Chapter 17.12

CITY OF SAN JOSÉ FIRE CODE*

Parts:

• 1 General

• 2 Adoption of Administrative Provisions of the 2025 California Fire Code

• 3 Definitions

• 4 General Precautions Against Fire, Emergency Planning and Fire Service Features

• 5 Building Services and Systems, Fire Resistance Rated Construction and Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings

• 6 Fire Protection, Suppression, and Alarm Detection

• 7 Means of Egress, Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings, and Energy Requirements

• 8 Special Occupancy and Operation Provisions

• 8.25 Processing and Extraction Facilities

• 8.5 Temporary Heating and Cooking Operations, Motion Picture, Television Soundstage, Wildland Urban Interface Areas, and Defensible Space Provisions

• 9 Provisions Related to Storage, Handling, and Use of Regulated Materials

• 9.25 Hazardous Materials Provisions

• 9.5 Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials, and Moderately Toxic Gases

• 10 Referenced Standards

• 11 Reserved

• 12 Reserved

• 13 Adoption of Appendices of the 2025 California Fire Code

*State law reference— For statutory provisions authorizing the adoption of codes by reference, see Gov. Code § 50022.2.

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Part 1

GENERAL*

Sections:

17.12.020 Compliance required.

17.12.030 Bureau of fire prevention.

• 17.12.040 Review of plans submitted for building permit.

17.12.050 Application and disposition.

• 17.12.060 Owner responsibility.

• 17.12.070 Revocation.

17.12.080 Appeals.

• 17.12.090 Exemption for pending applications.

• 17.12.100 Cross-references to the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.110 Local amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code.

The San José Fire Code shall consist of the 2025 California Fire Code (CFC) as copyrighted and published by the California Building Standards Commission which is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference into this Chapter, subject to the deletions, amendments, exceptions, and additions which are specified in this Chapter. (Ord. 31258.)

It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or main-

*Editor’s note— Ord. 31258, § 1, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended Part 1 of Ch. 17.12 in its entirety, in effect repealing and reenacting said Part 1 to read as set out herein. The former Part 1, §§ 17.12.010 - 17.12.120, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ords. 25005, 25838, 26735, 28167, 28839, 29349, 29807, 30327, 30836.

tain any building, structure or equipment, or maintain any use, or cause or permit or suffer the same to be done, in a manner which does not conform to the requirements of this Chapter, any provision of the 2025 California Fire Code as adopted under this Chapter, or any permit issued under this Chapter. (Ord. 31258.)

• A. A Bureau of Fire Prevention in the fire department of the city, heretofore established by Ordinance 3082, adopted June 11, 1945, shall continue and shall be operated under the supervision of the chief of the fire department.

• B. The chief of the fire department shall assign an officer of the fire department as chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, who shall hold office at the pleasure of the chief of the fire department. The chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention shall be known as the "fire marshal," and such title shall be synonymous with the term "chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention."

• C. The chief of the fire department shall assign other members of the fire department as inspectors as shall be necessary.

• D. The chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and other members of such bureau shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and shall have and perform such other powers, duties and responsibilities as are given by law or as assigned by the chief of the fire department.

• (Ord. 31258.)

The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall review all building plans for conformity with state and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations relating to the prevention of fire, the storage of hazardous materials, and the protection of life and property against fire, explosion, exposure to hazardous materials, and panic. (Ord. 31258.)

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Sections 104.2.3.2.1 and 104.2.3.2 of the 2025 California Fire Code are amended to include as follows:

104.2.3.2.1 Applications for such alternate means or methods shall be filed in the office of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, and the filing fee provided in the schedule of fees established by resolution of the city council shall be paid to the bureau at the time of filing the application.

104.2.3.2.2 Any such alternate means or method that involves matters regulated by the San José Building Code shall also be subject to the approval of the building official.

(Ord. 31258.)

