CBC · California Building Code

How must elevator hoistways be vented and how do vents operate in a fire?

If the elevator driving machine is in the hoistway, the hoistway must have top vents to the outdoors sized to at least 3.5% of the hoistway area (or at least 3 sq ft per car if that is larger). Those vents must open automatically when smoke is detected and also be operable by a manual override; reduced vent area is allowed only with mechanical ventilation that meets four specific conditions. See CBC §§ 3003.4–3003.4.4 for the full requirements file.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Elevator hoistways that contain the driving machine must have means to vent smoke and hot gases to the outside; vents must be located at the top of the hoistway, sized to at least 3½% of the hoistway area (but not less than 3 sq ft per car), and must open automatically on smoke detection while also having a manual override that can open and close the vents. The size/location/operation and allowance for reduced area when mechanical ventilation is provided are specified in § 3003.4 and its subsections § 3003.4.1–§ 3003.4.4 .

Requirements in detail

Scope and intent (what spaces are covered)

  • The requirement applies to elevator hoistways that contain the driving machine — i.e., where the machine that moves the elevator is located in or serves the hoistway. See § 3003.4 .

Location of vents

  • Vents must be at the top of the hoistway.
  • Vents may discharge directly to the outdoors or through noncombustible ducts to the outdoors. See § 3003.4.1 .

Required vent area (decision‑critical numbers)

  • Two alternate limits control required area:
    • Not less than 3½ percent (3.5%) of the hoistway area; and
    • Not less than 3 square feet (0.28 m2) for each elevator car.
  • Use the larger of the two (i.e., provide at least 3.5% of hoistway area, but if 3 sq ft per car exceeds that, provide the larger area). See § 3003.4.2 .
Dimension / Requirement Value(s) Code Reference
Vent location Top of hoistway; discharge to outer air or via noncombustible ducts § 3003.4.1
Minimum vent area (percentage) 3½% of hoistway area § 3003.4.2
Minimum vent area (per car) 3 sq ft (0.28 m²) per elevator car § 3003.4.2
Vent operation (automatic) Automatic opening on detection of smoke in hoistway § 3003.4.3
Vent operation (manual) Manual override control required; must open and close vents; located in an approved location § 3003.4.3
Detector linkage Hoistway smoke detectors that activate vents must also activate Phase I emergency recall § 3003.4.3
Reduced vent area allowed when mechanical ventilation provided See four required conditions in § 3003.4.4 § 3003.4.4

How vents must operate in a fire

  • Automatic actuation: Vent openings must automatically open when smoke is detected in the hoistway — this implies smoke detectors or detection devices are required for actuation of the vents. Manual actuation: a manual override control must also be provided to open and close the vents; that control must be in an approved location. Additionally, the same hoistway smoke detectors that trigger the ventilation must also initiate the elevator Phase I emergency recall function (per the Elevator Safety Orders referenced in the code). See § 3003.4.3 .

Standby power interaction

  • If standby power is provided to the elevator(s), the emergency hoistway ventilation system (when required) must be connected to the standby power source so vents/ventilation will operate during power loss. See § 3003.1.5 .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Reduced vent area: The required vent area may be reduced when a mechanical ventilation system (that conforms to the California Mechanical Code) is provided, but only when all four conditions in § 3003.4.4 are met:
    1. The vents required by § 3003.1.4.1 do not have outside exposure.
    2. The hoistway does not extend to the top of the building.
    3. The hoistway exhaust fan is automatically reactivated by thermostatic means.
    4. Equivalent venting of the hoistway is accomplished. See § 3003.4.4 .
  • Occupant‑evacuation elevator hoistways and other special elevator types may have additional or differing requirements (for example, sprinkler requirements and lobby pressurization for occupant evacuation elevators). See Related provisions below for links to those sections (e.g., § 3008.2.1 for sprinkler prohibition in occupant‑evacuation elevator hoistways) .

Common mistakes

  • Applying the 3.5% rule without checking the 3 sq ft per car minimum (and failing to provide the larger required area). The code requires both limits and the larger governs; see § 3003.4.2 .
  • Placing vents anywhere other than the top of the hoistway, or venting into non‑noncombustible ducts — § 3003.4.1 requires top location and either direct outdoor discharge or noncombustible ducts to outdoors .
  • Installing vents that rely only on manual operation — the vents must open automatically on smoke detection and also provide a manual override capable of both opening and closing the vents, located in an approved location (§ 3003.4.3) .
  • Assuming mechanical ventilation alone meets intent without verifying the four conditions in § 3003.4.4 (e.g., reactivation by thermostat, hoistway not reaching roof, equivalent venting, etc.) .
  • Forgetting the detector linkage to elevator recall — hoistway smoke detectors that activate ventilation must also trigger Phase I recall per § 3003.4.3 .

