CBC · California Building Code

What are the prerequisites and operational rules for occupant evacuation elevators?

If your building will use elevators for occupant self‑evacuation, the CBC requires a package of features — an approved fire safety and evacuation plan, specific lobby size and separation, no sprinklers in elevator machine rooms/hoistways, monitored and power‑backed elevator equipment, audible/visible notification in the lobbies, two‑way communications, and continuous monitoring at the fire command center — all documented and installed to the referenced code sections (§ 3008.1–3008.10).

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Building Code requires that any passenger elevator used for occupant self-evacuation during a fire comply with the occupant-evacuation provisions in Chapter 30 (Sections 3008.1 through 3008.10) — see § 3008.1. Operation of those elevators must follow the California Elevator Safety Orders and the building’s approved fire safety and evacuation plan — see § 3008.1.4.

Requirements in detail

Summary: occupant evacuation elevators are a system of features (sprinklers/monitoring/power/lobbies/communications/hoistway protection and limitations on sprinkler locations) that must be provided and operated together so elevators can be used safely for occupant self-evacuation. The controlling code sections are primarily §§ 3008.1, 3008.1.4, 3008.2, 3008.9 and 3008.10.

Who may use them / required plans and operations

  • Use is limited to occupant self-evacuation where elevators have been designed and installed to comply with the occupant-evacuation provisions — § 3008.1.
  • The building must have an approved fire safety and evacuation plan that includes specific procedures for occupants using evacuation elevators; elevator operation must conform to the California Code of Regulations, Title 8 Elevator Safety Orders and to the fire safety and evacuation plan — § 3008.1.3 and § 3008.1.4.

Fire protection (sprinklers) and water control

  • Buildings containing occupant evacuation elevators must be sprinklered throughout per the referenced sprinkler requirements, except as modified by the exceptions in the CBC — § 3008.2.
  • Sprinklers are explicitly prohibited in elevator machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and elevator hoistways of occupant evacuation elevators — § 3008.2.1.
  • Sprinkler system monitoring: a supervisory switch and a water-flow initiating device for each floor must be monitored by the building fire alarm system — § 3008.2.2.
  • Water from exterior sprinkler operation must be prevented from infiltrating the hoistway by an approved method — § 3008.3.

Hoistway, lobby and opening protection

  • Hoistways for occupant evacuation elevators must be in shaft enclosures complying with the hoistway enclosure requirements (Section 713) and meet the structural integrity requirements referenced in the code — § 3008.5 and § 3008.5.1.
  • Occupant evacuation elevators must open into enclosed elevator lobbies that meet the lobby-access, separation, door assembly and vision panel requirements described in §§ 3008.6–3008.6.3.1. These include smoke-barrier separation of lobbies from each floor (with some exceptions), 3/4-hour fire door assemblies that meet smoke-and-draft tests, and vision glazing sized to furnish clear vision of the lobby — §§ 3008.6.2, 3008.6.3, 3008.6.3.1.
  • Lobby size: each elevator lobby must have at least the floor area to accommodate, at 3 ft² per person, not less than 25% of the occupant load of the floor area served; accessibility spaces are required at one wheelchair space (30"×52") per 50 persons or portion thereof — § 3008.6.4.
  • Lobby doors in the smoke barrier shall be automatic-closing upon receipt of any fire alarm signal from the building emergency voice/ alarm communication system; vision panels must be fire-protection-rated glazing — § 3008.6.3.2 and § 3008.6.3.1.

Communications, monitoring and notification

  • The building must provide an emergency voice/alarm communication system accessible to the fire department per the fire-alarm provisions; elevator lobbies must include at least one audible and one visible notification appliance — § 3008.9 and § 3008.9.1.
  • Each evacuation elevator lobby must have a two‑way communication system to the fire command center or an approved alternate location — § 3008.6.6.
  • Occupant evacuation elevator systems must be continuously monitored at the fire command center (or approved central control point) with display of floor location, direction, occupancy status, normal and standby power status, and activation of any fire alarm initiating device in elevator-related spaces — § 3008.7 (listing items 1–6). The fire command center must be able to manually initiate Phase I Emergency Recall — § 3008.7.1.

