CBC · California Building Code

What are the requirements for fire service access elevators?

If your building triggers the high‑rise elevator rule, the CBC requires specially equipped fire service access elevators: enclosed lobbies of at least 150 ft², no sprinklers inside hoistways or machine rooms, continuous monitoring at the fire command center, 1‑footcandle hoistway lighting for firefighter operation, Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power for elevator systems, protected external wiring (2‑hour rating), and a Class I standpipe at the lobby — see §§ 3007.1–3007.9 for the full details.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Fire service access elevators are a special class of passenger elevators that must be provided and equipped to support firefighting and rescue operations when required by the CBC; they must meet the specific requirements in Sections § 3007.1 through § 3007.9. Key rules include mandatory building sprinklering (with limited prohibited sprinkler locations), shaft and lobby construction and illumination, continuous monitoring at the fire command center, standby power for elevator equipment, protected wiring, and a Class I standpipe at the lobby stair access (§ 3007.1 et seq.) .

Requirements in detail

Scope and when required

  • Where the building requires fire service access elevators per the high-rise elevator provisions (see § 403.6.1), every floor at or above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access must be served by fire service access elevators in accordance with §§ 3007.1–3007.9; installation otherwise follows Chapter 30 and the Elevator Safety Orders (§ 3007.1) . (See § 403.6.1 for the triggering height and capacity requirement.)

Automatic sprinkler system

  • The building must be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with § 903.3.1.1, except where other limited exceptions apply; however automatic sprinklers are expressly prohibited inside machine rooms, elevator machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and elevator hoistways for fire service access elevators (§ 3007.2 and § 3007.2.1) .

  • Sprinkler water-flow and control valve supervisory switches must be monitored per the building’s fire alarm system for each floor monitored (§ 3007.2.2) .

Water protection of hoistway

  • Water discharged by sprinklers outside an enclosed elevator lobby must be prevented from infiltrating the hoistway by an approved method (§ 3007.3) .

Shunt trip / shutdown

  • The automatic shunt-trip shutdown device specified elsewhere for elevators shall not be installed on elevator systems used as fire service access elevators (§ 3007.4) .

Hoistway enclosure and structural integrity

  • Fire service access elevator hoistways must be located in shaft enclosures complying with § 713 and must meet the structural integrity requirements referenced in §§ 403.2.2.1–403.2.2.4 (§§ 3007.5 and 3007.5.1) .

  • When the firefighters’ emergency operation is active, the entire hoistway height must be illuminated at not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) measured from the top of the car (§ 3007.5.2) .

Fire service access elevator lobby (enclosed lobby)

  • Each fire service access elevator must open into an enclosed fire service access elevator lobby meeting the separation, access and door requirements of §§ 3007.6.1–3007.6.5. Egress through the enclosed elevator lobby is permitted (Item 1 of § 1016.2) (§ 3007.6) .

  • The enclosed lobby must provide direct access to a smokeproof enclosure (or an approved protected path as an exception) (§ 3007.6.1) .

  • Separation: the elevator lobby is required to be separated from the floor by a smoke barrier in accordance with § 709; lobby doorways are specifically required to have 3/4‑hour fire door assemblies tested for smoke and draft control (UL 1784) (§§ 3007.6.2–3007.6.3) .

  • Lobby size: enclosed fire service access elevator lobbies must be not less than 150 ft² with a minimum dimension of 8 ft regardless of number of elevators served (§ 3007.6.4) .

  • Identification: each fire service access elevator hoistway door frame must have the standardized fire service access elevator pictorial symbol; symbol size, contrast and mounting height are specified (§ 3007.6.5) .

Monitoring and communications

  • The fire service access elevator must be continuously monitored at the fire command center by a standard emergency service interface system meeting NFPA 72 requirements (§ 3007.7) .

Electrical power and wiring protection

  • Elevator equipment, hoistway lighting, ventilation and cooling for machine/control rooms/spaces, and car lighting serving each fire service access elevator must be supplied by both normal power and Type 60 / Class 2 / Level 1 standby power (§ 3007.8) .

  • Wires and cables located outside the hoistway/machine room that provide normal or standby power, controls, communications, lighting, HVAC and fire-detecting systems to fire service access elevators must be protected by one of these methods:

    1. UL 2196‑listed cables with a minimum 2‑hour fire resistance,
    2. an electrical circuit protective system with a minimum 2‑hour fire-resistance rating, or
    3. construction rated not less than 2 hours. Exception: control-signal wiring is not required to be protected if it does not serve Phase II in‑car operations (§ 3007.8.1) .

Standpipe at the lobby

  • A Class I standpipe hose connection (per § 905) must be provided in the interior exit stairway or ramp that has direct access from the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby, and the standpipe exit enclosure must be accessible without passing through the elevator lobby (§§ 3007.9 and 3007.9.1) .

