Interior Floor Finishes

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

• CBC § 803.1.1 High relevance — show source text

  Exceptions:

  1. Noncombustible interior finish materials.

  2. Materials that meet the requirements of Class A materials in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2 where the qualifying tests were made with the material furred out from the noncombustible backing shall be permitted to be used with furring strips.

  3. Materials that meet the requirements of Class A materials in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2 where the qualifying tests were made with the material suspended away from the noncombustible backing shall be permitted to be used suspended away from the building element.

  SECTION 804—INTERIOR FLOOR FINISH

  804.1 General. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials shall comply with Sections 804.2 through 804.4.2.

  Exception: In areas except Groups I-2 with detention and I-3, floor finishes and coverings of a traditional type, such as wood, vinyl, linoleum or terrazzo, and resilient floor covering materials that are not composed of fibers.

  804.2 Classification. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials required by Section 804.4.2 to be of Class I or II materials shall be classified in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253. The classification referred to herein corresponds to the classifications determined by ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 as follows: Class I, 0.45 watts/cm [2] or greater; Class II, 0.22 watts/cm [2] or greater.

  804.3 Testing and identification. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials shall be tested by an agency in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 and identified by a hang tag or other suitable method so as to identify the manufacturer or supplier and style, and shall indicate the interior floor finish or floor covering classification in accordance with Section 804.2. Carpet-type floor coverings shall be tested as proposed for use, including underlayment. Test reports confirming the information provided in the manufacturer’s product identification shall be furnished to the building official on request.

  804.4 Interior floor finish requirements. Interior floor covering materials shall comply with Sections 804.4.1 and 804.4.2 and interior floor finish materials shall comply with Section 804.4.3 .

  804.4.1 Test requirement. In all occupancies, interior floor finish and interior floor covering materials shall comply with the requirements of the ASTM Standard E648, and having a specific optical density smoke rating not to exceed 450 per ASTM E662. For Group I-3 occupancies and Group I-2 areas where patients are restrained, see Section 804.4.3.

  804.4.2 Minimum critical radiant flux. In all occupancies, interior floor finish and floor covering materials in enclosures for stairways and ramps, exit passageways, corridors and rooms or spaces not separated from corridors by partitions extending from the floor to the underside of the ceiling shall withstand a minimum critical radiant flux. The minimum critical radiant flux shall be not less than Class I in Groups I-2 and I-3 areas where restraint is not used and R-2.1 and not less than Class II in Groups A, B, E, H, I-4, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.2 and S . For Group I-3 areas occupied by inmates or Group I-2 areas where patients are restrained, see Section 804.4.3.

• CBC § 701.1 High relevance — show source text

  701.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. Alterations to historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.

  701.2 Conformance. An existing building or portion thereof shall not be altered such that the building becomes less safe than its existing condition.

  Exception: Where the current level of safety or sanitation is proposed to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of the California Building Code .

  [BS] 701.3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, alterations that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.

  SECTION 702—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS

  702.1 Interior finishes. Newly installed interior wall and ceiling finishes shall comply with Chapter 8 of the California Building Code .

  702.2 Interior floor finish. New interior floor finish, including new carpeting used as an interior floor finish material, shall comply with Section 804 of the California Building Code .

  702.3 Interior trim. Newly installed interior trim materials shall comply with Section 806 of the California Building Code .

  702.4 Window fall prevention. In Group R-2 or R-3 buildings containing dwelling units and one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the California Residential Code, window opening control devices or other window fall prevention devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be installed where an existing window is replaced and where all of the following apply to the replacement window:

  1. The window is operable.
  2. One of the following applies: 2.1. The window replacement includes replacement of the sash and frame. 2.2. The window replacement includes the sash only where the existing frame remains.
  3. One of the following applies: 3.1. In Group R-2 or R-3 buildings containing dwelling units, the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening is at a height less than 36 inches (915 mm) above the finished floor. 3.2. In one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the California Residential Code, the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening is at a height less than 24 inches (610 mm) above the finished floor.
  4. The window will permit openings that will allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere when the window is in its largest opened position.
  5. The vertical distance from the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening to the finished grade or other surface below, on the exterior of the building, is greater than 72 inches (1829 mm).

  Exception: Operable windows where the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below, on the exterior of the room, space or building, and that are provided with window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F2006.

  702.5 Replacement window for emergency escape and rescue openings. Where windows are required to provide emergency escape and rescue openings in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies and one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the California Residential Code, replacement windows shall be exempt from the requirements of Section 1031.3 of the California Building Code and Section R310.2 of the California Residential Code, provided that the replacement window meets the following conditions: 1.

