Fire‑resistance ratings and Type‑specific protections

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

• CBC § 705.2.1 High relevance — show source text

  705.2.1 Types I and II construction. Projections from walls of Type I or II construction shall be of noncombustible materials or combustible materials as allowed by Sections 705.2.3.1 and 705.2.4.

  705.2.2 Type III, IV or V construction. Projections from walls of Type III, IV or V construction shall be of any approved material.

  705.2.3 Projection protection. Projections extending to 5 feet (1524 mm) or less from the line used to determine the fire separation distance shall be one of the following:

  1. Noncombustible materials.

  2. Combustible materials of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

  3. Heavy timber construction complying with Section 2304.11.

  4. Fire-retardant-treated wood.

  5. As permitted by Section 705.2.3.1.

  Exception: Type VB construction shall be allowed for combustible projections in Group R-3 and U occupancies with a fire separation distance greater than or equal to 5 feet (1524 mm).

  7-6 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  705.2.3.1 Balconies and similar projections. Balconies and similar projections of combustible construction other than fireretardant-treated wood shall be fire-resistance rated where required by Table 601 for floor construction or shall be of heavy timber construction in accordance with Section 2304.11. The aggregate length of the projections shall not exceed 50 percent of the building’s perimeter on each floor.

  Exceptions:

  1. On buildings of Types I and II construction, three stories or less above grade plane, fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted for balconies, porches, decks and exterior stairways not used as required exits.

  2. Untreated wood and plastic composites that comply with ASTM D7032 and Section 2612 are permitted for pickets, rails and similar guard components that are limited to 42 inches (1067 mm) in height.

  3. Balconies and similar projections on buildings of Types III, IV-HT and V construction shall be permitted to be of Type V construction and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where sprinkler protection is extended to these areas.

  4. Where sprinkler protection is extended to the balcony areas, the aggregate length of the balcony on each floor shall not be limited.

  705.2.3.2 Vents. [SFM] Vents required by Section 2304.12.2.5 in fire-rated exterior balconies or elevated walkway surfaces shall be designed where the voids created at the intersection of the exterior curtain wall and the balcony floor are sealed with an approved material or system to retard the interior spread of flame, hot gases and products of combustion. Rated assemblies shall comply with Section 715. Ventilation openings shall comply with the fire sprinkler protection as required by Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and the reference standard.

  705.2.4 Bay and oriel windows. Bay and oriel windows constructed of combustible materials shall conform to the type of construction required for the building to which they are attached.

  Exception: Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted on buildings three stories or less above grade plane of Type I, II, III or IV construction.

• CBC § 705.1 High relevance — show source text

  SECTION 705—EXTERIOR WALLS

  705.1 General. Exterior walls shall comply with this section.

  705.2 Projections. Cornices, eave overhangs, exterior balconies and similar projections extending beyond the exterior wall shall conform to the requirements of this section and Section 1405. Exterior egress balconies and exterior exit stairways and ramps shall comply with Sections 1021 and 1027, respectively. Projections shall not extend any closer to the line used to determine the fire separation distance than shown in Table 705.2.

  Exception: Buildings on the same lot and considered as portions of one building in accordance with Section 705.3 are not required to comply with this section for projections between the buildings.

  TABLE 705.2—MINIMUM DISTANCE OF PROJECTION	Col2
  FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (FSD) (feet)	MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM LINE USED TO DETERMINE FSD
  0 to less than 2	Projections not permitted
  2 to less than 3	24 inches
  3 to less than 5	Two-thirds of FSD
  5 or greater	40 inches
  For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 inch = 25.4 mm.	For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

  705.2.1 Types I and II construction. Projections from walls of Type I or II construction shall be of noncombustible materials or combustible materials as allowed by Sections 705.2.3.1 and 705.2.4.

  705.2.2 Type III, IV or V construction. Projections from walls of Type III, IV or V construction shall be of any approved material.

