CBC · California Building Code

What administrative and maintenance rules apply to means of egress

The CBC requires buildings to keep a code-compliant means of egress and makes it unlawful to alter a building in a way that reduces the number of exits or the required width/capacity (CBC § 1001.1–1001.2). For maintenance and for whether you must have written fire/evacuation plans, the CBC defers to the California Fire Code (CBC § 1002.1–1002.2), so consult the Fire Code for the specific maintenance, plan triggers and existing-building maintenance rules.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Building Code (CBC) requires buildings to be provided with an approved means of egress system and makes the Chapter 10 provisions the controlling design and arrangement rules for that system (see § 1001.1). The CBC also makes it unlawful to alter a building in a way that reduces the number of exits or the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress below what the code requires (see § 1001.2). For maintenance and fire/evacuation plans the CBC defers to the California Fire Code; specifically, means of egress must be maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code and fire safety/evacuation plans must be provided where the Fire Code requires them (see § 1002.1 and § 1002.2).

Requirements in detail

Administration — what you cannot do (alterations & minimums)

  • The CBC makes Chapter 10 the controlling chapter for design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components (§ 1001.1). Any alteration that reduces the number of exits, the minimum width, or the required egress capacity to less than the code requires is unlawful (§ 1001.2). These are administrative prohibitions that apply at permit/alteration time and are enforced by the authority having jurisdiction.

Maintenance — who sets the maintenance rules

  • The CBC does not list a long maintenance checklist inside §§ 1001–1002. Instead, § 1002.1 specifically requires that the means of egress be maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code (CFC). That means the CFC contains the detailed maintenance obligations (including the additional CFC section that addresses maintenance for existing buildings).

Fire safety and evacuation plans

  • Where the CFC requires fire safety and evacuation plans, the CBC requires those plans as well and directs compliance with the CFC sections referenced (CFC Sections 401.2 and 404) via CBC § 1002.2. In short: whether a building must have a written fire safety / evacuation plan is determined by the Fire Code; the CBC adopts that requirement by reference.

Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference)

Decision / action Who it applies to Required outcome / limit Code reference
Provide an approved means of egress system All buildings/portions where Chapter 10 applies Design, construction and arrangement must comply with Chapter 10 § 1001.1
Alteration that reduces exits, widths, or capacity Anyone altering a building Alteration is unlawful if it reduces required number of exits, minimum width or capacity § 1001.2
Ongoing maintenance of means of egress Building owner / operator Maintain means of egress per the California Fire Code § 1002.1
Fire safety & evacuation plans Occupancies/buildings where CFC requires them Provide plans complying with CFC provisions (CFC §§ 401.2, 404) § 1002.2

Exceptions & special cases

  • The CBC text in Chapter 10 is duplicated in the California Fire Code; the Fire Code contains an additional section on maintenance of means of egress for existing buildings (CFC Section 1032). When maintenance obligations for existing buildings are at issue, consult the CFC in addition to CBC § 1002.1 because the CBC defers to the Fire Code for maintenance specifics.
  • The CFC text includes the standard exception that detached one- and two-family dwellings and qualifying townhouses are regulated under the California Residential Code rather than Chapter 10 of the CBC/CFC; if your project is a detached one- or two-family dwelling or qualifying townhouse, use the Residential Code provisions instead. (See the CFC discussion of applicability and the exception to § 1001.1.)

Common mistakes

  • Treating CBC Chapter 10 as only design guidance and not an enforceable administrative restriction — remember § 1001.2 makes certain alterations unlawful (you cannot lawfully reduce exits/width/capacity).
  • Assuming maintenance specifics are in CBC § 1002 — the CBC delegates maintenance detail to the California Fire Code; failure to consult the CFC (and its Section 1032 for existing buildings) is a frequent oversight. Always check CFC maintenance provisions.
  • Skipping verification of whether a fire safety/evacuation plan is required: CBC § 1002.2 requires such plans where the CFC requires them, so always check the CFC thresholds and then implement the plan if required.
  • Performing an alteration under the assumption that “we’ll deal with egress later” — because an alteration that reduces egress capacity is unlawful, egress compliance must be addressed at design and permit stage (not deferred).