• 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

• CBC § 804.3.3 High relevance — show source text

  804.3.3 Interior floor finish requirements. New interior floor covering materials shall comply with Sections 804.3.3.1 and 804.3.3.2, and interior floor finish materials shall comply with Section 804.3.1.

  804.3.3.1 Test requirement. In all occupancies, interior floor finish and interior floor covering materials shall comply with the requirements of ASTM Standard E648, and having a specific optical density smoke rating not to exceed 450 per ASTM E662. For Group I-3 occupancies and Group I-2 areas where patients are restrained, see Section 804.3.3.3.

  804.3.3.2 Minimum critical radiant flux. In all occupancies, new interior floor finish and floor covering materials in enclosures for stairways and ramps, exit passageways, corridors and rooms or spaces not separated from corridors by full-height partitions extending from the floor to the underside of the ceiling shall withstand a minimum critical radiant flux. The minimum critical radiant flux shall be not less than Class I in Groups I-2 and I-3 areas where restraint is not used and R-2.1 and not less than Class II in Groups A, B, E, H, I-4, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.2 and S.

  Exception: Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, Class II materials shall be permitted in any area where Class I materials are required and materials complying with ASTM Standard E648, and having a specific optical density smoke rating not to exceed 450 per ASTM E662 are permitted in any area where Class II materials are required.

  For Group I-3 areas occupied by inmates or Group I-2 areas where patients are restrained, see Section 804.3.3.3.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 8-7

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

  INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

  804.3.3.3 Group I-2 and Group I-3 floor surfaces. Interior floor finish and floor coverings occupied by inmates or patients whose personal liberties are restrained shall be noncombustible. Carpet or other floor covering materials may be used in areas protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Carpet or other floor coverings shall comply with the requirements of ASTM Standard E648; the minimum critical radiant flux shall be not less than Class I and the specific optical density smoke rating shall not exceed 450 per ASTM E662. Carpeting and carpet padding shall be tested as a unit in accordance with floor covering radiant panel test meeting Class 1 and has a critical radiant flux limit of not less than 0.45 watt per centimeter square. The carpeting and padding shall be identified by a hang-tag or other suitable method as to manufacturer and style and shall indicate the classification of the material based on the limits set forth above.

• CBC § 804.1.1 High relevance — show source text

  804.1.1 Testing in accordance with NFPA 286. Interior trim material shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 286 and comply with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1. Where the interior trim material has been tested as an interior finish in accordance with NFPA 286 and complies with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1, it shall not be required to be tested for flame spread index and smoke-developed index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

  804.1.2 Testing in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Material, other than foam plastic, used as interior trim shall have minimum Class C flame spread and smoke-developed indices, when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, as described in Section 803.1.2.

  804.2 Foam plastic interior trim. Foam plastic used as interior trim shall comply with Sections 804.2.1 through 804.2.4. 804.2.1 Density. The minimum density of the interior trim shall be 20 pounds per cubic foot (320 kg/m [3] ). 804.2.2 Thickness. The maximum thickness of the interior trim shall be [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) and the maximum width shall be 8 inches (203 mm).

  804.2.3 Area limitation. The interior trim shall not constitute more than 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which it is attached.

  804.2.4 Flame spread. The flame spread index shall not exceed 75 where tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. The smoke-developed index shall not be limited.

  Exception: Where the interior trim material has been tested as an interior finish in accordance with NFPA 286 and complies with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1, it is not required to be tested for flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

  804.3 New interior floor finish. New interior floor finish and floor covering materials in new and existing buildings shall comply with Sections 804.3.1 through 804.3.3.2.

  Exception: Floor finishes and coverings of a traditional type, such as wood, vinyl, linoleum or terrazzo, and resilient floor covering materials that are not composed of fibers.

  804.3.1 Classification. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials required by Section 804.3.3.2 to be of Class I or II materials shall be classified in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253. The classification referred to herein corresponds to the classifications determined by ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 as follows: Class I, 0.45 watts/cm [2] or greater; Class II, 0.22 watts/cm [2] or greater.

  804.3.2 Testing and identification. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials shall be tested by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 and identified by a hang tag or other suitable method so as to identify the manufacturer or supplier and style, and shall indicate the interior floor finish or floor covering classification in accordance with Section 804.3.1. Carpet-type floor coverings shall be tested as proposed for use, including underlayment. Test reports confirming the information provided in the manufacturer’s product identification shall be furnished to the fire code official upon request.

