CBC · California Building Code

Which sections cover fire alarms, smoke control, standpipes and portable extinguishers?

This article explains which California Building Code sections set the rules for fire alarms (§907), smoke control (§909), smoke and heat removal (§910), standpipes (§905) and portable fire extinguishers (§906), summarizes the key triggers and design actions (alarm types and ties to sprinkler/valve supervision, engineered smoke control for high‑rise/underground, standpipe hose and valve supervision rules, and extinguisher locations/ratings such as the 30‑ft cooking travel rule), and points out common exceptions and construction‑phase requirements; consult the cited CBC subsections for the exact thresholds and detailed text .

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Building Code (CBC) locates the primary rules for these systems in Chapter 9: fire alarm and detection systems are in § 907, smoke control systems in § 909, smoke & heat removal in § 910, standpipe systems in § 905, and portable fire extinguishers in § 906. These sections set when each system is required (by occupancy, building configuration, or special condition) and reference required features such as alarm initiation, supervisory signals, standpipe hose connections and extinguisher placement/rating. See the CBC chapter and the cross-references collected in the CBC Chapter 9 table of contents and the detailed CBC language and related construction provisions shown in the files retrieved .

Requirements in detail

Fire alarm and detection — § 907

  • Purpose: require alarm systems where the chapter and occupancy rules call for them; specify types (manual, automatic, emergency voice/alarm) and interactions with other systems (for example, sprinkler/valve supervision and smoke detection). See § 907 and the CBC Chapter 9 index for specific subsection triggers and operation requirements . The CBC/Fire Code also reference required subsections such as alarm activation for specific situations and emergency voice/alarm communications (for example, references to § 907.2.13, § 907.3.3 and § 907.5.2.2 in related provisions) .

Decision table — fire alarms (key decision dimensions)

Trigger / question Key requirement / value Typical design action Code Reference
When is an alarm system required? Required where Chapter 9 or occupancy-specific rules call for it (see occupancy subsections) Determine occupancy and check § 907 subsections for required system type § 907
Voice/EVAC needs? Emergency voice/alarm allowed/required where stated (must meet listed/approved system requirements) Provide EVAC if required; design per § 907 subsections § 907 (see EVAC refs)
Interaction with sprinklers/valves Water‑flow and valve position supervision must signal alarm/control units where required Tie waterflow/valve supervisory signals into alarm control per code § 907; valve supervision referenced in § 905.9

Smoke control — § 909

  • Purpose: control movement of smoke to protect means of egress and limit spread of products of combustion; required in specific building types and conditions (high-rise, underground, certain atriums, and compartmentation situations as identified in CBC/related CFC sections). The CBC indexes smoke control to § 909 and high-rise references in other chapters (for example, high‑rise requirements reference § 909) .

Decision table — smoke control (key decision dimensions)

Trigger / question Key requirement / value Typical design action Code Reference
High‑rise buildings Smoke control systems required for portions of high‑rise buildings (see high‑rise provisions that reference § 909) Provide engineered smoke control system per § 909 § 909; high‑rise cross‑refs (e.g., 914.3.8 calling out § 909)
Underground portions Smoke control required to limit smoke migration and maintain egress Design compartment/zone control, automatic/manual activation per code § 909; underground cross‑refs
Compartmentation Compartment smoke control may require independent systems and automatic activation Provide independent systems where Chapter 4/405.4 requires compartmentation § 909 (see compartment ref)

Smoke & heat removal — § 910

  • Purpose: provide means to remove smoke and heat (mechanical or natural) where allowed/required to improve tenability or to aid firefighting/egress. The CBC indexes this subject in § 910; specific triggers and methods are in that section and related Chapter 9 text .

Decision table — smoke & heat removal

Trigger / question Key requirement / value Typical design action Code Reference
When permitted/required Where Chapter 9 requires smoke & heat removal systems (often alternative or complementary to engineered smoke control) Design natural or mechanical removal per § 910 § 910

Standpipes — § 905

  • Purpose: provide hose connections inside buildings for fire department use. CBC § 905 defines standpipe classes, hose connection locations, valve supervision, cabinet requirements and prohibitions (e.g., dry standpipes are generally not permitted except in freezing conditions). The CBC text and related Fire Code excerpts show valve supervision requirements and cabinet/locking rules .

