CBC · California Building Code

Hazardous Materials & Occupancies

The CBC governs hazardous‑material classification, MAQs, control areas and Group H building requirements and must be read together with the California Fire Code.

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

Overview

This area of the California Building Code (CBC) covers how hazardous materials are classified, where they may be used, stored or processed, and the building-construction, separation and protection measures required when quantities exceed exempt limits. The CBC establishes the High‑Hazard Group H occupancy classifications and the maximum allowable quantities (MAQs) that trigger Group H designation in Section §307, and it requires material‑specific design and reporting for hazardous occupancies in Section §414 and the Group H provisions in Section §415.

These provisions matter because they set thresholds (MAQs and control‑area limits), construction and fire‑protection requirements (fire barriers, sprinklers, detection and alarms), and documentation duties that protect occupants and emergency responders. For example, the CBC requires a hazardous‑materials report for expected quantities and protection methods (see §414.1.3) and mandates automatic detection and sprinkler protection for Group H occupancies (see §415.3–§415.4).

The CBC works closely with the California Fire Code (CFC): the Fire Code contains material‑specific rules and the general hazardous‑materials chapters (Chapters 50–67, including §5001) that complement CBC §§307, 414 and 415; use both codes together when evaluating storage, piping, tanks, ventilation, and outdoor or rooftop storage.

In this section

Code references

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

  • CBC § 173.192 Medium relevance — show source text

    Detached buildings are not required, for gases in gas rooms that support H-5 fabrication facilities where the gas room is separated from other areas by a fire barrier with a fire-
    resistance rating of not less than 2 hours and the gas is located in a gas cabinet that is internally sprinklered, equipped with continuous leak detection, automatic shutdown
    and is not manifolded upstream of pressure controls. Additionally, the gas supply is limited to cylinders that do not exceed 125 pounds (57 kg) water capacity in accordance
    with 49 CFR 173.192 for Hazard Zone A toxic gases.
    e. Does not apply to consumer fireworks, Division 1.4G.|

    [F] 415.6.5.1 Wall and opening protection. Where a detached building is required by Table 415.6.5, wall and opening protection based on fire separation distance is not required.

    [F] 415.7 Special provisions for Group H-1 occupancies. Group H-1 occupancies shall be in detached buildings not used for other purposes. Roofs shall be of lightweight construction with suitable thermal insulation to prevent sensitive material from reaching its decomposition temperature. Group H-1 occupancies containing materials that are in themselves both physical and health hazards in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area in Table 307.1(2) shall comply with requirements for both Group H-1 and H-4 occupancies.

    [F] 415.7.1 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage areas for organic peroxides, pyrophoric materials and unstable (reactive) materials shall be of liquid-tight, noncombustible construction.

    [F] 415.8 Special provisions for Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies. Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies containing quantities of hazardous materials in excess of those set forth in Table 415.6.5 shall be in detached buildings used for manufacturing, processing, dispensing, use or storage of hazardous materials. Materials specified for Group H-1 occupancies in Section 307.3 are permitted to be located within Group H-2 or H-3 detached buildings provided that the amount of materials per control area do not exceed the maximum allowed quantity specified in Table 307.1(1).

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    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    [F] 415.8.1 Multiple hazards. Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies containing materials that are in themselves both physical and health hazards in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area in Table 307.1(2) shall comply with requirements for Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancies as applicable.

    [F] 415.8.2 Separation of incompatible materials. Hazardous materials other than those specified in Table 415.6.5 shall be allowed in manufacturing, processing, dispensing, use or storage areas when separated from incompatible materials in accordance with the provisions of the California Fire Code .

    [F] 415.8.3 Water reactives. Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies containing water-reactive materials shall be resistant to water penetration. Piping for conveying liquids shall not be over or through areas containing water reactives, unless isolated by approved liquid-tight construction.

    Exception: Fire protection piping shall be permitted over or through areas containing water reactives without isolating it with liquid-tight construction.