• CBC § 7-21 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  CHAPTER 7A [SFM] MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

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

  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

• CBC § 803.1.1.1 High relevance — show source text

  Exception: Where the interior trim material has been tested as an interior finish in accordance with NFPA 286 and complies with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1, it is not required to be tested for flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

  804.3 New interior floor finish. New interior floor finish and floor covering materials in new and existing buildings shall comply with Sections 804.3.1 through 804.3.3.2.

  Exception: Floor finishes and coverings of a traditional type, such as wood, vinyl, linoleum or terrazzo, and resilient floor covering materials that are not composed of fibers.

  804.3.1 Classification. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials required by Section 804.3.3.2 to be of Class I or II materials shall be classified in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253. The classification referred to herein corresponds to the classifications determined by ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 as follows: Class I, 0.45 watts/cm [2] or greater; Class II, 0.22 watts/cm [2] or greater.

  804.3.2 Testing and identification. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials shall be tested by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 and identified by a hang tag or other suitable method so as to identify the manufacturer or supplier and style, and shall indicate the interior floor finish or floor covering classification in accordance with Section 804.3.1. Carpet-type floor coverings shall be tested as proposed for use, including underlayment. Test reports confirming the information provided in the manufacturer’s product identification shall be furnished to the fire code official upon request.

  804.3.3 Interior floor finish requirements. New interior floor covering materials shall comply with Sections 804.3.3.1 and 804.3.3.2, and interior floor finish materials shall comply with Section 804.3.1.

  804.3.3.1 Test requirement. In all occupancies, interior floor finish and interior floor covering materials shall comply with the requirements of ASTM Standard E648, and having a specific optical density smoke rating not to exceed 450 per ASTM E662. For Group I-3 occupancies and Group I-2 areas where patients are restrained, see Section 804.3.3.3.

  804.3.3.2 Minimum critical radiant flux. In all occupancies, new interior floor finish and floor covering materials in enclosures for stairways and ramps, exit passageways, corridors and rooms or spaces not separated from corridors by full-height partitions extending from the floor to the underside of the ceiling shall withstand a minimum critical radiant flux. The minimum critical radiant flux shall be not less than Class I in Groups I-2 and I-3 areas where restraint is not used and R-2.1 and not less than Class II in Groups A, B, E, H, I-4, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.2 and S.

  Exception: Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, Class II materials shall be permitted in any area where Class I materials are required and materials complying with ASTM Standard E648, and having a specific optical density smoke rating not to exceed 450 per ASTM E662 are permitted in any area where Class II materials are required.

• CBC § 803.13 High relevance — show source text

  Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1 Means of egress Corridors 1020.3

  Stairway, exit access 1019

  Travel distance 407, 1006.3, 1017.2,

  1006.2.1

  Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Occupancy exceptions 303.1.1, 303.1.2, 308.5.1, 308.5.4, 310.4.1 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Risk category Table 1604.5 Standby, emergency power 2702.2 Insulation

  Concealed 720.2

  Duct insulation 720.1

  Exposed 720.3 Fiberboard 720.1, Table 1508.2, 2303.1.6.2, 2303.1.6.3 Foam plastic (see Foam Plastics) 720.1

  Loose fill 720.4, 720.6 Pipe insulation 720.1, 720.7 Reflective plastic core 2614 Roof 720.5, 1508 Sound 720, 807, 1206 Thermal 720, 807, 1508 Interior Environment Lighting 1204 Rodentproofing Appendix F Sound transmission 1206

  Space dimensions 1208 Temperature control 1203 Ventilation 409.3, 414.3, 415.9.1.7,

  1202.5

  Yards or courts 1205.2, 1205.3 Interior Finishes Chapter 8 Acoustical ceiling systems 807, 808 Application 803.13, 804.4 Atriums 404.8 Children’s play structures 424 Covered and open mall buildings 402.6

  Decorative materials 419, 802.3, 806 Floor finish 804, 805 Foam plastic insulation 2603.3, 2603.4 Foam plastic trim 806.6.1, 2604.2 Insulation 807 Light-transmitting plastics 2606 Signs 402.6.4, 2611 Site-fabricated stretch systems 803.10 Trim 806.6, 806.7 Wall and ceiling finishes 803 Wet location 1210 Intermodal Shipping Container 3114 Interpretation, Code 104.1

  Jails [see Institutional (see Group I-3)] 308.5, 408 Joint Gypsum board 2508.5 Lumber sheathing 2308.11.10 Waterproofing 1805.3.3 Joints, Fire-resistant Systems 715 Special inspection 1705.18

  Kiosks 402.6.2

  Kitchens 303.3, 306.2 Accessibility 1133A, 11B-212 Dimensions 1209 Means of egress 1016.2 Occupant load Table 1004.5 Sinks Chapter 29