Decision table — standpipes

Trigger / question Key requirement / value Typical design action Code Reference
Where standpipes are required Determined by § 905 subsections (see § 905.3.1 and related) Check § 905.3.1 to determine if building height/occupancy triggers standpipe § 905 and cross‑refs (consult § 905.3.1)
Hose connection requirements Class I (2.5‑in) hose connections at stairways; Class II/III and exceptions for light‑hazard 1‑in listed hose allowed Provide required hose stations at stairways and required locations § 905 (see 905.4–905.6); allowed 1‑in for Class II light hazard in § 905.5.3
Valve supervision Valves controlling water supplies shall be supervised in the open position so that changes generate supervisory signals; if a fire alarm exists, the signal goes to the alarm control unit Provide valve supervision and alarm tie‑in where required § 905.9
Dry standpipes Dry standpipes shall not be installed except where subject to freezing and in accordance with NFPA 14 Do not use dry standpipes unless the exception applies and NFPA 14 criteria met § 905.8

Portable fire extinguishers — § 906

  • Purpose: require portable extinguishers by occupancy, special hazards and specific locations (e.g., near cooking equipment). The CBC lists occupancies that must have extinguishers, minimum ratings in some cases, the 30‑ft travel distance for certain cooking equipment, and cross‑references to the California Fire Code/IFC for additional locations (Table 906.1). Residential exceptions and minimum ratings are explicitly recognized in the CBC text (e.g., R‑2 exception and minimum 1‑A:10‑B:C rating where applicable) .

Decision table — portable extinguishers

Trigger / question Key requirement / value Typical design action Code Reference
Occupancies that require extinguishers Listed groups A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R‑1, R‑2, R‑2.1, R‑2.2, R‑3.1, R‑4 and S (with exceptions) Provide extinguishers per § 906 subsections and exceptions § 906.1
Cooking equipment Portable extinguishers required within 30 ft travel distance of commercial cooking equipment (and certain domestic cooking in R‑2 dorms) Place extinguishers within 30 ft of cooking equipment § 906.1.2 (distance requirement)
Minimum ratings / special cases R‑2 dwelling‑unit exception: each dwelling unit may be provided with a 1‑A:10‑B:C extinguisher in lieu of other placements; day‑care minimum rating specified in other CBC sections Use the minimum listed ratings where the exception applies; follow Table 906.1 cross‑refs for additional required locations § 906.1 and Table 906.1

Exceptions & special cases

  • Dry standpipes are prohibited except where subject to freezing and installed in accordance with NFPA 14 (§ 905.8) .
  • Valve supervision: valves that control water supplies must be supervised to generate supervisory signals; exceptions exist for certain underground valves or valves locked in position in buildings without a fire alarm system (§ 905.9) .
  • Portable extinguisher exceptions: Group R‑2 dwellings and Group E classrooms have limited exceptions when minimum portable extinguisher ratings are provided in each dwelling or classroom (§ 906.1 and exceptions) .
  • Construction and demolition: standpipes and extinguishers required during construction are handled in Chapter 33—standpipes per § 3311 and extinguishers per § 3309 and § 906 (temporary/one‑per‑stair and other locations) .
  • Cabinet and locking rules: cabinets for standpipes, hose and extinguishers must be identified and unlocked except for limited exceptions (e.g., some Group I‑3 and I‑2 mental health areas) (§ 905.7, § 905.7.2) .

If you need a precise numeric trigger (for example, the exact building height or number of stories that triggers a required standpipe in § 905.3.1), note that the retrieval set includes references to those subsections but the exact text of § 905.3.1 was not present among the retrieved snippets — you should consult the full CBC § 905.3.1 text in your code book or the official electronic edition for the specific threshold.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dry standpipes are allowed. The CBC generally forbids dry standpipes except only where freezing conditions apply and NFPA 14 criteria are met (§ 905.8) .
  • Failing to supervise valve positions or to tie valve supervisory signals into the alarm control as required (§ 905.9) .
  • Blocking or obscuring cabinets that contain standpipe, hose or extinguisher equipment; cabinets must be identified and unlocked except where an exception applies (§ 905.7, § 905.7.2) .
  • Relying on vehicle‑mounted extinguishers in storage areas without meeting the CBC/Fire Code conditions and approvals (special conditions are listed in the CBC/Fire Code exceptions) .
  • Treating § 907 alarm requirements as optional; many sprinkler/standpipe valve or waterflow events must generate alarm/supervisory signals and the CBC ties these functions together (§ 907 cross‑refs and § 905.9) .