  • CBC § 2506.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    Vertical and horizontal assemblies

    2504

    Wallboard Table 2506.2, 2508.2, 2508.2.1, 2508.4, 2510.5.2.1 Water-resistant backing board 2506.2, 2509.2

    Habitable Space 1208 Handrails 1014 Alternating tread devices 1011.14 Assembly aisles 1030.16 Construction 1014.5, 1014.6, 1014.7 Extensions 1014.7 Glazing 2407 Graspability 1014.4 Guards 1015.3 Height 1014.2 Loads 1607.9

    Location 1014.1, 1014.8, 1014.9,

    1014.10

    Ramps 1012.8 Stairs 1011.11

    Hardboard 1403.3.2, 2303.1.7 Hardware (see Doors and Locks and Latching) Hardwood

    Fastening 2304.10 Quality 2303.3 Veneer 1403.3.2 Hazardous Materials 307, 414, 415 Compliance with California Fire Code 307.2

    Control areas 414.2

    Explosion control 414.5.1, Table 414.5.1, 415.11.6.5, 426.1.4 Mercantile occupancies 309.2 Reporting 414.1.3 Sprinkler protection Table 414.2.5.1, Table 414.2.5.2, 415.4, 415.11.12,

    903.2.5

    Ventilation 414.3, 415.9.1.7, 415.11.1.6, 415.11.1.8.1, 415.11.3.2, 415.11.6.8, 415.11.7.4, 415.11.8, 415.11.11, 1202.6 Weather protection 414.6.1 Hazardous Occupancy (Group H), (see Hazardous Materials) 307, 414, 415 Alarms and detection 415.11.2, 415.11.4, 415.11.6.9, 415.11.8, 415.3, 415.5, 907.2.5, 908.1, 908.2 Area 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Dispersing 414.5, 414.6, 415.6 Gas detection systems 415.11.7 Group provisions H-1 (detonation) 307.3, 415.6.2, 415.7, 415.6.4.1, 415.7.1 H-2 (deflagration) 307.4, 415.8, 415.9 H-3 (physical hazard) 415.10, 307.5, 415.8 H-4 (health hazard) 307.6, 415.10 H-5 (semiconductor) 307.7, 415.11 Height 415.7, 415.8.1, 415.9.1.1, 426.1.1, 503, 504, 505, 506 Incidental uses 509

  • CBC § 203.6.1. Medium relevance — show source text

    Hazardous occupancies are classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 and shall be in accordance with this code and the requirements of Section 415 of the California Building Code . Hazardous materials stored or used on top of roofs or canopies shall be classified as rooftop storage or use and shall comply with this code.

    203.6.1. Occupancy exemptions. Storage, use and handling of hazardous materials in accordance with Table 307.1.1 of the Cali- fornia Building Code shall not be counted as contributing to maximum allowable quantities and shall not cause classification of an occupancy to be Group H. Such storage, use and handling shall comply with applicable provisions of this code.

    203.6.2 Hazardous materials. Hazardous materials in any quantity shall conform to the requirements of this code and Section 414 of the California Building Code .

    203.6.3 High-hazard Group H-1. Buildings and structures containing materials that pose a detonation hazard shall be classified as Group H-1. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

    Detonable pyrophoric materials

    Explosives:

    Division 1.1

    Division 1.2

    Division 1.3

    Division 1.4

    Division 1.5

    Division 1.6

    Organic peroxides, unclassified detonable

    Oxidizers, Class 4

    Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3 detonable and Class 4

    203.6.3.1 Occupancies containing explosives not classified as H-1. The following occupancies containing explosive materials shall be classified as follows:

    1. Division 1.3 explosive materials that are used and maintained in a form where either confinement or configuration will not elevate the hazard from a mass fire to mass explosion hazard shall be allowed in Group H-2 occupancies.
    2. Division 1.4 explosive materials shall be allowed in Group H-3 occupancies.
    3. Articles, including articles packaged for shipment, that are not regulated as a Division 1.4 explosive under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulations, or unpackaged articles used in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration between articles shall be allowed in Group H-3 occupancies.