Decision-relevant dimensions and values (quick reference)

Item Required value / threshold Code Reference
Trigger for providing fire service access elevators See § 403.6.1 — occupied floor > 120 ft above lowest fire vehicle access typically requires them § 403.6.1
Minimum number of fire service access elevators Not fewer than two, or all elevators, whichever is less (per § 403.6.1) § 403.6.1
Minimum elevator capacity 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) each (when required by § 403.6.1) § 403.6.1
Lobby minimum area 150 ft² (14 m²) § 3007.6.4
Lobby minimum dimension 8 ft (2440 mm) § 3007.6.4
Hoistway illumination (firefighter op active) ≥ 1 footcandle (11 lux) measured from top of car § 3007.5.2
Required standby power level Type 60 / Class 2 / Level 1 standby for equipment listed (elevator equipment, hoistway lighting, HVAC for machine rooms, car lighting) § 3007.8
Wiring protection rating (outside hoistway/machine room) UL 2196‑listed cables or systems with ≥ 2‑hour fire resistance, or 2‑hour rated construction § 3007.8.1
Prohibited sprinkler locations Machine rooms, elevator machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces, and elevator hoistways § 3007.2.1
Standpipe required Class I standpipe in interior exit stair/ramp with direct access from the enclosed elevator lobby § 3007.9
Fire service elevator symbol size & mounting Symbol ≥ 3 in. high; centerline 78–84 in. above finished floor at threshold; helmet must contrast § 3007.6.5

Exceptions & special cases

  • Below‑grade parking garage floors are not required to be served by fire service access elevators; the top floor used only for building-system equipment need not be served (§ 3007.1, Exceptions) .
  • A second entrance to the elevator on a floor may be protected per § 3006.3 in lieu of providing a full fire service access elevator lobby (§ 3007.6 exception) .
  • Lobby access to a smokeproof enclosure may be provided through a protected path of travel that has an equivalent level of fire protection, where separated by a smoke and draft control assembly (§ 3007.6.1, exception) .
  • The wiring/cable protection exception: control-signal wiring is not required to be protected if it does not serve Phase II in‑car operations (§ 3007.8.1 Exception) .

If you need code language for an alternate means of compliance or unusual conditions, the code calls out where “approved” methods or the authority having jurisdiction can permit alternatives; consult the local building/fire official for approvals (see the referenced sections) .

Common mistakes

  • Assuming any elevator serving a tall building is automatically a fire service access elevator — the trigger and capacity requirements come from § 403.6.1; not every tall building condition is identical (§ 403.6.1 and § 3007.1) .
  • Installing sprinklers inside elevator machine rooms, hoistways or control spaces contrary to the express prohibitions in § 3007.2.1 (§ 3007.2.1) .
  • Omitting the standby power scope — the code requires standby power not only for car lighting but for hoistway lighting and machine/control ventilation and cooling (§ 3007.8) .
  • Under‑sizing or mis-sizing the fire service access elevator lobby: lobbies serving fire service access elevators have a flat 150 ft² / 8 ft min dimensional requirement regardless of elevator count (§ 3007.6.4) .
  • Failing to protect power and communications cables outside the hoistway to the two‑hour criteria (or an approved equivalent) where required (§ 3007.8.1) .
  • Neglecting to install the standardized pictorial symbol correctly (size, contrast and mounting height) per § 3007.6.5 .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A new office high‑rise has occupied floors up to 130 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

  1. Trigger: Because occupied floors exceed 120 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, the building falls within § 403.6.1 and therefore must provide not fewer than two fire service access elevators (or all elevators, whichever is less) and each required elevator must have a capacity of at least 3,500 lb (§ 403.6.1) .
  2. Lobby: Each fire service access elevator must open into an enclosed fire service access elevator lobby that is at least 150 ft² and at least 8 ft in one dimension (§ 3007.6.4) .
  3. Sprinklers: The building must be fully sprinklered per § 903.3.1.1, but sprinklers must not be installed in the elevator machine room, hoistway, control rooms or control spaces that serve the fire service access elevators (§ 3007.2 and § 3007.2.1) .
  4. Power and wiring: Elevator equipment, hoistway lighting and machine-room ventilation must each have normal power and Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power per § 3007.8, and external cables feeding these systems must be protected to a 2‑hour rating (or equivalent listed system) unless they are control-signal wires not serving Phase II operations (§ 3007.8 and § 3007.8.1) .
  5. Hoistway lighting: When firefighter emergency operation is active, ensure hoistway lighting is at least 1 footcandle measured from the top of the car (§ 3007.5.2) .
  6. Standpipe: Provide a Class I standpipe in the interior exit stairway with direct access from the enclosed elevator lobby, and ensure standpipe access can be reached without passing through the lobby enclosure (§ 3007.9 and § 3007.9.1) .
  7. Monitoring & signage: Connect continuous monitoring to the fire command center per NFPA 72, and install the fire service elevator pictorial symbol per § 3007.6.5 at the required mounting height and size (§ 3007.7 and § 3007.6.5) .

This checklist shows how the numeric values in the code are applied to a real project and where to check the specific sections.