Worked example — concrete scenario with numbers

Scenario: A two‑car hoistway has an internal horizontal cross‑section (floor area) of 180 sq ft. The hoistway contains the driving machine and will therefore require emergency hoistway venting.

Step 1 — Calculate 3½% of the hoistway area:

  • 0.035 × 180 sq ft = 6.3 sq ft.

Step 2 — Calculate the per‑car minimum:

  • 3 sq ft per car × 2 cars = 6.0 sq ft.

Step 3 — Apply the code rule:

  • Provide the larger of 6.3 sq ft (3.5% rule) and 6.0 sq ft (per‑car rule). Therefore, the required vent area = 6.3 sq ft (rounding and practical louvers may require selecting the next available listed vent size or combining openings to meet or exceed 6.3 sq ft). See § 3003.4.2 .

Operational requirements:

  • Vents must be at the top of the hoistway (or ducted from the top through noncombustible ducts) and must automatically open on smoke detection; installation must include a manual override capable of opening/closing the vent in an approved location. Also ensure detector outputs used to open the vents are tied to Phase I recall as required by § 3003.4.3 .
  • If the building provides standby power to these elevators, connect the hoistway ventilation system to that standby source per § 3003.1.5 .

Related provisions (CBC)

  • Emergency hoistway venting (main text): § 3003.4; location: § 3003.4.1; area: § 3003.4.2; operation: § 3003.4.3; reduced area: § 3003.4.4 .
  • Standby power / emergency venting connection: § 3003.1.5 (emergency hoistway ventilation connected to standby power when standby is provided) .
  • Occupant evacuation elevators — sprinkler prohibition and other hoistway rules: § 3008.2.1 and related § 3008 provisions .
  • Hoistway enclosure and door protection requirements: § 3002 and § 3006 (hoistway enclosures, opening protectives and hoistway door protection) file.
  • Smoke control / pressurization systems for elevator shafts (design and activation criteria): § 909.21 (hoistway pressurization and related controls/standby power) .

Code references

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

  • CBC § 604.6.2.4 High relevance — show source text

    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.

    604.6.3 Shunt trip. Where elevator hoistways or elevator machine rooms containing elevator control equipment are protected with automatic sprinklers, a means installed in accordance with NFPA 72, Section 21.4, Elevator Shutdown, shall be provided to automati- cally 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 sprinklers outside the hoistway or machine room shall not disconnect the main line power supply.

    604.6.4 Emergency hoistway venting. Elevator hoistways containing the driving machine shall be provided with a means for vent- ing smoke and hot gases to the outer air in case of fire.

    604.6.4.1 Location of vents. Vents shall be located at the top of the hoistway and shall open either directly to the outer air or through noncombustible ducts to the outer air.

    604.6.4.2 Area of vents. Except as provided for in Section 3003.1.4.4 of the California Building Code, the area of the vents shall be not less than 3½ percent of the area of the hoistway nor less than 3 square feet (0.28 m [2] ) for each elevator car.

    604.6.4.3 Operation of vents. Vent openings shall automatically open upon detection of smoke in the elevator hoistway and upon activation of a manual override control. The manual override control shall be capable of opening and closing the vents and shall be located in an approved location. Smoke detectors provided in elevator hoistways to activate the hoistway ventilation system, shall also be required to activate the elevator Phase I emergency recall operation function in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    604.6.4.4 Reduced vent area. Where mechanical ventilation conforming to the California Mechanical Code is provided, a reduc- tion in the required vent area is allowed provided that all of the following conditions are met: 1. The vents required by Section 3003.1.4.1 of the California Building Code do not have outside exposure. 2. The hoistway does not extend to the top of the building. 3. The hoistway exhaust fan is automatically reactivated by thermostatic means. 4. Equivalent venting of the hoistway is accomplished.

    604.7 Storage. Storage is prohibited in elevator cars or elevator machine rooms.

    Exceptions:

    1. Blankets used for protection of elevator cab walls during construction or renovation.
    2. Materials necessary for the operation and maintenance of the elevator equipment.

