CBC · California Building Code

Design & fire-protection requirements for Group H occupancies

This page orients designers to the CBC rules governing Group H high‑hazard occupancies — key sections include §414 (hazardous materials), §415 (Group H special requirements) and §903.2.5 (sprinklers).

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

Overview

This hub covers design, construction and fire-protection requirements for high‑hazard (Group H) occupancies in the California Building Code — the chapters that govern hazardous materials, control areas, separation and active fire protection for H‑1 through H‑5 uses. Section 415 (§415) contains the special detailed requirements for Group H occupancies and directs coordination with the California Fire Code and the hazardous‑materials rules in Section 414 (§414) .

Active fire protection is central: an automatic sprinkler system is required for Group H occupancies under §903.2.5 and is referenced throughout §415 (see §415.4 and related sprinkler design criteria for H‑5) . The CBC also prescribes minimum fire‑separation distances, detached‑building rules and construction/containment details (for example §415.6 and the detached‑building requirements) to limit off‑site and on‑site risk .

Material‑specific controls and coordination with the California Fire Code are required for flammable/combustible liquids, gas rooms, water‑reactive materials and other HPM; §415.9 and the Fire Code sections such as 5705.3.7 set construction, ventilation, containment and spill/venting requirements for rooms or buildings storing or using quantities that exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area. Project submittals must include an HPM report and floor plans identifying control areas and protections as required by §414.1.3 .

In this section

Code references

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

  • CBC § 415.6.2 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 415.6.2 Liquid storage rooms and rooms for flammable or combustible liquid use in closed systems . Liquid storage rooms and rooms for flammable or combustible liquid use in closed systems, having a floor area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) need not be located on the outer perimeter where they are in accordance with the California Fire Code and NFPA 30.

    [F] 415.6.3 Spray paint booths. Spray paint booths that comply with the California Fire Code need not be located on the outer perimeter.

    [F] 415.6.4 Group H occupancy minimum fire separation distance. Regardless of any other provisions, buildings containing Group H occupancies shall be set back to the minimum fire separation distance as set forth in Sections 415.6.4.1 through 415.6.4.4. Distances shall be measured from the walls enclosing the occupancy to lot lines, including those on a public way. Distances to assumed lot lines established for the purpose of determining exterior wall and opening protection are not to be used to establish the minimum fire separation distance for buildings on sites where explosives are manufactured or used where separation is provided in accordance with the quantity distance tables specified for explosive materials in the California Fire Code .

    [F] 415.6.4.1 Group H-1. Group H-1 occupancies shall be set back not less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) and not less than required by the California Fire Code .

    Exception: Fireworks manufacturing buildings separated in accordance with NFPA 1124.

    [F] 415.6.4.2 Group H-2. Group H-2 occupancies shall be set back not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) where the area of the occupancy is greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) and it is not required to be located in a detached building.

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    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    [F] 415.6.4.3 Groups H-2 and H-3. Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies shall be set back not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) where a detached building is required (see Table 415.6.5).

    [F] 415.6.4.4 Explosive materials. Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies containing materials with explosive characteristics shall be separated as required by the California Fire Code . Where separations are not specified, the distances required shall be determined by a technical report issued in accordance with Section 414.1.3.

    [F] 415.6.5 Detached buildings for Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 occupancy. The storage or use of hazardous materials in excess of those amounts specified in Table 415.6.5 shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 415.7 and 415.8.

    |[F] TABLE 415.6.

  • CBC § 903.2.4.1 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 903.2.4.1 Woodworking operations. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all Group F-1 occupancy fire areas that contain woodworking operations in excess of 2,500 square feet (232 m [2] ) in area that generate finely divided combustible waste or use finely divided combustible materials.

    [SFM] A fire wall of less than four-hour fire-resistance rating without openings, or any fire wall with openings, shall not be used to establish separate fire areas.

    [F] 903.2.4.2 Group F-1 distilled spirits. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group F-1 fire area used for the manufacture of distilled spirits.