Related provisions

  • § 3007.1 — General (Fire service access elevator applicability and exceptions)
  • § 3007.2 — Automatic sprinkler system requirements and prohibited locations (§ 3007.2.1)
  • § 3007.5 — Hoistway enclosures and hoistway lighting (§ 3007.5.1 and § 3007.5.2)
  • § 3007.6 — Fire service access elevator lobby (access, separation, doors, lobby size, symbol) (§ 3007.6.1–3007.6.5)
  • § 3007.7 — Elevator system monitoring at the fire command center (NFPA 72)
  • § 3007.8 — Electrical power, scope of standby power required (§ 3007.8.1 for wiring protection)
  • § 3007.9 — Standpipe hose connection and access (§ 3007.9.1)
  • § 403.6.1 — When fire service access elevators are required and the 3,500‑lb capacity requirement (high‑rise trigger)

Code references

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

  • CBC § 3006.4 High relevance — show source text

    3006.4 Means of egress. Elevator lobbies shall be provided with not less than one means of egress complying with Chapter 10 and other provisions in this code. Egress through an enclosed elevator lobby shall be permitted in accordance with Item 1 of Section 1016.2. Electrically locked exit access doors providing egress from elevator lobbies shall be permitted in accordance with Section 1010.2.14.

    SECTION 3007—FIRE SERVICE ACCESS ELEVATOR

    3007.1 General. Where required by Section 403.6.1, every floor above and including the lowest level of fire department vehicle access of the building shall be served by fire service access elevators complying with Sections 3007.1 through 3007.9. Except as modified in this section, fire service access elevators shall be installed in accordance with this chapter and California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    Exceptions:

    1. Below grade parking garage floors shall not be required to be served by fire service access elevators.
    2. The elevator shall not be required to serve the top floor of a building where that floor is utilized only for equipment for building systems.

    3007.2 Automatic sprinkler system. The building shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, except as otherwise permitted by Section 903.3.1.1.1 and as prohibited by Section 3007.2.1.

    3007.2.1 Prohibited locations. Automatic sprinklers shall not be installed in machine rooms, elevator machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and elevator hoistways of fire service access elevators.

    3007.2.2 Automatic sprinkler system monitoring. The automatic sprinkler system shall have a sprinkler control valve supervisory switch and water-flow-initiating device provided for each floor that is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system.

    3007.3 Water protection. Water from the operation of an automatic sprinkler system outside the enclosed lobby shall be prevented from infiltrating into the hoistway enclosure in accordance with an approved method.

    3007.4 Shunt trip. Means for elevator shutdown in accordance with Section 3005.5 shall not be installed on elevator systems used for fire service access elevators.

    3007.5 Hoistway enclosures. The fire service access elevator hoistway shall be located in a shaft enclosure complying with Section 713.

    3007.5.1 Structural integrity of hoistway enclosures. The fire service access elevator hoistway enclosure shall comply with Sections 403.2.2.1 through 403.2.2.4.

    3007.5.2 Hoistway lighting. When firefighters’ emergency operation is active, the entire height of the hoistway shall be illuminated at not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) as measured from the top of the car of each fire service access elevator.

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3007.6 Fire service access elevator lobby. The fire service access elevator shall open into an enclosed fire service access elevator lobby in accordance with Sections 3007.6.1 through 3007.6.5. Egress is permitted through the enclosed elevator lobby in accordance with Item 1 of Section 1016.2.

  • CBC § 3007.6.4 High relevance — show source text

    3007.6.4 Lobby size. Regardless of the number of fire service access elevators served by the same elevator lobby, the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby shall be not less than 150 square feet (14 m [2] ) in an area with a dimension of not less than 8 feet (2440 mm).

    3007.6.5 Fire service access elevator symbol. A pictorial symbol of a standardized design designating which elevators are fire service access elevators shall be installed on each side of the hoistway door frame on the portion of the frame at right angles to the fire service access elevator lobby. The fire service access elevator symbol shall be designed as shown in Figure 3007.6.5 and shall comply with the following:

    1. The fire service access elevator symbol shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in height.
    2. The helmet shall contrast with the background, with either a light helmet on a dark background or a dark helmet on a light background.
    3. The vertical center line of the fire service access elevator symbol shall be centered on the hoistway door frame. Each symbol shall be not less than 78 inches (1981 mm), and not more than 84 inches (2134 mm) above the finished floor at the threshold.

    FIGURE 3007.6.5—FIRE SERVICE ACCESS ELEVATOR SYMBOL

    For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

    3007.7 Elevator system monitoring. The fire service access elevator shall be continuously monitored at the fire command center by a standard emergency service interface system meeting the requirements of NFPA 72.

    3007.8 Electrical power. The following features serving each fire service access elevator shall be supplied by both normal power and Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power:

    1. Elevator equipment.
    2. Elevator hoistway lighting.
    3. Ventilation and cooling equipment for elevator machine rooms, control rooms, machine spaces and control spaces.
    4. Elevator car lighting.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 30-9

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3007.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway and machine room and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to fire service access elevators shall be protected using one of the following methods:

    1. Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
    2. Electrical circuit protective systems shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
    3. Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

    Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operations.