Worked example — mixed‑use building scenario

Scenario: A new 10‑story building with a ground‑floor restaurant (commercial cooking), and floors 2–10 as R‑2 residential units (each unit a separate dwelling).

  1. Portable extinguishers: because there is commercial cooking on the ground floor, portable fire extinguishers must be located within 30 ft travel distance of the cooking equipment per § 906.1.2; provide rated extinguishers for the cooking area and additional extinguishers per the occupancy rules and Table 906.1 cross‑references .
  2. Fire alarm: determine the required alarm type(s) by checking § 907 subsections that apply to mixed occupancies and to commercial cooking areas; alarms must be coordinated with other systems (for example, sprinkler waterflow or valve supervision signals must be transmitted to the supervising station/control unit as required) (§ 907 and § 905.9) .
  3. Smoke control: because this building is multi‑story and depending on the height and any specific “high‑rise” definition that applies, the high‑rise/atrium/underground rules may require engineered smoke control systems per § 909 (note: CBC high‑rise cross‑references call out § 909 for smoke control) — consult § 909 and any high‑rise provisions that reference § 909 (for example, high‑rise cross‑refs in Chapter 9) .
  4. Standpipes: if § 905.3.1 (the subsection that lists standpipe triggers) applies to the building based on height/occupancy, provide standpipes per § 905 with hose connections at required stair locations, valve supervision and appropriate protection of risers/laterals. The construction‑phase standpipe requirement (temporary/permanent) is covered in § 3311 if standpipes are required during construction .

Note: the example relies on checking the specific thresholds in § 905.3.1 and in § 909 for high‑rise definitions; those exact triggering numbers/definitions were not in the retrieved snippet set and should be confirmed in the full text of those subsections in the official CBC if you need the exact numerical thresholds.

Related provisions

  • § 903 — Automatic sprinkler systems (Chapter 9 index)
  • § 911 — Fire command center (Chapter 9 index)
  • § 912 — Fire department connections (Chapter 9 index)
  • § 913 — Fire pumps (Chapter 9 index)
  • § 914 — Emergency responder safety features / high‑rise provisions referencing smoke control (§ 909)

Code references

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

  • CBC § 914.3.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    914.3.1.2.1 Fire pumps. Redundant fire pump systems shall be required for high-rise buildings having an occupied floor more than 200 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Each fire pump system shall be capable of automatically supplying the required demand for the automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems.

    914.3.2 Secondary water supply. An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a usable capacity not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement, shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as determined by the California Building Code . An additional fire pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply shall have a useable capacity of not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand plus 100 GPM for the inside hose stream, allowance for a duration of not less than 30 minutes as determined by the occupancy hazard classification in accordance with NFPA 13 , whichever is greater. The Class I stand- pipe system demand shall not be required to be included in the secondary on-site water supply calculations. In no case shall the secondary on-site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.

    914.3.3 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.

    914.3.4 Automatic smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.

    914.3.5 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    914.3.6 Emergency responder communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510.

    914.3.7 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 508 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department.

    914.3.8 Smoke control.

    914.3.8.1 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with California Building Code, Section 909.

    914.3.8.2 Smokeproof exit enclosures. Every exit enclosure in high-rise buildings shall comply with California Building Code, Sections 909.20 and 1023.12. Every required stairway in Group I-2 occupancies serving floors more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall comply with Sections 909.20 and 1023.12 of the California Building Code.

    Exception: In high-rise buildings, exit enclosures serving three or less adjacent floors where one of the adjacent floors is the level of exit discharge.

    914.4 Atriums. Atriums shall comply with Sections 914.4.1 and 914.4.2.

    914.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.

  • CBC § 905.10 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 905.10 During construction. Standpipe systems required during construction and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3311.

