CBC · California Building Code

Classification & overview of Types of Construction

Chapter 6 classifies buildings into Types I–V, sets fire‑resistance and material rules (see §601–§603 and Table 601), and links those rules to allowable height, area, and protection requirements.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

Overview

This area of the CBC explains how buildings are classified by "type of construction" and why that classification matters for required materials, fire‑resistance ratings, and allowable heights and areas. The chapter establishes scope and purpose in §601 and sets out the five types and the defining rules in §602 (with details for Types I–V in §§602.2–602.5) .

Type classification ties directly to the fire‑resistance requirements found in Table 601 and to exterior wall ratings in Table 705.5; where Table 601 requires a rating, elements must also comply with Section 703.2 on fire‑resistance ratings and protection methods . The rules here also work with Chapter 5 (height and area) because higher fire‑resistance (higher construction type) generally permits greater allowable building area and height for a given occupancy .

In this section

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CBC § 602.1 High relevance — show source text
602.1 General. Buildings and structures erected or to be erected, altered or extended in height or area shall be classified in one of the five construction types defined in Sections 602.2 through 602.5. The building elements shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that specified in Table 601 and exterior walls shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that specified in Table 705.5. Where required to have a fire-resistance rating by Table 601, building elements shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 703.2.

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 6-3

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

The protection of openings, ducts and air transfer openings in building elements shall not be required unless required by other provisions of this code.

Exception: Noncombustible structural members supporting solar photovoltaic panels are not required to meet the fire resistance rating for the following: 1. Photovoltaic panel supported by a structure and having no use underneath. Signs may be provided, as determined by the enforcing agency prohibiting any use underneath including storage. 2. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels supported by noncombustible framing that have sufficient uniformly distributed and unob- structed openings throughout the top of the array (horizontal plane) to allow heat and gases to escape, as determined by the enforcing agency. 3. Solar photovoltaic panels supported by a structure over parking stalls where the panels constitute the roof and all the following conditions are met (see Figure 5-1): 3.1. The area within the perimeter of the solar photovoltaic array has maximum rectangular dimension of 40 feet by 150 feet.

3.2. The distance between solar photovoltaic array structures is a minimum of 10 feet clear. 3.3. The driveway aisle separating solar photovoltaic array structures has a minimum width of 25 feet clear. 3.4. Solar photovoltaic array structure is used only for parking purposes with no storage. 3.5. Completely open on all sides (other than necessary structural supports) with no interior partitions.

602.1.1 Minimum requirements. A building or portion thereof shall not be required to conform to the details of a type of construction higher than that type which meets the minimum requirements based on occupancy even though certain features of such a building actually conform to a higher type of construction.

602.2 Types I and II. Types I and II construction are those types of construction in which the building elements specified in Table 601 are of noncombustible materials, except as permitted in Section 603 and elsewhere in this code.

602.3 Type III. Type III construction is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted by this code. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing and sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies of a 2-hour rating or less.

602.4 Type IV. Type IV construction is that type of construction in which the building elements are mass timber or noncombustible materials and have fire-resistance ratings in accordance with Table 601. Mass timber elements shall meet the fire-resistance-rating requirements of this section based on either the fire-resistance rating of the noncombustible protection, the mass timber, or a combination of both and shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2.
CBC § 509.1 High relevance — show source text
Unique consideration is taken for special use areas, such as covered mall buildings, motor-vehicle-related occupancies, special amusement buildings and aircraftrelated occupancies. Special facilities within other occupancies are considered, such as stages and platforms, motion picture projection rooms, children’s play structures and storm shelters. Finally, in order that the overall package of protection features can be easily understood, unique considerations for specific occupancies are also addressed.

Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas.

Chapter 5 contains the provisions that regulate the minimum type of construction for area limits and height limits based on the occupancy of the building. Height and area increases are permitted based on open frontage for fire department access, separation and the type of sprinkler protection provided (Sections 503 through 506, 510). Provisions include the protection and/or separation of incidental uses (Table 509.1), accessory occupancies (Section 508.2) and mixed uses in the same building (Sections 506.2.2, 508.3, 508.4 and 510). Unlimited area buildings are permitted in certain occupancies when they meet special provisions (Section 507). Live/work units are provided for in Section 508.5.