    3007.9 Standpipe hose connection. A Class I standpipe hose connection in accordance with Section 905 shall be provided in the interior exit stairway and ramp having direct access from the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby.

    3007.9.1 Access. The exit enclosure containing the standpipe shall have access to the floor without passing through the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby.

  • CBC § 710.5.2.2 High relevance — show source text
    1. An enclosed elevator lobby shall be provided at each floor to separate the elevator hoistway doors from each floor by smoke partitions in accordance with Section 710. In addition, doors protecting openings in the smoke partitions shall comply with Sections 710.5.2.2, 710.5.2.3 and 716.2.6.1. Penetrations of the smoke partitions by ducts and air transfer openings shall be protected as required for corridors in accordance with Section 717.5.4.1.
    2. Additional doors or other devices shall be provided at each elevator hoistway door in accordance with Section 3002.6. Such doors or other devices shall comply with the smoke and draft control door assembly requirements in Section 716.2.2.1.1 when tested in accordance with UL 1784 without an artificial bottom seal.

    4. [SFM] When approved, in other than Group I-2 occupancies elevator hoistway shall be pressurized in accordance with Section 909.21.

    1. A smoke-protective curtain assembly for hoistways shall be provided at each elevator hoistway door opening in accordance with Section 3002.6. Such curtain assemblies shall comply with the smoke and draft control requirements in Section 716.2.2.1.1 when tested in accordance with UL 1784 without an artificial bottom seal. Such curtain assemblies shall be equipped with a control unit listed to UL 864. Such curtain assemblies shall comply with Section 2.11.6.3 California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders . Installation and maintenance shall be in accordance with NFPA 105.

    6. [SFM] Enclosed elevator lobbies are not required where the hoistway door has a fire-protection rating as required by Section 707.6 and the hoistway door opening is also protected by a listed and labeled smoke containment system complying with ICC ES AC 77.

    3006.4 Means of egress. Elevator lobbies shall be provided with not less than one means of egress complying with Chapter 10 and other provisions in this code. Egress through an enclosed elevator lobby shall be permitted in accordance with Item 1 of Section 1016.2. Electrically locked exit access doors providing egress from elevator lobbies shall be permitted in accordance with Section 1010.2.14.

    SECTION 3007—FIRE SERVICE ACCESS ELEVATOR

    3007.1 General. Where required by Section 403.6.1, every floor above and including the lowest level of fire department vehicle access of the building shall be served by fire service access elevators complying with Sections 3007.1 through 3007.9. Except as modified in this section, fire service access elevators shall be installed in accordance with this chapter and California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    Exceptions:

    1. Below grade parking garage floors shall not be required to be served by fire service access elevators.
    2. The elevator shall not be required to serve the top floor of a building where that floor is utilized only for equipment for building systems.

    3007.2 Automatic sprinkler system. The building shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, except as otherwise permitted by Section 903.3.1.1.1 and as prohibited by Section 3007.2.1.

  • CBC § 3007.3 High relevance — show source text

    3007.3 Water protection. Water from the operation of an automatic sprinkler system outside the enclosed lobby shall be prevented from infiltrating into the hoistway enclosure in accordance with an approved method.

    3007.4 Shunt trip. Means for elevator shutdown in accordance with Section 3005.5 shall not be installed on elevator systems used for fire service access elevators.

    3007.5 Hoistway enclosures. The fire service access elevator hoistway shall be located in a shaft enclosure complying with Section 713.

    3007.5.1 Structural integrity of hoistway enclosures. The fire service access elevator hoistway enclosure shall comply with Sections 403.2.2.1 through 403.2.2.4.

    3007.5.2 Hoistway lighting. When firefighters’ emergency operation is active, the entire height of the hoistway shall be illuminated at not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) as measured from the top of the car of each fire service access elevator.

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3007.6 Fire service access elevator lobby. The fire service access elevator shall open into an enclosed fire service access elevator lobby in accordance with Sections 3007.6.1 through 3007.6.5. Egress is permitted through the enclosed elevator lobby in accordance with Item 1 of Section 1016.2.

    Exceptions:

    1. Where a fire service access elevator has two entrances onto a floor, the second entrance shall be permitted to be protected in accordance with Section 3006.3.
    2. A fire service access elevator lobby is not required to be provided at an occupiable roof.

    3007.6.1 Access to smokeproof enclosure . The enclosed fire service access elevator lobby shall have direct access from the enclosed elevator lobby to a smokeproof enclosure complying with Section 909.20.

    Exception: Access to a smokeproof enclosure shall be permitted to be through a protected path of travel that has a level of fire protection not less than the elevator lobby enclosure. The protected path shall be separated from the enclosed elevator lobby through an opening protected by a smoke and draft control assembly in accordance Section 716.2.2.1.

    3007.6.2 Elevator lobby separation. The fire service access elevator lobby shall be separated from each floor with a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 709, except that lobby doorways shall comply with Section 3007.6.3.

    Exception: Fire service access elevator lobbies are not required to be separated at the levels of exit discharge.