    [F] 905.11 Locking standpipe outlet caps. The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on the outlets on standpipes where the responding fire department carries key wrenches for the removal that are compatible with locking FDC connection caps.

    SECTION 906—PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

    [F] 906.1 Where required. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all of the following locations:

    1. In Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R.3.1, R-4 and S occupancies. Exception: In Group R-2 occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each dwelling unit is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 1-A:10-B:C.

    9-22 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    1. Within 30 feet (9144 mm) distance of travel from commercial cooking equipment and from domestic cooking equipment in Group R-2 college dormitory occupancies.

    2. In areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, used or dispensed.

    3. On each floor of structures under construction, except Group R-3 occupancies, in accordance with Section 3315.1 of the California Fire Code .

    4. Where required by the California Fire Code sections indicated in Table 906.1.

    5. Special-hazard areas, including but not limited to laboratories, computer rooms and generator rooms, where required by the fire code official.

    7. Large and small family day-care homes shall be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum 2A:10B:C rating. 8. Where required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3. 9. Within 30 feet (9144 mm) of domestic cooking equipment located in a Group I-2.

    [F] TABLE 906.1—ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IN THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE Col2
    IFC SECTION SUBJECT
    303.5 Asphalt kettles
    307.5 Open burning
    308.1.3 Open flames—torches
    309.4 Powered industrial trucks
    1204.10 Portable Generators
    2005.2 Aircraft towing vehicles
    2005.3 Aircraft welding apparatus
    2005.4 Aircraft fuel-servicing tank vehicles
    2005.5 Aircraft hydrant fuel-servicing vehicles
    2005.6 Aircraft fuel-dispensing stations
    2007.7 Heliports and helistops
    2108.4 Dry cleaning plants
    2305.5 Motor fuel-dispensing facilities
    2310.6.4 Marine motor fuel-dispensing facilities
    2311.6 Repair garages
    2404.6.1 Spray-finishing operations
    2405.4.2 Dip-tank operations
    2406.4.
  • CBC § 905.7 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 905.7 Cabinets. Cabinets containing firefighting equipment such as standpipes, fire hoses, fire extinguishers or fire department valves shall not be blocked from use or obscured from view.

    [F] 905.7.1 Cabinet equipment identification. Cabinets shall be identified in an approved manner by a permanently attached sign with letters not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high in a color that contrasts with the background color, indicating the equipment contained therein.

    Exceptions:

    1. Doors not large enough to accommodate a written sign shall be marked with a permanently attached pictogram of the equipment contained therein.
    2. Doors that have either an approved visual identification clear glass panel or a complete glass door panel are not required to be marked.

    [F] 905.7.2 Locking cabinet doors. Cabinets shall be unlocked.

    Exceptions:

    1. Visual identification panels of glass or other approved transparent frangible material that is easily broken and allows

    access.

    1. Approved locking arrangements.
    2. Group I-3 occupancies and in mental health areas of Group I-2 occupancies.

    [F] 905.8 Dry standpipes. Dry standpipes shall not be installed.

    Exception: Where subject to freezing and in accordance with NFPA 14.

    [F] 905.9 Valve supervision. Valves controlling water supplies shall be supervised in the open position so that a change in the normal position of the valve will generate a supervisory signal at the supervising station required by Section 903.4.1. Where a fire alarm system is provided, a signal shall be transmitted to the control unit.

    Exceptions:

    1. Valves to underground key or hub valves in roadway boxes do not require supervision.
    2. Valves locked in the normal position and inspected as provided in this code in buildings not equipped with a fire alarm system.

    [F] 905.10 During construction. Standpipe systems required during construction and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3311.

    [F] 905.11 Locking standpipe outlet caps. The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on the outlets on standpipes where the responding fire department carries key wrenches for the removal that are compatible with locking FDC connection caps.

    SECTION 906—PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

    [F] 906.1 Where required. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all of the following locations:

    1. In Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R.3.1, R-4 and S occupancies. Exception: In Group R-2 occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each dwelling unit is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 1-A:10-B:C.