Tables 504.3, 504.4 and 506.2 are the keystones in setting thresholds for building size based on the building’s use and the materials with which it is constructed. Respective to each group classification, the greater the fire-resistance rating of structural elements, as represented by the type of construction, the greater the floor area and height allowances. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type.

Chapter 6 Types of Construction.

The interdependence of fire safety considerations can be seen by looking at Tables 601 and 705.5, which show the fire-resistance ratings of the principal structural elements comprising a building in relation to the five classifications for types of construction. Type I construction generally requires the highest fire-resistance ratings for structural elements, whereas Type V construction generally requires the least amount of fire-resistance-rated structural elements. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type. Section 603 includes a list of combustible elements that can be part of a noncombustible building (Types I and II construction).

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Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features.

Chapter 7 provisions present the fundamental concepts of fire performance that all buildings are expected to achieve in some form. This chapter identifies the acceptable materials, techniques and methods by which proposed construction can be designed and evaluated against to determine a building’s ability to limit the impact of fire.

Chapter 7A Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure.

Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Areas are now located in Part 7 of Title 24, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The provisions of Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, shall apply to buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) or Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

Chapter 8 Interior Finishes.

Chapter 8 contains the performance requirements for controlling fire growth within buildings by restricting interior finish and decorative materials. The provisions of Chapter 8 require materials used as interior finishes and decorations to meet certain flame-spread index or flame-propagation criteria based on the relative fire hazard associated with the occupancy.

Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems.
CBC § 5-8 High relevance — show source text
505 Mezzanines and Equipment Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

506 Building Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

507 Unlimited Area Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

508 Mixed Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

509 Incidental Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

510 Special Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

CHAPTER 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

602 Construction Classification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

603 Combustible Material in Types I and II Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES. . 7-1

701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

702 Multiple-Use Fire Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

703 Fire-Resistance Ratings and Fire Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

704 Fire-Resistance Rating of Structural Members . . . . . 7-4

705 Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

706 Fire Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

707 Fire Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

708 Fire Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16

709 Smoke Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

710 Smoke Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18

711 Floor and Roof Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
CBC § 5A-3 Medium relevance — show source text
METHOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-3

501A General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-3

502A Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-4

503A Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-5

504A Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7

505A Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7

506A Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A-7

CHAPTER 6 CLASSIFICATION OF WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

602 Alteration—Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

603 Alteration—Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

604 Alteration—Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

605 Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

606 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

607 Historic Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

CHAPTER 7 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

702 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
CBC § 1616.2.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Demolition 3303 Design Flood 1612 Design Strength Column splice 1616.2.2.1 Conformance to standards 1706.1

New materials 1706.2 Designated Seismic System 1704.3.2, 1704.4, 1704.5 Seismic certification 1705.14.3

Special inspection 1705.13.4 Detached Single-family Dwelling 202 Detectable Warning 202 Diaphragms 202 Analysis 1604.4 Ceilings 2508.6

Penetrations 714

Permit application 105.1 Relocation 107.2.8

Retention 107.5

Review 107.3

Roof assemblies 1503

Roof live load 1603.1.2

Roof rain load data 1603.1.9

Roof snow load 1603.1.3

Seismic 1603.1.5, 1705.14.2, 1705.14.3 Site plan 107.2.6 Special loads 1603.1.8 Temporary structures 3103.2 Wind data 1603.1.4 Construction Types 202, Chapter 6 Aircraft-related occupancies 412.2.1, Table 412.3.6, 412.5.2 Classification 602 Combustible material in Type I and Type II construction 603, 805 Covered and open mall buildings 402.4.1 Fire district D102.2.3

Fire resistance Table 601, Table 705.5 High-rise 403.2 Type I Table 601, 602.2, 603 Type II Table 601, 602.2, 603 Type III Table 601, 602.3 Type IV Table 601, 602.4 Type V Table 601, 602.5 Underground buildings 405.2 Continuity Head-Of-Wall System 202 Continuous Insulation (ci) 202 Contractor’s Responsibilities 901.5, 1704.4 Control Area 414.2, 707.3.8 Construction 414.2.1