    3007.6.3 Elevator lobby doorways. Other than doors to the elevator control room or elevator control space, each door in the smoke barrier shall be provided with a [3] / 4 -hour fire door assembly complying with Section 716. Such a fire door assembly shall comply with the smoke and draft control door assembly requirements of Section 716.2.2.1.1 and be tested in accordance with UL 1784 without an artificial bottom seal.

  • CBC § 604.5.2 High relevance — show source text

    604.5.2 Occupant evacuation elevators and lobbies. Where occupant evacuation elevators are provided in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code, occupant evacuation elevator fire protection and safety features shall be maintained and lobbies required by Section 3008 of the California Building Code shall be maintained free of storage and furniture.

    604.5.3 Storage within elevator lobbies. Where hoistway opening protection is required by Section 3006.2 of the California Building Code, elevator lobbies shall be maintained free of storage.

    604.5.4 Water protection of hoistway enclosures. Methods to prevent water from infiltrating into a hoistway enclosure required by Sections 3007.3 and 3008.3 of the California Building Code shall be maintained.

    604.6 Elevator keys. All elevators shall be provided with elevator car door and firefighter service keys in accordance with Sections 604.6.1 through 604.6.2.4.

    604.6.1 Elevator key location. Keys for the elevator car doors and firefighter service keys shall be kept in an approved location for immediate use by the fire department.

    604.6.2 Standardized fire service elevator keys. Buildings with elevators equipped with Phase I emergency recall, Phase II emergency in-car operation, or a fire service access elevator shall be equipped to operate with a standardized fire service elevator key approved by the fire code official or a standardized key in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.

    Exception: The owner shall be permitted to place the building’s nonstandardized fire service elevator keys in a key box installed in accordance with Section 506.1.2.

    604.6.2.1 Requirements for standardized fire service elevator keys. Standardized fire service elevator keys shall comply with all of the following:

    1. All fire service elevator keys within the jurisdiction shall be uniform and approved in accordance with Section 604.6.2. Keys shall be cut to a uniform key code.
    2. Fire service elevator keys shall be of a patent-protected design to prevent unauthorized duplication.
    3. Fire service elevator keys shall be factory restricted by the manufacturer to prevent the unauthorized distribution of key blanks. Uncut key blanks shall not be permitted to leave the factory.
    4. Fire service elevator keys subject to these rules shall be engraved with the words “DO NOT DUPLICATE.”

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    BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

    604.6.2.2 Access to standardized fire service keys. Access to standardized fire service elevator keys shall be restricted to the following:

    1. Elevator owners or their authorized agents.

    2. Elevator contractors.

    3. Elevator inspectors of the jurisdiction.

    4. Fire code officials of the jurisdiction.

    5. The fire department and other emergency response agencies designated by the fire code official.

    604.6.2.3 Duplication or distribution of keys. A person shall not duplicate a standardized fire service elevator key or issue, give, or sell a duplicated key unless in accordance with this code.

    604.6.2.4 Responsibility to provide keys. The building owner shall provide up to three standardized fire service elevator keys where required by the fire code official, upon installation of a standardized fire service key switch or switches in the building.

  • CBC § 30-9 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 30-9

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

    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3007.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway and machine room and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to fire service access elevators shall be protected using one of the following methods:

    1. Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
    2. Electrical circuit protective systems shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
    3. Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

    Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operations.

    3007.9 Standpipe hose connection. A Class I standpipe hose connection in accordance with Section 905 shall be provided in the interior exit stairway and ramp having direct access from the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby.

    3007.9.1 Access. The exit enclosure containing the standpipe shall have access to the floor without passing through the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby.

    SECTION 3008—OCCUPANT EVACUATION ELEVATORS

    3008.1 General. Where e levators are to be used for occupant self-evacuation during fires , all passenger elevators for general public use shall comply with Sections 3008.1 through 3008.10. Where other elevators are used for occupant self-evacuation, those elevators shall comply with these sections.

    3008.1.1 Reserved .

    3008.1.2 Additional exit stairway. Where an additional means of egress is required in accordance with Section 403.5.2, an additional exit stairway shall not be required to be installed in buildings provided with occupant evacuation elevators complying with Section 3008.1.

    3008.1.3 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The building shall have an approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 404 of the California Fire Code . The fire safety and evacuation plan shall incorporate specific procedures for the occupants using evacuation elevators.

    3008.1.4 Operation. The occupant evacuation elevators shall be used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with the occupant evacuation operation requirements in California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders, and the building’s fire safety and evacuation plan.

    3008.2 Automatic sprinkler system. The building shall be equipped throughout with an approved, electrically supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, except as otherwise permitted by Section 903.3.1.1.1 and as prohibited by Section 3008.2.1.

  • CBC § 604.3.4 High relevance — show source text

    604.3.4 Temperature and humidity control. Where standby power is connected to elevators, the machine room , machine space, control room and control space ventilation or air conditioning shall be connected to the standby power source.

    604.3.5 Emergency hoistway venting. Where standby power is connected to elevators, the emergency hoistway ventilation system, if required, shall be connected to the standby power source.