  INDEX-12 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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  INDEX

  Marquees 3106, H113 Construction 3106.5

• CBC § 803.13 High relevance — show source text

  1||X||||||||||||||||||||||| |Table 803.13|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.4.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.4.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.4.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |806.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |806.6|||X||||||||||||||||||||||

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

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 8-1

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

  8-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

  8 INTERIOR FINISHES

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 8 contains the performance requirements for controlling fire growth and smoke propagation within buildings by restricting interior finish and decorative materials. The provisions of this chapter require materials used as interior finishes and decorations to meet certain flame spread index or flame propagation criteria and smoke development criteria based on the relative fire hazard associated with the occupancy. The performance of the material is evaluated based on test standards.

  SECTION 801—SCOPE

  801.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the use of materials used as interior finishes, trim and decorative materials.

  [BSC-CG] See California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 5, Division 5.5 for additional finish material pollutant control requirements.

  SECTION 802—GENERAL

  802.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish. The provisions of Section 803 shall limit the allowable fire performance and smoke development of interior wall and ceiling finish materials based on occupancy classification.

  802.2 Interior floor finish. The provisions of Section 804 shall limit the allowable fire performance of interior floor finish materials based on occupancy classification.

  [F] 802.3 Decorative materials and trim. Decorative materials and trim shall be restricted by combustibility, fire performance or flame propagation performance criteria in accordance with Section 806.

  802.4 Applicability. For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, interior finishes, trim and decorative materials below the elevation required by Section 1612 shall be flood-damage-resistant materials.

  802.5 Application. Combustible materials shall be permitted to be used as finish for walls, ceilings, floors and other interior surfaces of buildings.

  802.6 Windows. Show windows in the exterior walls of the first story above grade plane shall be permitted to be of wood or of unprotected metal framing.

  802.7 Foam plastics. Foam plastics shall not be used as interior finish except as provided in Section 803.4. Foam plastics shall not be used as interior trim except as provided in Section 806.6.1 or 2604.2. This section shall apply both to exposed foam plastics and to foam plastics used in conjunction with a textile or vinyl facing or cover.

  SECTION 803—WALL AND CEILING FINISHES

• CBC § 8-5 High relevance — show source text

  Exception: Compliance with Item 1, 2 or 3 is not required where the materials used to create the concealed space are noncombustible.

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 8-5

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  INTERIOR FINISHES

  803.15.2 Set-out construction. Where walls and ceilings are required to be of fire-resistance-rated or noncombustible construction and walls are set out or ceilings are dropped distances greater than specified in Section 803.15.1, Class A finish materials, in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2, shall be used.

  Exceptions:

  1. Where interior finish materials are protected on both sides by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  2. Where interior finish materials are attached to noncombustible backing or furring strips installed as specified in Section 803.15.1.1.

  3. Where the combustible void is filled with a noncombustible material.

  803.15.2.1 Hangers and assembly members. The hangers and assembly members of such dropped ceilings that are below the horizontal fire-resistance-rated floor or roof assemblies shall be of noncombustible materials. The construction of each set-out wall and horizontal fire-resistance-rated floor or roof assembly shall be of fire-resistance-rated construction as required elsewhere in this code.

  Exception: In Types III and V construction, fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted for use as hangers and assembly members of dropped ceilings.

  803.15.3 Heavy timber construction. Wall and ceiling finishes of all classes as permitted in this chapter that are installed directly against the wood decking or planking of heavy timber construction in Section 602.4.4.2 or 2304.11 or to wood furring strips applied directly to the wood decking or planking shall be fireblocked as specified in Section 803.15.1.1. 803.15.4 Materials. An interior wall or ceiling finish material that is not more than [1] / 4 inch (6.4 mm) thick shall be applied directly onto the wall, ceiling or structural element without the use of furring strips and shall not be suspended away from the building element to which that finish material it is applied.

  Exceptions:

  1. Noncombustible interior finish materials.

  2. Materials that meet the requirements of Class A materials in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2 where the qualifying tests were made with the material furred out from the noncombustible backing shall be permitted to be used with furring strips.

  3. Materials that meet the requirements of Class A materials in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2 where the qualifying tests were made with the material suspended away from the noncombustible backing shall be permitted to be used suspended away from the building element.

  SECTION 804—INTERIOR FLOOR FINISH

  804.1 General. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials shall comply with Sections 804.2 through 804.4.2.

  Exception: In areas except Groups I-2 with detention and I-3, floor finishes and coverings of a traditional type, such as wood, vinyl, linoleum or terrazzo, and resilient floor covering materials that are not composed of fibers.