    SECTION 605—FUEL-FIRED APPLIANCES

    605.1 General. The design, construction, installation, operation, alteration, repair and maintenance of nonportable gas-fired appliances and systems shall comply with California Plumbing Code . The design, construction, installation, operation, alteration, repair and maintenance of nonportable solid fuel-fired and oil-fired appliances and systems shall comply with the provisions of this section and the California Mechanical Code .

  • CBC § 3003.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    3003.2.1 Floor numbers. Elevator hoistways shall have a floor number not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in height, placed on the walls and/or doors of the hoistway at intervals such that a person in a stalled elevator, upon opening the car door, can determine the floor position.

    3003.2.1.1 Fire signs. All automatic elevators shall have not less than one sign at each landing printed on a contrasting back- ground in letters not less than [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) high to read: IN CASE OF FIRE USE STAIRWAY FOR EXIT. DO NOT USE ELEVATOR.

    3003.2.1.2 Call and car operation buttons. Automatic passenger elevators shall have call and car operation buttons within 60 inches (1524 mm) of the floor. Emergency telephones shall also be within 60 inches (1524 mm) of the floor.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 30-5

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

    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    [F] 3003.3 Standardized fire service elevator keys. All elevators shall be equipped to operate with a standardized fire service elevator key in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    3003.4 Emergency hoistway venting. Elevator hoistways containing the driving machine shall be provided with a means for venting smoke and hot gases to the outer air in case of fire.

    3003.4.1 Location of vents. Vents shall be located at the top of the hoistway and shall open either directly to the outer air or through noncombustible ducts to the outer air.

    3003.4.2 Area of vents. Except as provided for in Section 3003.1.4.4, the area of the vents shall be not less than 3 [1] / 2 percent of the area of the hoistway nor less than 3 square feet (0.28 m [2] ) for each elevator car.

    3003.4.3 Operation of vents. Vent openings shall automatically open upon detection of smoke in the elevator hoistway and upon activation of a manual override control. The manual override control shall be capable of opening and closing the vents and shall be located in an approved location. Smoke detectors provided in elevator hoistways to activate the hoistway ventilation system, shall also be required to activate the elevator Phase I emergency recall operation function in accordance with California Code of Regula- tions, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3003.4.4 Reduced vent area. Where mechanical ventilation conforming to the California Mechanical Code is provided, a reduction in the required vent area is allowed provided that all of the following conditions are met: 1. The vents required by Section 3003.1.4.1 of the California Building Code do not have outside exposure. 2. The hoistway does not extend to the top of the building. 3. The hoistway exhaust fan is automatically reactivated by thermostatic means. 4. Equivalent venting of the hoistway is accomplished.

    SECTION 3004—CONVEYING SYSTEMS

  • CBC § 3003.4.2 High relevance — show source text

    3003.4.2 Area of vents. Except as provided for in Section 3003.1.4.4, the area of the vents shall be not less than 3 [1] / 2 percent of the area of the hoistway nor less than 3 square feet (0.28 m [2] ) for each elevator car.

    3003.4.3 Operation of vents. Vent openings shall automatically open upon detection of smoke in the elevator hoistway and upon activation of a manual override control. The manual override control shall be capable of opening and closing the vents and shall be located in an approved location. Smoke detectors provided in elevator hoistways to activate the hoistway ventilation system, shall also be required to activate the elevator Phase I emergency recall operation function in accordance with California Code of Regula- tions, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3003.4.4 Reduced vent area. Where mechanical ventilation conforming to the California Mechanical Code is provided, a reduction in the required vent area is allowed provided that all of the following conditions are met: 1. The vents required by Section 3003.1.4.1 of the California Building Code do not have outside exposure. 2. The hoistway does not extend to the top of the building. 3. The hoistway exhaust fan is automatically reactivated by thermostatic means. 4. Equivalent venting of the hoistway is accomplished.

    SECTION 3004—CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3004.1 General. Escalators, moving walks, conveyors, personnel hoists and material hoists shall comply with the provisions of Sections 3004.2 through 3004.4.

    3004.2 Escalators and moving walks. Escalators and moving walks shall be constructed of approved noncombustible and fireretardant materials. This requirement shall not apply to electrical equipment, wiring, wheels, handrails and the use of [1] / 28 -inch (0.9 mm) wood veneers on balustrades backed up with noncombustible materials.

