Fire-Resistance & Fire Safety

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

• CBC § 706.4 High relevance — show source text

  TABLE 706.4—FIRE WALL FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS	Col2
  GROUP	FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
  A, B, E, H-4, I, R-1, R-2,_R-2.1, R-2.2,_U,L	3 a
  F-1, H-3b, H-5, M, S-1	3
  H-1, H-2	4 b
  F-2, S-2, R-3, R-4	2
  a. In Type II or V construction, walls shall be permitted to have a 2-hour fire-resistance rating. b. For Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 buildings, also see Sections 415.7 and 415.8.	a. In Type II or V construction, walls shall be permitted to have a 2-hour fire-resistance rating. b. For Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 buildings, also see Sections 415.7 and 415.8.

  706.5 Horizontal continuity. Fire walls shall be continuous from exterior wall to exterior wall and shall extend not less than 18 inches (457 mm) beyond the exterior surface of exterior walls.

  Exceptions:

  1. Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior surface of combustible exterior sheathing or siding provided that the exterior wall has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour for a horizontal distance of not less than 4 feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the fire wall. Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour.
  2. Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior surface of noncombustible exterior sheathing, exterior siding or other noncombustible exterior finishes provided that the sheathing, siding or other exterior noncombustible finish extends a horizontal distance of not less than 4 feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the fire wall.
  3. Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior surface of noncombustible exterior sheathing where the building on each side of the fire wall is protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  7-12 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  706.5.1 Exterior walls. Where the fire wall intersects exterior walls, the fire-resistance rating and opening protection of the exterior walls shall comply with one of the following:

  1. The exterior walls on both sides of the fire wall shall have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating with [3] / 4 -hour protection where opening protection is required by Section 705.9. The fire-resistance rating of the exterior wall shall extend not less than 4 feet (1220 mm) on each side of the intersection of the fire wall to exterior wall. Exterior wall intersections at fire walls that form an angle equal to or greater than 180 degrees (3.14 rad) do not need exterior wall protection.
  2. Buildings or spaces on both sides of the intersecting fire wall shall assume to have an imaginary lot line at the fire wall and extending beyond the exterior of the fire wall.
• CBC § 5-8 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  711 Floor and Roof Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19

• CFC § 1203 High relevance — show source text

  CHAPTER TOPICS	Col2
  PARTS AND CHAPTERS	SUBJECTS
  Part I—Chapters 1 and 2	Administrative and definitions
  Part II—Chapters 3 and 4	General safety provisions
  Part III—Chapters 5 through 12	Building and equipment design features
  Part III—Chapters 13 through 19	Reserved for future use
  Part IV—Chapters 20 through 41_; 48 and 49_	Special occupancies and operations
  Part IV—Chapters 42 through_47_	Reserved for future use
  Part V—Chapters 50, 51 and 53 through 67	Hazardous materials
  Part V—Chapters_ 52,_ 68 through 79	Reserved for future use
  Part VI—Chapter 80	Referenced standards
  Part VII—Appendices A through Q	Adoptable and informational appendices

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  California Building Code Correlated Topics

  The CFC requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress and construction safeguards are directly correlated to the chapters containing parallel requirements in the CBC as follows:

  CFC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS	Col2	Col3
  CFC CHAPTER/SECTION	CBC CHAPTER/SECTION	SUBJECT
  Chapter 7	Chapter 7	Fire and smoke protection features (Fire-resistance-rated construction in the CBC)
  Chapter 8	Chapter 8	Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings
  Chapter 9	Chapter 9	Fire protection and life safety systems
  Chapter 10	Chapter 10	Means of egress
  Section 1203	Chapter 27	Emergency and standby power
  Chapter 31	Section 3103	Temporary structures
  Chapter 33	Chapter 33	Construction fire safety
  Chapters 50–67	Sections 307, 414, 415	Hazardous materials and Group H requirements

  PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE

  Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

  Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

  Chapter 2 Definitions.

  Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.

  PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS

  Chapter 3 General Requirements

  General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.

  Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness

  Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.

  PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES

  Chapter 5 Fire Service Features

• CBC § 7-3 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  711 Floor and Roof Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19

  712 Vertical Openings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20

  713 Shaft Enclosures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21

  714 Penetrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

  715 Joints and Voids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

  716 Opening Protectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27

  717 Ducts and Air Transfer Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

  718 Concealed Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40

  719 Fire-Resistance Requirements for Plaster . . . . . . . . 7-42

  720 Thermal- and Sound-Insulating Materials . . . . . . . . 7-42

  721 Prescriptive Fire Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43

  722 Calculated Fire Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66

  CHAPTER 7A [SFM] MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

  METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE EXPOSURE . . . . . . . 7A-1

• CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text

  PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE

  Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

  Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

  Chapter 2 Definitions.

  Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.

  PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS

  Chapter 3 General Requirements

  General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.

  Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness

  Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.

  PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES

  Chapter 5 Fire Service Features

  The requirements of Chapter 5 apply to all buildings and occupancies and pertain to access roads, access to building openings and roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire command centers, fire department access to equipment, and in-building emergency responder communication system coverage.

  Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems

  Chapter 6 provides a more systematic view of building systems and services as they relate to potential safety hazards and when and how they should be installed.

  Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features

  The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.

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  Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings

  The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.

  Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

  Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC

• CBC § 903.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text

  2. Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior surface of noncombustible exterior sheathing, exterior siding or other noncombustible exterior finishes provided that the sheathing, siding or other exterior noncombustible finish extends a horizontal distance of not less than 4 feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the fire wall.
  3. Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior surface of noncombustible exterior sheathing where the building on each side of the fire wall is protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  7-12 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  706.5.1 Exterior walls. Where the fire wall intersects exterior walls, the fire-resistance rating and opening protection of the exterior walls shall comply with one of the following:

  1. The exterior walls on both sides of the fire wall shall have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating with [3] / 4 -hour protection where opening protection is required by Section 705.9. The fire-resistance rating of the exterior wall shall extend not less than 4 feet (1220 mm) on each side of the intersection of the fire wall to exterior wall. Exterior wall intersections at fire walls that form an angle equal to or greater than 180 degrees (3.14 rad) do not need exterior wall protection.
  2. Buildings or spaces on both sides of the intersecting fire wall shall assume to have an imaginary lot line at the fire wall and extending beyond the exterior of the fire wall. The location of the assumed line in relation to the exterior walls and the fire wall shall be such that the exterior wall and opening protection meet the requirements set forth in Sections 705.5 and 705.9. Such protection is not required for exterior walls terminating at fire walls that form an angle equal to or greater than 180 degrees (3.14 rad).

  706.5.2 Horizontal projecting elements. Fire walls shall extend to the outer edge of horizontal projecting elements such as balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees and similar projections that are within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall.

  Exceptions:

  1. Horizontal projecting elements without concealed spaces, provided that the exterior wall behind and below the projecting element has not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction for a distance not less than the depth of the projecting element on both sides of the fire wall. Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour.
  2. Noncombustible horizontal projecting elements with concealed spaces, provided that a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance-rated wall extends through the concealed space. The projecting element shall be separated from the building by not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction for a distance on each side of the fire wall equal to the depth of the projecting element. The wall is not required to extend under the projecting element where the building exterior wall is not less than 1-hour fire-resistance rated for a distance on each side of the fire wall equal to the depth of the projecting element. Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour.
• CBC § 707.1 High relevance — show source text

  SECTION 707—FIRE BARRIERS

  707.1 General. Fire barriers installed as required elsewhere in this code or the California Fire Code shall comply with this section.

  707.2 Materials. Fire barriers shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.

  707.3 Fire-resistance rating. The fire-resistance rating of fire barriers shall comply with this section.

  707.3.1 Shaft enclosures. The fire-resistance rating of the fire barrier separating building areas from a shaft shall comply with Section 713.4.

  707.3.2 Interior exit stairway and ramp construction. The fire-resistance rating of the fire barrier separating building areas from an interior exit stairway or ramp shall comply with Section 1023.1.

  707.3.3 Enclosures for exit access stairways. The fire-resistance rating of the fire barrier separating building areas from an exit access stairway or ramp shall comply with Section 713.4.

  707.3.4 Exit passageway. The fire-resistance rating of the fire barrier separating building areas from an exit passageway shall comply with Section 1024.3.

  707.3.5 Horizontal exit. The fire-resistance rating of the separation between building areas connected by a horizontal exit shall comply with Section 1026.1.

  707.3.6 Atriums. The fire-resistance rating of the fire barrier separating atriums shall comply with Section 404.6.

  707.3.7 Incidental uses. The fire barrier separating incidental uses from other spaces in the building shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that indicated in Table 509.1.

  707.3.8 Control areas. Fire barriers separating control areas shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that required in Section 414.2.4.