    [F] 903.2.4.3 Group F-1 upholstered furniture or mattresses. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group F-1 fire area that exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m [2] ) used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or

    mattresses.

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    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    [F] 903.2.5 Group H. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.5.1 through 903.2.5.3.

    [F] 903.2.5.1 General. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies.

    [F] 903.2.5.2 Group H-5 occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group H-5 occupancies. The design of the automatic sprinkler system shall be not less than that required by this code for the occupancy hazard classifications in accordance with Table 903.2.5.2.

    Where the design area of the automatic sprinkler system consists of a corridor protected by one row of sprinklers, the maximum number of sprinklers required to be calculated is 13.

    [F] TABLE 903.2.5.2—GROUP H-5 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM DESIGN CRITERIA Col2
    LOCATION OCCUPANCY HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
    Fabrication areas Ordinary Hazard Group 2
    Service corridors Ordinary Hazard Group 2
    Storage rooms without dispensing Ordinary Hazard Group 2
    Storage rooms with dispensing Extra Hazard Group 2
    Corridors Ordinary Hazard Group 2

    [F] 903.2.5.3 Pyroxylin plastics. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in buildings, or portions thereof, where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored or handled in quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg).

    903.2.5.4 Group H occupancies located on the 11th story and above. The fire sprinkler system shall be designed and zoned to provide separate indication upon water-flow for each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier on the 11th story and above.

    [F] 903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.

  • CBC § 903.2.5 High relevance — show source text

    903.2.5 Group H. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.5.1 through 903.2.5.3.

    903.2.5.1 General. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies.

    903.2.5.2 Group H-5 occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group H5 occupancies. The design of the automatic sprinkler system shall be not less than that required under the California Building Code for the occupancy hazard classifications in accordance with Table 903.2.5.2.

    Where the design area of the automatic sprinkler system consists of a corridor protected by one row of sprinklers, the maximum number of sprinklers required to be calculated is 13.

    TABLE 903.2.5.2—GROUP H-5 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM DESIGN CRITERIA Col2
    LOCATION OCCUPANCY HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
    Fabrication areas Ordinary Hazard Group 2
    Service corridors Ordinary Hazard Group 2
    Storage rooms without dispensing Ordinary Hazard Group 2
    Storage rooms with dispensing Extra Hazard Group 2
    Corridors Ordinary Hazard Group 2

    903.2.5.3 Pyroxylin plastics. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in buildings, or portions thereof, where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored or handled in quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg).

    903.2.5.4 Group H occupancies located on the 11th story and above. The fire sprinkler system shall be designed and zoned to provide separate indication upon water-flow for each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier on the 11th story and above.

    903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.

    Exceptions: 1. Those areas exempted by Section 407.6 of the California Building Code. 2. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13113 (d), Group I-2 occupancies, or any alterations thereto, located in Type IA construction in existence on March 4, 1972.

    903.2.6.1 Group I-2. An existing, unsprinklered Group I-2, nurses’ station open to fire-resistive exit access corridors shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system located directly above the nurses’ station. It shall be permitted to connect the auto- matic sprinkler system to the domestic water service.

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    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    903.2.6.2 Group I-3. Every building, or portion thereof, where inmates or persons are in custody or restrained shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13. The main sprinkler control valve or valves and all other control valves in the system shall be locked in the open position and electrically supervised so that at least an audible and visual alarm will sound at a constantly attended location when valves are closed. The sprinkler branch piping serving cells may be embedded in the concrete construction.

  • CBC § 903.2.5.2 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 903.2.5.2 Group H-5 occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group H-5 occupancies. The design of the automatic sprinkler system shall be not less than that required by this code for the occupancy hazard classifications in accordance with Table 903.2.5.2.

    Where the design area of the automatic sprinkler system consists of a corridor protected by one row of sprinklers, the maximum number of sprinklers required to be calculated is 13.