    9-22 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    1. Within 30 feet (9144 mm) distance of travel from commercial cooking equipment and from domestic cooking equipment in Group R-2 college dormitory occupancies.
    2. In areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, used or dispensed.
    3. On each floor of structures under construction, except Group R-3 occupancies, in accordance with Section 3315.1 of the California Fire Code .
  • CBC § 905.8 High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. Visual identification panels of glass or other approved transparent frangible material that is easily broken and allows

    access.

    1. Approved locking arrangements.
    2. Group I-3 occupancies and in mental health areas of Group I-2 occupancies.

    905.8 Dry standpipes. Dry standpipes shall not be installed.

    Exception: Where subject to freezing and in accordance with NFPA 14.

    905.9 Valve supervision. Valves controlling water supplies shall be supervised in the open position so that a change in the normal position of the valve will generate a supervisory signal at the supervising station required by Section 903.4.1. Where a fire alarm system is provided, a signal shall be transmitted to the control unit.

    Exceptions:

    1. Valves to underground key or hub valves in roadway boxes do not require supervision.

    9-30 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    1. Valves locked in the normal position and inspected as provided in this code in buildings not equipped with a fire alarm system.

    905.10 During construction. Standpipe systems required during construction and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3307.

    905.11 Locking standpipe outlet caps. The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on the outlets on standpipes where the responding fire department carries key wrenches for the removal that are compatible with locking FDC connection caps.

    905.12 Existing buildings. Where required in Chapter 11, existing structures shall be equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section 905.

    SECTION 906—PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

    906.1 Where required. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all of the following locations:

    1. In new and existing Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3.1, R-4 and S occupancies. Exceptions:

    2. In Group R-2 occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each dwelling unit is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 1A:10-B:C.

    3. In Group E occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each classroom is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C.

    4. In storage areas of Group S occupancies where forklift, powered industrial truck or powered cart operators are the primary occupants, fixed extinguishers, as specified in NFPA 10, shall not be required where in accordance with all of the following: 3.1. Use of vehicle-mounted extinguishers shall be approved by the fire code official. 3.2. Each vehicle shall be equipped with a 10-pound, 40A:80B:C extinguisher affixed to the vehicle using a mounting bracket approved by the extinguisher manufacturer or the fire code official for vehicular use. 3.3. Not less than two spare extinguishers of equal or greater rating shall be available on-site to replace a discharged extinguisher. 3.4. Vehicle operators shall be trained in the proper operation, use and inspection of extinguishers. 3.5. Inspections of vehicle-mounted extinguishers shall be performed daily.

  • CBC § 2803.3.1 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Manual waste removal where approved.

    2803.3.1 Housekeeping. Provisions shall be made for a systematic and thorough cleaning of the entire plant at sufficient intervals to prevent the accumulations of combustible dust and spilled combustible or flammable liquids.

    2803.3.2 Metal scrap. Provision shall be made for separately collecting and disposing of any metal scrap so that such scrap will not enter the wood handling or processing equipment.

    2803.4 Electrical equipment. Electrical wiring and equipment shall comply with the California Electrical Code.

    2803.5 Control of ignition sources. Protection from ignition sources shall be provided in accordance with Sections 2803.5.1 through 2803.5.3.

    2803.5.1 Cutting and welding. Cutting and welding shall comply with Chapter 35.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 28-3

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

    LUMBER YARDS AND AGRO-INDUSTRIAL, SOLID BIOMASS AND WOODWORKING FACILITIES

    2803.5.2 Static electricity. Static electricity shall be prevented from accumulating on machines and equipment subject to static electricity buildup by permanent grounding and bonding wires or other approved means.

    2803.5.3 Smoking. Where smoking constitutes a fire hazard, the fire code official is authorized to order the owner or occupant to post approved “No Smoking” signs complying with Section 310. The fire code official is authorized to designate specific locations where smoking is allowed.

    2803.6 Fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for buildings and facilities in accordance with Section 503.

    2803.7 Access plan. Where storage pile configurations could change because of changes in product operations and processing, the access plan shall be submitted for approval where required by the fire code official.

    SECTION 2804—FIRE PROTECTION

    2804.1 General. Fire protection in timber and lumber production mills, plywood and veneer mills and agro-industrial facilities shall comply with Sections 2804.2 through 2804.4.