• A. Both the owner and the user of any property shall be responsible for ensuring that such property is in compliance with all statutes, ordinances and regulations relating to fire safety and hazardous materials, except for those laws which relate directly and expressly to a use, in which case compliance shall only be the responsibility of the user.

• B. Nothing in this section shall preclude a rental, lease or management agreement from providing that a tenant has responsibility for such compliance unless such delegation is expressly prohibited by the regulating law; however, notwithstanding any such agreement the owner shall remain ultimately responsible and subject to any enforcement action by the city.

• (Ord. 31258.)

Section 105.4 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to include as follows:

8. The permittee fails to pay fees established for approvals required under this chapter.

• (Ord. 31258.)

Whenever the chief suspends or revokes a permit or denies the granting of a permit, or condition-

ally grants a permit, the applicant may appeal the decision to the appeals hearing board, in accordance with the provisions for appeal set forth in Section 6.02.230 of this Code. (Ord. 31258.)

• A. The provisions of the 2025 California Fire Code related to construction, as adopted and amended herein, shall not apply to any building or structure for which application for a building permit was made prior to January 1, 2026, except as may be found by the Chief to constitute a distinct hazard to life or property. Such buildings or structure shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered or repaired in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter in effect at the date of the application.

• B. All other applications shall be processed in accordance with the provisions of the 2025 California Fire Code, as adopted and amended herein.

• (Ord. 31258.)

The provisions of this Chapter contain crossreferences to the provisions of the 2025 California Fire Code in order to facilitate reference and comparison to those provisions.

(Ord. 31258.)

The provisions of this Chapter shall constitute local amendments to the cross-referenced provisions of the 2025 California Fire Code and shall be deemed to replace the cross-referenced sections of the 2025 California Fire Code with the respective provisions set forth in this Chapter. Findings

The amendments set forth in 17.12 are reasonably necessary because of the following local geological, topographical, and climatic conditions:

• I. The City of San José is located within a very active seismic area. Severe seismic

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action could disrupt communications, damage gas mains, cause extensive electrical hazards, and place extreme demands on both private fire protection systems and equipment. The limited and widely dispersed resources of the Fire Department could result in failure to meet and provide the fire protection and life safety needs of the community.

• II. The local geographic, topographic, and climatic conditions pose an increased hazard in the acceleration, spread, magnitude, and severity of potential fires in the City of San José, and may cause disruptions in the operation of private fire protection systems and equipment and delayed fire response time, allowing for further fire growth and spread.

• III. This section adopts the latest standards currently listed by the State of California Fire Marshal's Office for automatic fire protection systems and includes references to the amendments to the standards made in the California Fire Code.

• (Ord. 31258.)

Part 2

ADOPTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE*

Sections:

*Editor’s note— Ord. 31258, § 2, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended Part 2 of Ch. 17.12 in its entirety to read as set out herein. Former Part 2 pertained to the adoption of administrative provisions of the 2022 California Fire Code and derived from Ords. 30327, 30836.

17.12.220 Change of use or occupancy (2025 CFC Chapter 1 Section 102.3).

17.12.230 Types of permits (2025 CFC Chapter 1 Section 105.1.2).

17.12.240 Amended operational permit requirements (2025 CFC, Chapter 1 Section 105.5).

• 17.12.250 Additional operational permit requirements (2025 CFC Chapter 1 Section 105.5.59).

Except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter, Chapter 1 of the 2025 California Fire Code, including the Tables therein, are adopted and incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein. (Ord. 31258.)

The following provisions, including all subparts thereof, of Chapter 1 of the 2025 California Fire Code, are not adopted or incorporated in this Chapter by reference, and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Chapter nor a part of the Fire Code of the City of San José: Sections 1.1.1, 1.1.8, 1.1.9, 1.1.10, 101.1, 103.1, 103.3, and 112. (Ord. 31258.)

Chapter 1, Section 102.3 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows: 102.3.1 An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings or structures when an automatic sprinkler system is required per the California Fire Code due to a change of use or occupancy.