  705.2.3 Projection protection. Projections extending to 5 feet (1524 mm) or less from the line used to determine the fire separation distance shall be one of the following:

  1. Noncombustible materials.

  2. Combustible materials of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

  3. Heavy timber construction complying with Section 2304.11.

  4. Fire-retardant-treated wood.

  5. As permitted by Section 705.2.3.1.

  Exception: Type VB construction shall be allowed for combustible projections in Group R-3 and U occupancies with a fire separation distance greater than or equal to 5 feet (1524 mm).

  7-6 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  705.2.3.1 Balconies and similar projections. Balconies and similar projections of combustible construction other than fireretardant-treated wood shall be fire-resistance rated where required by Table 601 for floor construction or shall be of heavy timber construction in accordance with Section 2304.11. The aggregate length of the projections shall not exceed 50 percent of the building’s perimeter on each floor.

• CBC § 705.5 High relevance — show source text

  TABLE 705.5—FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTERIOR WALLS BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE a, d, g	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
  ** FIRE SEPARATION** DISTANCE = X (feet)	** TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION**	** OCCUPANCY GROUP He****_, L_**	** OCCUPANCY GROUP** F-1, M, S-1f	** OCCUPANCY GROUP A, B,** E, F-2, I, Ri, S-2, Uh
  X < 5b	All	3	2	1
  5 ≤ X < 10	IA, IVA	3	2	1
  5 ≤ X < 10	Others	2	1	1
  10 ≤ X < 30	IA, IB, IVA, IVB	2	1	1 c
  10 ≤ X < 30	IIB, VB	1	0	0
  10 ≤ X < 30	Others	1	1	1 c
  X ≥ 30	All	0	0	0
  For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Load-bearing exterior walls shall also comply with the fire-resistance rating requirements of Table 601. b. See Section 706.1.1 for party walls. c. Open parking garages complying with Section 406 shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating. d. The fire-resistance rating of an exterior wall is determined based upon the fire separation distance of the exterior wall and the story in which the wall is located. e. For special requirements for Group H occupancies, see Section 415.6. f. For special requirements for Group S aircraft hangars, see Section 412.3.1. g. Where Section 705.9.1 permits nonbearing exterior walls with unlimited area of unprotected openings, the required fire-resistance rating for the exterior walls is 0 hours. h. For a building containing only a Group U occupancy private garage or carport, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater_or where equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3 the fire-resistance rating shall not be_ required where the fire separation distance is 3 feet or greater. i. For a Group R-3 building of Type II-B or Type V-B construction, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater_ or where equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3 the fire-resistance rating shall not be required where_ the fire separation distance is 3 feet or greater.	For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Load-bearing exterior walls shall also comply with the fire-resistance rating requirements of Table 601. b. See Section 706.1.1 for party walls. c. Open parking garages complying with Section 406 shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating. d. The fire-resistance rating of an exterior wall is determined based upon the fire separation distance of the exterior wall and the story in which the wall is located. e.

• CBC § 1511.2.3 High relevance — show source text

  [BG] 1511.2.3 Weather protection. Provisions such as louvers, louver blades or flashing shall be made to protect the mechanical and electrical equipment and the building interior from the elements.

  [BG] 1511.2.4 Type of construction. Penthouses shall be constructed of building element materials as required for the type of construction of the building. Penthouse exterior walls and roof construction shall have a fire-resistance rating as required for the type of construction of the building. Supporting construction of such exterior walls and roof construction shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than required for the exterior wall or roof supported.

  Exceptions:

  1. On buildings of Type I construction, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating. The exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.
  2. On buildings of Type I construction two stories or less in height above grade plane or of Type II construction, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating or a lesser fire-resistance rating as required by Table 705.5 and be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood. The exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall be permitted to be constructed of fire

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 15-21

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

  ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES

  retardant-treated wood and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating. Interior framing and walls shall be permitted to be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood. 3. On buildings of Type III, IV or V construction, the exterior walls of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating or a lesser fire-resistance rating as required by Table 705.5. On buildings of Type III, IV or VA construction, the exterior walls of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall be permitted to be of heavy timber construction complying with Sections 602.4 and 2304.11 or noncombustible construction or fire-retardant-treated wood and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.