    [BE] 604.4 Emergency signs. An approved pictorial sign of a standardized design shall be posted adjacent to each elevator call station on all floors instructing occupants to use the exit stairways and not to use the elevators in case of fire. Where elevators are not a component of the accessible means of egress, the sign shall read: “IN CASE OF FIRE, ELEVATORS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. USE EXIT.”

    Exception: The emergency sign shall not be required for elevators that are used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code .

    604.5 Maintenance of elevators. Elevator features and lobbies required by Section 3006 of the California Building Code shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with Sections 604.5.1 through 604.5.4.

    604.5.1 Fire service access elevators and lobbies. Where fire service access elevators are required by Section 3007 of the Califor- nia Building Code, fire service access elevator fire protection and safety features shall be maintained and lobbies required by Section 3007 of the California Building Code shall be maintained free of storage and furniture.

    604.5.2 Occupant evacuation elevators and lobbies. Where occupant evacuation elevators are provided in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code, occupant evacuation elevator fire protection and safety features shall be maintained and lobbies required by Section 3008 of the California Building Code shall be maintained free of storage and furniture.

    604.5.3 Storage within elevator lobbies. Where hoistway opening protection is required by Section 3006.2 of the California Building Code, elevator lobbies shall be maintained free of storage.

    604.5.4 Water protection of hoistway enclosures. Methods to prevent water from infiltrating into a hoistway enclosure required by Sections 3007.3 and 3008.3 of the California Building Code shall be maintained.

    604.6 Elevator keys. All elevators shall be provided with elevator car door and firefighter service keys in accordance with Sections 604.6.1 through 604.6.2.4.

    604.6.1 Elevator key location. Keys for the elevator car doors and firefighter service keys shall be kept in an approved location for immediate use by the fire department.

    604.6.2 Standardized fire service elevator keys. Buildings with elevators equipped with Phase I emergency recall, Phase II emergency in-car operation, or a fire service access elevator shall be equipped to operate with a standardized fire service elevator key approved by the fire code official or a standardized key in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.

    Exception: The owner shall be permitted to place the building’s nonstandardized fire service elevator keys in a key box installed in accordance with Section 506.1.2.

  • CBC § 403.6.1 High relevance — show source text

    403.6.1 Fire service access elevator. In buildings with an occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, not fewer than two fire service access elevators, or all elevators, whichever is less, shall be provided in accordance with Section 3007. Each fire service access elevator shall have a capacity of not less than 3,500 pounds (1588 kg) and shall comply with Section 3002.4.

    403.6.2 Occupant evacuation elevators. Where installed in accordance with Section 3008, passenger elevators for general public use shall be permitted to be used for occupant self-evacuation.

    403.7 Existing high-rise buildings. For existing high-rise buildings, see California Fire Code Chapter 11 and California Existing Building Code.

    SECTION 404—ATRIUMS

    404.1 General. The provisions of Sections 404.1 through 404.12 shall apply to buildings containing atriums. Atriums are not permitted in buildings or structures classified as Group H.

    Exception: Vertical openings that comply with Sections 712.1.1 through 712.1.3, and Sections 712.1.9 through 712.1.14.

    404.2 Use. The floor of the atrium shall not be used for other than low fire hazard uses and only approved materials and decorations in accordance with the California Fire Code shall be used in the atrium space.

    Exception: The atrium floor area is permitted to be used for any approved use where the individual space is provided with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    [F] 404.3 Automatic sprinkler protection. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.

    Exceptions:

    1. That area of a building adjacent to or above the atrium need not be sprinklered provided that portion of the building is separated from the atrium portion by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
    2. Where the ceiling of the atrium is more than 55 feet (16 764 mm) above the floor, sprinkler protection at the ceiling of the atrium is not required.

    [F] 404.4 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.14.

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    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    404.5 Smoke control. A smoke control system shall be installed in accordance with Section 909.

    Exceptions:

    1. In other than Group I-2 and R-2.1, Condition 2, smoke control is not required for atriums that connect only two stories.
    2. A smoke control system is not required for atriums connecting more than two stories when all of the following are met: 2.1. Only the two lowest stories shall be permitted to be open to the atrium. 2.2. All stories above the lowest two stories shall be separated from the atrium in accordance with the provisions for a shaft in Section 713.4.
  • CBC § 1103.3 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Where it is determined by the fire code official that the in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system is not needed.

    1103.3 Existing elevators. In other than Group R-3, existing elevators, escalators and moving walks shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1103.3.1 and 1103.3.3 .