  707.3.9 Separated occupancies. Where the provisions of Section 508.4 are applicable, the fire barrier separating mixed occupancies shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that indicated in Table 508.4 based on the occupancies being separated.

  707.3.10 Fire areas. The fire barriers, fire walls, horizontal assemblies or combinations thereof separating a single occupancy into different fire areas shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that indicated in Table 707.3.10. The fire barriers, fire walls, horizontal assemblies or combinations thereof separating fire areas of mixed occupancies shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than the highest value indicated in Table 707.3.10 for the occupancies under consideration.

  7-14 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  TABLE 707.3.10—FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE BARRIERS, FIRE WALLS OR HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES BETWEEN FIRE AREAS	Col2
  OCCUPANCY GROUP	FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
  H-1, H-2	4
  F-1, H-3, S-1	3
  A, B, E, F-2, H-4, H-5, I,L, M, R, S-2	2
  U	1

• CBC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

  2.1_||||X|X||||||||||||||||||||

  The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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  7-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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  7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides detailed requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, including structural members, walls, partitions and horizontal assemblies. Other portions of the code describe where certain fire-resistance-rated elements are required. This chapter specifies how these elements are constructed, how openings in walls and partitions are protected and how penetrations of such elements are protected.

  SECTION 701—GENERAL

  701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance and fire-resistance-rated construction separation of adjacent spaces to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings.

  SECTION 702—MULTIPLE-USE FIRE ASSEMBLIES

  702.1 Multiple-use fire assemblies. Fire assemblies that serve multiple purposes in a building shall comply with all of the requirements that are applicable for each of the individual fire assemblies.

  SECTION 703—FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS AND FIRE TESTS

  703.1 Scope. Materials prescribed herein for fire resistance shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.

  703.2 Fire resistance. The fire-resistance rating of building elements, components or assemblies shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2.1 or 703.2.2 without the use of automatic sprinklers or any other fire suppression system being incorporated, or in accordance with Section 703.2.3.

  703.2.1 Tested assemblies. A fire-resistance rating of building elements, components or assemblies shall be determined by the test procedures set forth in ASTM E119 or UL 263. The fire-resistance rating of penetrations and fire-resistant joint systems shall be determined in accordance with Sections 714 and 715, respectively.

  703.2.1.1 Nonsymmetrical wall construction. Interior walls and partitions of nonsymmetrical construction shall be tested with both faces exposed to the furnace, and the assigned fire-resistance rating shall be the shortest duration obtained from the two tests conducted in compliance with ASTM E119 or UL 263. Where evidence is furnished to show that the wall was tested with the least fire-resistant side exposed to the furnace, subject to acceptance of the building official, the wall need not be subjected to tests from the opposite side (see Section 705.5 for exterior walls).

  703.2.1.2 Combustible components. Combustible aggregates are permitted in gypsum and Portland cement concrete mixtures for fire-resistance-rated construction. Any component material or admixture is permitted in assemblies if the resulting tested assembly meets the fire-resistance test requirements of this code.

• CBC § 707.3.8 High relevance — show source text

  707.3.8 Control areas. Fire barriers separating control areas shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that required in Section 414.2.4.

  707.3.9 Separated occupancies. Where the provisions of Section 508.4 are applicable, the fire barrier separating mixed occupancies shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that indicated in Table 508.4 based on the occupancies being separated.

  707.3.10 Fire areas. The fire barriers, fire walls, horizontal assemblies or combinations thereof separating a single occupancy into different fire areas shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that indicated in Table 707.3.10. The fire barriers, fire walls, horizontal assemblies or combinations thereof separating fire areas of mixed occupancies shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than the highest value indicated in Table 707.3.10 for the occupancies under consideration.

  7-14 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  TABLE 707.3.10—FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE BARRIERS, FIRE WALLS OR HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES BETWEEN FIRE AREAS	Col2
  OCCUPANCY GROUP	FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
  H-1, H-2	4
  F-1, H-3, S-1	3
  A, B, E, F-2, H-4, H-5, I,L, M, R, S-2	2
  U	1

  707.3.11 Horizontal separation offsets. The fire-resistance rating of a fire barrier serving as the vertical offset in a horizontal building separation shall comply with Section 510.2.

  707.4 Exterior walls. Where exterior walls serve as a part of a required fire-resistance-rated shaft, or separation or enclosure for a stairway, ramp or exit passageway, such walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls and the fire-resistance-rated enclosure or separation requirements shall not apply.