(Ord. 31258.)

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Chapter 1 Section 105.1.2 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows: 105.1.2 Types of permits. There shall be two types of permits as follows:

1. Operational permit. An operational permit allows the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required by Section 105.5 for either:

   • 1.1. A prescribed period. If no period is prescribed, the permit shall be for one year.

   • 1.2. Until renewed or revoked.

2. Construction permit. A construction permit allows the applicant to install or modify systems and equipment for which a permit is required by Section 105.6.

• (Ord. 31258.)

The following subparts of Chapter 1 Section 105.5 of the 2025 California Fire Code are amended to read as follows:

105.5.10 Covered and open mall buildings: An operational permit is required for:

1. The placement of kiosks, retail fixtures and displays, concession equipment, displays of highly combustible goods and similar items in the mall.

2. The display of liquid-or gas-fired equipment in the mall.

3. The use of open-flame or flame-producing equipment in the mall.

4. The use of a covered mall as a place of assembly.

105.5.29 Lithium batteries: An operational permit is required for an accumulation of more than 15 cubic feet (0.42 m3) or more than 1000 pounds of lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, where required by section 320.2 and section 315.8.

105.5.31 Lumberyards, woodworking and firewood storage: An operational permit is required to store lumber in excess of 100,000 board feet (8,333 ft3/ 236 m3); or to store fire wood in excess of ten (10) cords; or to conduct woodworking operations involving mass production or involving more than one of each type of machine, or where machines are used continuously (as opposed to intermittently) or substantial products of sawdust may be a problem. See Chapter 28.

105.5.47 Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities: An operational permit is required for operation of repair garages and automotive, marine and fleet motor fuel-dispensing facilities, including fueling with flammable or combustible liquids, liquefied petroleum gases, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or hydrogen.

105.5.50 Storage of tires, scrap tires and tire byproducts: An operational permit is required to establish, conduct or maintain outdoor storage of tires, scrap tires and tire byproducts that exceeds 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3) of total volume of scrap tires and for indoor storage of tires and tire byproducts.

(Ord. 31258.)

Chapter 1 Section 105.5.59 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

105.5.59.4 Day Care Facility: An operational permit is required to operate any day care home or facility which provides day care for adults or children.

105.5.59.5 High-Rise Buildings: An operational permit is required to operate any high-rise building.

105.5.59.6 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.

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105.5.59.7 Multi-story building: An operational permit is required to operate any building that is not a high-rise building, but has four or more floors. See Section 3.09 of Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations.

105.5.59.8 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.

105.5.59.9 Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement System (ERCES): An operational permit is required to operate ERCES and related equipment.

105.5.59.10 Firefighter Air Replenishment System (FARS): An operational permit is required to operate FARS systems and related equipment.

105.5.59.11 Multifamily Residential Building: An operational permit is required to operate any Residential Group R-2 or R-2.1 as defined in CBC 310.3

105.5.59.12 On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations: An operational permit is required to operate on-demand mobile fueling operations as defined in the 2025 California Fire Code, Section 5707. (Ord. 31258.)

Chapter 1 Section 109.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

109.1 Inspection Authority. The fire prevention bureau shall have authority to inspect buildings and premises as often as necessary, for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected, any conditions which could tend to cause fire or contribute to its spread, result in an unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials, or any violation of this Code or any other law or standard affecting fire safety, life safety, or environmental safety. (Ord. 31258.)

Part 3

DEFINITIONS*

Sections:

Except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter, Chapter 2 of the 2025 California Fire Code, including the Tables therein, are adopted and incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein. (Ord. 31258.)

Section 202 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

CORROSIVE LIQUID. Corrosive liquid is:

1. Any liquid which, when in contact with living tissue, will cause destruction or irreversible alteration of such tissue by chemical action; or

2. Any liquid having a pH of 2 or less or 12.5 or more; or

3. Any liquid classified as corrosive by the U.S. Department of Transportation; or

4. Any material exhibiting the characteristics of corrosivity in accordance with Title 22, California Code of Regulations Section 66261.