Fire-resistance rating 414.2.4 Maximum allowed quantities 414.2.2 Number 414.2.3 Conventional Light-frame Construction 2302.1, 2308 Additional seismic requirements 2308 Braced wall lines 2308.10 Design of elements 2308.8 Floor joists 2308.8.2 Foundation plates or sills 2308.7 Girders 2308.8.1 Roof and ceiling framing 2308.11 Wall framing 2308.9 Conveying System S3004 Cornices

Definition 202 Draftstopping 718.2.6 Live load Table 1607.1

Masonry 2104.1.2 Projection 705.2, 705.2.3.1 Public right-of-way encroachments 3202.3.2, 3202.3.3 Correctional Treatment Centers

[OSHPD 4] 1227 Application 1227.2 Ceiling heights 1227.8 Corridors 1227.5
CBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Fire-retardant-treated wood members shall be
allowed to be used for such unprotected members.
2. For Group A, E, I, L, R-1, R-2 and R-2.1 occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, fire protec-
tion of members other than the primary structural frame shall not be required, including protection of roof framing and decking where every part of the roof construction is 20
feet or more above any floor immediately below. Fire-retardant-treated wood members shall be allowed to be used for such unprotected members.
3. One-story portions of Group A and E assembly occupancies the roof-framing system of Type II A or Type III A construction may be of unprotected construction when such roof-
framing system is open to the assembly area and does not contain concealed spaces.
c. In all occupancies, heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11 shall be allowed for roof construction, including primary structural frame members, where a 1-hour or less
fire-resistance rating is required.
d. Not less than the fire-resistance rating required by other sections of this code.
e. Not less than the fire-resistance rating based on fire separation distance (see Table 705.5).
f. Not less than the fire-resistance rating as referenced in Section 704.9.
g. Heavy timber bearing walls supporting more than two floors or more than a floor and a roof shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.|

601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the classification of buildings as to type of construction.

SECTION 602—CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION

602.1 General. Buildings and structures erected or to be erected, altered or extended in height or area shall be classified in one of the five construction types defined in Sections 602.2 through 602.5. The building elements shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that specified in Table 601 and exterior walls shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that specified in Table 705.5. Where required to have a fire-resistance rating by Table 601, building elements shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 703.2.

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 6-3

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

The protection of openings, ducts and air transfer openings in building elements shall not be required unless required by other provisions of this code.

Exception: Noncombustible structural members supporting solar photovoltaic panels are not required to meet the fire resistance rating for the following: 1. Photovoltaic panel supported by a structure and having no use underneath. Signs may be provided, as determined by the enforcing agency prohibiting any use underneath including storage. 2. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels supported by noncombustible framing that have sufficient uniformly distributed and unob- structed openings throughout the top of the array (horizontal plane) to allow heat and gases to escape, as determined by the enforcing agency. 3. Solar photovoltaic panels supported by a structure over parking stalls where the panels constitute the roof and all the following conditions are met (see Figure 5-1): 3.1. The area within the perimeter of the solar photovoltaic array has maximum rectangular dimension of 40 feet by 150 feet.
CBC § 602.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
3.2. The distance between solar photovoltaic array structures is a minimum of 10 feet clear. 3.3. The driveway aisle separating solar photovoltaic array structures has a minimum width of 25 feet clear. 3.4. Solar photovoltaic array structure is used only for parking purposes with no storage. 3.5. Completely open on all sides (other than necessary structural supports) with no interior partitions.

602.1.1 Minimum requirements. A building or portion thereof shall not be required to conform to the details of a type of construction higher than that type which meets the minimum requirements based on occupancy even though certain features of such a building actually conform to a higher type of construction.

602.2 Types I and II. Types I and II construction are those types of construction in which the building elements specified in Table 601 are of noncombustible materials, except as permitted in Section 603 and elsewhere in this code.

602.3 Type III. Type III construction is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted by this code. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing and sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies of a 2-hour rating or less.

602.4 Type IV. Type IV construction is that type of construction in which the building elements are mass timber or noncombustible materials and have fire-resistance ratings in accordance with Table 601. Mass timber elements shall meet the fire-resistance-rating requirements of this section based on either the fire-resistance rating of the noncombustible protection, the mass timber, or a combination of both and shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2. The minimum dimensions and permitted materials for building elements shall comply with the provisions of this section and Section 2304.11. Mass timber elements of Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C construction shall be protected with noncombustible protection applied directly to the mass timber in accordance with Sections 602.4.1 through 602.4.3. The time assigned to the noncombustible protection shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.6 and comply with Section 722.7.

