Earlier editions: 2022
Division II — ADMINISTRATION.›Part I — GENERAL PROVISIONS.
San Francisco Fire Code Ch. 81 Parking Lots and Garages
San Francisco Fire Code · 2026-08 edition · updated 2026-09-23 · San Francisco
Cite as: San Francisco Fire Code Chapter 81 · Text as of 2026-09-23
This Chapter does not exist in the California Fire Code or International Fire Code.
SECTION 8101. – SCOPE.¶
Premises used for parking of motor vehicles and classified as Group S, Division 2 occupancies or as a parking lot shall be in accordance with Chapter 81. See the Building Code for construction requirements. Garages used to service or repair motor vehicles shall comply with Chapter 23.
SECTION 8102. – DEFINITIONS.¶
Parking Lots And Garages
Lots and garages where the operator charges a fee for the storage of motor vehicles. Parking lots shall include those premises that are open to the sky.
SECTION 8103. – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.¶
8103.1. Aisles.
A parking lot or garage shall include at least one aisle with a minimum width of 30 inches (762 mm) and arranged to provide access to all portions of the parking lot or garage.
8103.2. Exit Width.
Vehicle exits and entrances shall be at least 15 feet (4572 mm) wide.
8103.3. Vehicle Barriers.
The operator of a parking lot or garage shall install approved vehicle barriers to prevent encroachment on any public right of way and to prevent damage to adjoining property.
8103.4. Illumination.
The operator of a parking lot shall illuminate the entire lot with light having intensity of not less than 1 foot-candle (10.76 lx) at the pavement.
8103.5. Sign.
The operator of any unattended parking lot shall post a sign in a conspicuous location, stating the name and telephone number of the operator.
8103.6. Vehicle Servicing.
Service or repair of motor vehicles is prohibited in parking lots.
APPENDIX M. – HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS – RETROACTIVE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER REQUIREMENT.
Appendix M of the International Fire Code is deleted.
References to Ordinances
References to Ordinances
Ordinances Affecting the 2025 Fire Code
Publisher's Note: The following table lists all ordinances affecting the 2025 Fire Code passed by the Board of Supervisors, beginning with the Code's enacting ordinance. The table includes links to the ordinances (as maintained in PDF format on the Board of Supervisors' web site) and to the code sections affected. For other legislation, including older ordinances and those affecting other codes, refer to the Comprehensive Ordinance Table or the Board's "Legislation Passed" web site.
| Ord. No. | File No. | Eff. Date | Short Title and Code Sections Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39-26 | 251247 | 4/12/26 | Fire Code - Repealing 2022 Code; Adopting 2025 Code |
| 121-26 | 260449 | 7/27/26 | Transportation, Administrative, Fire Codes - Temporary Street Use Permits and Closures Amending 108.2.3 |
| 122-26 | 260359 | 7/27/26 | San Francisco Fire Code - Uncertified Lithium-Ion Battery Ban Adding 326, 326.1, 326.2, 326.3, 326.4 |
New Ordinances
Publisher's Note: The following table lists all ordinances affecting the 2022 Fire Code that have been passed by the Board of Supervisors but that are not yet effective. The table includes links to the amending ordinances (as maintained in PDF format on the Board of Supervisors' web site) and to the code sections affected. For other legislation, including older ordinances and those affecting other codes, refer to the Comprehensive Ordinance Table or the Board's "Legislation Passed" web site.
| Ord. No. File No. |
Eff. Date | Short Title and Code Sections Affected |
|---|
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