    [F] TABLE 903.2.5.2—GROUP H-5 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM DESIGN CRITERIA Col2
    LOCATION OCCUPANCY HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
    Fabrication areas Ordinary Hazard Group 2
    Service corridors Ordinary Hazard Group 2
    Storage rooms without dispensing Ordinary Hazard Group 2
    Storage rooms with dispensing Extra Hazard Group 2
    Corridors Ordinary Hazard Group 2

    [F] 903.2.5.3 Pyroxylin plastics. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in buildings, or portions thereof, where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored or handled in quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg).

    903.2.5.4 Group H occupancies located on the 11th story and above. The fire sprinkler system shall be designed and zoned to provide separate indication upon water-flow for each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier on the 11th story and above.

    [F] 903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.

    Exceptions: 1. Those areas exempted by Section 407.6 of the California Building Code. 2. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13113(d), Group I-2 occupancies, or any alterations thereto, located in Type IA construction in existence on March 4, 1972.

    903.2.6.1 Group I-2. In an existing, unsprinklered Group I-2, nurse station open to fire-resistive exit access corridors shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system located directly above the nurse station. It shall be permitted to connect the auto- matic sprinkler system to the domestic water service.

    903.2.6.2 Group I-3. Every building, or portion thereof, where inmates or persons are in custody or restrained shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13. The main sprinkler control valve or valves and all other control valves in the system shall be locked in the open position and electrically supervised so that at least an audible and visual alarm will sound at a constantly attended location when valves are closed. The sprinkler branch piping serving cells may be embedded in the concrete construction.

  • CBC § 414.6 High 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 § 4-43 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 4-43

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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.

    [F] 415.8.4 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage areas for organic peroxides, oxidizers, pyrophoric materials, unstable (reactive) materials and water-reactive solids and liquids shall be of liquid-tight, noncombustible construction.

    [F] 415.8.5 Waterproof room. Rooms or areas used for the storage of water-reactive solids and liquids shall be constructed in a manner that resists the penetration of water through the use of waterproof materials. Piping carrying water for other than approved automatic sprinkler systems shall not be within such rooms or areas.

    [F] 415.9 Group H-2. Occupancies in Group H-2 shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 415.9.1 through 415.9.3 and the California Fire Code.

    [F] 415.9.1 Flammable and combustible liquids. The storage, handling, processing and transporting of flammable and combustible liquids in Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies shall be in accordance with Sections 415.9.1.1 through 415.9.1.9, the California Mechanical Code and the California Fire Code .

    [F] 415.9.1.1 Mixed occupancies. Where the storage tank area is located in a building of two or more occupancies and the quantity of liquid exceeds the maximum allowable quantity for one control area, the use shall be completely separated from adjacent occupancies in accordance with the requirements of Section 508.4.

    [F] 415.9.1.1.1 Height exception. Where storage tanks are located within a building not more than one story above grade plane, the height limitation of Section 504 shall not apply for Group H.

    [F] 415.9.1.2 Tank protection. Storage tanks shall be noncombustible and protected from physical damage. Fire barriers or horizontal assemblies or both around the storage tanks shall be permitted as the method of protection from physical damage.

    [F] 415.9.1.3 Tanks. Storage tanks shall be approved tanks conforming to the requirements of the California Fire Code .

  • CBC § 5705.3.7 High relevance — show source text

    5705.3.7 Rooms or buildings for quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. Where required by Section 5705.3.5.3 or 5705.3.6.1, rooms or buildings used for the use, dispensing or mixing of flammable and combustible liquids in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area shall be in accordance with Sections 5705.3.7.1 through 5705.3.7.6.3.

    5705.3.7.1 Construction, location and fire protection. Rooms or buildings classified in accordance with the California Build- ing Code as Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies based on use, dispensing or mixing of flammable or combustible liquids shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code .

    5705.3.7.2 Basements. In rooms or buildings classified in accordance with the California Building Code as Group H-2 or H-3, dispensing or mixing of flammable or combustible liquids shall not be conducted in basements.

    5705.3.7.3 Fire protection. Rooms or buildings classified in accordance with the California Building Code as Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Chapter 9.

    5705.3.7.4 Doors. Interior doors to rooms or portions of such buildings shall be self-closing fire doors in accordance with the California Building Code .