    3004.2.1 Enclosure. Escalator floor openings shall be enclosed with shaft enclosures complying with Section 713.

    3004.2.2 Escalators. Where provided in below-grade transportation stations, escalators shall have a clear width of not less than 32 inches (815 mm).

    3004.3 Conveyors. Conveyors and conveying systems shall comply with ASME B20.1.

    3004.3.1 Enclosure. Conveyors and related equipment connecting successive floors or levels shall be enclosed with shaft enclosures complying with Section 713.

    3004.3.2 Conveyor safeties. Power-operated conveyors, belts and other material-moving devices shall be equipped with automatic limit switches that will shut off the power in an emergency and automatically stop all operation of the device.

    3004.4 Personnel and material hoists. Personnel and material hoists shall be designed utilizing an approved method that accounts for the conditions imposed during the intended operation of the hoist device. The design shall include, but is not limited to, anticipated loads, structural stability, impact, vibration, stresses and seismic restraint. The design shall account for the construction, installation, operation and inspection of the hoist tower, car, machinery and control equipment, guide members and hoisting mechanism.

  • CBC § 604.6.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    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.”

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 6-5

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

    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.

    604.6.3 Shunt trip. Where elevator hoistways or elevator machine rooms containing elevator control equipment are protected with automatic sprinklers, a means installed in accordance with NFPA 72, Section 21.4, Elevator Shutdown, shall be provided to automati- cally 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 sprinklers outside the hoistway or machine room shall not disconnect the main line power supply.

    604.6.4 Emergency hoistway venting. Elevator hoistways containing the driving machine shall be provided with a means for vent- ing smoke and hot gases to the outer air in case of fire.

    604.6.4.1 Location of vents. Vents shall be located at the top of the hoistway and shall open either directly to the outer air or through noncombustible ducts to the outer air.

    604.6.4.2 Area of vents. Except as provided for in Section 3003.1.4.4 of the California Building Code, the area of the vents shall be not less than 3½ percent of the area of the hoistway nor less than 3 square feet (0.28 m [2] ) for each elevator car.

  • CBC § 3003.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    [F] 3003.1.1 Manual transfer. Standby power shall be manually transferable to all elevators in each bank.

    [F] 3003.1.2 One elevator. Where only one elevator is installed, the elevator shall automatically transfer to standby power within 60 seconds after failure of normal power.

    [F] 3003.1.3 Two or more elevators. Where two or more elevators are controlled by a common operating system, all elevators shall automatically transfer to standby power within 60 seconds after failure of normal power where the standby power source is of sufficient capacity to operate all elevators at the same time. Where the standby power source is not of sufficient capacity to operate all elevators at the same time, all elevators shall transfer to standby power in sequence, return to the designated landing and disconnect from the standby power source. After all elevators have been returned to the designated level, not less than one elevator shall remain operable from the standby power source.

    [F] 3003.1.4 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 system shall be connected to the standby power source.

    3003.1.5 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.

    [F] 3003.2 Firefighters’ emergency operation. Elevators shall be provided with Phase I emergency recall operation and Phase II emergency in-car operation in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3003.2.1 Floor numbers. Elevator hoistways shall have a floor number not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in height, placed on the walls and/or doors of the hoistway at intervals such that a person in a stalled elevator, upon opening the car door, can determine the floor position.

    3003.2.1.1 Fire signs. All automatic elevators shall have not less than one sign at each landing printed on a contrasting back- ground in letters not less than [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) high to read: IN CASE OF FIRE USE STAIRWAY FOR EXIT. DO NOT USE ELEVATOR.

    3003.2.1.2 Call and car operation buttons. Automatic passenger elevators shall have call and car operation buttons within 60 inches (1524 mm) of the floor. Emergency telephones shall also be within 60 inches (1524 mm) of the floor.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 30-5

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

    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    [F] 3003.3 Standardized fire service elevator keys. All elevators shall be equipped to operate with a standardized fire service elevator key in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    3003.4 Emergency hoistway venting. Elevator hoistways containing the driving machine shall be provided with a means for venting smoke and hot gases to the outer air in case of fire.

