing forms.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.140. - Smoke control systems.¶
Section 909.22.1 is amended to read as follows:
909.22.1 Schedule. A routine maintenance and operational testing program shall be initiated immediately after the smoke control system has passed the acceptance tests. A written schedule for routine maintenance and operational testing shall be established and operational testing must occur at least annually.
(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)
Sec. 6.100.150. - Energy systems.¶
Section 1202.1.1 is amended to read as follows:
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code