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: An owner proposes interior renovations in a small commercial tenant space that currently has two exit doors to the corridor. The renovation removes one exit door and narrows the primary exit corridor by relocating shelving, reducing the available clear width.

Application of the rules:

  • Administrative prohibition: Under § 1001.2 it is unlawful to alter a building in a way that reduces the number of exits or the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress to less than required by code. Because the proposed renovation would reduce the number of exits from two to one and reduce corridor clear width, the renovation as proposed would be unlawful unless the remaining egress capacity and widths still meet the code-required capacity and minimum widths. The owner must either retain two exits or prove via the applicable Chapter 10 sizing and occupant-load rules (and any sprinkler/occupancy exceptions) that a single exit and the reduced width still meet the code-required capacity — otherwise the permit should be denied or revised. See § 1001.2 and the maintenance/planning referral in § 1002.1.
  • Practical next steps: Review occupant load and exit sizing provisions (Chapter 10 sections such as 1004/1005/1006) and the Fire Code maintenance/plan triggers; restore or reconfigure egress so the alteration does not reduce required exits/widths. (The CBC’s § 1001.2 is the controlling administrative rule that makes the proposed reduction unlawful unless code compliance is demonstrated.)

Related provisions

  • § 1003 — General means of egress provisions (applies Chapter 10 elements)
  • § 1004 — Occupant load (used when determining required egress capacity)
  • § 1005 — Means of egress sizing (widths and capacity rules referenced when evaluating alterations)
  • § 1006 — Number of exits and exit access doorways (determines when two or more exits are required)
  • § 1008 — Means of egress illumination (maintenance and emergency lighting obligations referenced by the Fire Code)
  • § 1009 — Accessible means of egress (accessibility rules that may affect egress configuration)
  • § 1010 — Doors, hardware and required exterior landings (operational egress detail relevant to maintenance)
  • CFC § 1032 — Maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings (additional maintenance provisions found in the Fire Code)

Code references

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

  • CBC § 1001.1 High relevance — show source text

    Chapter 10 of this code is duplicated in Chapter 10 the California Fire Code; however, the California Fire Code contains one additional section on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.

    SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION

    1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof.

    1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.

    SECTION 1002—MAINTENANCE AND PLANS

    [F] 1002.1 Maintenance. Means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    [F] 1002.2 Fire safety and evacuation plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided for all occupancies and buildings where required by the California Fire Code . Such fire safety and evacuation plans shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 401.2 and 404 of the California Fire Code .

    SECTION 1003—GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS

    1003.1 Applicability. The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 through 1015 shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter.

    [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] In addition to the requirement of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, build- ings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.8.2.1.2 regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development, or Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, as applicable.

    Exception: [SFM] Exiting requirements for Fixed Guideway Transit Systems shall be as per Section 443.

    1003.1.1 Means of egress for hospitals. [OSHPD 1] In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress for hospitals shall comply with Part 10 California Existing Building Code Section 311A.

    1003.1.2 Means of egress for hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities and acute psychiatric hospitals. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress for hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities and acute psychiatric hospi- tals shall comply with OSHPD amendments to Part 10 California Existing Building Code Section 311.

    1003.2 Ceiling height. The means of egress shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm) above the finished floor.

    Exceptions:

    1. Sloped ceilings in accordance with Section 1208.2.

    2. Ceilings of dwelling units and sleeping units within residential occupancies in accordance with Section 1208.2.

    3. Allowable projections in accordance with Section 1003.3.

    4. Stair headroom in accordance with Section 1011.3.

  • CBC § 9-53 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1002 Maintenance and Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1004 Occupant Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7

    1005 Means of Egress Sizing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9

    1006 Number of Exits and Exit Access Doorways . . . . . 10-10

    1007 Exit and Exit Access Doorway Configuration . . . . 10-14

    1008 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

    1009 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15

    1010 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19

    1011 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29

    1012 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33

  • CBC § 1001.1 High relevance — show source text

    The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.