  • CBC § 909.21.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    909.21.1.1 Use of ventilation systems. Ventilation systems, other than hoistway supply air systems, are permitted to be used to exhaust air from adjacent spaces on the fire floor, two floors immediately below and one floor immediately above the fire floor to the building’s exterior where necessary to maintain positive pressure relationships as required in Section 909.21.1 during operation of the elevator shaft pressurization system.

    909.21.2 Rational analysis. A rational analysis complying with Section 909.4 shall be submitted with the construction documents.

    909.21.3 Ducts for system. Any duct system that is part of the pressurization system shall be protected with the same fire-resistance rating as required for the elevator shaft enclosure.

    909.21.4 Fan system. The fan system provided for the pressurization system shall be as required by Sections 909.21.4.1 through 909.21.4.4.

    909.21.4.1 Fire resistance. Where located within the building, the fan system that provides the pressurization shall be protected with the same fire-resistance rating required for the elevator shaft enclosure.

    909.21.4.2 Smoke detection. The fan system shall be equipped with a smoke detector that will automatically shut down the fan system when smoke is detected within the system.

    909.21.4.3 Separate systems. A separate fan system shall be used for each elevator hoistway.

    909.21.4.4 Fan capacity. The supply fan shall be either adjustable with a capacity of not less than 1,000 cubic feet per minute (0.4719 m [3] /s) per door, or that specified by a registered design professional to meet the requirements of a designed pressurization system.

    909.21.5 Standby power. The pressurization system shall be provided with standby power in accordance with Section 2702.

    909.21.6 Activation of pressurization system. The elevator pressurization system shall be activated upon activation of the elevator lobby smoke detectors.

    909.21.7 Testing. Testing for performance shall be required in accordance with Section 909.18.8. System acceptance shall be in accordance with Section 909.19.

    909.21.8 Marking and identification. Detection and control systems shall be marked in accordance with Section 909.14.

    909.21.9 Control diagrams. Control diagrams shall be provided in accordance with Section 909.15.

    909.21.10 Control panel. A control panel complying with Section 909.16 shall be provided.

    909.21.11 System response time. Hoistway pressurization systems shall comply with the requirements for smoke control system response time in Section 909.17.

    SECTION 910—SMOKE AND HEAT REMOVAL

    [F] 910.1 General. Where required by this code, smoke and heat vents or mechanical smoke removal systems shall conform to the requirements of this section.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 9-51

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    [F] 910.2 Where required. Smoke and heat vents or a mechanical smoke removal system shall be installed as required by Sections 910.2.1 and 910.2.2.

  • CBC § 3008.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    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.

    3008.2.1 Prohibited locations. Automatic sprinklers shall not be installed in elevator machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and elevator hoistways of occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with this section and Section 3005.4.1.

    3008.2.2 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.

    3008.3 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.

    3008.4 Shunt trip. Means for elevator shutdown in accordance with Section 3005.5 shall not be installed on elevator systems used for occupant evacuation elevators.

    3008.5 Hoistway enclosure protection. Occupant evacuation elevator hoistways shall be located in shaft enclosures complying with Section 713.

    3008.5.1 Structural integrity of hoistway enclosures. Occupant evacuation elevator hoistway enclosures shall comply with Sections 403.2.2.1 through 403.2.2.4.

    3008.6 Occupant evacuation elevator lobby. Occupant evacuation elevators shall open into an enclosed elevator lobby in accordance with Sections 3008.6.1 through 3008.6.6. Egress is permitted through the elevator lobby in accordance with Item 1 of Section 1016.2.

    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.

  • CBC § 3001.4 Medium 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 30-3

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

    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 § 1.1. Medium relevance — show source text

    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.

    1103.3.3 Medical emergency elevator. For existing hoistways with elevator alterations, or replacements, where the elevator car dimensions do not comply with Section 3002.4.1a of the California Building Code. The elevator car dimensions and/or the clear entrance opening dimensions may be altered where it can be demonstrated to the local jurisdictional authority’s satisfaction that the proposed configuration will accommodate the designated gurney or stretcher with equivalent ease to the existing car and/or clear entrance conditions. Written documentation from the local authority shall be provided to the California Occupational Safety and Health Elevator Unit.

    1103.4 Vertical openings. Interior vertical openings, including but not limited to stairways, elevator hoistways, service and utility shafts, that connect two or more stories of a building shall be enclosed or protected as specified in Sections 1103.4.1 through 1103.4.10.