  [BG] 1511.3 Tanks. Tanks having a capacity of more than 500 gallons (1893 L) located on the roof deck of a building shall be supported on masonry, reinforced concrete, steel or heavy timber construction complying with Section 2304.11 provided that, where such supports are located in the building above the lowest story, the support shall be fire-resistance rated as required for Type IA construction.

  [BG] 1511.3.1 Valve and drain. In the bottom or on the side near the bottom of the tank, a pipe or outlet, fitted with a suitable quick-opening valve for discharging the contents into a drain in an emergency shall be provided.

• CBC § 1023.7 High relevance — show source text

  In each case, openings into the fire-resistance-rated construction shall be limited to those needed for maintenance and operation and shall be protected by opening protectives in accordance with Section 716 of the California Building Code for shaft enclosures.

  The interior exit stairway and ramp ventilation systems shall be independent of other building ventilation systems.

  [BE] 1023.7 Interior exit stairway and ramp exterior walls. Exterior walls of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 of the California Building Code for exterior walls. Where nonrated walls or unprotected openings enclose the exterior of the stairway or ramps and the walls or openings are exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of less than 180 degrees (3.14 rad), building construction within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the exterior walls of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall comply with Sections 1023.7.1 and 1023.7.2.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 10-47

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

  MEANS OF EGRESS

  [BE] 1023.7.1 Building exterior walls. Building exterior walls within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of a nonrated wall or unprotected opening in an interior exit stairway or ramp shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour. This construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the topmost landing of the stairway or ramp, or to the roof line, whichever is lower.

  [BE] 1023.7.2 Roof assemblies. Where the interior exit stairway or ramp extends above an adjacent roof of the same building, the adjacent roof assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour and openings shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour. The fire-resistance rating and opening protection shall extend horizontally not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the exterior wall of the stairway or ramp, or to the perimeter of the adjacent roof, whichever is less.

  Exceptions:

  1. The roof assembly need not be rated and openings in the roof need not be protected where they are adjacent to the penthouse of the stairway or ramp, unless otherwise required by this code.
  2. The adjacent roof assembly need not be rated and adjacent openings in the roof need not be protected where the exterior wall of the stairway or ramp has a fire-resistance rating of 1 hour and openings are protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour, extending not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) above the roof.

  [BE] 1023.8 Barriers at level of exit discharge. An interior exit stairway and ramp shall not continue below its level of exit discharge unless an approved barrier is provided at the level of exit discharge to prevent persons from unintentionally continuing into levels below. Directional exit signs shall be provided as specified in Section 1013.

• CBC § 705.9.1 High relevance — show source text

  Where Section 705.9.1 permits nonbearing exterior walls with unlimited area of unprotected openings, the required fire-resistance rating for the exterior walls is 0 hours.
  h. For a building containing only a Group U occupancy private garage or carport, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation
  distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater_or where equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3 the fire-resistance rating shall not be_
  required where the fire separation distance is 3 feet or greater.
  i. For a Group R-3 building of Type II-B or Type V-B construction, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation distance is 5 feet
  (1523 mm) or greater_ or where equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3 the fire-resistance rating shall not be required where_
  the fire separation distance is 3 feet or greater.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
  a. Load-bearing exterior walls shall also comply with the fire-resistance rating requirements of Table 601.
  b. See Section 706.1.1 for party walls.
  c. Open parking garages complying with Section 406 shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.
  d. The fire-resistance rating of an exterior wall is determined based upon the fire separation distance of the exterior wall and the story in which the wall is located.
  e. For special requirements for Group H occupancies, see Section 415.6.
  f. For special requirements for Group S aircraft hangars, see Section 412.3.1.
  g. Where Section 705.9.1 permits nonbearing exterior walls with unlimited area of unprotected openings, the required fire-resistance rating for the exterior walls is 0 hours.
  h. For a building containing only a Group U occupancy private garage or carport, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation
  distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater_or where equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3 the fire-resistance rating shall not be_
  required where the fire separation distance is 3 feet or greater.
  i. For a Group R-3 building of Type II-B or Type V-B construction, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation distance is 5 feet
  (1523 mm) or greater_ or where equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3 the fire-resistance rating shall not be required where_
  the fire separation distance is 3 feet or greater.|

  705.6 Continuity. The fire-resistance rating of exterior walls shall extend from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to one of the following:

  1. The underside of the floor sheathing, roof sheathing, deck or slab above.
  2. The underside of a floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly having a fire-resistance rating equal to or greater than the exterior wall and the fire separation distance is greater than 10 feet.