    5705.3.7.5 Open systems. Use, dispensing and mixing of flammable and combustible liquids in open systems shall be in accordance with Sections 5705.3.7.5.1 through 5705.3.7.5.3.

    5705.3.7.5.1 Ventilation. Continuous mechanical ventilation shall be provided at a rate of not less than 1 cfm per square foot [0.00508 m [3] /(s × m [2] )] of floor area over the design area. Provisions shall be made for introduction of makeup air in such a manner to include all floor areas or pits where vapors can collect. Local or spot ventilation shall be provided where needed to prevent the accumulation of hazardous vapors. Ventilation system design shall comply with the California Building Code and California Mechanical Code .

    Exception: Where natural ventilation can be shown to be effective for the materials used, dispensed or mixed.

    5705.3.7.5.2 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided in accordance with Section 911.

    5705.3.7.5.3 Spill control and secondary containment. Spill control shall be provided in accordance with Section 5703.4 where Class I, II or IIIA liquids are dispensed into containers exceeding a 1.3-gallon (5 L) capacity or mixed or used in open containers or systems exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity. Spill control and secondary containment shall be provided in accordance with Section 5703.4 where the capacity of an individual container exceeds 55 gallons (208 L) or the aggregate capacity of multiple containers or tanks exceeds 100 gallons (378.5 L).

    5705.3.7.6 Closed systems. Use or mixing of flammable or combustible liquids in closed systems shall be in accordance with Sections 5705.3.7.6.1 through 5705.3.7.6.3.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 57-33

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

    g, j|Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)i|No Limit| |20 to less than 25f, g, j|Protected (P)|No Limit| |25 to less than 30f, g, j|Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS)|70%| |25 to less than 30f, g, j|Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)i|No Limit| |25 to less than 30f, g, j|Protected (P)|No Limit|

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    FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

    Table 1: TABLE 705.9—MAXIMUM AREA OF EXTERIOR WALL OPENINGS
    BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE AND DEGREE OF OPENING PROTECTION —continued
    Col2 Col3
    ** FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet)** ** DEGREE OF OPENING PROTECTION** ** ALLOWABLE AREAa**
    30 or greater Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) No Limit
    30 or greater Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)i No Limit
    30 or greater Protected (P) No Limit
    For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
    UP, NS = Unprotected openings in buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
    UP, S = Unprotected openings in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
    P = Openings protected with an opening protective assembly in accordance with Section 705.9.2.
    a. Values indicated are the percentage of the area of the exterior wall, per_story_.
    b. For the requirements for fire walls of buildings with differing heights, see Section 706.6.1.
    c. For openings in a fire wall for buildings on the same_lot_, see Section 706.8.
    d. The maximum percentage of unprotected and protected openings shall be 25 percent for Group R-3 occupancies.
    e. Unprotected openings shall not be permitted for openings with a fire separation distance of less than 15 feet for Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies.
    f. The area of unprotected and protected openings shall not be limited for Group R-3 occupancies, with a fire separation distance of 5 feet or greater.
    g. The area of openings in an open parking garage in accordance with Section 406.5 with a fire separation distance of 10 feet or greater shall not be limited.
    h. Includes buildings accessory to Group R-3.
    i. Not applicable to Group H-1, H-2 and H-3 occupancies.
    j. The area of openings in a building containing only a Group U occupancy private garage or carport with a fire separation distance of 5 feet or greater shall not be limited.
    k.
  • CBC § 173.192 High 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 § 901.1 High relevance — show source text

    9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing 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 California Fire Code.

    SECTION 901—GENERAL

    901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection and life safety systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation and operation of fire protection and life safety systems.

    901.2 Fire protection systems. Fire protection and life safety systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this code and the California Fire Code .

    Any fire protection or life safety system for which an exception or reduction to the provisions of this code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.

    Exception: Any fire protection or life safety system or portion thereof not required by this code shall be permitted to be installed for partial or complete protection provided that such system meets the requirements of this code.