    The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Sections 1003 through 1031 are duplicated text from Chapter 10 of the California Building Code ; however, the California Fire Code contains an additional Section 1032 on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings. Retroactive minimum means of egress requirements for existing buildings are found in Chapter 11.

    SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION

    1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof. Sections 1003 through 1031 shall apply to new construction. Section 1032 shall apply to existing buildings.

    Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the California Residential Code .

    [BE] 1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.

    SECTION 1002—DEFINITIONS

    [BE] 1002.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

    ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS.

    AISLE.

    AISLE ACCESSWAY.

    ALTERNATING TREAD DEVICE.

    AREA OF REFUGE.

    AUTOMATIC FLUSH BOLT.

    BLEACHERS.

    BREAKOUT.

    CIRCULATION PATH.

    COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL.

    CONSTANT LATCHING BOLT.

    CORRIDOR.

    DEAD BOLT.

    DEFEND-IN-PLACE.

    DOOR, BALANCED.

    EGRESS COURT.

    EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENING.

    EXIT.

    EXIT ACCESS.

    EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY.

    EXIT ACCESS RAMP.

    EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAY.

    EXIT DISCHARGE.

    EXIT DISCHARGE, LEVEL OF.

    EXIT PASSAGEWAY.

    EXTERIOR EXIT RAMP.

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY.

    FIRE EXIT HARDWARE.

    FIXED SEATING.

    FLIGHT.

    FLOOR AREA, GROSS.

    FLOOR AREA, NET.

    FOLDING AND TELESCOPIC SEATING.

    GRADE FLOOR EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS.

    GRANDSTAND.

    GUARD.

    HANDRAIL.

    HORIZONTAL EXIT.

    INTERIOR EXIT RAMP.

    INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY.

    LOW ENERGY POWER-OPERATED DOOR.

    MANUAL BOLT.

    MEANS OF EGRESS.

    MERCHANDISE PAD.

    NOSING.

    OCCUPANT LOAD.

    OPEN-AIR ASSEMBLY SEATING.

    OPEN-ENDED CORRIDOR.

  • CBC § 1001.1 High relevance — show source text

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    10 MEANS OF EGRESS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 10 provides the general criteria for designing the means of egress established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. It addresses all portions of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.

    The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 is subdivided into four main sections: general (Sections 1003–1015), exit access (Sections 1016–1021), exit (Sections 1022–1027) and exit discharge (Sections 1028–1029). Special allowances for the unique requirements for assembly spaces (Section 1030) and emergency escape and rescue openings (Section 1031) complete the chapter. Chapter 10 of this code is duplicated in Chapter 10 the California Fire Code; however, the California Fire Code contains one additional section on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.

    SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION

    1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof.

    1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.

    SECTION 1002—MAINTENANCE AND PLANS

    [F] 1002.1 Maintenance. Means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    [F] 1002.2 Fire safety and evacuation plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided for all occupancies and buildings where required by the California Fire Code . Such fire safety and evacuation plans shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 401.2 and 404 of the California Fire Code .

    SECTION 1003—GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS

    1003.1 Applicability. The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 through 1015 shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter.

  • CFC § 1207 High relevance — show source text

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

    Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings

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

    Chapter 12 Energy Systems

    Chapter 12 addresses any provisions related to energy systems found in the CFC. The expansion of such energy systems is related to meeting today’s energy, environmental and economic challenges. Ensuring appropriate criteria to address the safety of such systems in building and fire codes is an important part of protecting the public at large, building occupants and emergency responders. These requirements also facilitate the successful implementation of new technologies.