DESOLVENTIZING. The process of removing solvent from solute of an extract.

*Editor’s note— Ord. 31258, § 3, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended Part 3 of Ch. 17.12 in its entirety to read as set out herein. Former Part 3, §§ 17.12.300 and 17.12.310 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ords. 30327, 30836.

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DISTILLATION. The process of separating the components or substances from a liquid mixture by using selective boiling and condensation.

EXTRACTION. A process that uses Type 6 Solvents with pressure or temperature to pull the desired phytochemicals from plant material.

INSTALLATION-LEVEL TESTING. In the context of Energy Storage Systems (ESS), it refers to the process of testing the entire installed system, including all its components as assembled in the proposed design and their interactions, under simulated real-world operating conditions, including any proposed fire protection systems.

LARGE-SCALE FIRE TEST. Testing of a representative Energy Storage System (ESS) that induces a significant fire into the device or creates a significant internal flame condition 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. This testing shall be conducted at an installation level.

MINIMUM THRESHOLD QUANTITY. Minimum threshold quantity is the aggregate of highly toxic, toxic, or moderately toxic gases in a control area which, due to the minimum aggregate quantities, need only comply with the requirements set forth in Section 6004.1

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 7500 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.

PLANT EXTRACTION PROCESS SYSTEM. Any system that removes and refines from plans of the oils and fats by producing a solvent from raw plant material, desolventizing of the raw material and production of the miscella, distillation of the solvent from the miscella and solvent recovery. PLANT EXTRACTION PROCESS SYSTEM WASTE. The waste products from the plan extraction process.

PLANT POST OIL PROCESSING. Includes distillation, winterization, and solvent recovery. 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.

SOLVENT. A substance capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances.

SOLVENT RECOVERY. Is a process system that takes effluent and extracts useful solvents and raw materials back out of the plant extract processing systems waste stream.

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 preventing the materials from spreading to other parts of the room.

TYPE 6 SOLVENTS. Are the "non-volatile solvents" as defined and listed as part of the cannabis manufacturing Department of Public Health Manufacturing Cannabis Licensing System Type 6 per California Code of Regulations Title 17 Chapter 13, Article 2. General Provisions §40118. For the purposes of this Code, these solvents include carbon dioxide and ethanol.

WINTERIZATION PROCESS. Involves putting the raw cannabis extract through an ethanol wash that filters some of the undesirable plant materials. The raw extract is immersed in the ethanol, where it is then frozen, hence its name. This process separates the refined plant product from other compounds like terpenes and wastes such as waxes, lipids, and plant chlorophyll.

WORKSTATION. A defined space or an independent piece of equipment using hazardous materials with a hazard rating of 3 or 4 in flammability and reactivity hazard in accordance with NFPA 704 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 worksta-

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tion 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.

(Ord. 31258.)

Part 4

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE, EMERGENCY PLANNING AND FIRE SERVICE FEATURES*

Sections:

• 17.12.400 Adoption of Chapters 3, 4 and 5 and Appendix Chapter 4 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.410 Amendment to Section 315.3 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.420 Amendment to Table 315.7 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.430 Amendment to Section 315 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.440 Amendment to Section 404 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.450 Amendment of Section 505.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

Except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter, Chapters 3, 4 and 5 and Appendix Chapter 4 of the 2025 California Fire Code, including the Tables therein, are adopted and incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein.

(Ord. 31258.)

Section 315.3.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

315.3.1 Ceiling Clearance: Ceiling clearance shall be maintained 2 feet (610 mm) or more below the ceiling in non-sprinklered building and not less than 18 inches (457 mm) below the sprinkler head deflectors in sprinklered areas of the building.

Exceptions:

1. Deleted

2. Deleted

(Ord. 31258.)