    2804.2 Fire alarms. An approved means for transmitting alarms to the fire department shall be provided in timber and lumber production mills and plywood and veneer mills.

    2804.2.1 Manual fire alarms. A manual fire alarm system complying with Section 907.2 shall be installed in areas of timber and lumber production mills and for plywood and veneer mills that contain product dryers.

    Exception: Where dryers or other sources of ignition are protected by a supervised automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 903.

    2804.3 Portable fire extinguishers or standpipes and hose. Portable fire extinguishers or standpipes and hose supplied from an approved water system shall be provided within a 50-foot (15 240 mm) distance of travel from any machine producing shavings or sawdust. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section 906 for extra-high hazards.

    2804.4 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    SECTION 2805—PLYWOOD, VENEER AND COMPOSITE BOARD MILLS

    2805.1 General. Plant operations of plywood, veneer and composite board mills shall comply with Sections 2805.2 and 2805.3.

  • CBC § 9-1 High relevance — show source text

    SAFETY SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1

    901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

    902 Fire Pump and Riser Room Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

    903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8

    904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17

    905 Standpipe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20

    906 Portable Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22

    907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25

    908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43

    909 Smoke Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43

    910 Smoke and Heat Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51

    911 Fire Command Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53

    912 Fire Department Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54

    913 Fire Pumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55

    914 Emergency Responder Safety Features . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

    915 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

    xxii 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    916 Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-58

    917 Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59

    918 Emergency Responder Communication Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59

    CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

    1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

  • CBC § 1103.7.9.6 High relevance — show source text

    1103.7.9.6 Manual fire alarm boxes. A manual fire alarm box shall be provided in the locations designated by the enforcing agency. Such locations shall be where boxes are readily accessible and visible and in normal paths of daily travel by occupants of the building.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 11-9

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

    CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

    1103.7.9.7 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. Such system shall provide communication from a location avail- able to and designated by the enforcing agency to not less than all public areas.

    The emergency voice/alarm communication system may be combined with a fire alarm system provide the combined system has been approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal. The sounding of a fire alarm signal in any given area or floor shall not prohibit voice communication to other areas of floors. Combination systems shall be designed to permit voice transmission to override the fire alarm signal, but the fire alarm signal shall not terminate in less than three minutes.

    1103.7.9.8 Fire department system. When it is determined by test that portable fire department communication equipment is ineffective, a communication system acceptable to the enforcing agency shall be installed within the building to permit emer- gency communication between fire-suppression personnel.

    1103.7.9.9 Smoke control systems. Existing air-circulation systems shall be provided with an override switch in a location approved by the enforcing agency which will allow for the manual control of shutdown of the systems.

    Exception: Systems which serve only a single floor, or portion thereof, without any penetration by ducts or other means into adjacent floors.

    1103.7.9.10 Elevator recall smoke detection. Smoke detection for emergency operation of elevators shall be provided in accor- dance with Section 907.3.3.

    1103.8 Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in existing Group I1 and R occupancies in accordance with Sections 1103.8.1 through 1103.8.3.

    1103.8.1 Where required. Existing Group I-1 and R occupancies shall be provided with single-station smoke alarms in accordance with Section 907.2.11. Interconnection and power sources shall be in accordance with Sections 1103.8.2 and 1103.8.3, respectively.

    Exceptions:

    1. Where the code that was in effect at the time of construction required smoke alarms and smoke alarms complying with those requirements are already provided.
    2. Where smoke alarms have been installed in occupancies and dwellings that were not required to have them at the time of construction, additional smoke alarms shall not be required provided that the existing smoke alarms comply with requirements that were in effect at the time of installation.
    3. Where smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm system have been installed as a substitute for smoke alarms.

    1103.8.2 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling or sleeping unit, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.

  • CBC § 455.3 High relevance — show source text

    These standards shall apply uniformly_ throughout the state and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: (1) The requirement that a large family day-care home contain a fire extinguisher or smoke detector device, or both, that meets child-care standards established by the State Fire Marshal. (2) Specification as to the number of required exits from the home. (3) Specification as to the floor or floors on which child care may be provided and the number of required exits on each floor.