    1103.3.1 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Existing elevators, escalators and moving walks in Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies and serving ambulatory care facilities shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    1103.3.2 Elevator emergency operation. Existing elevators with a travel distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) or more above or below the main floor or other level of a building and intended to serve the needs of emergency personnel for firefighting or rescue

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    CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

    purposes shall be provided with emergency operation in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    Exceptions:

    1. Buildings without occupied floors located more than 55 feet (16 764 mm) above or 25 feet (7620 mm) below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access where protected at the elevator shaft openings with additional fire doors in accordance with Section 716 of the California Building Code and where all of the following conditions are

    met:

    1.1. The doors shall be provided with vision panels of approved fire-protection-rated glazing so located as to furnish clear vision of the approach to the elevator. Such glazing shall not exceed 100 square inches (0.065 m [2] ) in area. 1.2. The doors shall be held open but be automatic-closing by activation of a fire alarm initiating device installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72 as for Phase I Emergency Recall Operation, and shall be located at each floor served by the elevator; in the associated elevator machine room, control space, or control room; and in the elevator hoistway, where sprinklers are located in those hoistways. 1.3. The doors, when closed, shall have signs visible from the approach area stating: “WHEN THESE DOORS ARE CLOSED OR IN CASE OF FIRE, ELEVATORS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. USE EXIT.” 2. Buildings without occupied floors located more than 55 feet (16 764 mm) above or 25 feet (7620 mm) below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access where provided with automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

    1. Freight elevators in buildings provided with both automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and not less than one ASME 17.3-compliant elevator serving the same floors.

    Elimination of previously installed Phase I emergency recall or Phase II emergency in-car systems shall not be permitted.

  • CBC § 3008.6.1 High relevance — show source text

    3008.6.1 Access to interior exit stairway or ramp. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall have direct access from the enclosed elevator lobby to an interior exit stairway or ramp.

    Exceptions:

    1. Access to an interior exit stairway or ramp shall be permitted to be through a protected path of travel that has a level of fire protection not less than the elevator lobby enclosure. The protected path shall be separated from the enclosed elevator lobby through an opening protected by a smoke and draft control assembly in accordance Section 716.2.2.1.1.

    2. Elevators that only service an open parking garage and the elevator lobby of the building shall not be required to provide direct access.

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3008.6.2 Elevator lobby separation. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall be separated from each floor with a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 709, except that lobby doorways shall comply with Section 3008.6.3.

    Exception: Occupant evacuation elevator lobbies are not required to be separated at the levels of exit discharge.

    3008.6.3 Elevator lobby doorways. Other than the doors to elevator machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces in the smoke barrier, each doorway to an occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall be provided with a [3] / 4 -hour fire door assembly complying with Section 716. Such a fire door assembly shall comply with the smoke and draft control assembly requirements of Section 716.2.2.1.1 and be tested in accordance with UL 1784 without an artificial bottom seal.

    3008.6.3.1 Vision panel. A vision panel shall be installed in each fire door assembly in the smoke barrier. The vision panel shall consist of fire-protection-rated glazing, shall comply with the requirements of Section 716 and shall be located to furnish clear vision of the occupant evacuation elevator lobby.

    3008.6.3.2 Door closing. Each fire door assembly in the smoke barrier shall be automatic-closing upon receipt of any fire alarm signal from the emergency voice/alarm communication system serving the building.

    3008.6.4 Lobby size. Each occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall have minimum floor area as follows:

    1. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby floor area shall accommodate, at 3 square feet (0.28 m [2] ) per person, not less than 25 percent of the occupant load of the floor area served by the lobby.
    2. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby floor area shall accommodate one wheelchair space of 30 inches by 52 inches (760 mm by 1320 mm) for each 50 persons, or portion thereof, of the occupant load of the floor area served by the lobby.

    Exception: The size of lobbies serving multiple banks of elevators shall have the minimum floor area approved on an individual basis and shall be consistent with the building’s fire safety and evacuation plan.

    3008.6.5 Signage. An approved sign indicating elevators are suitable for occupant self-evacuation shall be posted on all floors adjacent to each elevator call station serving occupant evacuation elevators.

  • CBC § 3001.4 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 3001.4 Accessibility. Passenger elevators and platform (wheelchair) lifts required to be accessible or to serve as part of an accessible means of egress shall comply with Sections 1009 and either Chapter 11A for applications listed in Section 1.8.2.1.2 regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development or Chapter 11B for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Divi- sion of the State Architect—Access Compliance.

    3001.5 Change in use. A change in use of an elevator from freight to passenger, passenger to freight, or from one freight class to another freight class shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3001.6 Structural design. All interior and exterior elevators, escalators and other conveying systems and their components shall comply with all applicable design loading criteria in Chapter 16, including wind, flood and seismic loads established in Sections 1609, 1612 and 1613.

    3001.7 Elevators utilized to transport hazardous materials. Elevators utilized to transport hazardous materials shall also comply with the California Fire Code Sections 5003.10.2.2, 5003.10.4 through 5003.10.7.

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    SECTION 3002—HOISTWAY ENCLOSURES

    3002.1 Hoistway protection. A hoistway for elevators, dumbwaiters and other vertical-access devices shall comply with Sections 712 and 713. Where the hoistway is required to be enclosed, it shall be constructed as a shaft enclosure in accordance with Section 713.

    3002.1.1 Opening protectives. Openings in fire-resistance-rated hoistway enclosures shall be protected as required in Chapter 7.