*Editor’s note— Ord. 31258, § 4, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended Part 4 of Ch. 17.12 in its entirety to read as set out herein. Former Part 4, §§ 17.12.400 - 17.12.470, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ords. 30327, 30836.

Table 315.7.6(1) of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

Table 315.7.6(1)

SEPARATION DISTANCES BETWEEN WOOD PALLET STACKS AND BUILDINGS

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(Ord. 31258.)

Section 315 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

315.8 Lithium Battery Storage and Handling. The storage and handling of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries or cells in quantities exceeding 1,000 pounds (454 kg) shall comply with Section 315.8.1 through 315.8.10, and Chapter 32 where applicable. 315.8.1 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.6.51.

315.8.2 Maximum quantity in a fire area. The aggregate amount of lithium batteries stored and handled in a single fire area shall not exceed 9,000 pounds (4086 kg).

315.8.3 Construction requirements. Fire areas shall be separated from each other by fire barriers having not less than 2-hour fire resistance rating constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the Building Code and horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the Building Code.

315.8.4 Number of fire areas. The maximum number of fire areas within a building shall be four. 315.8.5 Group H, Division 2 occupancy. Storage and handling of more than 9,000 pounds of lithium batteries per fire area shall be in an approved Group H, Division 2 occupancy constructed in accordance with the Building Code and provided throughout with approved automatic smoke detection and radiant-energy detection systems.

315.8.6 Automatic sprinkler system. Buildings containing fire areas used for lithium battery storage or handling shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance

with Section 903.3.1.1. The design of the sprinkler system within each fire area shall not be less than that required for Extra Hazard Group 2 with a minimum design area of 2,500 square feet. Where the storage arrangement is required by other provisions of this code to be provided with a higher level of sprinkler system protection, the higher level of sprinkler system protection shall be provided.

315.8.7 Automatic smoke detection system. An approved automatic smoke detection system that activates an approved occupant notification system shall be provided throughout each fire area in accordance with Section 907.

315.8.8 Radiant energy detection. An approved radiant-energy detection system that activates an approved occupant notification system shall be installed throughout each fire area in accordance with Section 907.

315.8.9 Collection containers. Containers used to collect or store lithium batteries shall be noncombustible and shall not have an individual capacity exceeding 30 gallons (113.6 L), or be approved for transportation in accordance with the Department of Transportation (DOT).

315.8.10 Storage configuration. Lithium batteries shall be considered a high-hazard commodity in accordance with Chapter 32 and where applicable, lithium battery storage shall comply with Chapter 32 in addition to Section 315.8. (Ord. 31258.)

Section 404 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

404.7 Emergency Plan and Hazardous Materials Management Plan Cabinets. In large commercial,

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industrial or residential complexes, the Chief may require the fire safety and evacuation plans and/or the Hazardous Materials Management Plan to be locked in approved cabinets in approved locations that are accessible to the Fire Department in the event of an emergency. (Ord. 31258.)

Section 505.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

505.1 Address Identification: New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. One street address shall be assigned to a building. Multi-tenant buildings shall be assigned associated suite numbers. 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 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of ½ 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 are guidelines 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 four (4) 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 twentyfour (24) inches high with a two and a half (2½) inch stroke.

(Ord. 31258.)

Section 508.1.8 of the 2025 California Fire Code Section is amended to read as follows:

508.1.8 Ventilation. The fire command center shall be provided with an independent ventilation or air-conditioning system with 100% outdoor air supply and connected to emergency power. (Ord. 31258.)

Section 510.6.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code Section is amended to read as follows:

510.6.1 Testing and proof of compliance. The owner of the building or owner's authorized agent shall have the inbuilding, two-way emergency responder communication coverage system inspected and tested annually or where structural changes occur, including additions or remodels that could materially change the original field performance test. Testing shall consist of the following:

1. In-building coverage test as described in Section 510.5.4.

2. Signal boosters shall be tested to verify that the gain is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance or set to optimize the performance of the system.

3. Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load of a period of 1

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hour to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the 1-hour test period the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional 1-hour periods until the integrity of the battery can be determined.

4. All active components shall be checked to verify operation within the manufacturer's specifications.

At the conclusion of the testing, a report, which shall verify compliance with Section 510.5.4, shall be submitted to the fire code official. In addition, compliance with 901.6.3.2 shall be mandatory. (Ord. 31258.)

Part 5

BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS, FIRE RESISTANCE RATED CONSTRUCTION AND INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS*

Sections:

Except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter, Chapters 6, 7, and 8 of the 2025 California Fire Code, including the Tables therein, are adopted and incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein. (Ord. 31258.)

Part 6

FIRE PROTECTION, SUPPRESSION, AND ALARM DETECTION†

Sections:

• 17.12.600 Adoption of Chapter 9 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.610 Amendment of Chapter 9 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.620 Amendment of Section 901 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.630 Amendment of Section 903 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.640 Amendment of Section 907 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.650 Amendment of Section 913.4 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.660 Amendment of Section 914 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

Except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter, Chapter 9 of the 2025 California Fire Code, including the Tables therein, is adopted and incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein. (Ord. 31258.)

Findings. The amendments set forth in this Part are reasonably necessary because of the findings set forth above in 17.12.120 and the following additional local geological, topographical and climatic conditions:

• I. The type of automatic fire sprinkler systems set forth in the amendment is a

*Editor’s note— Ord. 31258, § 5, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended Part 5 of Ch. 17.12 in its entirety to read as set out herein. Former Part 5, § 17.12.500, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ords. 30327, 30836.

†Editor’s note— Ord. 31258, § 6, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended Part 6 of Ch. 17.12 in its entirety to read as set out herein. Former Part 6, §§ 17.12.610 - 17.12.660, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ords. 30327, 30836.

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more restrictive standard which will better prevent fire damage resulting t from local conditions.

• II. If not amended, Section 914.2, 914.3, 914.4, 914.6 of the 2025 California Fire Code would allow omission of fire sprinkler coverage in certain areas of covered malls, high-rise buildings, buildings with atriums, stages, and platforms.

• III. The requirement for total fire sprinkler coverage set forth in the amendment is a more restrictive standard which will better prevent fire damage resulting from local conditions.

(Ord. 31258.)

Subsection 901.6 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

901.6.3.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance requirements. It is the responsibility of the contractor company or Licensee to provide a written or electronic report of the inspection, test, and maintenance results to the building owner and the 3rd Party Inspection Compliance Service contracted with the City of San José at the completion of the inspection, testing, and maintenance. Submittal of electronic reports to the 3rd Party Inspection Compliance Service shall be in accordance with 3[rd ] Party Inspection Compliance submittal procedures. (Ord. 31258.)

• A. Subsection 903.2 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in the locations described in the following:

1. Throughout existing buildings and structures where an increase is made to the floor area that results in the building exceeding 10,000 square feet or the proposed change in use or contents of the

building creates a higher risk, as indicated in Section 102.3 of the California Fire Code.

2. Throughout existing one- and two-family dwellings where an increase of over 500 square feet is made to the floor area that results in the building exceeding 3,600 square feet.

3. Throughout buildings and structures that are four or more stories in height, regardless of the floor area.

4. Throughout new buildings and structures that exceed 6,200 square feet.

5. Throughout new buildings and structures described in Section 903.2.1 through 903.2.20 as modified herein.

• B. Subsection 903.2.2.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.2.1 Ambulatory care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility where either of the following conditions exist at any time:

1. Four or more care recipients are incapable of self-preservation.

2. One or more care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.

In buildings where ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor as well as the floors below where such care is provided, and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge.

Exception: Deleted

• C. Subsection 903.2.8 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.8.4 Balconies and decks. Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units, provided there is a roof or deck above. Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas

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shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch (25 mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) below the structural members and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction. Balconies and decks located more than 2 stories above other balconies or decks, shall not be required to have sprinkler protection.