Electrical/standby power and survivability of circuits

  • Elevator equipment, ventilation/cooling for elevator machinery spaces and elevator car lighting must be supplied by both normal power and Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power — § 3008.8.
  • Wiring and cables supplying normal or standby power, control signals, communications, lighting, HVAC and fire-detecting systems to the occupant evacuation elevators located outside the hoistway/machine room/control spaces shall be protected by one of three methods (UL 2196-listed 2‑hour cables; electrical circuit protective systems rated 2 hours; or construction having 2‑hour fire-resistance) — § 3008.8.2. There is an exception for control-signal wiring not serving Phase II in-car operation.
  • Means for automatic elevator shutdown via a shunt trip as described for other elevator systems are not to be installed on systems used for occupant evacuation elevators (i.e., do not install shunt-trip shutdown) — § 3008.4.

Notification, signage and hazardous materials

  • Approved signage indicating that elevators are suitable for occupant self-evacuation must be posted at each elevator call station serving occupant evacuation elevators — § 3008.6.5.
  • Areas that contain hazardous materials must not exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area established elsewhere in the code (see § 3008.10 referencing Section 414.2) — § 3008.10.

Decision‑relevant quick reference table

Decision dimension Required value / rule Code reference
Which elevators must comply Any passenger elevator used for occupant self-evacuation § 3008.1
Operation control Must follow Title 8 Elevator Safety Orders and building fire safety/evacuation plan § 3008.1.4 and § 3008.1.3
Sprinklers Building sprinklered throughout; NO sprinklers in machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces or hoistways of occupant evacuation elevators §§ 3008.2, 3008.2.1
Sprinkler monitoring Valve supervisory switch and floor water‑flow device monitored by fire alarm § 3008.2.2
Lobby minimum area At least area to accommodate 25% of floor occupant load at 3 ft²/person; wheelchair space 1 per 50 persons § 3008.6.4
Lobby doors / vision 3/4‑hour fire door assemblies, UL 1784 smoke/draft compliance; fire‑rated vision panel § 3008.6.3 & § 3008.6.3.1
Monitoring display Floor, direction, occupied status, normal/standby power status, standby generator status, activation of any elevator‑area fire initiating device § 3008.7 (items 1–6)
Standby power Elevator equipment, machine-room ventilation/cooling and car lighting on Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power § 3008.8
Notification in lobby At least one audible and one visible appliance in each occupant‑evacuation elevator lobby § 3008.9.1
Hazardous materials Quantities limited to maximum allowable per control area (per § 414.2) § 3008.10

Exceptions & special cases

  • An additional interior exit stairway that would otherwise be required under other sections is not required where occupant evacuation elevators are provided and meet § 3008.1 — § 3008.1.2.
  • Lobby access: direct access to an interior exit stairway or ramp is required, but access through a protected path that provides equal or greater protection is allowed if separated by a smoke-and-draft control assembly — see § 3008.6.1 exceptions. Elevators that only serve an open parking garage and the elevator lobby need not provide direct access.
  • Lobby separation is not required at levels of exit discharge — § 3008.6.2 exception.
  • The code permits some site‑specific adjustments (for example lobby sizing when serving multiple banks) subject to approval and consistency with the building’s fire safety and evacuation plan — § 3008.6.4 exception.

If a specific numeric determination is required by a referenced subsection not included in the retrieved code snippets (for example design load calculations that refer to § 3008.1.1), the exact formula or number is not present in the retrieved excerpts and must be obtained from the full CBC text or the Authority Having Jurisdiction. (The code text references § 3008.1.1 for certain determinations but that sub‑section is shown as “Reserved” in the available excerpt.)