    Exception: The elevator car doors and the associated hoistway doors at the floor level designated for recall in accordance with Section 3003.2 shall be permitted to remain open during Phase I Emergency Recall Operation.

    3002.1.2 Hardware. Hardware on elevator hoistway doors shall be of an approved type installed as tested, except that approved interlocks, mechanical locks and electric contacts, door and gate electric contacts and door-operating mechanisms shall be exempt from the fire test requirements.

    3002.2 Number of elevator cars in a hoistway. Where four or more elevator cars serve all or the same portion of a building, the elevators shall be located in not fewer than two separate fire-resistance-rated hoistways. Not more than four elevator cars shall be located in any single fire-resistance-rated hoistway enclosure.

    3002.3 Emergency signs. A pictorial sign of a standardized design shall be posted adjacent to each elevator call station on all floors instructing occupants to use the exit stairways and not to use the elevators in case of fire. Where elevators are not a component of the accessible means of egress, the sign shall read: IN CASE OF FIRE, ELEVATORS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. USE EXIT. Where the elevator is a component of the accessible means of egress, a sign complying with Section 1009.11 shall be provided.

  • CBC § 3005.4 High relevance — show source text

    The elevator machine room, elevator machinery space, elevator control space or elevator control room shall be enclosed with fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating shall not be less than the required rating of the hoistway enclosure served by the machinery. Openings in the fire barriers shall be protected with assemblies having a fire protection rating not less than that required for the hoistway enclo- sure doors. The exceptions to Section 3005.4 shall not apply.

    3005.5 Shunt trip. Where elevator hoistways, elevator machine rooms, control rooms and control spaces containing elevator control equipment are protected with automatic sprinklers, a means installed in accordance with Section 21.4 of NFPA 72 shall be provided to automatically disconnect the main line power supply to the affected elevator prior to the application of water. This means shall not be self-resetting. The activation of automatic sprinklers outside the hoistway, machine room, machinery space, control room or control space shall not disconnect the main line power supply.

    3005.6 Plumbing systems. Plumbing systems shall not be located in elevator equipment rooms.

    SECTION 3006—ELEVATOR LOBBIES AND HOISTWAY OPENING PROTECTION

    3006.1 General. Enclosed elevator lobbies and elevator hoistway door protection shall be provided in accordance with the following:

    1. Where elevator hoistway door protection is required by Section 3006.2, such protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 3006.3.

    2. Where enclosed elevator lobbies are required for underground buildings, such lobbies shall comply with Section 405.4.3.

    3. Where an area of refuge is required and an enclosed elevator lobby is provided to serve as an area of refuge, the enclosed elevator lobby shall comply with Section 1009.6.4.

    4. Where fire service access elevators are provided, enclosed elevator lobbies shall comply with Section 3007.6.

    5. Where occupant evacuation elevators are provided, enclosed elevator lobbies shall comply with Section 3008.6.

    3006.2 Elevator hoistway door protection required. Elevator hoistway doors shall be protected in accordance with Section 3006.3 where an elevator hoistway connects more than two stories in any state institution or other state-owned or specified state occupied building regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and more than three stories for all other buildings. Hoistway opening protec- tion is required to be enclosed within a shaft enclosure in accordance with Section 712.1.1 and any of the following conditions apply:

    1. The building is not protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

    2. Group A occupancies.

    3. Group E occupancies.

    4. Group H occupancies.

    5. Group I occupancies.

    6. Group L occupancies. 7. Group R-1, R-2, R-2.1 and R-2.2 occupancies. 8. High-rise buildings. 9. The elevator hoistway door is located in the wall of a corridor required to be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Section 1020.1.

    See Section 403.6 for additional requirements for high-rise buildings.

    Exceptions:

    1. Protection of elevator hoistway doors is not required where the elevator serves only open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5.

Frequently asked questions

Do all high‑rise buildings need fire service access elevators?

Not necessarily. The trigger is set out in § 403.6.1; occupied floors more than 120 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access will generally require fire service access elevators, with the required number and capacities set there (§ 403.6.1) .

Can sprinklers be installed inside the elevator machine room or hoistway to protect against fire?

No. § 3007.2.1 expressly prohibits automatic sprinklers in machine rooms, elevator machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and elevator hoistways of fire service access elevators; the building must still be sprinklered elsewhere per § 903.3.1.1 (§ 3007.2/3007.2.1) .

How big must the fire service elevator lobby be?

The enclosed fire service access elevator lobby must be at least 150 ft² with a minimum dimension of 8 ft, regardless of how many fire service access elevators the lobby serves (§ 3007.6.4) .

What kind of standby power is required for these elevators?

Elevator equipment, hoistway lighting, machine/control room ventilation and car lighting must be supplied by normal power and Type 60 / Class 2 / Level 1 standby power (§ 3007.8) .

Are there special marking or signage requirements?

Yes — a standardized pictorial fire service access elevator symbol must be mounted on each side of the hoistway door frame with specified size, contrast and mounting height (see § 3007.6.5) .

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