Cross-laminated timber shall be labeled as conforming to ANSI/APA PRG 320 as referenced in Section 2303.1.4.

Exterior load-bearing walls and nonload-bearing walls shall be mass timber construction, or shall be of noncombustible construction.

Exception: Exterior load-bearing walls and nonload-bearing walls of Type IV-HT Construction in accordance with Section 602.4.4.

The interior building elements, including nonload-bearing walls and partitions, shall be of mass timber construction or of noncombustible construction.

Exception: Interior building elements and nonload-bearing walls and partitions of Type IV-HT construction in accordance with Section 602.4.4.

Combustible concealed spaces are not permitted except as otherwise indicated in Sections 602.4.1 through 602.4.4. Combustible stud spaces within light frame walls of Type IV-HT construction shall not be considered concealed spaces, but shall comply with Section 718.
CBC § 6-3 Medium relevance — show source text
601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

602 Alteration—Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

603 Alteration—Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

604 Alteration—Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

605 Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

606 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

607 Historic Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

CHAPTER 7 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

702 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

703 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

704 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

705 Reroofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

706 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

707 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

708 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

CHAPTER 8 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3

801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

802 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
CBC § 3106.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Roof construction 3106.3 Masonry Chapter 21A Adhered veneer 1404.11

Adobe 2109 Anchorage 1604.8.2 Anchored veneer 1404.7

Architectural cast stone 2103.1

Calculated fire resistance 722.4 Chimneys 2113 Construction 2104 Dampproofing 1805.2.2 Design, methods 2101.2, 2107, 2108, 2109

Fire resistance, calculated 722.3.2,

722.3.4

Fireplaces 2111 Floor anchorage 1604.8.2 Foundation walls 1807.1.5

Foundations, adobe 2109.2.4.5 Glass unit 2110

Heaters 2112

Inspection, special 1705.4 Joint reinforcement 2103.4

Materials 603.1, 2103 Penetrations 714 Quality assurance 2105 Rodentproofing Appendix F Roof anchorage 1604.8.1 Seismic provisions 2106 Serviceability 1604.3.4 Supported by wood 2104.1.1, 2304.13 Surface bonding 2103.2.2 Veneer 1404.11, 1404.7, 2101.2.1,

2308.10.10 Wall anchorage 1604.8.2 Waterproofing 1805.3.2 Mass Notification Systems 917 Mass Timber 508, 509, 602, 703, 718, 722 Materials

Alternates 104.2.3

Aluminum Chapter 20 Concrete Chapter 19, Chapter 19A Glass and glazing Chapter 24 Gypsum Chapter 25 Masonry Chapter 21, Chapter 21A Noncombustible 703.4

Plastic Chapter 26 Steel Chapter 22, Chapter 22A Testing (see Testing) 1707 Wood Chapter 23 Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Exposure Chapter 7A Means of Appeals 113, Appendix B Means of Egress Chapter 10, 202 Accessible 1009, 2702.2 Aircraft related 412.2.2, 412.2.5.1, 412.4.2, 412.6.1, 412.7.3 Alternating tread device 412.7.3, 1006.2.2.1, 1006.2.2.2, 1011.14 Ambulatory care facilities 422.3.1, 422.3.3 Assembly 1009.1, 1030 Atrium 404.9, 404.11, 707.3.6 Capacity 1005.3

Laboratories

Classification of 304.1, 307.1.1 Hazardous materials 414, 415 Higher education laboratories 304.4, 428 Incidental uses Table 509.1

Ladders

Boiler, incinerator and furnace

rooms 1006.2.2.1

Construction 1011.15, 1011.16, 1014.2, 1014.7, 1015.3, 1015.4 Emergency escape window wells 1031.5.2