• D. Subsection 903.2.18 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.18 Group U private garages and carports accessory to R-3 occupancies. Carports with habitable space above and attached garages, accessory to Group R-3 occupancies, shall be protected by residential fire sprinklers in accordance with this section. Residential fire sprinklers shall be connected to and installed in accordance with an automatic residential fire sprinkler system that complies with Section R313 of the California Residential Code or with NFPA 13D. Fire sprinklers shall be residential sprinklers or quick-response sprinklers, designed to provide a minimum density of 0.05 gpm/ft2 (2.04 mm/min.) over the area to the garage and/or carport, but not to exceed two sprinklers for hydraulic calculation purposes. Garage doors shall not be considered obstructions with respect to sprinkler placement.

Exception: Deleted.

• E. Subsection 903.3.1.2.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

• 903.3.1.2.1 Balconies and decks. Refer to Section 903.2.8.4 amendment.

• F. Section 903.3.1.2.3 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

  5. Attic Protection. Where sprinkler protection is not required by CFC 903.3.1.2.3.1 through 903.3.1.2.3.4, then pilot sprinklers shall be provided in the attics and between floors where floor/ceiling assemblies consist of open web wood joists or trusses. Pilot sprinklers shall be intermediate temperature-rated, K = 4.2, with quick response. Pilot sprinklers shall be located within 12 inches (30.48 cm) of

the structure and/or at the apex of each ridgeline when applicable. A sprinkler is required where the ridgeline and hips converge. Sprinklers shall be spaced at maximum of 30 feet (9.144 m) centers (maximum 15 feet (4.572 m) from outside walls) and shall be located at all heat and fire sources, including furnaces, hot water heaters, above kitchen ranges, etc.

• G. Subsection 903.4.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code Section 903 is amended to read as follows:

903.4.1 Electronic supervision. Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures, waterflow switches on all sprinkler systems, and commercial kitchen hood & duct fixed extinguishing systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.

Exceptions:

1. Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.

2. Limited area sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8, provided that backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position unless supplying an occupancy required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, in which case the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.

3. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.

4. Jockey pumps control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.

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5. Control valves to paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position.

6. Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.

7. Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.

8. Underground key or hub gate valves in roadway boxes.

9. Commercial kitchen hood & duct fixed extinguishing systems located in buildings where a sprinkler monitoring system is or was not required.

(Ord. 31258.)

Subsection 907.5.2.3.3 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

907.5.2.3.3 Group R-2. In Group R-2 occupancies required by section 907 to have a fire alarm system, each story that contains dwelling units and sleeping units shall be provided with the capability to support future visible alarm notifications appliances in accordance with NFPA 72. Such capability shall accommodate wired equipment.

Subsection 907.5.2.3.3.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

907.5.2.3.3.1 Wired equipment. Where wired equipment is used to comply with the future capability required by Section 907.5.2.3.3, the system shall include all of the following capabilities:

1. The replacement of audible appliances with combination audible/visible appliances or additional visible notification appliances.

2. The future extension for the existing wiring from the unit smoke alarm locations to the required locations for visible appliances. A Signaling Line Circuit (SLC)

shall be prewired to terminate in a junction box next to the nearest smoke alarm of the dwelling and sleeping units.

3. For wired equipment, the fire alarm power supply and circuits shall have not less than 5-percent excess capacity to accommodate the future addition of visible alarm notification appliances, and a single access point to such circuits shall be available on every story. Such circuits shall not be required to be extended beyond a single access point on a story. The fire alarm system shop drawings required by Section 907.1.2 shall include the power supply and circuit documentation to accommodate the future addition of visible notification appliances.

Subsection 907.6.1.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

907.6.1.1 High-rise buildings. Wiring for the fire alarm system shall be installed in electrical metallic tubing (EMT) or equivalent as approved by the fire code official in accordance with the California Electrical Code. Flexible metallic conduit (FMC) is permitted when connections are made to initiating devices or notification appliances not to exceed 6 feet in length.