• CBC § 804.3.3.3. High relevance — show source text

  For Group I-3 areas occupied by inmates or Group I-2 areas where patients are restrained, see Section 804.3.3.3.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 8-7

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

  INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

  804.3.3.3 Group I-2 and Group I-3 floor surfaces. Interior floor finish and floor coverings occupied by inmates or patients whose personal liberties are restrained shall be noncombustible. Carpet or other floor covering materials may be used in areas protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Carpet or other floor coverings shall comply with the requirements of ASTM Standard E648; the minimum critical radiant flux shall be not less than Class I and the specific optical density smoke rating shall not exceed 450 per ASTM E662. Carpeting and carpet padding shall be tested as a unit in accordance with floor covering radiant panel test meeting Class 1 and has a critical radiant flux limit of not less than 0.45 watt per centimeter square. The carpeting and padding shall be identified by a hang-tag or other suitable method as to manufacturer and style and shall indicate the classification of the material based on the limits set forth above.

  804.4 Interior floor-wall base. Interior floor-wall base that is 6 inches (152 mm) or less in height shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 and shall be not less than Class II. Where a Class I floor finish is required, the floor-wall base shall be Class I. The classification referred to herein corresponds to the classifications determined by ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 as follows: Class I, 0.45 watt/cm [2] or greater; Class II, 0.22 watts/cm [2] or greater.

  Exception: Interior trim materials that comply with Section 804.1.

  SECTION 805—UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE AND MATTRESSES IN NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS

  805.1 Reserved.

  805.2 Group I-2 and Group B ambulatory care facilities. The requirements in Sections 805.2.1 through 805.2.2 shall apply to Group I-2 occupancies and Group B ambulatory care facilities.

  805.2.1 Upholstered furniture. Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall meet the requirements of Sections 805.2.1.1 through 805.2.1.3.

  805.2.1.1 Ignition by cigarettes. Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall be shown to resist ignition by cigarettes as determined by tests conducted in accordance with one of the following: (a) mocked-up composites of the upholstered furniture shall have a char length not exceeding 1.5 inches (38 mm) when tested in accordance with NFPA 261 or (b) the components of the upholstered furniture shall meet the requirements for Class I when tested in accordance with NFPA 260.

  Exception: Upholstered furniture belonging to the patients in sleeping rooms of Group I-2, Condition 1 occupancies, provided that a smoke detector is installed in such rooms. Battery-powered, single-station smoke alarms shall be allowed.

• CBC § 5.5 High relevance — show source text

  [BSC-CG] See California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 5, Division 5.5 for additional finish material pollutant control requirements.

  SECTION 802—GENERAL

  802.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish. The provisions of Section 803 shall limit the allowable fire performance and smoke development of interior wall and ceiling finish materials based on occupancy classification.

  802.2 Interior floor finish. The provisions of Section 804 shall limit the allowable fire performance of interior floor finish materials based on occupancy classification.

  [F] 802.3 Decorative materials and trim. Decorative materials and trim shall be restricted by combustibility, fire performance or flame propagation performance criteria in accordance with Section 806.

  802.4 Applicability. For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, interior finishes, trim and decorative materials below the elevation required by Section 1612 shall be flood-damage-resistant materials.

  802.5 Application. Combustible materials shall be permitted to be used as finish for walls, ceilings, floors and other interior surfaces of buildings.

  802.6 Windows. Show windows in the exterior walls of the first story above grade plane shall be permitted to be of wood or of unprotected metal framing.

  802.7 Foam plastics. Foam plastics shall not be used as interior finish except as provided in Section 803.4. Foam plastics shall not be used as interior trim except as provided in Section 806.6.1 or 2604.2. This section shall apply both to exposed foam plastics and to foam plastics used in conjunction with a textile or vinyl facing or cover.

  SECTION 803—WALL AND CEILING FINISHES

  803.1 General. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified for fire performance and smoke development in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2, except as shown in Sections 803.1.3 through 803.15. Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1 shall not be required to be tested in accordance with Section 803.1.2.

  803.1.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified in accordance with NFPA 286 and comply with Section 803.1.1.1. Materials complying with Section 803.1.1.1 shall be considered to also comply with the requirements of Class A.

  803.1.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 286. The interior finish shall comply with the following:

  1. During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.

  2. The flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling.

  3. Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur.

  4. The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kW.

  5. The total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .

  803.1.2 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Such interior finish materials shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread and smoke-developed indices.

  Class A = Flame spread index 0–25; smoke-developed index 0–450.

  Class B = Flame spread index 26–75; smoke developed index 0–450.

  Class C = Flame spread index 76–200; smoke-developed index 0–450.