CBC § 722.6.2 Medium relevance — show source text

Any combination of sheathing, paper and exterior finish is permitted.|

TABLE 722.6.2(4)—FLOORING OR ROOFING OVER WOOD FRAMINGa	Col2	Col3	Col4
ASSEMBLY	STRUCTURAL MEMBERS	SUBFLOOR OR ROOF DECK	FINISHED FLOORING OR ROOFING
Floor	Wood	15/32-inch wood structural panels or11/16-inch T & G softwood	Hardwood or softwood flooring on building paper; resil- ient flooring; parquet floor; felted-synthetic fiber floor coverings, carpeting, or ceramic tile on1/4-inch-thick fiber-cement underlayment or3/8-inch-thick panel-type underlayment; ceramic tile on 11/4-inch mortar bed.
Roof	Wood	15/32-inch wood structural panels or11/16-inch T & G softwood	Finished roofing material with or without insulation
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm. a. This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.	For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm. a. This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.	For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm. a. This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.	For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm. a. This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.

TABLE 722.6.2(5)—TIME ASSIGNED FOR ADDITIONAL PROTECTION	Col2
DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL PROTECTION	FIRE RESISTANCE (minutes)
Add to the fire-resistance rating of wood stud walls if the spaces between the studs are completely filled with glass fiber mineral wool batts weighing not less than 2 pounds per cubic foot (0.6 pound per square foot of wall surface), or cellulose insulation having a nominal density not less than 2.6 pounds per cubic foot.	15
For SI: 1 pound/cubic foot = 16.0185 kg/m3.	For SI: 1 pound/cubic foot = 16.0185 kg/m3.

722.6.2.1 Fire-resistance rating of wood frame assemblies. The fire-resistance rating of a wood frame assembly is equal to the sum of the time assigned to the membrane on the fire-exposed side, the time assigned to the framing members and the time assigned for additional contribution by other protective measures such as insulation. The membrane on the unexposed side shall not be included in determining the fire resistance of the assembly.

722.6.2.2 Time assigned to membranes. Table 722.6.2(1) indicates the time assigned to membranes on the fire-exposed side.

CBC § 4-66 Medium relevance — show source text
451 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-66

452 School Facilities for Kindergarten Through 12th Grade and Group E Child Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-66

453 Group L [SFM] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-67

454 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-70

455 Large Family Day-Care Homes [SFM] . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-70

CHAPTER 5 GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS . . 5-1

501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

502 Building Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

503 General Building Height and Area Limitations . . . . . 5-3

504 Building Height and Number of Stories . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

505 Mezzanines and Equipment Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

506 Building Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

507 Unlimited Area Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

508 Mixed Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

509 Incidental Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

510 Special Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

CHAPTER 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

602 Construction Classification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

603 Combustible Material in Types I and II Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES. . 7-1
CBC § 5-3 Medium relevance — show source text
502 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

503 Ignition-Resistant Construction and Material. . . . . .5-3

504 Ignition-Resistant Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

505 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

506 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

507 Replacement or Repair of Roof Coverings. . . . . . . . .5-9

CHAPTER 6 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . .6-3

601 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

602 Fire Protection Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

603 Vegetation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

604 Maintenance of Defensible Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

605 Spark Arrestors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

606 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installations . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

607 Storage of Firewood and Combustible Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

608 Building Siting and Setbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

609 Ridgelines, Fuel Breaks and Greenbelts . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

610 Fire Safe Development Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

611 Subdivision Review Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

612 General Plan Safety Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

CHAPTER 7 REFERENCED STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

APPENDIX A GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . APPENDIX A-3

A101 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A-3

A102 Vegetation Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A-3

Frequently asked questions

What are the Types of Construction?

The CBC defines five types (Types I through V) and prescribes the material and fire‑resistance criteria that distinguish them in §§602.2–602.5; Types I/II emphasize noncombustible construction, Type III mixes noncombustible exterior with other permitted interior materials, Type IV covers mass timber, and Type V permits the most combustible elements .

How does type of construction affect height and area limits?

Type of construction determines the fire‑resistance ratings required by Table 601; those ratings are a principal input to Chapter 5 (height and area limits) and thus influence allowable building size and allowable increases for sprinklers, frontage, or separations .

Can combustible materials be used in Types I and II?

Yes—but only as specifically permitted by the code (see Section 603 for permitted combustible elements in Types I and II and associated restrictions) .

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Related in the CBC

Fire‑resistance ratings and Type‑specific protections

Combustible materials allowed in Types I & II

Projections, balconies, bay windows and concealed spaces by construction type

Types of Construction

California Building Code