Common mistakes

  • Installing sprinklers in elevator machine rooms, control rooms or hoistways for occupant evacuation elevators — prohibited by § 3008.2.1.
  • Failing to connect required elevator equipment and machine-room ventilation/cooling to the standby power system (Type 60/Class 2/Level 1) — required by § 3008.8.
  • Omitting continuous monitoring at the fire command center (floor, direction, occupancy, power status, and fire‑initiating device activations) — required by § 3008.7.
  • Using shunt trip shutdown devices on elevators intended for occupant evacuation (the code forbids shunt‑trip shutdown for evacuation elevators) — § 3008.4.
  • Allowing storage or furniture to block or occupy evacuation lobbies (maintenance requirement and Fire Code references require lobbies to be maintained free of storage) — see Fire Code maintenance provisions that reference Section 3008.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A mid‑rise office floor with an occupant load of 200 persons is served by occupant evacuation elevators.

  1. Lobby sizing (per § 3008.6.4): lobby must accommodate 25% of floor occupant load at 3 ft² per person.

    • 25% of 200 = 50 persons; 50 persons × 3 ft²/person = 150 ft² minimum lobby area. § 3008.6.4

  2. Wheelchair spaces: one 30"×52" wheelchair space per 50 persons or portion thereof.

    • 200 persons ÷ 50 = 4 ⇒ provide 4 wheelchair spaces adjacent in the lobby. § 3008.6.4

  3. Communications/notification: install at least one audible and one visible notification appliance in that lobby and provide a two‑way communication link to the fire command center — §§ 3008.9.1 and 3008.6.6.

  4. Standby power and monitoring: ensure elevator equipment, machine‑room ventilation/cooling and car lighting are on Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power and that the fire command center displays car location, direction, occupancy status and power status — § 3008.8 and § 3008.7.

  5. Sprinklers and hoistway protection: avoid installing sprinklers inside the hoistway/machine room of the occupant‑evacuation elevators, provide sprinkler monitoring devices for each floor feeding into the fire alarm, and protect hoistway from outside sprinkler water infiltration — §§ 3008.2.1, 3008.2.2, and 3008.3.

Note: the code requires standby power load calculations “based on the determination of the number of occupant evacuation elevators in Section 3008.1.1” — the available excerpt shows § 3008.1.1 as reserved; the precise load‑calculation steps or numerical table are not present in the retrieved snippets and must be taken from the complete code or AHJ guidance.

Related provisions

  • § 3006 — Hoistway opening protection and elevator lobby/hoistway opening requirements.
  • § 3007 — Fire service access elevators (related equipment, power, monitoring requirements).
  • § 403.6.2 — High‑rise provisions permitting occupant evacuation elevators; design context for high‑rise buildings.
  • § 903.3.1.1 — Automatic sprinkler system scope and requirements (referenced by § 3008.2).
  • § 404 (Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan) — required contents and the requirement to include procedures for elevator use during evacuation.
  • CBC Section 414.2 (hazardous materials control areas) — referenced by § 3008.10 for hazardous materials limits.

Code references

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

  • CBC § 3008.1 High 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 § 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 § 3008.7 High relevance — show source text

    3008.7 Elevator system monitoring. The occupant evacuation elevators shall be continuously monitored at the fire command center or a central control point approved by the fire department and arranged to display all of the following information:

    1. Floor location of each elevator car.

    2. Direction of travel of each elevator car.

    3. Status of each elevator car with respect to whether it is occupied.

    4. Status of normal power to the elevator equipment, elevator machinery and electrical apparatus cooling equipment where provided, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.

    5. Status of standby or emergency power system that provides backup power to the elevator equipment, elevator machinery and electrical cooling equipment where provided, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.

    6. Activation of any fire alarm initiating device in any elevator lobby, elevator machine room, machine space containing a motor controller or electric driving machine, control space, control room or elevator hoistway.