    All text in Section 1207 of the 2024 CFC with the following designation (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.) is reproduced with permission from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is based upon NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Station- ary Energy Storage Systems, Copyright © 2023 NFPA. All designated text is either directly copied from the 2023 edition of NFPA 855 or as modified by the ICC Code Development Process. This material is not the complete and official position of NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented solely by the standard in its entirety. NFPA shall not be responsible for the manner in which this information is presented, nor for any interpretations thereof.

    Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use.

    PART IV—SPECIAL OCCUPANCIES AND OPERATIONS

    Chapter 20 Aviation Facilities

    Chapter 20 specifies minimum requirements for the fire-safe operation of airports, heliports and helistops. The principal nonflight operational hazards associated with aviation involve fuel, facilities and operations. Therefore, safe use of flammable and combustible liquids during fueling and maintenance operations is emphasized. Availability of portable Class B:C-rated fire extinguishers for prompt control or suppression of incipient fires is required.

    Chapter 21 Dry Cleaning

  • CBC § 4.4 High relevance — show source text

    3 (a-c)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §4.4]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §4.5 (a)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §4.6 (a)(b)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.11 (a-d)]_||||X||||||||||||||||||||

    • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. 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.

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    10 MEANS OF EGRESS

    User note:

    About this chapter: Chapter 10 provides the general criteria for designing the means of egress established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. This chapter addresses all portions of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.

    The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Sections 1003 through 1031 are duplicated text from Chapter 10 of the California Building Code ; however, the California Fire Code contains an additional Section 1032 on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings. Retroactive minimum means of egress requirements for existing buildings are found in Chapter 11.

    SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION

    1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof. Sections 1003 through 1031 shall apply to new construction. Section 1032 shall apply to existing buildings.

    Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the California Residential Code .

    [BE] 1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.

  • CBC § 5.2.4.5 High relevance — show source text

    5.2.4.5 Separation Between System and Nonsystem Occupancies.* All station public areas shall be fire separated from adjacent non-system occupancies by a one hour fire barrier, unless otherwise required by other provisions of the California Building Code.

    Amend Section 5.3.1.1 to read as follows:

    5.3.1.1 The provisions for means of egress for a station shall comply with Chapter 10 of the California Building Code, except as herein modified.

    Amend Section 5.3.2.1 to read as follows:

    5.3.2.1* The occupant load for a station shall be based on the train load of trains simultaneously entering the station on all tracks in normal traffic direction plus the simultaneous entraining load awaiting trains.

    (1) The train load shall consider only one train at any one track. (2) The basis for calculating train and entraining loads shall be the peak period ridership figures as projected for design of a new system or as updated for an operating system. (3) Exiting shall be provided for occupant loads recalculated upon increase in service and/ or every five years.

    Amend Section 5.3.3.5 to read as follows:

    5.3.3.5 Travel Distance. The maximum travel distance on the platform to a point at which a means of egress route leaves the platform shall not exceed 91 440 mm (300 feet).

    Amend Section 5.3.3.7 to read as follows:

    5.3.3.7 Alternate Egress . At least two means of egress remote from each other shall be provided from each station platform as follows:

    (1)*A means of egress used as a public circulation route shall be permitted to provide more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity from a station platform or other location. (2) Means of egress from separate platforms shall be permitted to converge. (3) Where means of egress routes from separate platforms converge, the subsequent capacity of the egress route shall be sufficient to maintain the required evacuation time from the incident platform. (4) Enclosed station platforms shall have a minimum of one exit within 2.5 times the least width of the enclosed station platform up to a maximum of 50 feet (insert mm) from each end. (5) Routes from platform ends into the underground guideway shall not be considered as exits for calculating exiting requirements.

    Amend Section 5.3.11.1 to read as follows:

    5.3.11.1 Illumination of the means of egress in stations, including escalators that are considered a means of egress, shall be in accordance with Chapter 10 of the California Building Code.

    Amend Section 5.3.11.2 to read as follows:

    5.3.11.2 Means of egress, including escalators considered as means of egress, shall be provided with a system of emergency lighting in accordance with Chapter 10 of the California Building Code.