    1103.4.1 Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies. In Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies, interior vertical openings connecting two or more stories shall be protected with 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

    Exceptions:

    1. In Group I-2, unenclosed vertical openings not exceeding two connected stories and not concealed within the building construction shall be permitted as follows: 1.1. The unenclosed vertical openings shall be separated from other unenclosed vertical openings serving other floors by a smoke barrier. 1.2. The unenclosed vertical openings shall be separated from corridors by smoke partitions. 1.3. The unenclosed vertical openings shall be separated from other fire or smoke compartments on the same floors by a smoke barrier. 1.4. On other than the lowest level, the unenclosed vertical openings shall not serve as a required means of
  • CBC § 1103.3.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    1103.3.3 Medical emergency elevator. For existing hoistways with elevator alterations, or replacements, where the elevator car dimensions do not comply with Section 3002.4.1a of the California Building Code. The elevator car dimensions and/or the clear entrance opening dimensions may be altered where it can be demonstrated to the local jurisdictional authority’s satisfaction that the proposed configuration will accommodate the designated gurney or stretcher with equivalent ease to the existing car and/or clear entrance conditions. Written documentation from the local authority shall be provided to the California Occupational Safety and Health Elevator Unit.

    1103.4 Vertical openings. Interior vertical openings, including but not limited to stairways, elevator hoistways, service and utility shafts, that connect two or more stories of a building shall be enclosed or protected as specified in Sections 1103.4.1 through 1103.4.10.

    1103.4.1 Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies. In Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies, interior vertical openings connecting two or more stories shall be protected with 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

    Exceptions:

    1. In Group I-2, unenclosed vertical openings not exceeding two connected stories and not concealed within the building construction shall be permitted as follows: 1.1. The unenclosed vertical openings shall be separated from other unenclosed vertical openings serving other floors by a smoke barrier. 1.2. The unenclosed vertical openings shall be separated from corridors by smoke partitions. 1.3. The unenclosed vertical openings shall be separated from other fire or smoke compartments on the same floors by a smoke barrier. 1.4. On other than the lowest level, the unenclosed vertical openings shall not serve as a required means of

    egress. 2. In Group I-2, atriums connecting three or more stories shall not require 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3, and all of the following conditions are met: 2.1. For other than existing approved atriums with a smoke control system, where the atrium was constructed and is maintained in accordance with the code in effect at the time the atrium was created, the atrium shall have a smoke control system that is in compliance with Section 909. 2.2. Glass walls forming a smoke partition or a glass-block wall assembly shall be permitted where in compliance with Condition 2.2.1 or 2.2.2.

    2.2.1. Glass walls forming a smoke partition shall be permitted where all of the following conditions are met:

    2.2.1.1. Automatic sprinklers are provided along both sides of the separation wall and doors, or on the room side only if there is not a walkway or occupied space on the atrium side.

    2.2.1.2. The sprinklers shall be not more than 12 inches (305 mm) away from the face of the glass and at intervals along the glass of not greater than 72 inches (1829 mm).

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 11-5

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

    CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

    2.2.1.3. Windows in the glass wall shall be nonoperating type. 2.2.1.4.

  • CBC § 909.21.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    909.21.5 Standby power. The pressurization system shall be provided with standby power in accordance with Section 2702.

    909.21.6 Activation of pressurization system. The elevator pressurization system shall be activated upon activation of the elevator lobby smoke detectors.

    909.21.7 Testing. Testing for performance shall be required in accordance with Section 909.18.8. System acceptance shall be in accordance with Section 909.19.

    909.21.8 Marking and identification. Detection and control systems shall be marked in accordance with Section 909.14.

    909.21.9 Control diagrams. Control diagrams shall be provided in accordance with Section 909.15.

    909.21.10 Control panel. A control panel complying with Section 909.16 shall be provided.

    909.21.11 System response time. Hoistway pressurization systems shall comply with the requirements for smoke control system response time in Section 909.17.

    SECTION 910—SMOKE AND HEAT REMOVAL

    [F] 910.1 General. Where required by this code, smoke and heat vents or mechanical smoke removal systems shall conform to the requirements of this section.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 9-51

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    [F] 910.2 Where required. Smoke and heat vents or a mechanical smoke removal system shall be installed as required by Sections 910.2.1 and 910.2.2.