    3008.7.1 Elevator recall. The fire command center or an alternate location approved by the fire department shall be provided with the means to manually initiate a Phase I Emergency Recall of the occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Califor- nia Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3008.8 Electrical power. The following features serving each occupant evacuation elevator shall be supplied by both normal power and Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power:

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

    3008.8.1 Determination of standby power load. Standby power loads shall be based on the determination of the number of occupant evacuation elevators in Section 3008.1.1.

    3008.8.2 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway, machine room, control room and control space and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to occupant evacuation 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 operation.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 30-11

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

    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3008.9 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. The building shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system. The emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be accessible to the fire department. The system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    3008.9.1 Notification appliances. Not fewer than one audible and one visible notification appliance shall be installed within each occupant evacuation elevator lobby.

  • CBC § 3008.6.3.1 High relevance — show source text

    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.

    3008.6.6 Two-way communication system. A two-way communication system shall be provided in each occupant evacuation elevator lobby for the purpose of initiating communication with the fire command center or an alternate location approved by the fire department. The two-way communication system shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2.

    3008.7 Elevator system monitoring. The occupant evacuation elevators shall be continuously monitored at the fire command center or a central control point approved by the fire department and arranged to display all of the following information:

    1. Floor location of each elevator car.

    2. Direction of travel of each elevator car.

    3. Status of each elevator car with respect to whether it is occupied.

    4. Status of normal power to the elevator equipment, elevator machinery and electrical apparatus cooling equipment where provided, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.

    5. Status of standby or emergency power system that provides backup power to the elevator equipment, elevator machinery and electrical cooling equipment where provided, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.

    6. Activation of any fire alarm initiating device in any elevator lobby, elevator machine room, machine space containing a motor controller or electric driving machine, control space, control room or elevator hoistway.

    3008.7.1 Elevator recall. The fire command center or an alternate location approved by the fire department shall be provided with the means to manually initiate a Phase I Emergency Recall of the occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Califor- nia Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3008.8 Electrical power. The following features serving each occupant evacuation elevator shall be supplied by both normal power and Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power:

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

    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.

    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 § 3008.2.1 High 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.

  • 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 § 404.1 High relevance — show source text

    404.1 General. Where required by Section 403 or other sections of this code, fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall comply with Sections 404.2 through 404.4.1.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.10] Evacuation of Buildings.

    Upon notification of fire, conduct of any fire drill, upon activation of the fire alarm, or upon orders of the fire authority having jurisdic- tion, buildings or structures within the scope of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be immediately evacuated or occupants shall be relocated in accordance with established plans.

    404.2 Contents. Fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plan contents shall be in accordance with Sections 404.2.1 through 404.2.3.2.

    404.2.1 Fire evacuation plans. Fire evacuation plans shall include the following:

    1. Emergency egress or escape routes and whether evacuation of the building is to be complete by selected floors or areas only or with a defend-in-place response.
    2. Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before evacuating.
    3. Procedures for the use of elevators to evacuate the building where occupant evacuation elevators complying with Section 3008 of the California Building Code are provided.
    4. Procedures for assisted rescue for persons unable to use the general means of egress unassisted.
    5. Procedures for accounting for employees and occupants after evacuation has been completed.
    6. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for rescue or emergency medical aid.
    7. The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency.
    8. The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire department or designated emergency response organization.
    9. Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.
    10. A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and preprogrammed voice messages, where provided.