  Parapets shall be provided as required by Section 705.12.

• CBC § 1511.1 High relevance — show source text

  [BG] 1511.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the construction of rooftop structures.

  1511.1.1 Area limitation. The aggregate area of penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures shall not exceed one-third the area of the supporting roof deck. Such penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures shall not be required to be included in determining the building height, number of stories or building area as regulated by Section 503.1. The area of such penthouses shall not be included in determining the fire area specified in Section 901.7.

  [BG] 1511.2 Penthouses. Penthouses in compliance with Sections 1511.2.1 through 1511.2.4 shall be considered as a portion of the story directly below the roof deck on which such penthouses are located. Other penthouses shall be considered as an additional story of the building.

  [BG] 1511.2.1 Height above roof deck. Penthouses constructed on buildings of other than Type I construction shall not exceed 18 feet (5486 mm) in height above the roof deck as measured to the average height of the roof of the penthouse. Penthouses located on the roof of buildings of Type I construction shall not be limited in height.

  Exception: Where used to enclose tanks or elevators that travel to the roof level, penthouses shall be permitted to have a maximum height of 28 feet (8534 mm) above the roof deck.

  [BG] 1511.2.2 Use limitations. Penthouses shall not be used for purposes other than the shelter of mechanical or electrical equipment, tanks, elevators and related machinery, stairways or vertical shaft openings in the roof assembly, including ancillary spaces used to access elevators and stairways.

  [BG] 1511.2.3 Weather protection. Provisions such as louvers, louver blades or flashing shall be made to protect the mechanical and electrical equipment and the building interior from the elements.

  [BG] 1511.2.4 Type of construction. Penthouses shall be constructed of building element materials as required for the type of construction of the building. Penthouse exterior walls and roof construction shall have a fire-resistance rating as required for the type of construction of the building. Supporting construction of such exterior walls and roof construction shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than required for the exterior wall or roof supported.

  Exceptions:

  1. On buildings of Type I construction, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating. The exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.
  2. On buildings of Type I construction two stories or less in height above grade plane or of Type II construction, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating or a lesser fire-resistance rating as required by Table 705.5 and be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood. The exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall be permitted to be constructed of fire

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 15-21

• CBC § 403.2.1.2 High relevance — show source text

  For buildings not greater than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, the fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Type IA construction shall be permitted to be reduced to the minimum fire-resistance ratings for the building elements in Type IB. Exception: The required fire-resistance rating of the primary structural frame shall not be reduced. 2. In other than Group F-1, H-2, H-3, H-5, M and S-1 occupancies, the fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Type IB construction shall be permitted to be reduced to the fire-resistance ratings in Type IIA. Exception: The required fire-resistance rating of the primary structural frame shall not be permitted to be reduced. 3. The building height and building area limitations of a building containing building elements with reduced fire-resistance ratings shall be permitted to be the same as the building without such reductions.

  403.2.1.2 Shaft enclosures. For buildings not greater than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, the required fire-resistance rating of the fire barriers enclosing vertical shafts, other than interior exit stairway and elevator hoistway enclosures, is permitted to be reduced to 1 hour where automatic sprinklers are installed within the shafts at the top and at alternate floor levels.

  [BS] 403.2.2 Structural integrity of interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures. For high-rise buildings of Risk Category III or IV in accordance with Section 1604.5, and for all buildings that are more than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures shall comply with Sections 403.2.2.1 through 403.2.2.4.

  [BS] 403.2.2.1 Wall assembly materials. Where an interior exit stairway enclosure or an elevator hoistway enclosure is constructed as an interior wall of the building, the panels applied to the exterior of the enclosure shall be in accordance with one of the following:

  1. The wall assembly shall incorporate not fewer than two layers of impact-resistant panels, each of which meets or exceeds Soft Body Impact Classification Level 2 and Hard Body Impact Classification Level 2 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M.