    Amend Section 5.4.1.1 to read as follows:

    5.4.1.1 Enclosed stations shall be provided with a fire command center in accordance with Section 911.1.1 through 911.5 of the California Building Code.

    Amend Section 5.4.4.1 to read as follows:

  • CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text

    Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features

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

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    Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings

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

    Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

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

    Chapter 10 Means of Egress

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

    Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings

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

    Chapter 12 Energy Systems

  • CFC § 1203 High relevance — show source text
    CHAPTER TOPICS Col2
    PARTS AND CHAPTERS SUBJECTS
    Part I—Chapters 1 and 2 Administrative and definitions
    Part II—Chapters 3 and 4 General safety provisions
    Part III—Chapters 5 through 12 Building and equipment design features
    Part III—Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use
    Part IV—Chapters 20 through 41_; 48 and 49_ Special occupancies and operations
    Part IV—Chapters 42 through_47_ Reserved for future use
    Part V—Chapters 50, 51 and 53 through 67 Hazardous materials
    Part V—Chapters_ 52,_ 68 through 79 Reserved for future use
    Part VI—Chapter 80 Referenced standards
    Part VII—Appendices A through Q Adoptable and informational appendices

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE xiii

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

    California Building Code Correlated Topics

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

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

    PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE

    Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

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

    Chapter 2 Definitions.

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

    PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS

    Chapter 3 General Requirements

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

    Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness

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

    PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES

    Chapter 5 Fire Service Features

  • CBC § 0.6 High relevance — show source text

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    along the path of egress at floor level. Illumination levels shall be permitted to decline to 0.6 footcandle (6 lux) average and a minimum at any point of 0.06 footcandle (0.6 lux) at the end of the emergency lighting time duration. A maximum-to-minimum illumination uniformity ratio of 40 to 1 shall not be exceeded. In Group I-2 occupancies, failure of a single lamp in a luminaire shall not reduce the illumination level to less than 0.2 footcandle (2.2 lux).

    SECTION 1009—ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

    [BE] 1009.1 Accessible means of egress required. Accessible means of egress shall comply with this section. Accessible spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible means of egress. Where more than one means of egress is required by Section 1006.2 or 1006.3 from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by not less than two accessible means of egress in at least the same number as required by Section 1006.2 or 1006.3. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings for persons with disabilities, shall also comply with the requirements of Chap- ter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code, as applicable. Exceptions:

    1. One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1009.3, 1009.4 or 1009.5 and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    2. In assembly areas with ramped aisles or stepped aisles, one accessible means of egress is permitted where the common path of travel is accessible and meets the requirements in Section 1030.8 and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.

    [BE] 1009.2 Continuity and components. Each required accessible means of egress shall be continuous to a public way and shall consist of one or more of the following components:

    1. Accessible routes complying with and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    2. Interior exit stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1023 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    3. Exit access stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1019.3 or 1019.4 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the Califor- nia Building Code.
    4. Exterior exit stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1027 and serving levels other than the level of exit discharge of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    5. Elevators complying with Section 1009.4 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    6. Platform lifts complying with Section 1009.5 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    7. Horizontal exits complying with Section 1026.
    8. Ramps complying with Section 1012 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    9. Areas of refuge complying with Section 1009.6.
  • CBC § 1011.15.1 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1011.15.1 Handrails of ship’s ladders. Handrails shall be provided on both sides of ship’s ladders.

    [BE] 1011.15.2 Treads of ship’s ladders. Ship’s ladders shall have a minimum tread depth of 5 inches (127 mm). The tread shall be projected such that the total of the tread depth plus the nosing projection is not less than 8 [1] / 2 inches (216 mm). The maximum riser height shall be 9 [1] / 2 inches (241 mm).