    404.2.2 Fire safety plans. Fire safety plans shall include the following:

    1. The procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.
    2. The life safety strategy including the following: 2.1. Procedures for notifying occupants, including areas with a private mode alarm system. 2.2. Procedures for occupants under a defend-in-place response. 2.3. Procedures for evacuating occupants, including those who need evacuation assistance.
    3. Site plans indicating the following: 3.1. The occupancy assembly point. 3.2. The locations of fire hydrants. 3.3. The normal routes of fire department vehicle access.
    4. Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:

    4.1. Exits.

    4.2. Primary evacuation routes. 4.3. Secondary evacuation routes.

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    EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

    4.4. Accessible egress routes. 4.4.1. Areas of refuge.

    4.4.2. Exterior areas for assisted rescue.

    4.5. Refuge areas associated with smoke barriers and horizontal exits.

    4.6. Manual fire alarm boxes.

    4.7. Portable fire extinguishers. 4.8. Occupant-use hose stations.

    4.9. Fire alarm annunciators and controls.

  • CBC § 3008.8.2 High relevance — show source text

    3008.8.2 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway, machine room, control room and control space and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to occupant evacuation 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 operation.

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3008.9 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. The building shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system. The emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be accessible to the fire department. The system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    3008.9.1 Notification appliances. Not fewer than one audible and one visible notification appliance shall be installed within each occupant evacuation elevator lobby.

    3008.10 Hazardous material areas. Building areas shall not contain hazardous materials exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area as addressed in Section 414.2.

    SECTION 3009—PRIVATE RESIDENCE ELEVATORS

    3009.1 General. The design, construction and installation of elevators installed within a residential dwelling unit or installed to provide access to one individual residential dwelling unit shall conform to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3009.2 Hoistway enclosures. Hoistway enclosures shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders .

    3009.3 Hoistway opening protection. Hoistway landing doors for private residence elevators shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders .

    SECTION 3010—SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELEVATORS IN HOSPITALS

    3010.1 General. [OSHPD 1] In hospital buildings, all elevators shall comply with the provisions of this section.

    3010.1.1 Seismic switch. The seismic switch, as required by ASME A17.1, shall be connected to the essential electrical system.

    3010.1.2 Annunciator. Either a visible or an audible annunciator shall be connected to the essential electrical system and be located in the elevator machine room. The annunciator will indicate if the seismic switch is inoperative due to a loss of power. If a visual annunciator is used, it shall be clearly visible in the room.

  • CBC § 403.10.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    403.10.4 Buildings using occupant evacuation elevators. In buildings using occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code, the fire safety and evacuation plan and the training required by Sections 404 and 406, respectively, shall incorporate specific procedures for the occupants using such elevators.

    403.10.5 Buildings with high-piled storage. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared for buildings with high-piled combustible storage in any of the following situations:

    1. The high-piled storage area exceeds 500,000 square feet (46 450 m [2] ) for Class I-IV commodities.
    2. The high-piled storage area exceeds 300,000 square feet (27 870 m [2] ) for high-hazard commodities.
    3. The high-piled storage is located in a Group H occupancy.
    4. The high-piled storage is located in a Group F occupancy with an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
    5. The high-piled storage is located in a Group M occupancy with an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
    6. Where required by the fire code official for other high-piled storage areas.

    403.10.6 Lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for occupancies that involve activities for the research and development, testing, manufacturing, handling or storage of lithium-ion batteries or lithium metal batteries, or the repair or servicing of vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries or lithium metal batteries.

    Exceptions: A fire safety and evacuation plan is not required for the storage or merchandizing of any of the following:

    1. New or refurbished batteries installed for use in the equipment or vehicles they are designed to power.

    2. New or refurbished batteries packed for use with the equipment or vehicles they are designed to power for merchandizing purposes.

    3. New or refurbished lithium-ion batteries rated at not more than 300 watt-hours and lithium metal batteries containing not more than 25 grams of lithium metal in their original retail packaging.

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    EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

    1. The storage, repair and charging activities in detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, provided that such devices are for personal use.
    2. The storage, repair and charging activities associated with personal use in sleeping units and dwelling units of Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies.

    403.10.6.1 Mitigation planning. The approved fire safety and evacuation plan shall include thermal runaway event mitigation measures. These measures shall include activities undertaken to prevent thermal runaway, early detection of a thermal runaway event and mitigation measures to be undertaken to limit the size and impact of the event on occupants and the facility.