    (b) A large family day-care home for children shall have one or more carbon monoxide detectors in the facility that meet the standards established in Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 13260) of Part 2 of Division 12. The department shall account for the presence of these detectors during inspections. (c) Enforcement of this section shall be in accordance with Sections 13145 and 13146. A city, county, city and county, or district shall not adopt or enforce a building ordinance or local rule or regulation relating to the subject of fire and life safety in large family day-care homes that is inconsistent with those standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal, except to the extent the building ordinance or local rule or regulation applies to all residences with the same zoning designation in which child care is provided.

    (Repealed and added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 244, Sec. 12. (SB 234) Effective January 1, 2020.)

    455.3 Smoke alarms. Large family day-care homes shall be equipped with State Fire Marshal approved and listed single station resi- dential type smoke alarms. The number and placement of smoke alarms shall be determined by the enforcement authority.

    455.4 Fire extinguishers. Large and small family day-care homes shall be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum 2A10BC rating.

    455.5 Fire alarm devices. See Section 907.2.6.4.

    455.6 Compliance. Every large-family day-care home shall comply with the provisions for Group R-3 occupancies. For the purposes of Section 436.1, the first story shall be designated as the floor used for residential occupancy nearest to the street level which provides primary access to the building.

    455.7 Special hazards. Every unenclosed gas-fired water heater or furnace which is within the area used for child care in a large family day-care home shall be protected in such a way as to prevent children from making contact with those appliances.

    Exception: This does not apply to kitchen stoves or ovens.

    455.8 Exiting. See Section 1006.2.2.7.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 4-71

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

    4-72 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 5 – GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

  • CBC § 2803.7 High relevance — show source text

    2803.7 Access plan. Where storage pile configurations could change because of changes in product operations and processing, the access plan shall be submitted for approval where required by the fire code official.

    SECTION 2804—FIRE PROTECTION

    2804.1 General. Fire protection in timber and lumber production mills, plywood and veneer mills and agro-industrial facilities shall comply with Sections 2804.2 through 2804.4.

    2804.2 Fire alarms. An approved means for transmitting alarms to the fire department shall be provided in timber and lumber production mills and plywood and veneer mills.

    2804.2.1 Manual fire alarms. A manual fire alarm system complying with Section 907.2 shall be installed in areas of timber and lumber production mills and for plywood and veneer mills that contain product dryers.

    Exception: Where dryers or other sources of ignition are protected by a supervised automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 903.

    2804.3 Portable fire extinguishers or standpipes and hose. Portable fire extinguishers or standpipes and hose supplied from an approved water system shall be provided within a 50-foot (15 240 mm) distance of travel from any machine producing shavings or sawdust. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section 906 for extra-high hazards.

    2804.4 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    SECTION 2805—PLYWOOD, VENEER AND COMPOSITE BOARD MILLS

    2805.1 General. Plant operations of plywood, veneer and composite board mills shall comply with Sections 2805.2 and 2805.3.

    2805.2 Dryer protection. Dryers shall be protected throughout by an approved, automatic deluge water-spray suppression system complying with Chapter 9. Deluge heads shall be inspected quarterly for pitch buildup. Deluge heads shall be flushed during regular maintenance for functional operation. Manual activation valves shall be located within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of the drying equipment.

    2805.3 Thermal oil-heating systems. Facilities that use heat transfer fluids to provide process equipment heat through piped, indirect heating systems shall comply with this code and NFPA 664.

    SECTION 2806—LOG STORAGE AREAS

    2806.1 General. Log storage areas shall comply with Sections 2806.2 and 2806.3.

    2806.2 Cold decks. Cold decks shall not exceed 500 feet (152.4 m) in length, 300 feet (91 440 mm) in width and 20 feet (6096 mm) in height. Cold decks shall be separated from adjacent cold decks or other exposures by not less than 100 feet (30 480 mm).

    Exception: The size of cold decks shall be determined by the fire code official where the decks are protected by special fire protection including, but not limited to, additional fire flow, portable turrets and deluge sets, and hydrant hose houses equipped with approved firefighting equipment capable of reaching the entire storage area in accordance with Chapter 9.