    203.6.4 High-hazard Group H-2. Buildings and structures containing materials that pose a deflagration hazard or a hazard from accelerated burning shall be classified as Group H-2. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

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    DEFINITIONS

    Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids that are used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or in closed containers or systems pressurized at more than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (103.4 kPa)

    Combustible dusts where manufactured, generated or used in such a manner that the concentration and conditions create a fire or explosion hazard based on information prepared in accordance with Section 414.1.3 of the California Building Code.

    Cryogenic fluids, flammable

    Category 1A flammable gases

    Category 1B flammable gases having a burning velocity greater than 3.9 inches per second (99 mm/s)

    Organic peroxides, Class I

  • CBC § 1.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    and cosmetics
    containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids, with
    the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, is not limited.
    To qualify for this allowance, such materials shall be packaged in individual
    containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons.| |Any|Agricultural materials|The quantity of agricultural materials stored or utilized for agricultural purposes
    on the premises is not limited.| |Any|Energy storage|The quantity of hazardous materials in stationary storage battery systems is not
    limited.| |Any|Energy storage|The quantity of hazardous materials in stationary fuel cell power systems is not
    limited.| |Any|Energy storage|The quantity of hazardous materials in capacitor energy storage systems is not
    limited.| |Any|Refrigeration Systems|The quantity of refrigerants in refrigeration systems is not limited.| |For SI: 1 gallon = 3.785L, °C = (°F - 32)/1.8.
    a. Exempted materials and conditions listed in this table are required to comply with applicable provisions of the_ California Fire Code_.|For SI: 1 gallon = 3.785L, °C = (°F - 32)/1.8.
    a. Exempted materials and conditions listed in this table are required to comply with applicable provisions of the_ California Fire Code_.|For SI: 1 gallon = 3.785L, °C = (°F - 32)/1.8.
    a. Exempted materials and conditions listed in this table are required to comply with applicable provisions of the_ California Fire Code_.|

    [F] 307.2 Hazardous materials. Hazardous materials in any quantity shall conform to the requirements of this code, including Section 414, and the California Fire Code .

    [F] 307.3 High-hazard Group H-1. Buildings and structures containing materials that pose a detonation hazard shall be classified as Group H-1. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

    Detonable pyrophoric materials

    Explosives:

    Division 1.1

    Division 1.2

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    OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

    Division 1.3

    Division 1.4

    Division 1.5

    Division 1.6

    Organic peroxides, unclassified detonable

    Oxidizers, Class 4

    Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3 detonable and Class 4

    [F] 307.3.1 Occupancies containing explosives not classified as H-1. The following occupancies containing explosive materials shall be classified as follows:

    1. Division 1.3 explosive materials that are used and maintained in a form where either confinement or configuration will not elevate the hazard from a mass fire to mass explosion hazard shall be allowed in Group H-2 occupancies.
    2. Division 1.4 explosive materials shall be allowed in Group H-3 occupancies.
    3. Articles, including articles packaged for shipment, that are not regulated as a Division 1.4 explosive under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulations, or unpackaged articles used in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration between articles shall be allowed in Group H-3 occupancies.
  • CBC § 903.2.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    903.2.5

    Ventilation 414.3, 415.9.1.7, 415.11.1.6, 415.11.1.8.1, 415.11.3.2, 415.11.6.8, 415.11.7.4, 415.11.8, 415.11.11, 1202.6 Weather protection 414.6.1 Hazardous Occupancy (Group H), (see Hazardous Materials) 307, 414, 415 Alarms and detection 415.11.2, 415.11.4, 415.11.6.9, 415.11.8, 415.3, 415.5, 907.2.5, 908.1, 908.2 Area 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Dispersing 414.5, 414.6, 415.6 Gas detection systems 415.11.7 Group provisions H-1 (detonation) 307.3, 415.6.2, 415.7, 415.6.4.1, 415.7.1 H-2 (deflagration) 307.4, 415.8, 415.9 H-3 (physical hazard) 415.10, 307.5, 415.8 H-4 (health hazard) 307.6, 415.10 H-5 (semiconductor) 307.7, 415.11 Height 415.7, 415.8.1, 415.9.1.1, 426.1.1, 503, 504, 505, 506 Incidental uses 509