  Exceptions:

  1. Exterior walls required to be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Section 1021 for exterior egress balconies, Section 1023.7 for interior exit stairways and ramps, Section 1024.8 for exit passageways and Section 1027.6 for exterior exit stairways and ramps.
  2. Exterior walls required to be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Section 1207 of the California Fire Code for enclosure of energy storage systems.

  707.5 Continuity. Fire barriers shall extend from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, slab or deck above and shall be securely attached thereto. Such fire barriers shall be continuous through concealed space, such as the space above a suspended ceiling. Joints and voids at intersections shall comply with Sections 707.8 and 707.9

  Exceptions:

  1. Shaft enclosures shall be permitted to terminate at a top enclosure complying with Section 713.12.
  2. Interior exit stairway and ramp enclosures required by Section 1023 and exit access stairway and ramp enclosures required by Section 1019 shall be permitted to terminate at a top enclosure complying with Section 713.12.
• CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text

  Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features

  The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.

  xiv 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

  Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings

  The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.

  Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

  Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC Chapter 4 are duplicated in CFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.

  Chapter 10 Means of Egress

  The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7 of the CBC), interior finish (see Chapter 8 of the CBC), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.

  Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings

  Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and intends to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for retroactive requirements to install or upgrade fire safety features to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the CBC. Prior to the 2009 edition, its content existed in the CFC but in a random manner that was neither efficient nor user-friendly. In the 2007/2008 International Code Council (ICC) code development cycle, a code change (F294-07/ 08) was approved that consolidated the retroactive elements of CFC into a single chapter for easier and more efficient reference and application to existing buildings.

  Chapter 12 Energy Systems

• CBC § 5.1 High relevance — show source text

  5.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |705.2.3.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |705.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Table 705.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |705.13|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Table 706.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Table 707.3.10|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |707.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |708.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |708.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |709.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |709.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |709.5.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |710.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |710.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |710.8|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |716.2.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |716.2.6.6|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |716.2.9.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |717.5.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |717.5.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |717.5.4.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |717.5.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |721.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |7_21.2.1_||||X|X||||||||||||||||||||

  The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 7-1

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

  7-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

  7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides detailed requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, including structural members, walls, partitions and horizontal assemblies. Other portions of the code describe where certain fire-resistance-rated elements are required. This chapter specifies how these elements are constructed, how openings in walls and partitions are protected and how penetrations of such elements are protected.

  SECTION 701—GENERAL

  701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance and fire-resistance-rated construction separation of adjacent spaces to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings.

  SECTION 702—MULTIPLE-USE FIRE ASSEMBLIES

  702.1 Multiple-use fire assemblies. Fire assemblies that serve multiple purposes in a building shall comply with all of the requirements that are applicable for each of the individual fire assemblies.

  SECTION 703—FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS AND FIRE TESTS

  703.1 Scope. Materials prescribed herein for fire resistance shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.

• CBC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text

  The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

  2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 5A-1

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

  5A-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

  5 A PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 5A provides details for the prescriptive compliance method for alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers [applications listed in Section 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1)].

  SECTION 501 A —GENERAL

  501 A .1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing structures for applications listed in Section 1.10.1 [OSHPD 1] regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).

  501 A .1.1 Compliance with other methods. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this chapter or with one of the methods or procedures provided in Section 301 A .3.

  501 A .2 Fire-resistance ratings. Fire-resistance ratings shall comply with the California Building Standards Code.

  501A.3 Prescriptive compliance provisions. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to the following categories of existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this section.

  501A.3.1 Prescriptive compliance provisions for SPC-4D using the California Building Code, 1980 (CBC 1980). Nonconforming buildings shall satisfy the following requirements: 1. The California Building Code, 1980 (CBC 1980), as used in this chapter, consists of the Uniform Building Code, 1979 (UBC 1979) along with requirements contained in: a) California Code of Regulations, Title 24- Building Standards, dated February 2, 1980 (Revision record for Register 80, No. 5). b) California Code of Regulations, Title 22 – Social Security, dated October 13, 1979 (Revision Record for Register 79, No 41). c) California Code of Regulations, Title 17 – Public Health, dated October 13, 1979 (Revision Record for Register 79, No 41-B). 2. All existing structural elements of Seismic Force Resisting System (SFRS) shall satisfy the detailing requirements in the CBC 1980 or demonstrate that the level of seismic performance is equivalent to that given in the CBC 1980, as determined by the building official. 3. A continuous load path or paths with adequate strength and stiffness to transfer all the forces from the point of origin to final point of resistance shall be justified by analysis. _4.