    2806.3 Pile stability. Log and pole piles shall be stabilized by approved means.

    SECTION 2807—STORAGE OF WOOD CHIPS AND

    HOGGED MATERIALS ASSOCIATED WITH TIMBER AND LUMBER PRODUCTION FACILITIES

  • CBC § 9-7 High relevance — show source text

    CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY

    SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

    901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

    902 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11

    903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13 904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems . 9-24 905 Standpipe Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28 906 Portable Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31 907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39 908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 909 Smoke Control Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 910 Smoke and Heat Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66

    911 Explosion Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67 912 Fire Department Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-69 913 Fire Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70 914 Fire Protection Based on Special Detailed Requirements of Use and Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . 9-71 915 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-75 916 Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-77 917 Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-78

    CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • CBC § 455.3 High relevance — show source text

    The department shall account for the_ presence of these detectors during inspections. (c) Enforcement of this section shall be in accordance with Sections 13145 and 13146. A city, county, city and county, or district shall not adopt or enforce a building ordinance or local rule or regulation relating to the subject of fire and life safety in large family day-care homes that is inconsistent with those standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal, except to the extent the building ordinance or local rule or regulation applies to all residences with the same zoning designation in which child-care is provided.

    (Repealed and added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 244, Sec. 12. (SB 234) Effective January 1, 2020.)

    455.3 Smoke alarms. Large family day-care homes shall be equipped with State Fire Marshal approved and listed single station resi- dential type smoke alarms. The number and placement of smoke alarms shall be determined by the enforcement authority.

    455.4 Fire extinguishers. Large and small family day-care homes shall be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum 2A10BC rating.

    455.5 Fire alarm devices. See Section 907.2.6.4.

    455.6 Compliance. Every large-family day-care home shall comply with the provisions for Group R-3 occupancies. For the purposes of Section 436.1 of the California Building Code, the first story shall be designated as the floor used for residential occupancy nearest to the street level which provides primary access to the building.

    455.7 Special hazards. Every unenclosed gas-fired water heater or furnace which is within the area used for child-care in a large family day-care home shall be protected in such a way as to prevent children from making contact with those appliances.

    Exception: This does not apply to kitchen stoves or ovens.

    455.8 Exiting. See Section 1006.2.2.7.

    APPENDIX CHAPTER 4-8 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    APPENDIX A – BOARD OF APPEALS

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

    (Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)

  • CBC § 8-1 High relevance — show source text

    CHAPTER 8 INTERIOR FINISHES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1

    801 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

    802 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

    803 Wall and Ceiling Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

    804 Interior Floor Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

    805 Combustible Materials in Types I and II Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

    806 Decorative Materials and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

    807 Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

    808 Acoustical Ceiling Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

    CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE

    SAFETY SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1

    901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

    902 Fire Pump and Riser Room Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

    903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8

    904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17

    905 Standpipe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20

    906 Portable Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22

    907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25

    908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43

    909 Smoke Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43

    910 Smoke and Heat Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether a voice/EVAC system is required instead of a standard alarm?

The CBC and applicable occupancy subsections identify when emergency voice/alarm communication is required; the design must meet the listed/approved system criteria in § 907 and related subsections, and local enforcing authorities may specify locations and performance requirements .

Are dry standpipes allowed in California?

No — dry standpipes are generally not permitted; the CBC allows them only where subject to freezing and when installed in accordance with NFPA 14 (§ 905.8) .

How close must an extinguisher be to a commercial cooking appliance?

The CBC requires portable extinguishers within 30 feet (9,144 mm) travel distance of commercial cooking equipment (see § 906.1.2) .

Must standpipe valves be electrically supervised?

Yes — valves controlling water supplies shall be supervised in the open position so that a change produces a supervisory signal; where a fire alarm system exists, that signal must be transmitted to the alarm control unit (§ 905.9) .

Can a dwelling unit in an R‑2 building rely on a single small extinguisher instead of corridor spacing?

The CBC provides an exception for Group R‑2 where each dwelling unit may be provided with a portable extinguisher having a minimum rating of 1‑A:10‑B:C in lieu of some other placements; check § 906.1 exceptions for applicability and local enforcement interpretations .

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 owner's responsibilities to maintain fire‑resistance‑rated construction?

When do automatic sprinklers change required fire‑resistance ratings or allow exceptions?

Active Fire Protection Systems & Owner/maintenance Obligations

California Building Code