    [BE] 1011.16 Ladders. Permanent ladders shall not serve as a part of the means of egress from occupied spaces within a building. Permanent ladders shall be constructed in accordance with Section 304.3 of the California Mechanical Code and designed for the live loads indicated in Section 1607.10 of the California Building Code . Permanent ladders shall be permitted to provide access to the following areas:

    1. Spaces frequented only by personnel for maintenance, repair or monitoring of equipment.
    2. Nonoccupiable spaces accessed only by catwalks, crawl spaces, freight elevators or very narrow passageways.
    3. Raised areas used primarily for purposes of security, life safety or fire safety including, but not limited to, observation galleries, prison guard towers, fire towers or lifeguard stands.
    4. Elevated levels in Group U not open to the general public.
    5. Nonoccupiable roofs that are not required to have stairway access in accordance with Section 1011.12.1.
    6. Where permitted to access equipment and appliances in accordance with Section 304.3 of the California Mechanical Code .

    SECTION 1012—RAMPS

    [BE] 1012.1 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to ramps used as a component of a means of egress.

    Exceptions:

    1. Ramped aisles within assembly rooms or spaces shall comply with the provisions in Section 1030.
    2. Curb ramps shall comply with ICC A117.1.
    3. Vehicle ramps in parking garages for pedestrian exit access shall not be required to comply with Sections 1012.3 through 1012.10 where they are not an accessible route serving accessible parking spaces, other required accessible elements or part of an accessible means of egress.

    [BE] 1012.2 Slope. Ramps used as part of a means of egress shall have a running slope not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8-percent slope). The slope of other pedestrian ramps shall not be steeper than 1 unit vertical in 8 units horizontal (12.5percent slope).

    [BE] 1012.3 Cross slope. The slope measured perpendicular to the direction of travel of a ramp shall not be steeper than 1 unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope).

    [BE] 1012.4 Vertical rise. The rise for any ramp run shall be 30 inches (762 mm) maximum.

    [BE] 1012.5 Minimum dimensions. The minimum dimensions of means of egress ramps shall comply with Sections 1012.5.1 through 1012.5.3.

  • CBC § 1.10.4.3 High relevance — show source text

    1.10.4.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.4, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 4], unless the entire chapter is applicable.

    1.10.4.4 Reference to other chapters. Where reference is made within this code to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22, the respective sections in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A shall apply instead.

    Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015 and 129790.

    References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.

    1.10.5 OSHPD 5. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

    Application— Acute psychiatric hospital buildings.

    Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall also enforce the California Energy Commission—Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility type.

    1.10.5.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter I, Division II.

    1.10.5.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.

    The provision of Title 24, Part 2, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.5.

    OSHPD 5 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 2:

    Chapters 2 through 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 35.

    1.10.5.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.5, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 5].

    Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.

    References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 129680, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.

    1.10.6 OSHPD 6. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.

    Application —Chemical dependency recovery hospital not within an acute care hospital building or an acute psychiatric facility.

    Enforcing agency —Local building department.

Frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for maintaining means of egress?

The building owner/operator is responsible—CBC § 1002.1 requires means of egress to be maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code, which sets specific maintenance duties.

Can I remove an exit during a tenant remodel if I add another route later?

No — under § 1001.2 it is unlawful to alter a building so that the number of exits, the minimum width, or the required capacity is reduced below what the code requires. Any change must maintain required egress capacity at all times.

Where are the specific maintenance tasks (lighting, doors, signage) listed?

The CBC delegates maintenance detail to the California Fire Code; CBC § 1002.1 directs you to the CFC, which contains the detailed maintenance requirements (and an added section for existing buildings).

Do small houses need to follow these Chapter 10 rules?

Detached one- and two-family dwellings and certain townhouses are generally regulated under the California Residential Code rather than Chapter 10 of the CBC/CFC; check the applicable exception in the CFC/CBC applicability text.

If the Fire Code requires a fire safety plan, does CBC require it too?

Yes — CBC § 1002.2 requires fire safety and evacuation plans where the California Fire Code requires them and directs compliance with the CFC plan provisions (CFC §§ 401.2 and 404).

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