    Interior finishes 416.2.1, 416.3.1, Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1

    Location on property 414.6.1.2, 415.6 Low hazard 306.3, 311.3 Means of egress Corridors 415.11.2 One means of egress Table 1006.3.4(1), Table 1006.3.4(2) Panic hardware 1006.2.2.2, 1006.2.2.3, 1006.2.2.4, 1010.2.8 Stairway, exit access 1019 Travel distance 1006.3, 1006.2.1, Table 1017.2

    Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Accessory 508.2 Moderate hazard 306.2, 311.2 Multiple hazards 306.2, 311.2 Occupancy exceptions 307.1 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Risk category Table 1604.5 Separation from other occupancies 415.6.1, 508.1, 508.2.4, 508.3.3, 508.4 Smoke and heat removal 910.2 Special provisions based on materials Combustible liquids Table 307.1(1), 307.4, 307.5, 414.2.5, 414.5.3,

    415.9.2

    Corrosives 307.6, Table 414.2.5.1, 414.3, 415.10.3, Table 415.11.1.1 Explosives 307.3, 307.3.1, Table 415.6.5

  • CBC § 414.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    Exception: Neither fire-resistance-rated construction nor opening protectives are required in any of the following locations:

    1. Areas protected by approved automatic sprinkler systems.
    2. Group R-3 and U occupancies.

    SECTION 414—HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

    [F] 414.1 General. Buildings and structures occupied for the manufacturing, processing, dispensing, use or storage of hazardous materials shall comply with Sections 414.1 through 414.6.

    Exception: Exemptions listed in Table 307.1.1 shall not be required to comply with Section 414.

    [F] 414.1.1 Other provisions. Buildings and structures with an occupancy in Group H shall comply with this section and the applicable provisions of Section 415 and the California Fire Code. See Section 453 for Group L occupancies.

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    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    [F] 414.1.2 Materials. The safe design of hazardous material occupancies is material dependent. Individual material requirements are found in Sections 307 and 415, the California Mechanical Cod e and the California Fire Code.

    [F] 414.1.2.1 Aerosol products, aerosol cooking spray products and plastic aerosol 3 products. Level 2 and 3 aerosol products, aerosol cooking spray products and plastic aerosol 3 products shall be stored and displayed in accordance with the California Fire Code . See Section 311.2 and the California Fire Code for occupancy group requirements.

    [F] 414.1.3 Information required. A report shall be submitted to the building official identifying the maximum expected quantities of hazardous materials to be stored, used in a closed system and used in an open system, and subdivided to separately address hazardous material classification categories based on Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2). The methods of protection from such hazards, including but not limited to control areas, fire protection systems and Group H occupancies shall be indicated in the report and on the construction documents. The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified person, firm or corporation approved by the building official and provided without charge to the enforcing agency.

    For buildings and structures with an occupancy in Group H, separate floor plans shall be submitted identifying the locations of anticipated contents and processes so as to reflect the nature of each occupied portion of every building and structure.

    [F] 414.2 Control areas. Control areas shall comply with Sections 414.2.1 through 414.2.5 and the California Fire Code .

    [F] 414.2.1 Construction requirements. Control areas shall be separated from each other by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

    [F] 414.2.2 Percentage of maximum allowable quantities. The percentage of maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials per control area permitted at each floor level within a building shall be in accordance with Table 414.2.2.

  • CBC § 414.6.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    [F] 414.6.1.3 Noncombustible construction. The overhead structure shall be of approved noncombustible construction with a maximum area of 1,500 square feet (140 m [2] ).

    Exception: The maximum area is permitted to be increased as provided by Section 506.