  2. The wall assembly shall incorporate not fewer than one layer of impact-resistant panels that meet or exceed Soft Body Impact Classification Level 2 and Hard Body Impact Classification Level 3 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M.

  3. The wall assembly incorporates multiple layers of any material, tested in tandem, that meets or exceeds Soft Body Impact Classification Level 2 and Hard Body Impact Classification Level 3 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M.

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 4-9

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

• CBC § 722.2.2.1.3 High relevance — show source text

  FIGURE 722.2.2.1.3—SLABS WITH RIBBED OR UNDULATING SOFFITS

  For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

  722.2.2.1.4 Flat plate concrete slabs with uniformly spaced hollow voids. Table 722.2.2.1 shall be used to determine the 1- and 2-hour fire-resistance ratings for flat plate concrete slabs with uniformly spaced hollow voids. The equivalent thickness of the slab shall be determined by dividing the net concrete volume of the slab by the floor area. The net concrete volume of the slab shall be equal to the volume of concrete of a solid slab minus the average concrete volume displaced by the hollow voids.

  7-70 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  722.2.2.2 Multicourse floors. The fire-resistance ratings of floors that consist of a base slab of concrete with a topping (overlay) of a different type of concrete shall comply with Figure 722.2.2.2.

  FIGURE 722.2.2.2—FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS FOR TWO-COURSE CONCRETE FLOORS

  For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

  722.2.2.3 Multicourse roofs. The fire-resistance ratings of roofs that consist of a base slab of concrete with a topping (overlay) of an insulating concrete or with an insulating board and built-up roofing shall comply with Figures 722.2.2.3(1) and 722.2.2.3(2).

  FIGURE 722.2.2.3(1)—FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS FOR CONCRETE ROOF ASSEMBLIES

  For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 7-71

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

  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  FIGURE 722.2.2.3(2)—FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS FOR CONCRETE ROOF ASSEMBLIES

  For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

  722.2.2.3.1 Heat transfer. For the transfer of heat, three-ply built-up roofing contributes 10 minutes to the fire-resistance rating. The fire-resistance rating for concrete assemblies such as those shown in Figure 722.2.2.3(1) shall be increased by 10 minutes. This increase is not applicable to those shown in Figure 722.2.2.3(2).

  722.2.2.4 Joints in precast slabs. Joints between adjacent precast concrete slabs need not be considered in calculating the slab thickness provided that a concrete topping not less than 1 inch (25 mm) thick is used. Where concrete topping is not used, joints must be grouted to a depth of not less than one-third the slab thickness at the joint, but not less than 1 inch (25 mm), or the joints must be made fire resistant by other approved methods.

  722.2.3 Concrete cover over reinforcement. The minimum thickness of concrete cover over reinforcement in concrete slabs, reinforced beams and prestressed beams shall comply with this section.

  |TABLE 722.2.3(1)—COVER

• CBC § 415.6. High relevance — show source text

  For special requirements for Group H occupancies, see Section 415.6.
  f. For special requirements for Group S aircraft hangars, see Section 412.3.1.
  g. Where Section 705.9.1 permits nonbearing exterior walls with unlimited area of unprotected openings, the required fire-resistance rating for the exterior walls is 0 hours.
  h. For a building containing only a Group U occupancy private garage or carport, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation
  distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater_or where equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3 the fire-resistance rating shall not be_
  required where the fire separation distance is 3 feet or greater.
  i. For a Group R-3 building of Type II-B or Type V-B construction, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation distance is 5 feet
  (1523 mm) or greater_ or where equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3 the fire-resistance rating shall not be required where_
  the fire separation distance is 3 feet or greater.|

  705.6 Continuity. The fire-resistance rating of exterior walls shall extend from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to one of the following:

  1. The underside of the floor sheathing, roof sheathing, deck or slab above.
  2. The underside of a floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly having a fire-resistance rating equal to or greater than the exterior wall and the fire separation distance is greater than 10 feet.

  Parapets shall be provided as required by Section 705.12.