    403.11 Special requirements for public safety. Special requirements for public safety shall be in accordance with Sections 403.11.1 through 403.11.3.3.

  • CBC § 604.5.2 Medium 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 § 3.2. Medium relevance — show source text

    3.2. Fire command center.

    3.3. Smoke management system controls. 3.4. Elevators, elevator machine rooms and controls.

    3.5. Hose valve outlets.

    3.6. Sprinkler and standpipe control valves. 3.7. Areas protected with automatic sprinkler systems and automatic fire-extinguishing systems.

    3.8. Automatic fire detector zones.

    3.9. Fire barriers.

    403.10.1.3 Lease plan approval. The lease plan shall be submitted to the fire code official for approval, and shall be maintained on-site for immediate reference by responding fire service personnel.

    403.10.1.4 Lease plan revisions. The lease plans shall be revised annually or as often as necessary to keep them current. Modifications or changes in tenants or occupancies shall not be made without prior approval of the fire code official and building official.

    403.10.1.5 Tenant identification. Tenant identification shall be provided for secondary exits from occupied tenant spaces that lead to an exit corridor or directly to the exterior of the building. Tenant identification shall be posted on the exterior side of the exit or exit access door and shall identify the business name and address using plainly legible letters and numbers that contrast with their background.

    Exception: Tenant identification is not required for anchor stores.

    403.10.1.6 Unoccupied tenant spaces. The fire safety and evacuation plan shall provide for compliance with the requirements for unoccupied tenant spaces in Section 311.

    403.10.2 High-rise buildings. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for high-rise buildings.

    403.10.3 Underground buildings. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for underground buildings.

    403.10.4 Buildings using occupant evacuation elevators. In buildings using occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code, the fire safety and evacuation plan and the training required by Sections 404 and 406, respectively, shall incorporate specific procedures for the occupants using such elevators.

    403.10.5 Buildings with high-piled storage. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared for buildings with high-piled combustible storage in any of the following situations:

    1. The high-piled storage area exceeds 500,000 square feet (46 450 m [2] ) for Class I-IV commodities.
    2. The high-piled storage area exceeds 300,000 square feet (27 870 m [2] ) for high-hazard commodities.
    3. The high-piled storage is located in a Group H occupancy.
    4. The high-piled storage is located in a Group F occupancy with an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
    5. The high-piled storage is located in a Group M occupancy with an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
    6. Where required by the fire code official for other high-piled storage areas.

    403.10.6 Lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for occupancies that involve activities for the research and development, testing, manufacturing, handling or storage of lithium-ion batteries or lithium metal batteries, or the repair or servicing of vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries or lithium metal batteries.

Frequently asked questions

Who can use occupant evacuation elevators during a fire?

Occupant evacuation elevators are intended for general-occupant self-evacuation when the elevators have been designed and installed to meet the occupant‑evacuation provisions and when users follow the approved fire safety and evacuation plan and the Elevator Safety Orders — §§ 3008.1, 3008.1.4.

Can sprinklers be installed inside an occupant evacuation elevator hoistway or machine room?

No. Automatic sprinklers are prohibited in elevator machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and elevator hoistways of occupant evacuation elevators — § 3008.2.1.

Must elevator lobbies be monitored at the fire command center?

Yes. Occupant evacuation elevators must be continuously monitored at the fire command center (or approved central point) showing car location, direction, occupancy, power status and activation of any elevator-area fire initiating device — § 3008.7.

Is standby power required for occupant evacuation elevators?

Yes. Elevator equipment, machine‑room ventilation/cooling where provided, and elevator car lighting must be supplied by normal and Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power — § 3008.8.

Are evacuation elevator lobbies allowed to contain furniture or storage?

No. Lobbies required by Section 3008 must be maintained free of storage and furniture per the Fire Code maintenance requirements referencing Section 3008.

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