    SECTION 415—GROUPS H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 AND H-5

    [F] 415.1 General. Occupancies classified as Group H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 in accordance with Section 307 shall comply with Sections 415.1 through 415.11.

    [F] 415.2 Compliance. Buildings and structures with an occupancy in Group H shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 414 and the California Fire Code .

    [F] 415.3 Automatic fire detection systems. Group H occupancies shall be provided with an automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.

    [F] 415.4 Automatic sprinkler system. Group H occupancies shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.

    [F] 415.5 Emergency alarms. Emergency alarms for the detection and notification of an emergency condition in Group H occupancies shall be provided as set forth herein.

    [F] 415.5.1 Storage. An approved manual emergency alarm system shall be provided in buildings, rooms or areas used for storage of hazardous materials. Emergency alarm-initiating devices shall be installed outside of each interior exit or exit access door of storage buildings, rooms or areas. Activation of an emergency alarm-initiating device shall sound a local alarm to alert occupants of an emergency situation involving hazardous materials.

    [F] 415.5.2 Dispensing, use and handling. Where hazardous materials having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 are transported through corridors, interior exit stairways or ramps, or exit passageways, there shall be an emergency telephone system, a local manual alarm station or an approved alarm-initiating device at not more than 150-foot (45 720 mm) intervals and at each exit and exit access doorway throughout the transport route. The signal shall be relayed to an approved central, proprietary or remote station service or constantly attended on-site location and shall initiate a local audible alarm.

    [F] 415.5.3 Supervision. Emergency alarm systems required by Section 415.5.1 or 415.5.2 shall be electrically supervised and monitored by an approved central, proprietary or remote station service or shall initiate an audible and visual signal at a constantly attended on-site location.

    [F] 415.5.4 Emergency alarm systems. Emergency alarm systems required by Section 415.5.1 or 415.5.2 shall be provided with emergency or standby power in accordance with Section 2702.2.

    [F] 415.6 Fire separation distance. Group H occupancies shall be located on property in accordance with the other provisions of this chapter. In Groups H-2 and H-3, not less than 25 percent of the perimeter wall of the occupancy shall be an exterior wall.

  • CBC § 4-1 Medium relevance — show source text

    CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

    BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

    401 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

    402 Covered Mall and Open Mall Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

    403 High-Rise Buildings and Group I-2 Occupancies Having Occupied Floors Located More Than 75 Feet above the Lowest Level of

    Fire Department Vehicle Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

    404 Atriums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

    405 Underground Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

    406 Motor-Vehicle-Related Occupancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

    407 Group I-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

    408 Group I-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24

    409 Motion Picture Projection Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30

    410 Stages, Platforms and Technical Production Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31

    411 Special Amusement Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32

    412 Aircraft-Related Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33

    413 Combustible Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37

    414 Hazardous Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37

    415 Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42

    416 Spray Application of Flammable Finishes . . . . . . . . 4-51

    417 Drying Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52

    418 Organic Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52

    419 Artificial Decorative Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52

  • CBC § 412.7.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    [BE] 412.7.3 Means of egress. The means of egress from heliports and helistops shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10. Landing areas located on buildings or structures shall have two or more exits or access to exits. For landing areas less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in length or less than 2,000 square feet (186 m [2] ) in area, the second means of egress is permitted to be a fire escape, alternating tread device or ladder leading to the floor below.

    [F] 412.7.4 Rooftop heliports and helistops. Rooftop heliports and helistops shall comply with NFPA 418.

    [F] 412.7.5 Standpipe system. In buildings equipped with a standpipe system, the standpipe shall extend to the roof level in accordance with Section 905.3.5.

    SECTION 413—COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

    413.1 General. High-piled stock or rack storage in any occupancy group shall comply with the California Fire Code .

    413.2 Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces. Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces used for storage of combustible materials shall be protected on the storage side as required for 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Openings shall be protected by assemblies that are self-closing and are of noncombustible construction or solid wood core not less than 1 [3] / 4 inches (45 mm) in thickness.