Wiring for fire alarm network communication circuits between multiple control units shall be in accordance with the following:

1. Class A or Class X redundant pathway separated by rated construction and meeting the requirements of pathway survivability level 3 of NFPA 72.

2. Fire alarm network communication control units shall be evenly distributed and located on every 3 to 5 floors throughout the building, and function independently in case of failure of one or more control units.

Subsection 907.6.6 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended by adding the following new subsection:

907.6.6.5 Fire Alarm Signal Transmission. All new or replacement of fire alarm panels shall transmit

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alarm, trouble and supervisory signals descriptively with the correct device identification point and location to UL approved central station. Alarms shall not be permitted to be transmitted as a general alarm or zone condition. Installing contractor shall be responsible to obtain UL certification for the fire alarm system. (Ord. 31258.)

Subsection 913.4 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

913.4 Valve Supervision. Where provided, the fire and jockey pump suction, discharge and bypass valves, and the isolation valves on the backflow prevention device or assembly shall be supervised open by one of the following methods.

1. Central station or proprietary station signaling service through the FACU.

Deleted: 2, 3, and 4

(Ord. 31258.)

• A. Subsection 914.2.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

914.2.1 Automatic sprinkler system. Covered and open mall buildings and buildings connected shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, which shall comply with all of the following:

1. The automatic sprinkler system shall be complete and operative throughout occupied space in the mall building prior to occupancy of any of the tenant spaces. Unoccupied tenant spaces shall be similarly protected unless provided with approved alternative protection.

2. Sprinkler protection for the mall of a covered mall building shall be independent from that provided for tenant spaces or anchor buildings.

3. Sprinkler protection for tenant spaces of an open mall building shall be independent from that provided for anchor buildings.

4. Sprinkler protection shall be provided beneath exterior circulation balconies located adjacent to an open mall.

5. Where tenant spaces are supplied by the same system, they shall be independently controlled.

Exception: Deleted.

• B. Subsection 914.3.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

914.3.1 Automatic sprinkler system. Buildings and structures shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and a secondary water supply where required by Section 914.3.2. A sprinkler water-flow alarm-initiating device and a control valve with a supervisory signal-initiating device shall be provided at the lateral connection to the riser on each floor.

Exception: Deleted.

• C. Subsection 914.4.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

914.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.

Exceptions: Deleted.

• D. Subsection 914.6.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

914.6.1 Automatic sprinkler system. Stages shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Sprinklers shall be installed under the roof and gridiron and under all catwalks and galleries over the stage. Sprinklers shall be installed in dressing rooms, performer lounges, shops and storerooms accessory to such stages.

Exceptions: Deleted. (Ord. 31258.)

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Part 7

MEANS OF EGRESS, CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS, AND ENERGY REQUIREMENTS*

Sections:

• 17.12.700 Adoption of Chapters 10, 11, and 12 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

• 17.12.710 Amendment of Section 1207.1.7 of the 2025 California Fire Code.

Except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter, Chapters 10, 11, and 12 of the 2025 California Fire Code, including the Tables therein, are adopted and incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein.

(Ord. 31258.)

Editor’s note— This section was included in error and has been deleted by a corrected ordinance, consistent with City Council direction on October 28, 2025.

Part 8

SPECIAL OCCUPANCY AND OPERATION PROVISIONS†

Sections:

*Editor’s note— Ord. 31258, § 7, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended Part 7 of Ch. 17.12 in its entirety to read as set out herein. Former Part 7, § 17.12.700, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ords. 30327, 30836.

†Editor’s note— Ord. 31258, § 8, adopted Nov. 18, 2025, amended Part 8 of Ch. 17.12 in its entirety

Except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter, Chapters 20 through 38 of the 2025 California Fire Code, including the Tables therein, are adopted and incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein.

(Ord. 31258.)