    Exceptions:

    1. Frozen food warehouses used solely for storage of Class I and II commodities where protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.
    2. Smoke and heat removal shall not be required in areas of buildings equipped with early suppression fast-response (ESFR) sprinklers.
    3. Smoke and heat removal shall not be required in areas of buildings equipped with control mode special application sprinklers with a response time index of 50 (m × s) [1/2] or less that are listed to control a fire in stored commodities with 12 or fewer sprinklers.

    [F] 910.2.1 Group F-1 or S-1. Smoke and heat vents installed in accordance with Section 910.3 or a mechanical smoke removal system installed in accordance with Section 910.4 shall be installed in buildings and portions thereof used as a Group F-1 or S-1 occupancy having more than 50,000 square feet (4645 m [2] ) of undivided area. In occupied portions of a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 where the upper surface of the story is not a roof assembly, a mechanical smoke removal system in accordance with Section 910.4 shall be installed.

    Exception: Group F-1 aircraft manufacturing buildings and Group S-1 aircraft repair hangars.

    [F] 910.2.2 High-piled combustible storage. Smoke and heat removal required by Table 3206.2 of the California Fire Code for buildings and portions thereof containing high-piled combustible storage shall be installed in accordance with Section 910.3 in unsprinklered buildings.

  • CBC § 3008.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    3008.2.1 Prohibited locations. Automatic sprinklers shall not be installed in elevator machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and elevator hoistways of occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with this section and Section 3005.4.1.

    3008.2.2 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.

    3008.3 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.

    3008.4 Shunt trip. Means for elevator shutdown in accordance with Section 3005.5 shall not be installed on elevator systems used for occupant evacuation elevators.

    3008.5 Hoistway enclosure protection. Occupant evacuation elevator hoistways shall be located in shaft enclosures complying with Section 713.

    3008.5.1 Structural integrity of hoistway enclosures. Occupant evacuation elevator hoistway enclosures shall comply with Sections 403.2.2.1 through 403.2.2.4.

    3008.6 Occupant evacuation elevator lobby. Occupant evacuation elevators shall open into an enclosed elevator lobby in accordance with Sections 3008.6.1 through 3008.6.6. Egress is permitted through the elevator lobby in accordance with Item 1 of Section 1016.2.

    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.

    30-10 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    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.

Frequently asked questions

Do vents have to be motorized or can they use fusible links?

The CBC (§ 3003.4.3) requires vent openings to open automatically on smoke detection and to have a manual override control; it does not prescribe a specific actuator type in that subsection. However, smoke/heat vent standards and mechanical smoke removal sections in the code reference permitted actuation methods and fusible‑link temperature ratings elsewhere (e.g., smoke/heat vent rules in § 910 and the Fire Code), so check the selected vent product listing and the building’s fire protection strategy and consult your AHJ. See § 3003.4.3 and related vent provisions file.

If I add a mechanical exhaust fan, can I reduce vent area?

Yes — § 3003.4.4 allows reduced vent area where mechanical ventilation conforming to the California Mechanical Code is provided, but only when all four listed conditions in § 3003.4.4 are met (no outside‑exposed required vents, hoistway not extending to top of building, fan auto‑reactivated by thermostatic means, and equivalent venting provided) .

Must the hoistway smoke detector do anything else besides open the vents?

Yes — the same hoistway smoke detectors that activate the hoistway ventilation must also activate the elevator Phase I emergency recall operation per § 3003.4.3; coordinate detector outputs with elevator controls and fire alarm systems accordingly .

Where must the manual override be located?

The code requires the manual override control to be located in an "approved location" and to be capable of opening and closing the vents (§ 3003.4.3). The specific approved location is determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and is typically in a location accessible to fire department personnel or building operations staff. See § 3003.4.3 .

Do these vent rules apply if the hoistway machine room is remote?

The venting requirement in § 3003.4 applies to hoistways that contain the driving machine. If the driving machine is not in the hoistway (i.e., machine room is remote), § 3003.4 would not apply in the same way; other ventilation/pressurization requirements (machine room ventilation, machine‑room pressurization, etc.) are covered elsewhere (see § 3005 for machine rooms). Always verify scope with the AHJ and check related sections like § 3005 and § 3003.1.5 for standby/vent interactions file.

More in California Building Code

Ask about the CBC

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Building Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the CBC

What are the machine room, machine space and equipment location/safety requirements?

What are the hoistway enclosure and opening protection requirements?

Hoistways, Machine Rooms & Opening Protection

California Building Code