    Exception: Neither fire-resistance-rated construction nor opening protectives are required in any of the following locations:

    1. Areas protected by approved automatic sprinkler systems.
    2. Group R-3 and U occupancies.

    SECTION 414—HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

    [F] 414.1 General. Buildings and structures occupied for the manufacturing, processing, dispensing, use or storage of hazardous materials shall comply with Sections 414.1 through 414.6.

    Exception: Exemptions listed in Table 307.1.1 shall not be required to comply with Section 414.

    [F] 414.1.1 Other provisions. Buildings and structures with an occupancy in Group H shall comply with this section and the applicable provisions of Section 415 and the California Fire Code. See Section 453 for Group L occupancies.

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    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    [F] 414.1.2 Materials. The safe design of hazardous material occupancies is material dependent. Individual material requirements are found in Sections 307 and 415, the California Mechanical Cod e and the California Fire Code.

    [F] 414.1.2.1 Aerosol products, aerosol cooking spray products and plastic aerosol 3 products. Level 2 and 3 aerosol products, aerosol cooking spray products and plastic aerosol 3 products shall be stored and displayed in accordance with the California Fire Code . See Section 311.2 and the California Fire Code for occupancy group requirements.

  • CBC § 414.6 Medium relevance — show source text

    [F] 414.6 Outdoor storage, dispensing and use. The outdoor storage, dispensing and use of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    [F] 414.6.1 Weather protection. Where weather protection is provided for sheltering outdoor hazardous material storage or use areas, such areas shall be considered outdoor storage or use where the weather protection structure complies with Sections 414.6.1.1 through 414.6.1.3.

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    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    [F] 414.6.1.1 Walls. Walls shall not obstruct more than one side of the structure.

    Exception: Walls shall be permitted to obstruct portions of multiple sides of the structure, provided that the obstructed area is not greater than 25 percent of the structure’s perimeter.

    [F] 414.6.1.2 Separation distance. The distance from the structure to buildings, lot lines, public ways or means of egress to a public way shall be not less than the distance required for an outside hazardous material storage or use area without weather protection.

    [F] 414.6.1.3 Noncombustible construction. The overhead structure shall be of approved noncombustible construction with a maximum area of 1,500 square feet (140 m [2] ).

    Exception: The maximum area is permitted to be increased as provided by Section 506.

    SECTION 415—GROUPS H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 AND H-5

    [F] 415.1 General. Occupancies classified as Group H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 in accordance with Section 307 shall comply with Sections 415.1 through 415.11.

    [F] 415.2 Compliance. Buildings and structures with an occupancy in Group H shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 414 and the California Fire Code .

    [F] 415.3 Automatic fire detection systems. Group H occupancies shall be provided with an automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.

    [F] 415.4 Automatic sprinkler system. Group H occupancies shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.

    [F] 415.5 Emergency alarms. Emergency alarms for the detection and notification of an emergency condition in Group H occupancies shall be provided as set forth herein.

    [F] 415.5.1 Storage. An approved manual emergency alarm system shall be provided in buildings, rooms or areas used for storage of hazardous materials. Emergency alarm-initiating devices shall be installed outside of each interior exit or exit access door of storage buildings, rooms or areas. Activation of an emergency alarm-initiating device shall sound a local alarm to alert occupants of an emergency situation involving hazardous materials.

  • CBC § 50-1 Medium relevance — show source text

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    PART V— HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

    50 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 50 contains the general requirements for all hazardous materials in all occupancies. Hazardous materials are defined as those that pose an unreasonable risk to the health and safety of operating or emergency personnel, the public and the environment if not properly controlled during handling, storage, manufacture, processing, packaging, use, disposal or transportation. The general provisions of this chapter are intended to be companion provisions with the specific requirements of Chapters 51 through 67 regarding a given hazardous material. Also, Sections 414 and 415 of the California Building Code contain construction requirements related to the storage and use of such materials.