    901.3 Modifications. Persons shall not remove or modify any fire protection system installed or maintained under the provisions of this code or the California Fire Code without approval by the building official.

    901.4 Threads. Threads provided for fire department connections to automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, yard hydrants or any other fire hose connection shall be compatible with the connections used by the local fire department.

    901.5 Administration of installation acceptance tests. Fire protection systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of this code and the California Fire Code . Where required, the tests shall be conducted in the presence of the building official. Tests required by this code, the California Fire Code and the standards listed in this code shall be conducted at the expense of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent. It shall be unlawful to occupy portions of a structure until the required fire protection systems within that portion of the structure have been tested and approved.

    901.6 Supervisory service. Where required, fire protection systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72.

    901.6.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station.

    Exceptions:

    1. A supervising station is not required for automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
    2. Limited area systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8.

    901.6.2 Fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems required by the provisions of Section 907.2 of this code and Sections 907.2 and 907.9 of the California Fire Code shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with Section 907.6.6 of this code.

    Exceptions:

    1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.
    2. Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies.
    3. Supervisory service is not required for automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.

    901.6.3 Group H. Supervision and monitoring of emergency alarm, detection and automatic fire-extinguishing systems in Group H occupancies shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code .

  • CBC § 403.6 High relevance — show source text

    403.6 Group H occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group H occupancies.

    403.6.1 Group H-5 occupancies. Group H-5 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.6.1.1 through 403.6.1.4.

    403.6.1.1 Plans and diagrams. In addition to the requirements of Section 404 and Section 407.6, plans and diagrams shall be maintained in approved locations indicating the approximate plan for each area; the amount and type of HPM stored, handled and used; locations of shutoff valves for HPM supply piping; emergency telephone locations and locations of exits.

    403.6.1.2 Plan updating. The plans and diagrams required by Sections 404, 403.6.1.1 and 407.6 shall be maintained up-todate and the fire code official and fire department shall be informed of major changes.

    403.6.1.3 Emergency response team. Responsible persons shall be designated as an on-site emergency response team and trained to be liaison personnel for the fire department. These persons shall aid the fire department in preplanning emergency responses, identifying locations where HPM is stored, handled and used, and be familiar with the chemical nature of such material. An adequate number of personnel for each work shift shall be designated.

    403.6.1.4 Emergency drills. Emergency drills of the on-site emergency response team shall be conducted on a regular basis but not less than once every three months. Records of drills conducted shall be maintained.

    403.7 Group I occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group I occupancies. Group I occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1 through 403.7.3.6.

    403.7.1 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1.1 through 403.7.1.4.

    403.7.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:

    1. Procedures for full evacuation of care recipients.
    2. In Group R-2.1, Condition 2, procedures for staged evacuation of care recipients through a refuge area in an adjacent smoke compartment and then to an exterior assembly point.
    3. Shall be amended or revised upon admission of any resident care recipient with unusual needs.

    403.7.1.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:

    1. Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
    2. Location of special locking arrangements.

    403.7.1.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.

    Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.

  • CBC § 414.1 High 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 4-37

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

    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.

Frequently asked questions

Do Group H occupancies always require an automatic sprinkler system?

Yes. The CBC requires automatic sprinklers for Group H occupancies (see §903.2.5 and §415.4), with specific design criteria for certain H subclasses (for example H‑5) and additional zoning/notification provisions for high stories .

How is it determined whether a use becomes Group H (instead of being limited by control areas)?

Classification depends on the type and aggregate quantity of hazardous materials relative to the maximum allowable quantities per control area; when quantities exceed those thresholds the use is treated as Group H and must comply with §414 control‑area construction and §415 Group H requirements, including required reports and plans (§414.1.3) .

Are detached buildings or minimum setbacks required for all Group H uses?

Not for all — but many H uses require setbacks or detached buildings when quantities exceed specified limits. The CBC prescribes minimum fire‑separation distances and when detached construction is required (see §415.6.4 and Table/requirements in §415.6/415.8) to control risk and exposures .

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