  705.7 Structural stability. Interior structural elements that brace the exterior wall but that are not located within the plane of the exterior wall shall have the minimum fire-resistance rating required in Table 601 for that structural element. Structural elements that brace the exterior wall but are located outside of the exterior wall or within the plane of the exterior wall shall have the minimum fireresistance rating required in Table 601 and Table 705.5 for the exterior wall.

  705.7.1 Floor assemblies in Type III construction. In Type III construction where a floor assembly supports gravity loads from an exterior wall, the fire-resistance rating of the portion of the floor assembly that supports the exterior wall shall be not less than the fire-resistance rating required for the exterior wall in Table 601. The fire-resistance rating provided by the portion of the floor assembly supporting and within the plane of the exterior wall shall be permitted to include the contribution of the ceiling membrane when considering exposure to fire from the inside. Where a floor assembly supports gravity loads from an exterior wall, the building elements of the floor construction within the plane of the exterior wall, including but not limited to rim joists, rim boards and blocking, shall be in accordance with the requirements for interior building elements of Type III construction.

  705.8 Unexposed surface temperature. Where protected openings are not limited by Section 705.9, the limitation on the rise of temperature on the unexposed surface of exterior walls as required by ASTM E119 or UL 263 shall not apply. Where protected openings are limited by Section 705.9, the limitation on the rise of temperature on the unexposed surface of exterior walls as required by ASTM E119 or UL 263 shall not apply provided that a correction is made for radiation from the unexposed exterior wall surface in accordance with the following formula:

• CBC § 1406.4 High relevance — show source text

  [BS] 1406.4 Structural design. MCM systems shall be designed and constructed to resist wind loads as required by Chapter 16 for components and cladding.

  1406.5 Approval. Results of approved tests or an engineering analysis shall be submitted to the building official to verify compliance with the requirements of Chapter 16 for wind loads.

  1406.6 Weather resistance. MCM systems shall comply with Section 1402 and shall be designed and constructed to resist wind and rain in accordance with this section and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

  1406.7 Durability. MCM systems shall be constructed of approved materials that maintain the performance characteristics required in Section 1406 for the duration of use.

  1406.8 Fire-resistance rating. Where MCM systems are used on exterior walls required to have a fire-resistance rating in accordance with Section 705, evidence shall be submitted to the building official that the required fire-resistance rating is maintained.

  Exception: MCM systems that are part of an exterior wall assembly not containing foam plastic insulation and are installed on the outer surface of a fire-resistance-rated exterior wall in a manner such that the attachments do not penetrate through the entire exterior wall assembly, shall not be required to comply with this section.

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 14-17

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

  EXTERIOR WALLS

  1406.9 Surface-burning characteristics. Unless otherwise specified, MCM shall have a flame spread index of 75 or less and a smokedeveloped index of 450 or less when tested in the maximum thickness intended for use in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

  1406.10 Types I, II, III and IV construction. Where installed on buildings of Types I, II, III and IV construction, metal composite material (MCM) shall comply with Sections 1406.10.1 and 1406.10.2 for installations up to 40 feet (12 192 mm) above grade plane. Where installed on buildings of Type I, II, III and IV construction, MCMs and MCM systems shall comply with Sections 1406.10.1 through 1406.10.3, for installations greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm) above grade plane.

  1406.10.1 Surface-burning characteristics. MCM shall have a flame spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-developed index of not more than 450 when tested in the maximum thickness intended for use in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

  1406.10.2 Thermal barriers. MCM shall be separated from the interior of a building by an approved thermal barrier consisting of 1 / 2 -inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard or material that is tested in accordance with and meets the acceptance criteria of both the Temperature Transmission Fire Test and the Integrity Fire Test of NFPA 275.

  Exceptions:

  1. The MCM system is specifically approved based on tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 286 and with the acceptance criteria of Section 803.1.1.1, UL 1040 or UL 1715. Such testing shall be performed with the MCM in the maximum thickness intended for use. The MCM system shall include seams, joints and other typical details used in the installation and shall be tested in the manner intended for use.

  2. The MCM is used as elements of balconies and similar projections, architectural trim or embellishments.