    SECTION 5001—GENERAL

    5001.1 Scope. Prevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to storage, dispensing, use and handling of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with this chapter.

    This chapter shall apply to all hazardous materials, including those materials regulated elsewhere in this code, except that where specific requirements are provided in other chapters, those specific requirements shall apply in accordance with the applicable chapter. Where a material has multiple hazards, all hazards shall be addressed.

    Exceptions:

    1. In retail or wholesale sales occupancies, medicines, foodstuff, cosmetics and commercial or institutional products containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L).

    2. Alcoholic beverages in retail or wholesale sales occupancies, provided that the liquids are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L).

    3. Application and release of pesticide and agricultural products and materials intended for use in weed abatement, erosion control, soil amendment or similar applications where applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and label directions.

    4. The off-site transportation of hazardous materials where in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOTn) regulations.

    5. Building materials not otherwise regulated by this code.

    6. Refrigeration systems (see Section 608).

    7. Stationary storage battery systems regulated by Section 1207.

    8. The display, storage, sale or use of fireworks and explosives in accordance with Chapter 56.

    9. Corrosives utilized in personal and household products in the manufacturer’s original consumer packaging in Group M occupancies.

    10. The storage of beer, distilled spirits and wines in barrels and casks.

    11. The use, storage or both of dispensers containing alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I or II liquids where in accordance with Section 5705.5.

    12. Specific provisions for flammable liquids in motor fuel-dispensing facilities, repair garages, airports and marinas in Chapter 23.

    13. Storage and use of fuel oil in tanks and containers connected to oil-burning equipment. Such storage and use shall be in accordance with Section 605. For abandonment of fuel oil tanks, Chapter 57 applies.

    14. Storage and display of aerosol products complying with Chapter 51.

  • CBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    The IBC requirements for hazardous materials, fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress, emergency and standby power, and temporary structures are directly correlated with the requirements of the International Fire Code ® (IFC®). The following table shows chapters/sections of the IBC that are correlated with the IFC:

    IBC/IFC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3
    IBC CHAPTER/SECTION IFC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT
    Sections 307, 414, 415 Chapters 50–67 Hazardous materials and Group H requirements
    Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Fire-resistance-rated construction (fire and smoke protection features in the IFC)
    Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings
    Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Fire protection systems
    Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Means of egress
    Chapter 27 Section 604 Standby and emergency power
    Section 3103 Chapter 31 Temporary structures

    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.

    xii 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use.

    Chapter 3 provides for the classification of buildings, structures and parts thereof based on the purpose for which they are used. Section 302 identifies the groups into which all buildings, structures and parts thereof must be classified. Sections 303 through 312 identify the occupancy characteristics of each group classification. In some sections, specific group classifications having requirements in common are collectively organized such that one term applies to all. For example, Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5 are individual groups for assembly-type buildings. The general term “Group A,” however, includes each of these individual groups. Other groups include Business (B), Organized Camps (C), Educational (E), Factory (F-1, F-2), High Hazard (H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5), Institutional (I-2, I-3, I-4), Laboratories (L), Mercantile (M), Residential (R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3, R-3.1, R-4), Storage (S-1, S-2) and Utility (U). In some occupancies, the smaller number means a higher hazard, but that is not always the case.

Frequently asked questions

When does a use become a Group H (hazardous) occupancy?

A use becomes Group H when hazardous materials on the premises exceed the maximum allowable quantities for a control area listed in the CBC tables referenced in §307; those MAQs determine whether the space must be treated as Group H and follow Sections 414 and 415.

Where are the control‑area rules and reporting requirements?

Control‑area construction, limits and percentages are in Section §414 (see §414.2 and §414.1.3 for required hazardous‑materials reporting and control‑area separation).

How does the California Fire Code factor in?

The CFC provides the companion, material‑specific provisions (Chapters 50–67) and general hazardous‑materials requirements (e.g., §5001) that the CBC references; follow both the CBC sections (§307, §414, §415) and the CFC chapters for a complete compliance picture.

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